Syria’s Thaura Enters The Global AI Race With A Bootstrapped Ethical Model

The Middle East’s artificial intelligence landscape is witnessing a significant development with the entry of Thaura, a new AI platform founded by Syrian entrepreneurs Hany and Saeed Al-Shihabi. In a market dominated by global tech giants and massive capital deployment, Thaura is distinguishing itself through a disciplined, self-funded approach that prioritizes long-term sustainability and data ethics over rapid, unchecked expansion.

Bootstrapping High-Performance AI

Entering the AI market today requires more than just a functional product; it demands a robust business model capable of weathering high operational costs. Thaura has launched as a fully bootstrapped venture, eschewing traditional venture capital aimed at rapid burn rates in favor of financial independence. The founders have leveraged high-efficiency open-source technologies to build the platform’s infrastructure. This strategic engineering choice allows the startup to deliver strong performance while maintaining strict control over operational expenditures, a critical factor for sustainable growth in the resource-intensive AI sector.

Prioritizing Data Ethics and Long-Term Value

The platform’s philosophy is embedded in its name—”Thaura” means revolution in Arabic—positioning itself as an ethical alternative to Big Tech. Unlike many AI wrappers designed for quick consumption, Thaura is engineered as a long-term project with a focus on deep architecture and responsible data management. The company emphasizes a “people over profits” approach, aiming to give users control over their data rather than exploiting it. This focus on the societal impact of technology marks a shift in how regional founders are approaching AI, moving away from mere adoption toward value-driven creation with a distinct Arab identity.

A Milestone for Syrian Entrepreneurship

The launch of Thaura represents a maturing of the Syrian entrepreneurial ecosystem. According to Riyada Plus, a media platform dedicated to Syrian innovation, the project serves as a case study for what can be achieved with clear vision and engineering discipline. By entering a highly competitive global market with a product that avoids imitation, the Al-Shihabi brothers are signaling that Syrian founders are ready to compete in deep tech and innovation sectors, moving beyond traditional service-based startups.

About Thaura

Thaura is a software development company and AI platform positioned as an ethical alternative to Big Tech. Based on the philosophy of “people over profits,” the company focuses on providing AI solutions that prioritize user data privacy and control. The platform aims to revolutionize the relationship between users and artificial intelligence by ensuring transparency and avoiding data exploitation.

About Riyada Plus

Riyada Plus is a Syrian media platform headquartered in Aleppo, dedicated to supporting and empowering Syrian entrepreneurs both locally and globally. The platform produces professional content centered on innovation, corporate establishment, digital transformation, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Through highlighting local success stories, Riyada Plus aims to build an active and influential entrepreneurial community for the future of Syria’s economy.

Source: Riyada Plus | +Riyada