Saud Al Qahtani (Ninja): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Saud Al Qahtani is a multifaceted figure associated with both controversial roles in Saudi Arabia's political landscape and innovative ventures in the technology and quick-commerce sectors. While he is notably known as a former royal court advisor implicated in high-profile political incidents, including the Jamal Khashoggi case, he has also co-founded "Ninja," a fast-growing quick-commerce startup in Saudi Arabia. This blend of political influence and entrepreneurial activity makes Saud Al Qahtani a noteworthy persona in the MENA region. Below, we examine 10 key aspects about Saud Al Qahtani and his involvement with Ninja, alongside related subjects inspired by recent developments and regional interests.

1. Saud Al Qahtani’s Profile and Political Career

Born on July 7, 1978, in Riyadh, Saud Al Qahtani is a former consultant and advisor to the Saudi Royal Court. He held influential positions, including General Supervisor of the Center for Studies and Media Affairs. Educated in law, criminal justice, and security sciences, he was known for orchestrating media and cyber strategies in support of the Saudi monarchy. However, his career became highly controversial following allegations of involvement in forced detentions, torture of activists, and the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. These allegations attracted international sanctions and led to his reported dismissal and house arrest.

2. Saud Al Qahtani and Ninja: The Start of a New Venture

Amidst his complex political backdrop, Saud Al Qahtani co-founded Ninja in 2022, a Saudi quick-commerce startup aimed at rapidly delivering groceries and daily essentials. Founded alongside Canberk Donmez and Ebrahim Al-Jassim, Ninja represents a significant pivot for Al Qahtani into the technology and entrepreneurial sector. The company rapidly grew its operations across Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries, including Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, highlighting his diverse involvement beyond politics.

3. Ninja’s Growth and Funding Milestones

Ninja exploded onto the scene with a distinctive business model focused on 25-minute deliveries from a network of dark stores. Since its foundation, Ninja has raised substantial funding, including a reported $250 million pre-IPO round led by Riyad Capital. This capital injection pushed its valuation to approximately $1.5 billion, granting it unicorn status. Its funding rounds demonstrated investor confidence in Saudi Arabia’s emerging tech ecosystem and Ninja’s position as a market leader.

4. Canberk Donmez: Co-founder & Team Dynamics

Canberk Donmez, a key co-founder of Ninja alongside Saud Al Qahtani, brings international business expertise to the venture. Based in Riyadh and active in the tech startup ecosystem, Donmez has been recognized as a born leader with strong communication skills and innovative thinking. His leadership complements Al Qahtani’s strategic contributions, making Ninja a formidable player in the regional quick-commerce market.

5. Ninja’s Operational Footprint in Saudi Arabia and GCC

Ninja operates extensively across Saudi Arabia’s major cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province—with plans to expand nationwide and deepen its regional presence. The startup serves over 28 cities, covering more than 80% of Saudi Arabia’s population. Its service spectrum includes grocery, beauty, skincare, and pet supplies, positioning it uniquely in the Middle Eastern quick-commerce scene.

6. The Business Model: Dark Stores and Fast Deliveries

Central to Ninja’s success is its use of dark stores—warehouses strategically located in urban areas enabling fast pick-up and delivery. The company boasts an average delivery time of approximately 15 to 25 minutes, driven by technology-powered logistics and a curated product selection. This rapid delivery service aligns with shifting consumer behavioral patterns post-COVID-19 pandemic and growing demand for convenience.

7. Saud Al Qahtani and Canberk Donmez Collaboration

The partnership between Saud Al Qahtani and Canberk Donmez melds political acumen with entrepreneurial savvy, facilitating Ninja’s rapid ascendancy. Their combined efforts have been pivotal in navigating Saudi Arabia’s challenging startup landscape, securing venture capital investments, and crafting a tech-driven e-commerce platform with sustainable unit economics.

8. Ninja's Position Within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

Ninja’s rise coincides with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aimed at economic diversification and fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem. The company exemplifies the Kingdom's emphasis on supporting entrepreneurship and integrating digital transformation into everyday life. Its success signals the growing maturity of the Saudi venture capital space, where considerable funding continues to stream into technology startups.

9. فروع نينجا في السعودية (Ninja Branches in Saudi Arabia)

Ninja has expanded its physical and operational footprint aggressively within Saudi Arabia. With over 100 dark stores opened as of early 2025, the company covers diverse geographic and demographic markets, including urban and regional centers. These branches enable quicker order fulfillment and customized in-app offers catering to local consumer preferences, reinforcing Ninja’s role as a household name in Saudi quick commerce.

10. Public Perception and Future IPO Plans

While Saud Al Qahtani's political past entails international scrutiny and controversy, Ninja itself has cultivated a strong reputation for speed, convenience, and customer satisfaction in the Gulf region. The startup is reportedly preparing for an initial public offering on the Saudi stock exchange (Tadawul) by 2027, reflecting ambitions for further growth and transparency. The planned IPO also represents broader efforts to deepen Saudi Arabia’s capital markets and build sustainable tech businesses.

Conclusion

Saud Al Qahtani is a complex figure whose career spans the realms of political influence and entrepreneurial innovation. His role as co-founder of Ninja marks a notable chapter in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning tech sector, showcasing an interplay between legacy influence and forward-looking business ventures. Ninja’s rapid rise to unicorn status illuminates the dynamic growth potential within Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem, aligned with the national Vision 2030. However, Al Qahtani’s controversial background reminds us of the intricate overlaps between power, policy, and economic transformation in the region. As Ninja moves toward its IPO, it will be interesting to observe how this startup defines its identity separate from its founders and navigates the future of quick-commerce in the Middle East.