Interviewer: Welcome, Zain-Alabdin Tawfiq. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Your journey from a young tech enthusiast in Saudi Arabia to the founder and CEO of Sarahah is truly inspiring. Could you start by telling us a bit about your early beginnings and what sparked your interest in technology?
Zain-Alabdin Tawfiq: Thank you for having me. My interest in technology began at a very young age. Growing up in Saudi Arabia, I was always fascinated by computers and their potential. This led me to pursue a degree in computer science at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). The technical knowledge and skills I gained there laid the foundation for my future endeavors in technology and entrepreneurship.
Interviewer: Your career path took you through several notable positions before founding Sarahah. Could you share how your experiences at WIPRO and Saudi Aramco influenced your entrepreneurial journey?
Zain-Alabdin Tawfiq: Certainly. At WIPRO, I worked as a technical consultant, where I developed expertise in software development and project management. This role helped me understand the intricacies of technology and client needs. My time at Saudi Aramco was equally significant. Working as a financial and manpower planning analyst provided me with valuable insights into strategic planning and large-scale business operations. Both experiences were instrumental in shaping my approach to entrepreneurship and innovation.
Interviewer: Before Sarahah, you founded Okoul and the Thakaa Center. How did these ventures contribute to your vision and prepare you for the launch of Sarahah?
Zain-Alabdin Tawfiq: Founding Okoul and the Thakaa Center was a crucial step in my entrepreneurial journey. Okoul aimed to support emerging technologies, while Thakaa Center, as the first SME innovation center in the region, fostered creativity and collaboration among entrepreneurs. These ventures allowed me to explore various facets of technology and innovation, which directly informed my approach when creating Sarahah.
Interviewer: Speaking of Sarahah, the app revolutionized anonymous messaging and gained global popularity. What inspired you to create Sarahah, and what were the main challenges you faced during its development?
Zain-Alabdin Tawfiq: The inspiration behind Sarahah came from the desire to create a platform where people could give and receive honest feedback without the constraints of identity. I wanted to provide a space for candid communication, which I believed could facilitate personal growth and improve interactions. The challenges we faced included technical and product development hurdles, ensuring user safety and moderation, and scaling the app to handle a large user base. Overcoming these obstacles required a combination of resilience, innovation, and strategic planning.
Interviewer: Sarahah’s success also brought some controversies, particularly related to cyberbullying. How did you address these concerns, and what measures did you implement to ensure a positive user experience?
Zain-Alabdin Tawfiq: Addressing concerns related to cyberbullying was a priority for us. We implemented several measures to improve user safety, including stricter moderation policies and reporting features. We also continuously worked on refining the app’s algorithms to detect and prevent misuse. It was important to balance the app’s core feature of anonymity with a responsibility to protect users from harmful behavior.
Interviewer: Your contributions to the tech community extend beyond Sarahah. Can you tell us about your role at the Thakaa Center and how it supports technological innovation?
Zain-Alabdin Tawfiq: At the Thakaa Center, I oversee initiatives that promote emerging technologies and support entrepreneurs. Our goal is to create an environment where innovative ideas can flourish and where collaboration between startups and established companies is encouraged. We focus on nurturing talent and providing resources that help turn creative ideas into successful ventures.
Interviewer: Your work has garnered significant recognition from global media and industry experts. How does it feel to see your vision and efforts acknowledged on such a large scale?
Zain-Alabdin Tawfiq: It’s incredibly gratifying to see the impact of Sarahah and other ventures recognized by global media and industry experts. It validates the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. However, it also motivates me to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new opportunities in the tech industry.
Interviewer: Looking back on your journey from KFUPM to global recognition, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts?
Zain-Alabdin Tawfiq: My advice would be to stay curious and never stop learning. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and remain persistent in pursuing your goals. Building a successful venture requires a combination of passion, resilience, and adaptability. Surround yourself with a supportive network and always be open to feedback and new ideas.
Interviewer: Thank you, Zain, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. Your journey is truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing how your future endeavors continue to shape the tech landscape.
Zain-Alabdin Tawfiq: Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. It’s been a pleasure discussing my journey, and I appreciate your interest in my work.
