Harnessing Opportunity

Earlier this year, we were excited to announce Harness Foods as our new catering service at DESC. Starting out as a small team of three, Harness were committed to serving top quality food to top quality schools. Now a 24-strong team, Harness founders and father-son duo, Rob and Chris Riding, share their story and plans for the future…

Chris is an ex-student of DESC. Having studied Economics at university and with a strong passion for entrepreneurism, he is excited to be back at the College pursuing a career in catering.

“At Harness, our purpose is our people and our goal is to create a welcoming, family-orientated environment. When referring to ‘our people’ this goes beyond our Harness employees. Our people are our customers, our clients and all our stakeholders who help make our company one that you want to be a part of.

The environment that DESC creates is so unique and we are excited to be a part of its operation. It is a bustling school with nearly 2000 people – staff and students – yet it still has the incredibly warm, welcoming feel to it which it had when I started at the College back in 2009, when there were only 500 students and far fewer facilities. It is truly an amazing environment to work in. From the friendly receptionists who greet everyone with a smile, to the hardworking site staff who work tirelessly to keep the College spotless, the fact that DESC has not only grown to be the top school in the region but done so in such a humble manner, proves it’s still firmly connected to its roots. This has given me huge inspiration on how a company should be run and serves as an important reminder that as a business, people will always be at the core of its success.” – Chris Riding, Co-Founder

Previously an Airbus 380 pilot for Emirates, in May last year, like many others, Rob lost his job after 18 years working in the region. Despite this and the added pressures of a global pandemic, Rob decided to reinvent himself by launching a company founded on one of the very values that allowed for its conception: adaptability.

“At Harness we are firm believers that the College belongs to its students, which is why we have designed the next chapter with their needs in mind. One of the most

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“At Harness we are firm believers that the College belongs to its students.

exciting things coming up is the Harness Athlete program, which we are hoping to launch this October. This will be the first nutritionally focused, meal plan programme that is specifically designed for student athletes in Dubai. Complimenting the world-class coaching and facilities that DESC has to offer, the Harness Athlete programme will not only aim to provide high quality, individualised meals to DESC students while they are in College, but will more importantly educate them on what fuel is needed to power both their bodies and minds going forward.

We will also be improving and enhancing our affordable ‘afterschool dinner’ service which has been available thus far only to DESC staff. This concept aims to provide convenience to your busy day. We have a weekly menu, where you will be able to pre-order meals, ready to collect at the end of the College day. Simply reheat and eat once you are home. We hope to roll this out to all parents and staff members from January 2022.” – Rob Riding, CEO and Co-Founder

If you would like more information, please follow Harness Foods on Instagram or take a look at their website: https://www.harness-foods.com