In the evolving landscape of the Middle East, the Gulf region is undergoing a powerful economic transformation. Once known for its dependence on oil revenues, countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman are increasingly investing in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The result has been the emergence of a vibrant startup ecosystem—where not only venture capital flows freely but profitability is becoming a measurable reality.
While global headlines often focus on billion-dollar valuations or fundraising rounds, a smaller and more meaningful segment of startups in the Gulf is quietly delivering profits. These startups are not just chasing growth—they are building sustainable businesses. Below is an in-depth look at some of the most successful, profit-making startups in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that are reshaping industries and solidifying the region's reputation as a hub of innovation.
1. Jahez (Saudi Arabia)
Sector: Food Delivery and Logistics
Founded: 2016
Valuation: Approximately $2.4 billion
Stock Exchange: Listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul)
Jahez is one of Saudi Arabia’s most remarkable startup success stories. As a homegrown food delivery platform, it has effectively fended off international competitors by focusing on local markets, culture-driven user experience, and strong merchant relationships. The company reported consistent profitability since 2021 and has been expanding rapidly into logistics and cloud kitchens.
Jahez monetizes through commissions from restaurants, delivery charges, and service fees. Its lean operating model and localized logistics have kept operating costs in check, enabling solid net margins in a competitive industry. The company also raised investor confidence by going public, signaling strong financial discipline and long-term scalability.
2. Tabby (United Arab Emirates)
Sector: Fintech – Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)
Founded: 2019
Valuation: Over $1.5 billion
Profitability: Turned profitable in Q4 2024
Tabby has become a leading player in the BNPL space across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Unlike traditional credit providers, Tabby offers consumers short-term installment plans with no interest, generating revenue through merchant fees and interest on late payments. With the Gulf’s booming e-commerce sector and a population open to flexible financial solutions, Tabby has scaled rapidly and profitably.
Its partnerships with thousands of online and offline retailers have reduced customer acquisition costs. The startup also maintains a high repayment rate due to responsible lending criteria and smart risk algorithms.
3. Snoonu (Qatar)
Sector: Super App – Delivery, E-commerce, and Payments
Founded: 2019
Valuation: Estimated at $600 million
Profit Status: Profitable since 2023
Snoonu has evolved into one of Qatar’s most diversified startups. It began as a food delivery platform but quickly expanded into a multi-service app, offering logistics, pharmacy delivery, and even marketplace transactions. The company’s business model includes delivery fees, commissions, and subscription services for vendors and users.
What sets Snoonu apart is its efficient operations and heavy localization. With rising customer loyalty, strong investor backing, and increasing digital adoption in Qatar, Snoonu’s profitability has grown consistently since 2023.
4. Tarabut Gateway (Bahrain and UAE)
Sector: Fintech – Open Banking
Founded: 2017
Headquarters: Bahrain with operations in UAE
Revenue Growth: Over 150 percent Year-on-Year
Profitability: Reached break-even in early 2025
Tarabut Gateway is a pioneer in the open banking space in the MENA region. It provides APIs that allow banks and fintechs to securely share customer data, thereby enabling new financial services. With regulatory support from Bahrain and the UAE, the company has grown into a trusted fintech infrastructure provider.
Tarabut Gateway earns revenue through API licensing, transaction fees, and consulting services. Its enterprise-grade SaaS model and compliance with financial regulations have allowed it to scale sustainably and reach profitability in a niche but growing market.
5. Yalla Group (UAE)
Sector: Social Networking and Digital Entertainment
Founded: 2016
Listed: Nasdaq, USA
Annual Net Profit (2024): Approximately $82 million
Yalla is one of the few GCC-based startups to be publicly listed on an international exchange. It operates a voice-based chat platform and gaming ecosystem tailored for Arabic-speaking users. Yalla earns most of its revenue through in-app purchases and virtual gifts. The company has achieved consistently high gross margins, thanks to its digital-only operations and low infrastructure costs.
Its ability to monetize through microtransactions, combined with a strong user retention strategy, has made Yalla a standout in the social tech landscape and one of the most profitable startups in the region.
6. eMushrif (Oman)
Sector: Internet of Things (IoT) and Transport Tech
Founded: 2016
Primary Market: Education and Public Transport
Profitability: Positive cash flow since 2022
eMushrif provides smart transport solutions through real-time GPS, RFID systems, and AI-powered analytics. Originally designed for school buses, the technology is now being applied in government and private transport fleets. The company’s revenue model includes device installation, SaaS subscriptions, and data services.
Backed by Omani innovation funds and several Gulf-based investors, eMushrif has achieved profitability through government contracts and scalable software solutions. It serves as a case study in how deep-tech startups in emerging markets can build profitable, impact-driven models.
Regional Factors Driving Profitability
Several macro and microeconomic factors are enabling startups in the Gulf to pursue profitability without sacrificing growth:
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Government Support: Vision 2030 (Saudi Arabia), National Innovation Strategy (UAE), and similar frameworks are fostering startup ecosystems with funding, regulatory reform, and infrastructure.
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Wealth and Market Access: The Gulf region has a high-income population with strong digital adoption, making it a fertile ground for consumer tech and fintech.
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Low Taxation Environment: Corporate taxes remain relatively low, improving margins and attracting global investors.
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Digital-First Consumers: A young, tech-savvy population with high smartphone penetration creates demand for innovation-led products and services.
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Cross-Border Scalability: Many startups are now expanding across the GCC, leveraging shared language, culture, and regulatory harmonization.
Conclusion
While not every Gulf startup turns a profit overnight, the region is beginning to see a powerful shift from the “grow fast at any cost” mindset to one that emphasizes sustainable, scalable, and revenue-generating business models. Startups like Jahez, Tabby, and Tarabut Gateway are proving that it is possible to be both innovative and financially successful.
As Gulf nations continue their push to diversify their economies, the focus on profitable innovation will likely grow. These startups are not only changing how the Middle East does business—they are laying the foundation for the next wave of global tech leaders.
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