Gamechangers: Seez's Tarek Kabrit

A seasoned investor with a 20-year career in international finance, Tarek Kabrit is the co-founder and CEO of Seez, a Dubai-based startup providing data-driven artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solutions to automotive businesses.

Seez’s proprietary technology and AI chatbot, Seezar—the first to be purpose-built for the automotive industry in the region—is bridging key gaps between car buyers and dealerships across the GCC, helping to create a more personalized journey for consumers and drive sales. And the strength of its offering can be ascertained in the fact that in February this year, Seez was acquired by a leading automotive technology software provider, the UK-based Pinewood Technologies.

According to Kabrit, Seez’s acquisition marks a rare moment for a startup from the region. “We were a startup in Dubai that took a bold bet on AI, at a time when very few were doing so, especially in the MENA,” he says. “Startups rarely get acquired, and in our region, it’s even more uncommon. When Seez was acquired by Pinewood in February 2025, it was a milestone that statistically has lower odds than a college athlete making it to the NBA.”

That said, Kabrit believes Seez’s achievement bodes well for the future of the region’s AI ecosystem. “In the years ahead, the MENA won’t just follow global AI trends—it will create them,” he said. “Seez is living proof that a homegrown AI startup from the region can not only scale internationally, but also achieve a successful acquisition. As investment, talent, and innovation continue to converge, the MENA is rapidly emerging as a global tech hub, ready to export AI solutions that rival the best in the world.”

Pictured in the lead image is the co-founder and CEO of Seez, Tarek Kabrit. Image courtesy Seez.

Tarek Kabrit was one of the artificial intelligence (AI) innovators celebrated in Gamechangers, a special feature built for Inc. Arabia's April/May 2025 issue. For the full list of Gamechangers, please click here.