February 11, 2025 — WideBot AI, a company specializing in the development of AI products, solutions, and models, has secured $3 million in a Pre-Series A funding round.
WideBot closed this funding round with the leadership of Keheilan Asset Management, supported by Saudi-based Al Wafra II, alongside direct investment firm Enza Capital.
Other notable participants in this round include DisrupTech Ventures, Den VC, and SparkLabs Ventures.
Expanding AI Models Development
WideBot has announced that the newly secured funding will be used to accelerate the company’s expansion in AI product development, particularly for its proprietary AI model, AQL, within Saudi Arabia. AQL is the first-ever AI model hosted on local cloud servers in the Kingdom, ensuring compliance with Saudi regulations, unlike other AI systems that rely on foreign cloud infrastructures.
Hosting AI models on local cloud servers in Saudi Arabia enhances data security, protecting user data and AI models. This ensures national data sovereignty, secures access to critical information, and strengthens user privacy—ultimately offering greater protection for citizens and reinforcing the state’s control over its data infrastructure.
Furthermore, WideBot AI emphasized that this investment will enhance its capabilities to develop more AI-powered solutions and models to support governments and enterprises in the Arab region. These solutions aim to streamline operations, increase productivity, optimize workforce efficiency, and significantly reduce operational costs.
Arabic-Centric AI: From Riyadh to the Arab World
Mohamed Nabil, CEO and Co-Founder of WideBot AI, expressed his gratitude to investors for supporting the company’s expansion in the Saudi market. He affirmed that this funding would enable WideBot AI to accelerate the development of advanced AI solutions that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Nabil stated: “We believe AI is a fundamental driver of economic and social growth in the Kingdom. Our mission is to develop AI that embodies our culture and identity while respecting our privacy—AI that originates from Riyadh and extends to the entire Arab world.”
He further emphasized: “This investment will help us fast-track the development of specialized AI solutions that contribute to achieving Vision 2030 goals, such as economic diversification, job creation, and enhanced government efficiency. We are proud to be part of this digital transformation.”
Salah Khashoggi, Chairman of Al Wafra Al Thania Firm, highlighted that this investment aligns with the company’s commitment to supporting transformative tech firms in Saudi Arabia, particularly those in AI and fintech. He noted that the Keheilan Deep Tech Fund plays a vital role in financing innovative startups that contribute to Vision 2030.
Strengthening Investment in Deep Tech
Dr. Ahmed Abdelhamid, CEO of Keheilan Asset Management, commented: “We firmly believe that the future of economic development in the region hinges on supporting deep technology companies. The synergy between technical and financial efforts will reinforce national sovereignty over our technological infrastructure.”
He also expressed confidence in WideBot AI’s ability to pioneer a new era of AI in the Arab world, saying: “For the first time, we have an Arabic-centric AI model, entirely built in our language. This ensures that our institutions’ and nations’ data remain secure while allowing us to move forward confidently into the future. WideBot AI will be a cornerstone in shaping the future of Arabic-language AI models globally.”
Dr. Abdelhamid concluded: “We are confident that this investment will drive further growth and success, positively impacting Saudi Arabia’s digital economy and the wider Arab region.”
The First AI Model Ever Hosted on Local Cloud Servers within Saudi Arabia
It is worth mentioning that WideBot AI announced, earlier, the launch of the first and most accurate large language model (LLM) in the Arabic language, which understands its various dialects and all Arab accents, under the name “AQL LLM”.
The company indicated that AQL is the most accurate large language model (LLM) in the Arabic language, outperforming all other large language models, after it was tested through a wide range of AI performance criteria in a comprehensive evaluation process, surpassing all competing models in every major metric.
In a separate statement, WideBot AI announced that AQL, as a large language model (LLM), has become the first AI model to be hosted on local cloud servers within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which supports the work of governments and enterprises in the Kingdom through the speed of performance, providing the necessary protection for data, understanding the unique Saudi identity and culture, as well as complying with local Saudi regulations and systems governing the work and use of artificial intelligence.
AI Solutions and Products that Meet Governments’ and Enterprises’ Needs
WideBot AI is an AI-driven company that develops cutting-edge products and solutions designed to assist governments and enterprises in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world in accelerating digital transformation, streamlining operations, reducing costs, and overcoming business challenges. By leveraging AI, WideBot AI helps organizations gain deep insights to facilitate and expedite decision-making.
Over the years, WideBot AI has successfully served over 350 enterprise clients, government entities, and central banks, including the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Royal Protocol, and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.
Additionally, the company has provided AI solutions to Egypt’s Tax Authority and the Central Agency for Organization and Administration, as well as numerous institutions in the healthcare and telecommunications sectors across the UAE, Oman, Libya, and Morocco.
With a footprint spanning more than 12 countries, WideBot AI has reached over 200 million Arabic-speaking users, solidifying its position as a leader in AI innovation tailored to the Arab world.
