Gathern, the Saudi peer-to-peer rental platform, has emerged as a dominant force in the Kingdom’s tourism industry, capturing 44% of the short-term rental market and facilitating over $2 billion in gross booking value. Led by co-founder Latifah Altamimi, the profitable company is now preparing for its next phase of regional expansion with the backing of the global entrepreneurial network, Endeavor.
By The Numbers
- Market Share: 44%
- Gross Booking Value: > $2 Billion
- Users Served: 5+ Million
- Cities Covered: 200+
- Profitable Since: 2023
From a New Concept to a Market Leader
Launched in 2017 after Latifah Altamimi was inspired by the Airbnb model while studying in the US, Gathern effectively created a new business category in Saudi Arabia. At a time when the concept was still new to the Kingdom, Gathern became the first company to receive a license from the Ministry of Tourism for peer-to-peer rentals. This first-mover advantage, combined with a deep understanding of the local market, allowed the company to scale rapidly.
Unlocking the Kingdom’s Tourism Potential
Gathern’s platform has been instrumental in expanding Saudi Arabia’s accommodation offerings beyond traditional hotels. By tapping into a vast supply of unused private properties, the company has provided access to previously inaccessible destinations. In the ancient city of al-Ula, for example, Gathern increased the number of available rooms from less than 100 to over 800 within just 12 months, opening up the historic site to a new wave of tourists.
The Inflection Point: Partnering with Endeavor for Global Growth
After achieving profitability and a dominant position in its home market, Gathern has reached a strategic inflection point. The company is now focused on finding new revenue streams and expanding internationally into neighboring markets such as Kuwait and Bahrain. To support this next chapter, founder Latifah Altamimi has been selected as an Endeavor Entrepreneur, gaining access to the organization’s global network of mentors and entrepreneurs to help navigate the complexities of regional expansion.
“Being a Saudi female entrepreneur, there are some communities or platforms that are harder for me to join,” said Latifah. “Joining Endeavor will broaden my network and give me access to a richer community domestically and internationally.”
About Gathern
Founded in 2017 by Latifah Altamimi and Eman Alsuwailem, Gathern is Saudi Arabia’s leading peer-to-peer short-term rental platform. It connects property owners with millions of domestic and international tourists across more than 200 cities and governorates in the Kingdom.
Looking Ahead
Gathern stands as a powerful example of a “local hero” startup that achieved massive success by building a product tailored to its home market. The company’s journey from a single rental listing to a market-dominating, profitable enterprise is a testament to its founders’ vision. As Gathern prepares to take its model abroad, its story serves as a powerful inspiration for the next generation of entrepreneurs, especially women, in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
Source: Endeavor
