The Minbar.ai Story
Founded March 2026. From 9 experts to 50+. Every milestone on our journey to becomethe Gulf's premier AI expert marketplace.
Mar 2026
Founded
50+
Experts
92
API Routes
12
Countries
Journey So Far
Minbar.ai Founded
Launched in Dubai as the first premium AI expert marketplace built specifically for the Gulf.
9 Founding Experts
Onboarded 9 world-class AI experts: Mo Gawdat, Fei-Fei Li, Cassie Kozyrkov, Andrew Ng, Yann LeCun, Gary Marcus, Kate Crawford, Rumman Chowdhury, and Joy Buolamwini.
Platform V1 Live
Full Next.js 15 platform deployed on Vercel with 92 API routes, dark theme, and bilingual support.
92 Routes Deployed
Complete infrastructure: speaker profiles, cultural briefs, HRDF calculator, government proposals, and more.
Arabic Language Launch
Full Arabic interface at /ar with RTL layout, Arabic typography, and bilingual content across all pages.
First Booking Inquiry
Saudi government entity submitted the first official speaker request through the platform.
Etimad Registration
Approved as vendor on Saudi government procurement portal. Government contracts enabled.
HRDF Compliance
All training programs certified as HRDF-eligible for Saudi workforce development reimbursement.
Expert Roster: 20
Added Gulf-based AI leaders, Arabic NLP specialists, and emerging voices from the region.
First Corporate Training
Delivered 2-day AI leadership workshop for a major Saudi financial institution.
University Partnerships
Signed speaker series agreements with KAUST and UAE University.
50 Experts Milestone
Roster expanded to 50+ verified AI experts spanning 12 countries and 8 AI specializations.
Future Roadmap
Q3 2026
- Launch expert matching algorithm (AI-powered recommendation engine)
- Video introduction library for all 50+ experts
- Mobile-optimized booking flow
- Real-time availability calendar integration
Q4 2026
- GITEX Global 2026: supply 6 keynote speakers
- Saudi FII: supply 3 featured speakers
- Launch organizer dashboard with real-time booking status
- Expand to 75 experts including Arabic NLP specialists
2027
- Target: 100 verified AI experts on the platform
- Launch Minbar.ai Enterprise: dedicated account management for large organizations
- Expand beyond GCC to broader MENA region
- AI-powered cultural briefing generation
- Launch Minbar.ai Academy: recorded workshops from top experts
Join the Journey
Whether you're an organizer, expert, or investor — there's a place for you at Minbar.ai.