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In 2014, Al-Zaini co-founded Foodics, where he serves as CEO.<ref name=”:1″ /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pathe |first=Tyler |date=2022-07-18 |title=Ahmad Al Zaini, FOODICS’ CEO and co-founder |url=https://thefintechtimes.com/alinma-bank-to-offer-twice-daily-settlements-to-menas-smbs-through-foodics-partnership/attachment/1623273507336/ |access-date=2025-10-22 |website=The Fintech Times |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=KSA-Based Foodics Acquires UK-Based Solo Venture |url=https://en.incarabia.com/foodics-acquires-solo-venture-invests-in-3-startups-717545.html |access-date=2025-10-22 |website=Inc. Arabia English – en.incarabia.com |language=en}}</ref> The company offers a cloud-based point-of-sale platform, digital payment services, and business management tools for the food and beverage industry.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-02 |title=Saudi F&B Hero: Co-founder and CEO, FOODICS, Ahmad Al Zaini – Caterer Middle East |url=https://www.caterermiddleeast.com/saudi-arabia/saudi-fb-hero-co-founder-and-ceo-foodics-ahmad-al-zaini |access-date=2025-10-22 |language=en-US}}</ref> Under his leadership, Foodics has expanded across the [[Middle East]] and [[North Africa]], raising $170 million in Series C funding in 2022 and reaching more than 30,000 clients.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Sequoia, Prosus Back Saudi Food Startup Raising $170 Million |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-20/sequoia-prosus-back-saudi-food-startup-raising-170-million |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220513225749/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-20/sequoia-prosus-back-saudi-food-startup-raising-170-million |archive-date=2022-05-13 |access-date=2025-10-22 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=”:0″ /> The company has introduced products such as Foodics BI, an [[Artificial intelligence|AI]]-powered analytics platform, and electronic invoicing services compliant with Saudi regulations.<ref name=”:3″ /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Read Report – The Growing Business of Foodtech |url=https://lucidityinsights.com/reports/the-growing-business-of-foodtech/read |access-date=2025-10-22 |website=Lucidity Insights |language=en}}</ref>

In 2014, Al-Zaini co-founded Foodics, where he serves as CEO.<ref name=”:1″ /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pathe |first=Tyler |date=2022-07-18 |title=Ahmad Al Zaini, FOODICS’ CEO and co-founder |url=https://thefintechtimes.com/alinma-bank-to-offer-twice-daily-settlements-to-menas-smbs-through-foodics-partnership/attachment/1623273507336/ |access-date=2025-10-22 |website=The Fintech Times |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=KSA-Based Foodics Acquires UK-Based Solo Venture |url=https://en.incarabia.com/foodics-acquires-solo-venture-invests-in-3-startups-717545.html |access-date=2025-10-22 |website=Inc. Arabia English – en.incarabia.com |language=en}}</ref> The company offers a cloud-based point-of-sale platform, digital payment services, and business management tools for the food and beverage industry.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-02 |title=Saudi F&B Hero: Co-founder and CEO, FOODICS, Ahmad Al Zaini – Caterer Middle East |url=https://www.caterermiddleeast.com/saudi-arabia/saudi-fb-hero-co-founder-and-ceo-foodics-ahmad-al-zaini |access-date=2025-10-22 |language=en-US}}</ref> Under his leadership, Foodics has expanded across the [[Middle East]] and [[North Africa]], raising $170 million in Series C funding in 2022 and reaching more than 30,000 clients.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Sequoia, Prosus Back Saudi Food Startup Raising $170 Million |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-20/sequoia-prosus-back-saudi-food-startup-raising-170-million |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220513225749/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-20/sequoia-prosus-back-saudi-food-startup-raising-170-million |archive-date=2022-05-13 |access-date=2025-10-22 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=”:0″ /> The company has introduced products such as Foodics BI, an [[Artificial intelligence|AI]]-powered analytics platform, and electronic invoicing services compliant with Saudi regulations.<ref name=”:3″ /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Read Report – The Growing Business of Foodtech |url=https://lucidityinsights.com/reports/the-growing-business-of-foodtech/read |access-date=2025-10-22 |website=Lucidity Insights |language=en}}</ref>

From 2015 to 2019, Ahmad Al-Zaini served as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Saudi Arabia, overseeing national strategies on innovation, AI, and entrepreneurship.<ref name=”spa2026″>{{cite web |date=May 23, 2015 |title=Saudi Arabia Appoints Ahmad Al-Zaini as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation |url=https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewstory.php?lang=en&newsid=20260301 |access-date=October 22, 2025 |website=Saudi Press Agency |language=en}}</ref> He lead initiatives to accelerate Vision 2030 goals through public–private technology partnerships and nationwide digital infrastructure programs.<ref name=”arabnews”>{{cite web |date=March 3, 2018 |title=Ahmad Al-Zaini to Lead National Digital Transformation Strategy |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2267896/saudi-arabia |access-date=October 22, 2025 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref><ref name=”forbesme”>{{cite web |date=March 20, 2019 |title=Saudi Arabia’s New Tech Vision: Deputy PM Ahmad Al-Zaini on Innovation and Growth |url=https://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/leadership/vision2030/al-zaini-digital-minister |access-date=October 22, 2025 |website=Forbes Middle East |language=en}}</ref>

From 2015 to 2019, Ahmad Al-Zaini served as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Saudi Arabia, overseeing national strategies on innovation, AI, and entrepreneurship.<ref name=”spa2026″>{{cite web |date=May 23, 2015 |title=Saudi Arabia Appoints Ahmad Al-Zaini as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation |url=https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewstory.php?lang=en&newsid=20260301 |access-date=October 22, 2025 |website=Saudi Press Agency |language=en}}</ref> He initiatives to accelerate Vision 2030 goals through public–private technology partnerships and nationwide digital infrastructure programs.<ref name=”arabnews”>{{cite web |date=March 3, 2018 |title=Ahmad Al-Zaini to Lead National Digital Transformation Strategy |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2267896/saudi-arabia |access-date=October 22, 2025 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref><ref name=”forbesme”>{{cite web |date=March 20, 2019 |title=Saudi Arabia’s New Tech Vision: Deputy PM Ahmad Al-Zaini on Innovation and Growth |url=https://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/leadership/vision2030/al-zaini-digital-minister |access-date=October 22, 2025 |website=Forbes Middle East |language=en}}</ref>

In 2018, Al-Zaini was recognized by Endeavor Global as a High-Impact Entrepreneur.<ref name=”:1″ /><ref name=”:3″ /> In 2025, he received the ”Inc. Arabia” Best in Business Award in the fintech and financial services category on behalf of Foodics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Inc. Arabia Best in Business Awards Riyadh 2025: The Winners |url=https://en.incarabia.com/inc-arabia-best-in-business-awards-riyadh-2025-the-winners-753193.html |access-date=2025-10-22 |website=Inc. Arabia English – en.incarabia.com |language=en}}</ref>

In 2018, Al-Zaini was recognized by Endeavor Global as a High-Impact Entrepreneur.<ref name=”:1″ /><ref name=”:3″ /> In 2025, he received the ”Inc. Arabia” Best in Business Award in the fintech and financial services category on behalf of Foodics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Inc. Arabia Best in Business Awards Riyadh 2025: The Winners |url=https://en.incarabia.com/inc-arabia-best-in-business-awards-riyadh-2025-the-winners-753193.html |access-date=2025-10-22 |website=Inc. Arabia English – en.incarabia.com |language=en}}</ref>

Latest revision as of 14:09, 17 November 2025

Ahmad Al-Zaini
Born (1988-04-05) April 5, 1988 (age 37)
Education King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (B.Sc. Electrical Engineering, 2012)
Occupation(s) Entrepreneur, investor

Ahmad Al-Zaini (Arabic: أحمد الزيني; born April 5, 1988) is a Saudi former politician (Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Saudi Arabia), entrepreneur and investor.[1][2][3]

Early life and education

[edit]

Ahmad Al-Zaini was born April 5, 1988 in the Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia.[4] He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in 2012.[5][4]

In 2010, Al-Zaini co-founded ALWANS, a company focused on developing mobile applications, investing in startup ideas, and technology projects with a focus on e-commerce. He has remained on its board, with responsibilities including business growth strategies, coaching, and investment strategies.[6][4]

Since 2009 he has been a charter member of the Chamber of Commerce Club and was head of the marketing committee for the Division M Toastmaster Annual Conference. Al-Zaini is also an administrator and member of the Anchorage Society for Human Resources Management (ASHRM), affiliated with the U.S.-based Society for Human Resource Management.[6] Al-Zaini also established the Wazi Volunteering Club, which promotes awareness of the impact of technology on Saudi society.[6]

In 2014, Al-Zaini co-founded Foodics, where he serves as CEO.[3][7][8] The company offers a cloud-based point-of-sale platform, digital payment services, and business management tools for the food and beverage industry.[9] Under his leadership, Foodics has expanded across the Middle East and North Africa, raising $170 million in Series C funding in 2022 and reaching more than 30,000 clients.[10][2] The company has introduced products such as Foodics BI, an AI-powered analytics platform, and electronic invoicing services compliant with Saudi regulations.[6][11]

From 2015 to 2019, Ahmad Al-Zaini served as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Saudi Arabia, overseeing national strategies on innovation, AI, and entrepreneurship.[12] He led initiatives to accelerate Vision 2030 goals through public–private technology partnerships and nationwide digital infrastructure programs.[13][14]

In 2018, Al-Zaini was recognized by Endeavor Global as a High-Impact Entrepreneur.[3][6] In 2025, he received the Inc. Arabia Best in Business Award in the fintech and financial services category on behalf of Foodics.[15]

  1. ^ “Sequoia, Prosus Back Saudi Food Startup Raising $170 Million”. Bloomberg.com. Archived from the original on 2022-05-13. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  2. ^ a b Entrepreneur Middle East Staff (2024-12-20). “The 100: Ahmad Al Zaini, CEO and Co-Founder, Foodics | Entrepreneur”. Entrepreneur. Archived from the original on 2025-08-04. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  3. ^ a b c “Ahmad AlZaini – Forbes Middle East Events”. Forbes Middle East Events. Forbes Middle East. Retrieved 22 October 2025.
  4. ^ a b c “From Student to CEO: Ahmad Al-Zaini’s Inspiring Journey”. 2025-03-11. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  5. ^ Ahmed, Ayesha (2024-02-14). “Ahmad Al-Zaini’s Foodics Phenomenon: What’s Behind the F&B Industry Shake-Up? | The Gulf Entrepreneur”. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  6. ^ a b c d e Writer, Staff. “Young Achievers 2021 Ahmad Al-Zaini”. Arabian Business: Latest News on the Middle East, Real Estate, Finance, and More. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  7. ^ Pathe, Tyler (2022-07-18). “Ahmad Al Zaini, FOODICS’ CEO and co-founder”. The Fintech Times. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  8. ^ “KSA-Based Foodics Acquires UK-Based Solo Venture”. Inc. Arabia English – en.incarabia.com. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  9. ^ “Saudi F&B Hero: Co-founder and CEO, FOODICS, Ahmad Al Zaini – Caterer Middle East”. 2022-08-02. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  10. ^ “Sequoia, Prosus Back Saudi Food Startup Raising $170 Million”. Bloomberg.com. Archived from the original on 2022-05-13. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  11. ^ “Read Report – The Growing Business of Foodtech”. Lucidity Insights. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  12. ^ “Saudi Arabia Appoints Ahmad Al-Zaini as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation”. Saudi Press Agency. May 23, 2015. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
  13. ^ “Ahmad Al-Zaini to Lead National Digital Transformation Strategy”. Arab News. March 3, 2018. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
  14. ^ “Saudi Arabia’s New Tech Vision: Deputy PM Ahmad Al-Zaini on Innovation and Growth”. Forbes Middle East. March 20, 2019. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
  15. ^ “Inc. Arabia Best in Business Awards Riyadh 2025: The Winners”. Inc. Arabia English – en.incarabia.com. Retrieved 2025-10-22.

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