Al Salem founded the restaurant operator Gastronomica in 2003. Today, the company has 12 restaurants in its portfolio across Kuwait, the U.A.E., Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, including Nomad, Roadside Diner, Burger Boutique, Slider Station, Lazy Cat, Cocoa Room, and B+F, among others. Al Salem also mentors others and promotes sustainable practices.