Rising Stars

A showcase of five Saudi Arabia-based companies that are making a splash in the artificial intelligence domain – both in the Kingdom and beyond 

As Saudi Arabia leaves no stone unturned to become a hub for innovation in artificial intelligence (AI), the Kingdom has seen several homegrown companies stepping up to contribute to the realization of this goal. Following a review of their offerings, their achievements thus far, their potential for scalability, and other such factors, here’s our selection of the top five companies in Saudi Arabia – presented in no particular order – that are making their presence felt in the AI domain not just in the Kingdom, but around the world as well.

INTELMATIX 

A deep tech AI company with a global presence, its flagship product aims to make artificial intelligence accessible to everyone. intelmatix.ai 

There’s no denying the fact that Intelmatix is not just another tech startup. After all, having been founded by four scientists out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Intelmatix is a deep tech AI company with offices in Riyadh, London, and Boston that boasts of having secured the largest Series A funding round for an AI company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. And as Dr. Anas Alfaris, co-founder and CEO of Intelmatix, put it: “Intelmatix is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI in the region, setting new benchmarks for technological advancement, developing local talent, and supporting economic diversification.” 

In an interview with LEAP Forward, Alfaris explained that the company was incorporated to address the AI gap in technology and human capital in the region. Its flagship product, the Enterprise Decision Intelligence Platform (EDIX), helps exemplify this mission. Calling it “the world’s most accessible AI platform,” Dr. Alfaris said that EDIX has been designed to be user-friendly for all types of users within an enterprise, “from the boardroom to the shop floor,” thereby maximizing its impact, and accelerating adoption across the organization, while eliminating the need for highly skilled AI talent. 

The product’s AI decision agents thus tackle business challenges such as site selection, workforce scheduling, fleet routing, and optimization of inventory, pricing, and marketing channels. Meanwhile, the recently launched EDIX Suites offers enterprise solutions tailored to address sector-specific needs across various functions. “It is a cohesive package that bundles together a range of decision-making capabilities, analytics and tools, all meticulously tailored to meet the nuanced demands of a particular sector,” Dr. Alfaris explained. 

According to Dr. Alfaris, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has proven to be a gamechanger for Intelmatix. “The Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a global hub for AI through initiatives like Vision 2030 has created a fertile ground for companies like ours to thrive,” he said. Dr. Alfaris also gave credit to KSA’s Ministry of Communications, Information and Technology’s (MCIT) National Technology Development Program (NTDP), saying, “One of the first companies supported by this program is Intelmatix.” 

At the same time, the KSA market has responded enthusiastically to AI-driven solutions, with Intelmatix gaining traction across logistics, retail, and government services’ sectors. “One of the key advantages of building the company in Saudi Arabia has been the unmatched support from the local ecosystem,” Dr. Alfaris said. “The availability of advanced infrastructure and funding opportunities has enabled us to develop and scale quickly. Furthermore, the government’s emphasis on digital transformation has opened doors for partnerships and collaborations.” 

However, Dr. Alfaris admitted that challenges persist, particularly with regards to the AI talent pool in the region. “While we see immense potential in local talent, there is still work to be done to close the skills gap and meet the rising demand for specialized expertise,” he pointed out. “Additionally, raising awareness about the value and applicability of AI among traditional industries has required ongoing effort.” 

Looking ahead, Intelmatix sees its presence in Saudi Arabia as being extremely conducive to its further growth and development. “Saudi Arabia offers unique advantages for AI-driven businesses, making it an ideal base for long-term growth,” Dr. Alfaris said. “The country’s strategic location bridges East and West, giving us access to regional and international markets. Coupled with the Kingdom’s focus on developing smart cities, such as NEOM, and its ambitious digitalization goals, the opportunities to scale and innovate are tremendous.” 

At the same time, Intelmatix also sees itself playing an integral role in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward becoming a global AI leader. “By embedding AI into critical sectors, we aim to help the Kingdom achieve its Vision 2030 objectives while positioning ourselves as a key player in the regional and global AI ecosystems,” Dr. Alfaris said. He added that Intelmatix aims to expand its platform’s capabilities and scale operations to support businesses globally, while keeping Saudi Arabia as its central operations hub. 

For businesses yet to embrace AI, Dr. Alfaris has a very clear-cut message for them. “Start now,” he said. “AI is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for staying competitive. Begin by identifying key areas where AI can make an immediate impact, such as improving efficiency, reducing costs or enhancing customer experiences. The key is to take small, manageable steps, while keeping a clear roadmap for scaling AI across your operations.” 

Dr. Alfaris also highlighted the fact that Saudi Arabia offers unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to launch businesses in the AI domain. “The Kingdom is not just adopting AI; it is actively shaping the future of the technology,” he declared. “From funding and government support, to infrastructure and access to markets, the resources available here are second to none. What truly sets Saudi Arabia apart is its visionary leadership. The country is rapidly building a knowledgebased economy, and its focus on innovation provides startups with a platform to experiment, grow, and scale. For anyone looking to create a meaningful impact in AI, Saudi Arabia is the place to be.”

MOZN

Focusing on specific regional challenges, this company is keen to showcase the power of KSA-born technology on the global stage. mozn.ai 

In a mission to address critical regional challenges – which run the gamut from the need for Arabic-native AI, fighting financial crimes, and accelerating digital transformation – Mozn is empowering organizations with innovative AI products and solutions. 

Launched in Saudi Arabia in 2017, its founder and CEO, Dr. Mohammed Alhussein noted that the company has been able to thrive since its inception. “The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 has created fertile ground for innovation, fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship and offering robust support for emerging industries, especially in technology and AI,” he said. 

To address what the company has identified as the three main challenges for the region, Mozn has created targeted solutions. Mozn’s platform, OSOS, is an Arabic-native generative AI solution designed to deliver culturally relevant and accurate insights tailored for each enterprise. Unlike generic AI models, OSOS minimizes AI hallucinations and ensures data security for trusted decisionmaking. 

With its flagship offering, FOCAL, Mozn equips organizations to combat financial crimes, strengthen compliance and detect fraud effectively, addressing the rise of digital financial risks. In addition, Mozn also offers tailored AI technologies that help businesses harness the power of their data for informed decision-making. 

“What sets Mozn apart are its worldclass technologies, client-centricity and regional insights,” said Dr. Alhussein. “We build cutting-edge AI solutions built for a digital-first world, and we provide unmatched dedication and support to our clients, putting them at the center of our innovation.” 

The response for the company’s offerings has been overwhelmingly positive, with significant interest from financial institutions, government entities and other sectors. “Internationally, we’ve gained multiple recognitions for our ability to deliver solutions that resonate both regionally and globally,” Dr. Alhussein said, noting that in in 2023 and 2024, the company was recognized as one of the “Top 200 FinTech Companies” globally, as well as one of the “Top 25 in the Digital Business Solutions” category, by the global data platform, Statista. 

However, the journey has not been without trials. “Navigating a developing ecosystem meant having to build trust and demonstrate the tangible benefits of AI early on,” Dr. Alhussein shared. “Finding specialized technical talent has also been a challenge, as the demand for AI expertise continues to outpace supply globally. Furthermore, building large language models (LLMs) requires significant computational resources, and access to GPUs, critical for training advanced AI models, has been another hurdle.” 

However, Dr. Alhussein pointed out Mozn has managed to rise to the challenge. “With the incredible support from the ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, it fueled our determination and innovation, enabling us to invest in talent development and forge strategic partnerships to overcome these challenges,” he said. With Saudi Arabia ranked fourth globally in digital services (as per the United Nations E-Government Development Index 2024), Mozn sees a promising future in the Kingdom. As Dr. Alhussein put it: “The Kingdom’s substantial investments in technology infrastructure, along with a national strategy that aims to position Saudi Arabia in the top 15 countries in AI by the end of this decade, create an ideal ecosystem for AI innovation.” 

Mozn’s long-term vision is therefore to expand its global footprint, while retaining its Saudi base. “We aim to position the Kingdom as a leading exporter of AI solutions and talent, particularly in areas where we hold a competitive edge, such as Arabic-native Gen AI applications and AI-powered risk and compliance solutions,” Dr. Alhussein said. “The government’s strategic initiatives and substantial investments in AI infrastructure provide a robust foundation for achieving this vision.” 

Dr. Alhussein is thus clearly someone whose insights would be of great use to organizations aiming to leverage AI in their operations. “For businesses considering AI, the key is to approach it with clarity and purpose rather than simply following a trend,” he advises. “AI holds immense potential, but its true value lies in understanding where it can drive the most meaningful impact within your organization. Instead of adopting AI out of a ‘fear of missing out (FOMO),’ companies should take the time to assess their operations, identify areas where AI can provide real solutions, and ensure alignment with their long-term goals. Thoughtful evaluation and strategic implementation are crucial to unlocking AI’s full potential. Partnering with the right experts can provide the necessary insights to make informed decisions, while also ensuring AI investments deliver measurable value.” 

Given Mozn’s success in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Alhussein is of the belief that Saudi Arabia is the ideal place to build in AI for entrepreneurs and startups. “The government’s commitment to fostering innovation, a growing talent pool, and forward- looking regulations, creates an ecosystem primed for success,” he said. “More importantly, the Kingdom is uniquely positioned to address both global and regional challenges, offering a market with significant growth potential and the resources to scale globally. There’s no better time or place to build than here and now.”

SADEEM 

This company uses artificial intelligence and internet of things to focus on disaster mitigation. sadeemwss.com

At the forefront of using cuttingedge technologies AI and internet of things (IoT), Sadeem International Company – which was founded through a collaboration between Saudi Aramco Entrepreneurship Ventures and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) – is working towards enhancing urban resilience and improving disaster mitigation and management in the region. 

Mustafa Mousa, founder and Interim CEO of Sadeem International Company, explained that the company offers a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) solution that is powered by IoT and AI. “At Sadeem, we offer cutting-edge stormwater drain monitoring systems that stand as the first of its kind in the region,” he explained. “Our solutions are designed to deliver substantial operation and management (O&M) savings and efficiencies, while effectively reducing flood risks to cities and municipalities. Through real-time monitoring of stormwater and road infrastructures and AI analytics, Sadeem empowers stakeholders with valuable insights to proactively manage and mitigate flood-related challenges, as we are currently demonstrating in 13 cities.” 

Since its founding, Sadeem’s solution has been used across the world, including in Spain, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, Sadeem’s approach encompasses all stages of flood mitigation: prior to a rainy season, where risk assessment tools are provided to cities to enhance preparedness; during rainfall, where Sadeem’s technology optimizes internal processes for storm drain infrastructure management to reduce urban flood risks; and, post-event analysis, where drainage system performance and any damages are assessed, closing the loop with actionable insights. “These integrated solutions collectively lead to substantial reductions in operational costs and time operations, resulting in a proven return on investment (ROI) in less than 12 months,” Mousa added. 

While there have admittedly been challenges around local regulations when it comes to data governance and privacy, as well as educating potential clients on the benefits of advanced IoT and AI technology for disaster preparedness and urban resilience and finding skilled talent in IoT and AI, Mousa is proud to state that Sadeem has found success despite the odds. Indeed, Mousa noted that the need for smart urban management solutions aligned perfectly with Sadeem’s offerings, which attracted interest from municipalities and private sectors alike. Additionally, a supportive ecosystem has made it possible for the company to grow. “We have benefitted from various government initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, such as grants, for example, National Technology Development Program’s NEXT ERA, accelerators, and funding opportunities from organizations like Wa’ed Ventures and KAUST,” Mousa added. 

Mousa also revealed that Sadeem can be expected to move beyond its current remit, with its applications set to be diversified in the long-term. “We envision Sadeem expanding significantly over the coming years as the demand for intelligent urban solutions continues to rise,” he said. “Our growth strategy includes diversifying our applications to cover more areas such as traffic management, wildfire mitigation, and environmental monitoring.” 

Mousa also noted that the commitment of the KSA government to invest in AI and tech infrastructure under Vision 2030 provides immense opportunities for growth and development. “As urban areas evolve and face challenges such as climate change and population growth, there will be increasing demand for effective disaster management, giving us a favorable position as solution providers,” he pointed out. “We are committed to establishing Sadeem as a leader in IoT solutions within the region, and we aim to remain headquartered in Saudi Arabia for the long-term. The Kingdom’s investments in technological advancements align with our goals, making it a prime location for our continued growth.”

NASEEJ 

From creating the region’s first Arabic large language model as well as the first Arabic virtual tutor, this enterprise is essentially shaping the future of tech. naseej.com 

Specializing in Arabic localization in AI, Naseej is focused on bridging the gap between global AI advancements and the linguistic, cultural and professional needs of the Arab world. At its helm is Othman Alabdulkarim, CEO of Naseej for Technology, who noted that the company is committed to harnessing the power of digital transformation to improve learning and knowledge management. The company thus helps its customers deliver great user experiences, stay adaptable in a changing tech world, and focus on their goals, without being weighed down by technical challenges. 

Naseej has positioned itself at the forefront of Arabic AI innovation with solutions tailored specifically for the region. One of its contributions is Noon, the first Arabic large language model (LLM) with seven billion parameters. As per Alabdulkarim, “Noon is meticulously trained to capture the nuances of Arabic grammar, syntax, and dialects, offering unprecedented linguistic accuracy and cultural relevance.” 

Another of Naseej’s offerings is ITCAN, which has been billed as the region’s first Arabic virtual tutor. Seamlessly integrated into Naseej’s talent management platform, ITCAN uses generative AI to deliver personalized and interactive learning experiences. From tailored guidance to skill development and AI-generated educational content, ITCAN is redefining the way students and professionals approach education. 

The company has also launched the Medad Enterprise AI platform, which provides organizations with a lowcode environment to build AI agents using enterprise knowledge. “Leveraging advanced techniques such as retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and LLM-driven reasoning, Medad Enterprise AI enables businesses to automate complex tasks, enhance productivity, and optimize decisionmaking,” Alabdulkarim explained. 

A company founded in 1989, Naseej can be seen as a reflection of the Kingdom’s commitment to being a global digital powerhouse – it became the country’s first internet service provider (ISP) in 1999, and it made its first initial public offering (IPO) on the Saudi Parallel Market, Nomu. “Naseej was born in Saudi Arabia, a country that has embraced digital transformation as a cornerstone of its development,” Alabdulkarim said. “This supportive environment has allowed us to launch groundbreaking initiatives, and become one of the few Saudi tech companies to expand to more than 15 countries across the region.” 

With an established presence across the Middle East and North Africa, Naseej’s vision extends beyond the region as it looks to establish itself as a global leader with its Medad Cloud platforms. Indeed, its growth aligns with that of Vision 2030, with Alabdulkarim saying, “The Kingdom’s strategic investment in AI infrastructure, talent development and regulatory frameworks makes it a natural base for innovation in AI.” 

In terms of advice for businesses looking to make use of AI, Alabdulkarim said that starting small, and focusing on specific projects that can solve immediate challenges – while demonstrating AI’s transformative potential – is the way to go. “We also believe that building partnerships with the AI technology ecosystem, including Naseej and other similar institutions, will allow such organizations to build long-term sustainable advantages,” he added. 

Alabdulkarim also highlighted the Kingdom’s support for entrepreneurs in the domain. “Saudi Arabia offers a unique ecosystem with government support, advanced infrastructure, and a growing talent pool, making it an ideal location for AI-focused startups,” he said. “The Kingdom’s vision for technological leadership creates an encouraging landscape for innovation and entrepreneurship.”

TAKAMUL TECHNOLOGIES 

After a decade of experience in deep tech, this company has been primed for the opportunities that Vision 2030 has provided. takamul.net.sa 

Established in 2012, Takamul Technologies has carved a niche for itself in the deep tech space, building innovative digital solutions that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Now, the company delivers solutions to streamline operations and drive business growth with its offerings, which include software development, internet of things (IoT), system integration, and consulting. 

Its CEO Basil Al Dossary said, “Our company, Takamul Technologies, has been in the market since 2012. It was established with a vision to build digital products that add value to the country and users. At that time, the ecosystem wasn’t ready. However, things started to change significantly after Vision 2030, and our dream began to materialize.” Takamul Technologies has since gone on to build ProcessHub, an end-to-end digital twin solution with metaverse capabilities. “Since its inception, we have designed the product around AI to realize the maximum potential of big data, machine learning, and machine vision,” Al Dossary said. 

However, Al Dossary admits that building a deep tech company in Saudi Arabia hasn’t been without its hurdles. “Our journey was indeed very challenging since we are competing in the deep tech space,” Al Dossay said. “Fortunately, we’ve achieved significant success in a relatively short period, thanks to our expertise and agility in meeting customer demands while addressing strategic opportunities in the market.” Indeed, since its launch, Takamul Technologies has worked on a number of projects including the Saudi Flag Day website for the Ministry of Culture, creating a mobile application and platform called LETSADD for King Abdulaziz Cultural Center, and many more. 

Al Dossary added, “Vision 2030 has been a major advantage, elevating the tech sector to a top priority for economic diversification. The focus on local talent and value creation using local expertise has been a tremendous booster. On the flip side, challenges include the immense demand for skilled talent in our field. Our specialization requires deep expertise in emerging technologies and unique skillsets, which aren’t always easy to find. We’re also navigating the typical growing pains of a rapidly scaling organization.” 

For businesses yet to embrace AI, Al Dossary said that it’s imperative they act now. “Businesses that don’t put AI at the center of their strategy will undoubtedly lose to those who have,” he warned. “AI is here to stay, and it’s transforming markets, jobs, and opportunities. We’re living in exciting times.” Saudi Arabia, he added, is the ideal place for startups and entrepreneurs to venture into AI. “Saudi Arabia has done a phenomenal job building world-class digital infrastructure that empowers the government, private sector, and even the charitable sector to leverage digitalization,” he said. 

Looking to the future, Al Dossary is optimistic about the company’s continued growth in Saudi Arabia. “Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to dominate the AI market in the region, largely because the government is leading and fueling initiatives and programs to be at the forefront of AI development,” he said. “The Saudi market is by far the largest in the region, and the resource pool is exceptional – including the availability of talent, the quality of education, and a thriving investment ecosystem. We foresee a future where homegrown companies, like us, will compete on both local and international stages.”