The GCC’s Tech Vanguard: Clusterlab's Haithem Kchaou
The founder and CEO of Clusterlab was one of the 30 innovators celebrated in Inc. Arabia's December 2024 special feature, The GCC's Tech Vanguard.
Haithem Kchaou claims to have always been driven by a passion for leveraging technology to address inefficiencies and improve workflows, and that’s what led the founder and CEO of UAE-based artificial intelligence (AI) company Clusterlab to develop Callab.ai, an AI-powered voice agent with a human-like voice that handles call management for businesses, including bookings and customer queries. As per Kchaou, this innovation boosts efficiency by automating over 80 percent of routine calls, allowing companies to reallocate human resources to more strategic tasks.
“We became interested in developing Callab.ai due to a clear gap in how businesses handle routine – yet critical – communication tasks,” Kchaou explains. “For years, manual processes like answering calls, booking appointments, or managing sales inquiries have consumed valuable human resources, often leading to inefficiencies and lost opportunities. With the rise of advanced AI and voice technologies, we saw an opportunity to create a solution that seamlessly integrates into business workflows, enhancing productivity and customer satisfaction. What excites us most is the potential for Callab.ai to redefine how businesses interact with their clients. By leveraging AI, we aim to enable businesses of all sizes to access high-quality virtual communication tools, democratizing technology previously available only to large corporations.”
“The world is rapidly adopting AI solutions, and the GCC is leading this change,” Kchaou adds. “At Clusterlab, we foresee rapid adoption of AI voice technologies in the region, transforming customer service by reducing manual effort and improving accuracy. Companies can no longer afford to miss this AI shift. Future advancements will focus on more context-aware systems, delivering personalized, faster interactions across sectors like healthcare, education, and hospitality.”
A Playbook For Success: Haithem Kchaou
Given the investment that GCC countries are putting into tech, what role do you think the region will play in the global landscape in the future?
“The GCC is rapidly becoming a global hub for technology, with significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and smart cities. Governments in the UAE and Saudi Arabia have prioritized AI in their national strategies, showcasing a strong commitment to innovation. With its young, tech-savvy population and strategic location, the region is well-positioned to influence global AI standards and attract leading tech companies. As an AI startup, we see immense opportunities to thrive in this dynamic ecosystem, while contributing to the GCC’s ambitious vision for the future.”
What advice would you give to young people/new businesses looking to start/grow in your field/industry?
“Success in the tech industry begins with a strong foundation. Reading widely helps you understand how the world works and build mental models for better decision-making. Following your curiosity often leads to valuable ideas. Focus on solving real-world problems by addressing specific pain points and creating scalable solutions. Stay adaptable, refining your product as technology evolves and feedback emerges. Understanding your market is essential; in regions like the GCC, tailoring solutions to local needs while planning for scalability is key. Collaborating with accelerators, government programs, and the broader ecosystem can unlock significant opportunities in this dynamic region.”
Clusterlab's Haithem Kchaou was one of the 30 innovators celebrated in Inc. Arabia's December 2024 special feature, The GCC's Tech Vanguard. For the full list of The GCC's Tech Vanguard, please click here.
