From the heart of Nablus emerges the story of Al’Ard Group – an emblem of Palestinian resilience, deeply rooted in tradition and boldly embracing modernity. Founded as a family enterprise, Al’Ard has evolved into a leading force across the sectors of food, agriculture, and investment, bridging heritage with innovation and proudly carrying Palestinian products to markets around the globe.
Guided by the visionary leadership of engineer Ziad Anabtawi, the group has transformed a generational legacy into a benchmark of success. Yet beyond its commercial achievements, Al’Ard stands as a living testament to the enduring story of the Anabtawi family, whose unshakable connection to land and community remains central to their journey.
The roots of Al’Ard trace back to 1963, when Haj Subhi Anabtawi and his brother, Haj Walid Anabtawi, opened a modest corner store in downtown Nablus, “Palestine Grocery.” This small but ambitious venture became the seed for one of the most dynamic Palestinian business groups. Over the years, the family expanded their operations from wholesale trading to forming partnerships at various times with international giants such as Nestlé, Philip Morris, and Unilever, among others.
Building on this legacy, the sons of the Anabtawi brothers went on to establish separately their own successful ventures, founding and leading major companies, both inside and outside of Palestine, across different sectors, and forging partnerships with many renowned multinational companies.
But true transformation began when the group redefined its identity – from servicing global brands to becoming one. Thus began the rise of Al’Ard Group: a legacy of Anabtawi; not merely a Palestinian company, but a Palestinian brand with global ambition. It was brought to life by the fathers, reshaped by the sons, and carried forward by today’s grandchildren and the generations yet to come.
At the heart of the group’s operations is Near East Industries and Trade (NEIT), the home of beloved Palestinian household brands such as Safi, Khayal, and Al-Jood. Through collaborations with staples such as Abu Kass Rice, Usra Sugar, and Afia, NEIT is dedicated to delivering high-quality, trusted food products to every Palestinian home. The group’s investment arm, Al’Ard Investment, further reflects its commitment to Palestine’s economic future – diversifying into key sectors including retail, real estate, and insurance, and helping lay the foundations for a resilient national economy.
Perhaps the most emblematic part of Al’Ard Group’s mission is its agricultural division, Al’Ard for Palestinian Agricultural Products. Through its flagship brands of “Al’Ard” and “Zatoun,” Palestinian olive oil, olives, za’atar, and Nabulsi soap have become global ambassadors of Palestinian authenticity, heritage, and excellence.
These products tell a story far beyond taste – they speak of a land, a people, and a legacy. Today, Al’Ard’s reach spans more than 25 countries, across the United States, Europe, the Gulf, and the Far East. Its goods are found in both traditional retail stores and on the digital shelves of its global e-commerce platforms.
Al’Ard Palestinian Agriculture Products is a company that was founded with a clear purpose: to empower Palestinian farmers and preserve the land they cultivate. By providing advanced tools, sustainable farming techniques, and ongoing support, Al’Ard ensures high-quality production of olive oil and other crops while promoting long-term resilience.
Al’Ard serves as an anchor firm, helping Palestinian producers across sectors connect with international markets. As a certified Fairtrade company, it guarantees farmers fair compensation and access to ethical global markets. Its approach goes beyond trade: the company actively invests in social impact projects that strengthen rural infrastructure, support women producers, and build agricultural capacity. Central to this mission is Al’Ard’s support for farmer cooperatives: a model that fosters collective strength, amplifies farmer voices, and turns traditional agriculture into a force for community development. Through these efforts, Al’Ard blends heritage, ethics, and social progress in every product it brings to the world.
At the center of this journey is Ziad Anabtawi, a native son of Nablus and the torchbearer of his family’s legacy. Holding fast to the final wish of his father – to leave behind the tobacco trade and build a business that reflects the spirit of Palestine – Ziad reimagined the family enterprise with clarity and purpose.
A turning point came when a journalist, amid his commercial success, asked him, “What have you contributed to the Palestinian economy?” That question, alongside his father’s parting words, became the catalyst for transformation: from trading smoke to nurturing the soil – with Palestine’s national product, olive oil.
Olive oil is not just a commodity, it is a symbol. A national treasure steeped in cultural and historical significance; olive trees have long stood as metaphors for Palestinian steadfastness. Their roots run deep, anchoring a people to their land, generation after generation. Every drop of Palestinian olive oil is harvested with pride, infused with memory, and shared with hope.
Leading the way in this movement is Al’Ard Group, turning ancestral knowledge into global opportunity without ever forgetting the land that bore it.
Ziad Anabtawi affirms, “We do not merely trade. We innovate, we create, and, God willing, we will continue writing new chapters of success, illuminated by the unwavering light of our identity.” With such determination, Al’Ard is more than a business success – it is a living model of economic empowerment, national pride, and enduring vision. It stands as proof that from a land that knows hardship can rise a legacy of hope, woven into the very fabric of Palestine’s future.