Web Summit Qatar accelerating MENA transformation, says Lucidya founder

Doha, Qatar: Lucidya founder and CEO Abdullah Asiri has described Web Summit Qatar as a pivotal platform accelerating the Middle East and North Africa...

Doha, Qatar: Lucidya founder and CEO Abdullah Asiri has described Web Summit Qatar as a pivotal platform accelerating the Middle East and North Africa’s transformation into a global technology hub, highlighting the event’s growing importance for startups and investors across the region.

Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, Asiri said the Web Summit Qatar had exceeded expectations, bringing together global talent, investors and founders at a time when the region’s technology ecosystem is gaining unprecedented momentum.

“The vibes, the organisation and the diversity of talent gathered here show how serious the region has become about technology and innovation,” he said.

Lucidya is a Saudi-based artificial intelligence company specialising in customer experience (CX) and marketing analytics. The company closed a $30 million Series B funding round six months ago, making it the largest AI investment round in the Middle East to date.  Founded in 2016, Lucidya uses AI to analyse customer interactions across digital channels such as social media, call centres and messaging platforms. Reflecting on Lucidya’s early journey, Asiri noted that launching an AI company nearly a decade ago came with significant challenges. “AI was not mainstream back then. We had to educate customers on its value, while also dealing with limited access to talent and funding in the region,” he said.

The turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated digital transformation, followed by the global AI boom that has reshaped markets since. Backed by major investors including Aramco, Impact46 and the Royal Growth Fund, the company now serves leading telecoms, banks, airlines and government entities across more than 15 countries.