Applab: Inspiring innovation in software, data and cloud engineering
Applab, a leading software, data, and cloud engineering house in Qatar, has been establishing its prominence since 2016. Recently receiving the award of the Service Provider of the Year in the Qatar Digital Awards of 2021, the company has also excitedly celebrated its 100th employee this past month.
The meaning behind Applab is simple, yet incredibly valuable. A visit to the office will have you realizing that it is no traditional office, but more like a lab. An inspiring full team sits together in an open environment to produce applications, such as websites, mobile applications, even intranet, and other digital products.
The company has experienced steady and exponential growth. According to Al-Hasan AlSamarraie, the founding managing partner at Applab, they are distinguished from other companies due to the fact that they are focused on building proper software, data, and cloud engineering. AlSamarraie explains, “In general, this is not available in the market. There are general IT companies or system integrators that do bits and pieces of everything. There are also some design marketing agencies that claim to do software. But a dedicated company that is specialized in what we do is not there, so we found that gap and are now considered a leading software, data, and cloud engineering house in Qatar.”
Applab has a wide range of clients, with a large engagement all over Qatar. Initially, Applab began by doing software as a service framework. It made its start within the charity sector, through what is called social charity. Currently, it is running charity operations, online donations, SMS donations, and collection point management for a number of charity organizations and pop-ups including Education Above All, Qatar Cancer Society, and selected organizations. From there, AlSamarraie explains that the company started the servicing approach of doing custom software for their clients. Aside from finding great success in this component of their business,
In 2017, Applab released its first product which led to being recognized by multiple organizations. As a result, they were soon approached by government entities. During the beginning of the pandemic, there were a number of entities that required immediate platforms and high quality. Applab stood out due to its hardworking and well-prepared employees that could produce quality software products, during a tight timeline, that matched the expectations of their clients. This resulted in Applab successfully accruing direct awards, direct orders, and partnerships with government entities and also enterprises.
With diverse degrees that include a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence, AlSamarraie, along with his team, provide mentorship for startups and entrepreneurs to support them through their journey. While Applab has seen great success due to its inspiring hard work ethic and dedication, this is also due to its mission. AlSamarraie states, “We believe that economic growth, environment, sustainability, and quality of life for citizens and residents of a country are all related to the quality of digital products that can run these aspects or dimensions.”
When it comes to tips for entrepreneurs and anyone that might be interested in creating an application or working on a platform, AlSamarraie has one powerful word: persistence. “One of the main tips that I always reiterate when it comes to startups and proposals is being persistent. We are very grateful to not have any unsatisfied clients, so we have had no project that we can call a failure or a project that ended up with a client who's not satisfied.” As AlSamarraie explains, this is due to two major factors: high quality standards processes, and being persistent and consistent in the deliveries, and reaching out to the client.
With their continued success, Applab is appreciative of their partners and entities that have supported them throughout their journey. This includes the Ministry of Communication and Technology (MCIT) have been a major part of where Applab is today. This also includes Microsoft which has been their technology partner when it comes to cloud and software engineering. Applab is also grateful to enterprises they are partnered with such as Oliver Wyman, PwC, and Deloitte. Applab is not an SME, but today is a leading software, data, and cloud engineering company that was born in Qatar and is expanding regionally as a leader.
Applab is a major cornerstone when it comes to diversifying the economy in Qatar, which is a part of the 2030 vision. This is because the company is doing a technology-based economy that can also export services and knowledge to neighboring countries in the region from Qatar, not only as a product but also as a very successful service.
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