Snoonu, a homegrown Qatari super-app and tech pioneer, has announced the expansion of its research and development (R&D) program, driven by continued local investment and centered around the launch of its flagship Innovation District.
The initiative underscores Snoonu’s commitment to building world-class technology in Qatar for both local and regional markets, while actively supporting the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Over the years, the company has built a solid track record in research and development, leading groundbreaking projects in artificial intelligence, logistics, and customer experience. These efforts have resulted in award-winning achievements and reinforced Snoonu’s position as a national leader in innovation.
With a planned investment of $206 million (750 million Qatari riyals) until 2030, the Qatari startup continues to deploy technologies that streamline operations and reduce delivery times, ultimately saving consumers valuable time in their daily routines.
Launch of Innovation District Marks New Chapter for Snoonu
The new R&D program centers on a major milestone in Snoonu’s growth, the Snoonu Innovation District. As a dedicated hub for cutting-edge technologies and talent development, the center embodies Snoonu’s champion vision to push the boundaries of innovation while creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing and collaboration across industries.
Hamad Al Hajri Founder & CEO – Snoonu
“Snoonu was built on the belief that Qatar can create technology at global standards while reflecting our local values. By deepening our R&D investment and launching the Snoonu Innovation District, we’re putting that belief to work, cultivating talent, accelerating innovation, and delivering impact for our customers, partners, and community.”
Empowering the Next Generation of Tech Leaders
Looking ahead, the company’s R&D efforts will concentrate on scalable solutions that reinforce Qatar’s position as a global leader in technology. Central to this strategy is the company’s plan to onboard 1,000 engineers by 2030, creating pathways for local talent to become future technology leaders while enriching the ecosystem with expertise from more than 90 nationalities.
This commitment is reflected in Snoonu’s collaboration with Qatar Foundation universities, where graduates are empowered and integrated into the team. These initiatives not only enhance its competitive edge in the Qatari market but also lay the foundation for sustainable regional and global expansion.
“Our five-year R&D strategy focuses on advancing AI, automation, and sustainable green logistics. We are also strengthening our super-app ecosystem for GCC markets to deliver smarter, more personalized customer experiences while keeping human connection at the core,” said Jose Juan, Director of R&D – Logistics Product/Engineering of Snoonu.
Imge Supplied | Cropped by GBN
Alignment with National Vision & Ecosystem Building
The Qatari company’s R&D agenda is designed to align with Qatar’s priorities for economic diversification, human capital development, and sustainability. By investing in talent and technology, the company is reinforcing the nation’s innovation ecosystem and contributing to its long-term strategy of becoming a global hub for technology and entrepreneurship.
Beyond business growth, its R&D innovations are shaping Qatar’s wider innovation ecosystem. The company has supported global events such as Formula 1, MotoGP, and the Doha Book Fair with advanced technology, while also advancing education through research collaborations and empowering SMEs and home businesses with digital platforms and reliable infrastructure.
These achievements are reinforced by $219 million (QAR 800 million) in strategic investment from Jahez Group, valuing the company at over $274 million (QAR 1 billion) and making it the first Qatari tech startup to cross this milestone.
This landmark positions Snoonu on the path to becoming Qatar’s first unicorn and one of the most dynamic technology powerhouses in the GCC. The investment reflects strong confidence in Snoonu’s growth trajectory and will fuel its regional expansion while enhancing innovation across its platforms.
