UAE-based investment firm Shorooq Partners has announced a significant new partnership with Hamad Al-Hajri, the Founder and CEO of Qatari tech unicorn Snoonu. Revealed at Web Summit Qatar, Al-Hajri will invest across two of Shorooq’s key strategies: its late-stage growth fund and its global AI fund. The investment amount remains undisclosed.
This collaboration reinforces the growing trend of successful regional founders reinvesting their capital and expertise back into the MENA startup ecosystem.
A Strategic Alliance For GCC Tech
The partnership signals a deeper alignment between key players in the UAE and Qatar’s technology landscapes. Al-Hajri’s investment will support Shorooq’s late-stage growth vehicle, which is backed by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), and its global AI strategy, supported by Abu Dhabi’s Presight–G42.
By welcoming a prominent Qatari operator-investor like Al-Hajri, Shorooq strengthens its presence in Doha and expands its network, furthering its ambition to build and scale breakout companies from the Gulf onto the global stage.
Backing Ambitious Gulf Builders
Mahmoud Adi, Founding Partner at Shorooq, highlighted the significance of the partnership in reflecting the region’s evolving tech maturity.
“Hamad Al-Hajri represents the new Gulf builder—an operator with real velocity, sharp product instincts, and a global bar for excellence. His decision to back both our late-stage growth strategy, supported by the Qatar Investment Authority, and our AI strategy, backed by Presight–G42, is a strong signal of where the region is heading. We are proud to deepen our roots in Doha and to continue building a platform that connects Gulf ambition with global outcomes—quietly, consistently, and at scale.”
A Founder’s Conviction in Regional Growth
For Hamad Al-Hajri, the investment reflects a strong belief in the future of technology being built within the GCC.
“The Gulf is entering a decisive phase in its technology journey. What attracted me to Shorooq is its ability to back founders across stages and sectors while maintaining institutional discipline and global standards. Investing across both the late-stage growth and AI strategies reflects my deep belief and immense pride that the most impactful companies of the next decade will be built right here in this region — proudly rooted in Qatar and the GCC, yet engineered and scaled to compete and win worldwide.”
About Shorooq Partners
Shorooq Partners is a leading seed-stage venture capital firm investing in the most innovative startups across the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan (MENAP). The firm is dedicated to building a leading-by-example institution and empowering the region’s founders with capital, mentorship, and a global network.
About Snoonu
Snoonu is a Qatari technology company that offers a one-stop-shop application for online shopping, lifestyle services, and food and grocery delivery. Founded by Hamad Al-Hajri, it has grown to become one of Qatar’s most prominent technology success stories and a local unicorn.
Source: Wamda
