Qatari cultural-tech startup Rawi Al Kotob is taking a bold step forward by expanding into Saudi Arabia. This move follows the startup’s successful completion of the Literature, Publishing & Translation Accelerator, organized by Qatar’s Literature Commission in collaboration with Falak Investment.
This three-month accelerator program played a key role in refining Rawi’s digital strategy and preparing it for one of the Gulf’s most promising markets.
Strategic Expansion Backed by Cultural Momentum
- ✅ Saudi Arabia’s demand for digital literature is booming. Educational content, Arabic storytelling, and audiobooks are gaining mainstream popularity.
- ✅ Rawi’s timing couldn’t be better. With a tailored digital strategy, the company is now aiming to tap into this rising wave.
During the accelerator, Rawi restructured its business model to better align with Saudi Arabia’s cultural and digital infrastructure. The company credits this phase with shaping its vision for expansion and sharpening its platform for regional growth.
Ground Presence with Local Leadership
To solidify its presence in the Kingdom, Rawi appointed Moetad Al-Dhiabi to lead operations from Saudi Arabia. His role will focus on building local partnerships and adapting content to reflect the Kingdom’s cultural and educational priorities. The move underscores Rawi’s commitment to regional authenticity and community engagement.
Behind the scenes, a talented team of content strategists, designers, and UX experts helped reshape Rawi’s platform. This helps it to ensure seamless integration with Saudi Arabia’s growing digital ecosystem.
Championing Arabic Content Through Tech
Founded in Doha in 2016, Rawi Al Kotob is one of the region’s earliest Arabic audio-content producers. Their offerings include:
- ✅ Audiobooks
- ✅ Podcasts
- ✅ Documentaries
- ✅ Narrated Articles
The company aims to revolutionize how Arabic knowledge is shared and consumed in the digital age, blending high-quality production with meaningful storytelling.
By collaborating with major platforms like Audible, Storytel, and educational institutions, Rawi is targeting Saudi Arabia’s push to elevate cultural and intellectual content for its growing population of learners and listeners.
A Regional Model for Cultural-Tech Innovation
Rawi’s expansion represents more than just market entry. It reflects a regional movement:
- ✅ Empowering Arabic voices through modern media
- ✅ Promoting access to culturally rich, educational content
- ✅ Driving inclusion with scalable technology
As Saudi Arabia invests heavily in its cultural sector and digital infrastructure, startups like Rawi are becoming essential to national transformation.
What’s Next for Rawi?
With a refined strategy, strong local leadership, and a clear vision, Rawi is poised to make a meaningful impact in Saudi Arabia. Its platform, centered on inclusive storytelling and digital access, is well positioned to resonate with a new generation eager for Arabic content.
This expansion marks a major milestone in Rawi’s journey to bridge tradition with innovation, culture with technology, and the past with the future.