Latest news with #Seez
Entrepreneur
10-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Made in the MENA Region: How Local Innovation is Going Global
"Made in MENA" no longer suggests a localized copy of something else. It's becoming a mark of originality for products built for real needs in tough markets, with potential for expansion designed from day one. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. The most exciting new tech no longer needs to come from Silicon Valley. Across the Middle East and North Africa, startups are building smart, scalable solutions to urgent problems, gaining the attention of investors and global partners alike. "Made in MENA" no longer suggests a localized copy of something else. It's becoming a mark of originality for products built for real needs in tough markets, with potential for expansion designed from day one. Take Dubai-based autotech startup Seez as an example. The company started with an app that could identify any car from a single image, quickly attracting nearly three million users, before shifting focus and transforming to meet deeper industry needs. Now providing car dealerships and OEMs with software solutions to improve their customer experience and increase sales, Seez has expanded to 16 markets from Mexico to Australia, offering a complete AI- and ML-powered SaaS platform built on proprietary technology. Earlier this year, the company was acquired for $46.2 million by UK-based Pinewood Technologies. This proves homegrown tech from the region can serve underserved markets at scale, and do it faster than many of its international competitors. This pattern is becoming more common. Across MENA, startups are building with clear direction, solving long-standing inefficiencies and bottlenecks, creating products that work from the ground up and often have international potential. A standout example for those looking to scale globally is InstaDeep, the tech startup founded in Tunisia in 2014 that has grown into a global leader in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The company expanded steadily, opening offices in London, Paris, Lagos, Dubai, Cape Town, Berlin, Boston, and San Francisco. In May 2019, it announced a $7 million Series A funding round. InstaDeep gained recognition for its groundbreaking work, including the development of an early warning system to detect COVID-19 variants. In January 2022, it secured US$100 million in Series B funding, with participation from German biotech giant BioNTech. A year later, BioNTech acquired the company for around €500 million in cash. Since the acquisition, InstaDeep has continued to push boundaries in the AI space, launching 'Laila', an AI assistant built to automate routine scientific tasks, monitor lab devices, streamline experiments, and support scientific breakthroughs. The company's journey showed how MENA-based tech firms can make meaningful contributions on the international stage, addressing critical needs with thoughtful, scalable solutions, rather than pursuing growth for the sake of it. Some of the conditions driving innovation in parts of this region - unreliable infrastructure, limited public services, and fast-changing digital habits - are also common in of Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. That makes it easier for MENA startups to move into these markets with products that are already a good fit. The best of them aren't reworking old playbooks. They're tackling difficult, often deep-rooted issues like financial access, education gaps, and food and water security, creating tools that deliver real impact and stand the test of time. One such case is Dubai-based Dake Rechsand, which specializes in sustainability solutions for desert farming and water conservation. The company developed a sand-based material that enables desert soil to retain water, making rainwater harvesting possible and turning previously barren land into fertile farmland. It has expanded its operations from the UAE into the USA, India, China and South Africa. Another regional trailblazer is Tyro, which connects students with qualified tutors. By acquiring Nafham, a free, crowdsourced education platform aligned with school curricula in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Syria, and Algeria, the company has created the largest edtech platform in the region. This deal improved the learning experience for Nafham's 6 million users and demonstrated how local partnerships can drive substantial growth. These are not just new tech products; they are solutions for urgent, often overlooked problems that call for real innovation, and MENA startups are stepping up to meet those requirements. For many of these startups, growth is primarily demand-driven, rather than motivated merely by a desire for greater visibility. They expand into markets where their products fulfil a genuine need, guided by proven strategies, rather than a pursuit of publicity. The region's ecosystem is rapidly evolving. In Q1 2025, MENA startups raised US$1.5 billion, a 244% increase from the same period last year. This momentum demonstrates the belief that both local and international investors now have in the region's growing potential. Funding is just one part of the story. What sets the strongest startups apart is their focus on filling specific gaps in the market. Their products aren't abstract ideas; they're direct responses to challenges people face every day. The future of MENA's startup scene is bright. As the region matures, it is no longer just playing catch-up with the rest of the world. Many MENA startups now addressing universal problems are often doing so more effectively than their international counterparts. They adapt proven local ideas for international markets. By fixing real gaps where they operate, they earn trust, and prove their models work worldwide. This is how you build for today and tomorrow.
Entrepreneur
26-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
The UAE's AI Market Could Reach AED170.143 Billion by 2030
You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. In 2023, a report by Grand View Research showed that the UAE's artificial intelligence (AI) market was valued at approximately AED12.743 billion. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 44%, the market is projected to grow to around AED170.143 billion by 2030 as per a report by independent research institution TRENDS Research & Advisory. The prediction comes in the midst of the UAE's continued efforts to fast-track its rise as a global AI hub, backed by massive state investments, strategic partnerships, and a growing ecosystem of AI startups and institutions. As public and private sectors double down on digital transformation, analysts predict AI is also set to contribute a staggering 20% to the country's non-oil GDP by 2031. Tarek Kabrit, CEO, Seez. Image source: Seez "AI is not just a market or a technology to be chased for growth's sake," Tarek Kabrit, CEO of UAE-based automotive technology company Seez, says. "It's a fundamental shift in how businesses, governments, and individuals relate to data, decisions, and automation. The real value lies in how AI integrates seamlessly to empower people and create new human-centric experiences." Government-Led Growth: Launched in 2017, the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence set an aggressive path for AI to permeate all sectors by 2031, focusing on health, transport, energy, and education. The government is not only providing frameworks but also deploying billions in funding and infrastructure. Abu Dhabi's MGX sovereign fund targets AED367 billion in AI-related assets. A separate billion-dollar fund is advancing chip fabrication and data center construction through strategic alliances with Nvidia, AMD, and OpenAI. Kabrit highlights the significance of this investment: "Sustainable AI growth demands more than software and algorithms. It requires a robust ecosystem with advanced infrastructure, research institutions, and capital. That's what gives startups and enterprises the freedom to innovate and scale." Human Capital and Ethical Framework: The UAE is also simultaneously investing heavily in human capital. Government-led training programs aim to equip over one million residents with AI skills, while the number of AI professionals quadrupled to nearly 120,000 within the last few years. Institutions like the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and the Technology Innovation Institute anchor the Emirates as a research and talent hub. The UAE is advancing ethical AI through its AI Ethics Charter, federal data protection laws, and ongoing efforts to balance innovation with privacy and security. Real-World Impact The UAE is already reaping AI's benefits in tangible ways. Healthcare AI solutions, growing at over 40% annually, are enhancing diagnostics and personalized care. Smart transport initiatives leverage AI for predictive traffic management and emissions reduction in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Seez exemplifies AI's enterprise impact by transforming the automotive retail experience. Its AI-powered platform Seezar provides dealerships with conversational agents that proactively advise and assist, streamlining sales and customer engagement. "The future of AI-powered software is proactive, not reactive," Kabrit explains. "Our goal is to reduce friction by having AI anticipate needs and deliver outcomes before users even ask. That's where AI truly unlocks value. It changes how people experience technology from the inside out."
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE accelerates AI ambitions with multi-billion-dollar push: Industry leader weighs in
Dubai, UAE – The UAE is fast-tracking its rise as a global artificial intelligence (AI) hub, backed by massive state investments, strategic partnerships, and a growing ecosystem of AI startups and institutions. As public and private sectors double down on digital transformation, analysts predict AI will contribute a staggering 20% to the country's non-oil GDP by 2031. AI's Economic Potential: In 2023, the UAE's AI market was valued at approximately AED12.743 billion [1]. With a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 44%, the market is projected to swell to around AED170.143 billion by 2030 as per a report by independent research institution ' TRENDS Research & Advisory'. [2] Tarek Kabrit, CEO of Seez—one of Dubai's leading AI tech innovators—says while the numbers are extremely encouraging, it's equally important to look beyond them. 'AI is not just a market or a technology to be chased for growth's sake,' Kabrit says. 'It's a fundamental shift in how businesses, governments, and individuals relate to data, decisions, and automation. The real value lies in how AI integrates seamlessly to empower people and create new human-centric experiences.' Government-Led Growth: The UAE's success story is rooted in visionary government initiatives. Launched in 2017, the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence set an aggressive path for AI to permeate all sectors by 2031, focusing on health, transport, energy, and education. The government is not only providing frameworks but also deploying billions in funding and infrastructure. Abu Dhabi's MGX sovereign fund targets AED367 billion in AI-related assets. A separate billion-dollar fund is advancing chip fabrication and data center construction through strategic alliances with Nvidia, AMD, and OpenAI. Kabrit highlights the significance of this bold investment: 'Sustainable AI growth demands more than software and algorithms. It requires a robust ecosystem with advanced infrastructure, research institutions, and capital. That's what gives startups and enterprises the freedom to innovate and scale.' Human Capital and Ethical Framework: Technology alone cannot drive transformation. The UAE is simultaneously investing heavily in human capital. Government-led training programs aim to equip over one million residents with AI skills, while the number of AI professionals quadrupled to nearly 120,000 within the last few years. Institutions like the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and the Technology Innovation Institute anchor the Emirates as a research and talent hub. However, with great power comes great responsibility. The UAE is advancing ethical AI through its AI Ethics Charter, federal data protection laws, and ongoing efforts to balance innovation with privacy and security. Real-World Impact: The UAE is already reaping AI's benefits in tangible ways. Healthcare AI solutions, growing at over 40% annually, are enhancing diagnostics and personalized care. Smart transport initiatives leverage AI for predictive traffic management and emissions reduction in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Seez exemplifies AI's enterprise impact by transforming the automotive retail experience. Its AI-powered platform Seezar provides dealerships with conversational agents that proactively advise and assist, streamlining sales and customer engagement. 'The future of AI-powered software is proactive, not reactive,' Kabrit explains. 'Our goal is to reduce friction by having AI anticipate needs and deliver outcomes before users even ask. That's where AI truly unlocks value. It changes how people experience technology from the inside out.' About Seez: Seez is an automotive technology company established in 2016 and focused on AI-powered solutions for car dealers and OEMs. With headquarters in Dubai and an office in Copenhagen, Seez delivers a suite of SaaS products designed to enhance efficiency, automation, and customer engagement. Our solutions range from omnichannel retail platforms and predictive pricing models to advanced machine learning tools and AI-driven chat solutions. Operating across 20 countries, Seez empowers automotive businesses with data-driven insights and seamless digital experiences. Further information can be located by visiting For more information on Seez, please contact: Priyanka Prakash priyanka@
Khaleej Times
25-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Race is on: Who will lead UAE's $100b ‘AI gold rush' by 2030?
The UAE is rushing toward an AI-powered future, with artificial intelligence projected to inject $100 billion into its economy by 2030 — nearly 14 per cent of its GDP. But as the nation positions itself as a global AI powerhouse, a critical question emerges: Who will dominate this transformative landscape? Industry leaders point to Vertical SaaS (VSaaS) companies—specialised software providers with deep industry expertise—as frontrunners in the race to harness AI's trillion-dollar potential. They argue that a fusion of AI with SaaS is set to redefine the business landscape, paving the way for unprecedented innovation and growth. Established SaaS players, particularly those hyper-focused on niche sectors like automotive, healthcare, and finance, are leveraging decades of customer data, industry-specific knowledge, and existing client trust to build AI agents that don't just automate tasks — they think. 'AI agents are redefining the game. We're moving from software you use to software that acts,' says Tarek Kabrit, CEO of Seez, a Dubai-based AI innovator revolutionising car sales through autonomous decision-making tools. These intelligent agents — capable of predicting market shifts, negotiating deals, and optimising workflows — are becoming indispensable. A recent Trends Research & Advisory report highlights that Vertical SaaS providers, already entrenched in industries with complex workflows, are uniquely positioned to train AI systems that solve real-world problems. 'Customers don't want faster software; they want platforms that act like an extension of their team,' Kabrit adds. The UAE's AI strategy, backed by aggressive public-private partnerships, is igniting rapid growth. Recent moves read like a strategic chessboard: A $30 billion AI infrastructure alliance between BlackRock, Microsoft, and Abu Dhabi's MGX; Microsoft's $1.5 billion bet on homegrown AI champion G42; and a $1 billion talent war chest to cultivate local AI expertise. 'The UAE isn't just adopting AI — it's inventing the playbook,' says a Trends Research analyst. The public sector is leading the charge, with 47 per cent of GCC organisations already deploying AI (per Boston Consulting Group), outpacing global peers in digital readiness since launching nationwide AI transformations in 2021. While Vertical SaaS incumbents hold the cards today, insurgent startups and global tech titans are disrupting the field. Microsoft's partnership with G42, for instance, aims to export UAE-built AI solutions worldwide. Meanwhile, new entrants are banking on generative AI's ability to democratize industry-specific tools. Yet experts argue domain expertise remains king. 'Generic AI can't navigate the intricacies of, say, automotive supply chains or patient care protocols,' notes Kabrit. 'Vertical SaaS has spent years decoding these complexities—that's their moat.' As AI reshapes industries, the UAE's fusion of ambition and infrastructure is setting the stage for a showdown. Will Vertical SaaS giants maintain their lead, or will agile newcomers rewrite the rules? One thing is certain: In the UAE's $100 billion AI odyssey, the winners will be those who turn data into decisions, users into collaborators, and software into a tireless ally. 'The future belongs to platforms that don't just assist — they anticipate,' Kabrit concludes. As the race heats up, the UAE's skyline isn't the only thing reaching new heights.
Zawya
25-02-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Proposed acquisition of Seez by Pinewood.AI to revolutionize global automotive solutions
Dubai, UAE - Seez, a Dubai-based innovator in AI-powered automotive solutions, has announced its proposed acquisition by Pinewood Technologies Group PLC (' for an equity value of $46.2m in a combination of cash and shares with the share component expected to double in the next 3 years. Founded in 2016 by Tarek Kabrit and Andrew Kabrit, Seez began with a disruptive idea: an app identifying any vehicle—from a single picture (Shazam for cars) This vision quickly attracted nearly 3 million users. Recognizing the evolving needs of both consumers and dealerships, Seez pivoted, transforming from a popular mobile app into a world-leading auto AI company. Today, having expanded globally to 16 markets ranging from Mexico to Australia, Seez offers a complete AI and ML-powered SaaS platform built on proprietary technology. Their products include an AI virtual assistant, e-commerce and omnichannel modules, and AI-powered digital marketing services. Seez serves a growing roster of Tier 1 clients, including leading automotive dealer groups, OEMs, and online classifieds, and has secured key partnerships with top finance, insurance, and SaaS providers globally. The company's rapid growth is evident in its $4.4 million annual recurring revenue as of December 2024, marking a 5x increase compared to the previous year, with projections to triple again by December 2025. proposed acquisition of Seez delivers a powerful combination of advanced AI capabilities, a loyal customer base, and a strong financial foundation, all while capitalizing on the growing importance of AI in automotive retail. With over 1,300 customer rooftops and a high-margin, recurring revenue model, Seez adds immediate value to This strategic move is strongly supported by Lithia Motors Inc., Pinewood's parent company and the largest dealer group globally, who plans to integrate Seez's AI Virtual Assistant, Seezar, across its global network of dealerships. Tarek expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to join forces with Pinewood at such a pivotal moment in the automotive industry. By combining our advanced AI-driven solutions with Pinewood's proprietary data and deep dealer integrations, we are creating a next-generation platform that will empower dealerships with smarter, more efficient tools to drive growth." Tarek emphasized that the acquisition accelerates Pinewood's expansion into the North American market while allowing both companies to redefine how dealers interact with technology, streamline operations, and enhance customer experiences. "The future of automotive retail is intelligent, autonomous, and data-driven and we couldn't have asked for a better partner to make that future a reality," he added. CEO Bill Burman reflected on the strategic importance of the proposed acquisition, noting that the partnership builds on their strong progress since initial investment in Seez in September 2024. "Seez is an outstanding company that has developed highly sophisticated AI and machine learning products that are increasingly critical tools for the automotive retail market and they are highly complementary to our own Automotive Intelligence Platform." Burman said. This proposed acquisition positions Seez and Pinewood as trailblazers in the automotive sector. Together, they aim to lead the charge in providing smarter, more efficient industry solutions that help their customers unlock value, drive performance and profitability. That's + Seez, an AI powered secure end-to-end fully cloud-based ecosystem designed by car people for car people. About Seez: Seez is an automotive technology company established in 2016 and focused on AI-powered solutions for car dealers and OEMs. With headquarters in Dubai and an office in Copenhagen, Seez delivers a suite of SaaS products designed to enhance efficiency, automation, and customer engagement. Our solutions range from omnichannel retail platforms and predictive pricing models to advanced machine learning tools and AI-driven chat solutions. Operating across 16 countries, Seez empowers automotive businesses with data-driven insights and seamless digital experiences. Further information can be located by visiting For more information on Seez, please contact: Priyanka Prakash priyanka@
