Q&A WITH RAHA’S CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE SALEH AL TUNAIB
Q Who is your role model? A I draw inspiration from people from within my personal and professional circles as well as the broader global business community.
I believe there’s a wealth of knowledge and experience to be gained from people and from companies who have left their mark on the world. Jeff Bezos and his revolutionary work with Amazon or a company like Costco, which changed the face of the retail industry, are examples.
Studying and analysing these change makers allows me to learn and adapt, taking bits of wisdom from various leaders, entrepreneurs who exhibit qualities of resilience, innovation and leadership.
What is your mantra for success?
In the fast-evolving tech logistics industry, I believe that facing challenges head-on and constantly acquiring new knowledge are key to staying ahead and achieving success.
Are you a risk-taker or a cautious entrepreneur?
I consider myself a calculated risk-taker. It’s essential in the tech industry to take well-considered risks to innovate and stay competitive. But I always make sure that these risks are backed by thorough research and analysis.
What successful start-ups do you wish you had started and why?
I do not wish to have started another start-up as my focus and passion are entirely invested in Raha. Every challenge as well as success with Raha have been a valuable part of my journey. The journey with Raha, from its conception to its current stage and the vision for its future, is exactly where I want it to be. I wouldn’t trade this experience for any other start-up story.
Where do you see Raha in five years from now?
In five years, I see Raha as a leading innovator in the global logistics tech market, with focus on integration of robotics across our operations and portfolio. This strategy is not just about leveraging existing robotic technologies, but also about being a pioneer in this space. We aim to shift from importing technology to the GCC, to becoming a hub for manufacturing and exporting innovative robotics. Our goal is to transform the logistics landscape through tailored advisory services and solutions, setting new standards in the industry and contributing significantly to its evolution.
What would you change if you had to do it all over again?
Looking back, the main adjustment I would consider is initiating Raha’s journey a bit earlier. The tech logistics sector is a landscape of constant evolution and opportunity, and an earlier start would have provided us with an extended timeline to explore and innovate.
What new skills have you learnt with launching Raha? Launching Raha has enhanced my ability to blend people with different mindsets and backgrounds into a unified, effective team. This is about more than just team management, it’s about creating a collaborative space where different perspectives come together to achieve a collective vision, which is vital in the logistics tech sector.
What is your advice for budding entrepreneurs?
Be passionate about your vision but be flexible in your approach. Understand that failure is part of the journey. I have failed more than I have succeeded. In building Raha, every setback was a learning opportunity that helped us to adapt and move forward. Building a strong team and not being afraid to seek help are key factors. The path to success is rarely a straight line. It’s the lessons we learn and how we apply them that define our journey.