Laying the foundations of success
Shafeena Yusuff Ali is the Chairperson of Tablez and Director of Twenty14 Holdings.
Endowed with a futuristic vision of hospitality, as well as an enduring passion for travel and food, Shafeena successfully set up Tablez in 2010 in the UAE, and subsequently in India. She has been instrumental in introducing internationally renowned F&B concepts to both countries, including the first-ever franchises of Cold Stone Creamery and Galito’s in India, and Famous Dave’s, Pancake House, and Galito’s, besides the homegrown brands – Peppermill and Bloomsbury’s.
Shafeena has spearheaded the diversification of Tablez beyond food brands to key verticals of fashion, lifestyle, toys, baby products, kids apparel, and sports retail by introducing globally renowned brands like Springfield, Women’secret, Build-A-Bear, Go Sport, YOYOSO, Desigual, Courir, and Oshkosh B'gosh in India.
With further expansion planned in the neighbouring South Asian countries, Shafeena leads the global expansion of Tablez wherein she identifies the key retailing brands for partnership. Among other interests, her illustrious understanding of contemporary art and design has contributed to developing the aesthetic element of hotels owned by Twenty14 Holdings.
Leading by example, Shafeena has successfully influenced, motivated, and enabled the team at Tablez to contribute towards its success as a multi-retail company growing into a global role. For her entrepreneurial accomplishments, Shafeena has been the recipient of Forbes 100 Most Influential Women in the Middle East 2018; and Achiever of the Year Award, Emirates Woman of the Year Awards 2017.
