COLABS, Pakistan’s leading venture-backed workspace and entrepreneurial community platform, has announced its expansion into Saudi Arabia with a flagship site in Riyadh. The move marks a milestone in the growing partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Additionally, it underscores rising investor confidence in cross-border innovation for MENA-P region.
Building a Cross-Border Innovation Bridge
The expansion comes through a new partnership with Waseel Investment and renewed support from Shorooq Partners, the Abu Dhabi-based investment firm regulated by FSRA. Together, the partners aim to accelerate entrepreneurship and digital collaboration between the two nations.
Key highlights of the collaboration include:
- New flagship site in Riyadh, currently under development and set to open in the coming months.
- Local partnership with Waseel Investment, which will play a key role in establishing and scaling COLABS’ presence in the Kingdom.
- Fresh investment from Shorooq Partners, reaffirming confidence in COLABS’ regional expansion strategy.
Omar Shah, CEO and Co-founder of COLABS, said, “Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has created powerful momentum for innovation. Riyadh is the ideal gateway for our MENA journey. From there we can connect founders, build communities, and bridge ecosystems across borders.”
Aligned with Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest-growing startup ecosystems in the MENA region. In effect, it has attracted over $2 billion in venture capital in 2024. Not just that, it is currently representing more than 40 percent of all regional deals. The coworking sector alone is projected to exceed $1 billion by 2025.
COLABS’ entry aligns with Vision 2030’s focus on entrepreneurship, job creation, and foreign investment, contributing to the country’s growing creative and digital economies.
Faisal Al Rashed, Director of Investment at Waseel Partners, noted, “Our partnership with COLABS is more than an investment; it’s a connection between two vibrant ecosystems. We aim to bring Pakistani startups to Saudi Arabia while helping Saudi founders tap into Pakistan’s growing talent and innovation base.”
Strengthening Cultural and Entrepreneurial Exchange
COLABS is known for integrating culture and entrepreneurship through initiatives like the COLABS Creative Collective and its Artist-in-Residence Program. These initiatives foster collaboration between creative professionals, startups, and investors.
The Riyadh site will serve as:
- A hub for startup incubation and expansion.
- A platform for cross-border business development.
- A space promoting multicultural and creative collaboration between Saudi and Pakistani communities.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, congratulated COLABS on the expansion, calling it a “reflection of Pakistan’s Digital Nation vision extending beyond borders.”
Driving the Next Phase of Regional Growth
The expansion marks a defining moment for COLABS’ MENA strategy. With strong investor backing, strategic partnerships, and alignment with regional priorities, the company is positioned to play a vital role in connecting capital, talent, and innovation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
As COLABS sets up its flagship Riyadh location, it aims to become a key enabler of entrepreneurial growth and creative collaboration across the Middle East and South Asia.