WideBot secures $3mn funding to develop Arabic-centric AI model ‘AQL’

user icon
GHADA.ISMAIL
calender icon
Feb 11, 2025
article image

Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: WideBot AI, a company specializing in AI solutions and models, announced raised $3 million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Keheilan Asset Management, with participation from Saudi-based Al Wafra II, Enza Capital, DisrupTech Ventures, Den VC, and SparkLabs Ventures.

The funding will accelerate the development of WideBot’s proprietary AI model, AQL—the first Arabic large language model (LLM) hosted on local cloud servers in Saudi Arabia, as per a recent press release.

This ensures compliance with Saudi regulations, enhances data security, and strengthens national digital sovereignty.

AQL, recognized as the most accurate Arabic LLM, understands dialects and accents across the Arab world. It outperformed competitors in a comprehensive evaluation, reinforcing its role in digital transformation for governments and enterprises.

Mohamed Nabil, WideBot AI’s CEO, emphasized the alignment of its mission with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The company aims to boost economic diversification, job creation, and operational efficiency through localized AI solutions tailored to the Arab world.

Salah Khashoggi, Chairman of Al Wafra II, highlighted the significance of investing in transformative tech firms to advance Vision 2030. Similarly, Ahmed Abdelhamid, CEO of Keheilan Asset Management, lauded WideBot AI’s role in promoting regional technological independence through Arabic-centric AI innovation.

WideBot AI has already served over 350 government and enterprise clients, including the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Royal Protocol, and Egypt’s Tax Authority. With a presence in 12 countries and over 200 million Arabic-speaking users, WideBot continues to solidify its leadership in Arabic AI, helping organizations streamline operations and reduce costs.

Mike Mompi, Enza Capital’s co-founder, described WideBot AI as a pioneer in localizing AI for the Arabic-speaking world. AQL is set to redefine business operations and unlock economic potential across the Middle East and Africa.

WideBot AI remains at the forefront of AI innovation, delivering solutions that respect local culture and privacy while driving digital transformation across the Arab region.


Share

Related News

Shorooq participates in Chazm’s $10mn series A round
News
Calendar Icon
May 3, 2026
Shorooq participates in Chazm’s $10mn series A round
Read More
Udora targets Saudi Arabia after $10mn funding round
News
Calendar Icon
May 3, 2026
Udora targets Saudi Arabia after $10mn funding round
Read More
Saudi AI-powered fitness platform Metafare closes $1mn funding round
News
Calendar Icon
May 3, 2026
Saudi AI-powered fitness platform Metafare closes $1mn funding round
Read More
Fawry MSME Finance secures EGP 250 mn EBRD facility
News
Calendar Icon
April 27, 2026
Fawry MSME Finance secures EGP 250 mn EBRD facility
Read More
Comfi raises $65mn pre-series A round to fuel next growth stage
News
Calendar Icon
April 27, 2026
Comfi raises $65mn pre-series A round to fuel next growth stage
Read More
Lola closes $3mn seed round to accelerate regional expansions
News
Calendar Icon
April 27, 2026
Lola closes $3mn seed round to accelerate regional expansions
Read More
VC funding in Saudi Arabia slides by 62% in Q1-26
News
Calendar Icon
April 22, 2026
VC funding in Saudi Arabia slides by 62% in Q1-26
Read More
Sinai.ai raises $1.45mn pre-seed to reinvent digital reading with AI
News
Calendar Icon
April 21, 2026
Sinai.ai raises $1.45mn pre-seed to reinvent digital reading with AI
Read More
Omani hospitality cloud platform Fascano secures $10mn
News
Calendar Icon
April 21, 2026
Omani hospitality cloud platform Fascano secures $10mn
Read More
Signit lands $15mn Series A led by Raed Ventures
News
Calendar Icon
April 20, 2026
Signit lands $15mn Series A led by Raed Ventures
Read More