Poduval: Saal.ai mission is to ensure AI contributes national progress particularly in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030

1- Saal.ai is one of the region’s pioneering AI companies, with solutions developed entirely in-country. How did this shape your vision and approach to AI development, and how do your solutions reflect the needs of the local and regional markets?

At Saal.ai, our journey has always been guided by a simple but powerful belief that artificial intelligence should be developed with purpose, and for the people it’s meant to serve. Being one of the region’s pioneering AI companies that develop all its solutions in-country, we have a unique vantage point. It’s not just about technological capability, it’s about cultural insight, linguistic relevance, and a deep understanding of the region’s strategic priorities. 

Our in-house team of highly skilled experts designs and builds technologies that are not only innovative but also closely aligned with national goals. What truly sets us apart is our deep-rooted understanding of the region. Our products are not just built for the region - they are built from it. From advanced Arabic language capabilities to strict adherence to local data privacy and sovereignty laws, our solutions reflect the linguistic, cultural, and societal fabric of the communities we serve.

We have also been fortunate to be part of a vibrant innovation ecosystem in the country, working closely with government, academia, and industry to co-create solutions that address real-world challenges in sectors like energy, education, healthcare, finance, and public services. 

Our mission is to ensure AI not only advances technology but also contributes meaningfully to national progress -particularly in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. We see our role as a catalyst - developing homegrown innovations that empower institutions, uplift communities, and shape a future that’s not only smarter, but more inclusive and resilient.

2- Your AI platforms are gaining traction across industries. Can you share how these solutions are transforming sectors such as energy or public services?

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the products you have built being embraced by the people they were created for. But their success isn’t just due to cutting-edge features - it’s because they are driving meaningful impact where it matters most. We take a sector-first approach to AI. That means we don’t offer generic tools, we build purpose-driven platforms designed to solve complex challenges faced by governments, industries, and communities in our region. These platforms are powered by data, driven by insight, and built with foresight.

Take the energy sector, for instance. Our DigiXT platform enables predictive maintenance and optimized performance, helping utilities reduce downtime and boost sustainability. In public services, platforms like DigiXT and MarketHub are transforming how agencies operate. By integrating unifying data and enabling real-time decision-making, these platforms empower governments to be more responsive and citizen-centric - delivering smarter services, faster.

Healthcare is another area where we are seeing powerful impact. DigiXT integrates patient records, imaging, and IoT data to enable personalized, predictive care. That means earlier diagnoses, more efficient resource allocation, and ultimately better outcomes, while staying fully compliant with local healthcare regulations. Similarly in workforce development, AcademyX helps institutions identify skill gaps and plan targeted upskilling initiatives that support national goals like Saudi Vision 2030.

What truly sets our platforms - DigiXT, MarketHub, Data Prism 360, and AcademyX - apart is their regional foundation. Built entirely within the GCC, they reflect the local language, culture, and regulatory landscape from the ground up, making them both impactful and uniquely relevant to the region’s needs.

We also have structured programs to train nationals to develop the talent pool and enhance the innovation and in-country products.

3- With Saudi Arabia making bold strides in AI and data-driven transformation under Vision 2030, do you see potential opportunities for Saal.ai to contribute to the Kingdom’s digital goals in the future?

Absolutely. We see Saal.ai playing a key role in Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation journey. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is more than a strategy, it’s a national movement toward a smarter, more data-empowered future. As AI and data science become central pillars of this transition, the opportunities for meaningful impact are vast, and that’s exactly where we thrive. Our recent expansion into the Kingdom reflects our deep commitment to driving digital innovation across key sectors like healthcare, real estate, energy, public services, and data governance. 

As I already mentioned, with platforms like DigiXT and AcademyX, we enable transformation across various sectors. Since we own the product, we want to release made- in Saudi products that can contribute to long term digital goals. We are excited to partner with public and private entities alike to co-create AI-powered tools that are purposeful, future-ready, and aligned with Vision 2030: innovation, excellence, and sustainable growth.

4- As AI continues to evolve rapidly, what is Saal.ai’s long-term vision for growth and innovation, and how do you see the company contributing to shaping the future of AI in the GCC region?

Our long-term vision is to position the Gulf as a global leader in sovereign, purpose-driven AI. We believe the region has both the capability and the responsibility to shift from being a passive consumer of imported technologies to becoming an active creator of responsible, locally built AI innovations.

We are focusing on developing secure, scalable, and ethically grounded AI solutions that deliver real impact in critical sectors like healthcare, energy, and public services. Beyond products, we’re building a collaborative regional AI ecosystem by working closely with governments, academia, and industry to invest in research, nurture local talent, and shape governance frameworks that reflect GCC values and priorities.

Our goal is to support the region’s shift from digital adoption to digital leadership, enabling the development and deployment of AI within the region. Ultimately, we aim to drive progress, boost self-reliance, and help build a smarter, more resilient future for the Gulf.