In the dynamic and fast-evolving landscape of Middle Eastern retail, Mazen AlDarrab stands at the forefront of digital commerce innovation. As the Founder and CEO of Zid, Mazen has dedicated his career to empowering businesses across the MENAP region to thrive in the digital age. Beyond his pivotal role at Zid, he serves as a board member and angel investor, nurturing startups with the same commitment he brings to building the e-commerce ecosystem. With advanced academic credentials and years of industry experience, Mazen is uniquely positioned to discuss the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and retail growth.
In this exclusive conversation, he shares his journey, Zid’s role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and the strategies that are shaping the future of e-commerce in the region.
Saudi Arabian e-commerce revolution: Building a scalable vision
What inspired you to found Zid in 2017, and how has your vision evolved over eight years?
“I wanted to build something scalable with a higher impact,” Mazen explains. “At the time, small retailers in Saudi Arabia were largely dependent on Instagram to connect with customers. My aim was to create a solution that not only upgraded their selling experience but did so with minimal tech barriers. As Zid grew, we discovered that we weren’t just improving efficiency, we were fueling real, measurable growth for our merchants. Unlocking that growth became our core mission.”
Saudi Arabian e-commerce revolution: Zid and Vision 2030
How is Zid contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, especially in digital transformation and economic diversification
“SMEs drive the Saudi economy and hold a central role in Vision 2030. That’s why Zid is deeply committed to empowering this sector. Over the past eight years, Zid and its merchants have contributed more than 7 billion SAR to local content and sales, while also creating over 50,000 jobs across the value chain. We’re proud to be an engine for both digital transformation and local opportunity.”
Saudi Arabian e-commerce revolution: Growing across the region
How do you plan to expand Zid’s presence across the GCC while maintaining quality?
“Around 10% of our merchants are now outside Saudi Arabia, including in Kuwait, Oman, and the UAE. Our first move in any new market is hiring a local expert who understands the ecosystem and shares our company DNA. This approach allows us to build a strong foundation and deliver the consistent quality Zid is known for.”
What does Zid’s ‘Total Commerce’ vision mean, and how is AI transforming your platform?
“For retailers today, success means being everywhere: online, offline, in-store, and on marketplaces, all managed from a single dashboard. That’s ‘Total Commerce.’ The only way to simplify such complexity is through automation and smart technology. AI provides crucial insights and automates repetitive tasks, becoming the glue that holds our ecosystem together.”
Saudi Arabian e-commerce revolution: Leveraging data for merchant success
How does data analytics help merchants increase conversion rates and basket sizes?
“Data drives performance. When merchants understand metrics like average basket size, they can maximize profitability. Thanks to AI-driven analytics, our partners are moving from gut-feeling decisions to actions rooted in real-time and historical data, and the results speak for themselves.”
Saudi Arabian e-commerce revolution: Standing out in a competitive market
How do you approach competition, especially with players like Salla?
“Since day one, our goal has been to help shape the e-commerce market, not just compete within it. It’s a growing sector, with room for many players. Initially, we concentrated on high-quality service for mid-sized and larger merchants. Now, with new self-serve tools, we’re reaching a broader community, including smaller retailers eager for digital growth.”
Saudi Arabian e-commerce revolution: Marketplace integrations
What’s Zid’s strategy for marketplace integrations, starting with Amazon
“Our partnership with Amazon—the first for an Arab platform—was only the beginning. By connecting with major marketplaces like Trendyol and Jahez, we empower Zid merchants to sell not just within Saudi Arabia but regionally and beyond. It’s all about enabling growth wherever the opportunities are.”
Saudi Arabian e-commerce revolution: Strategic partnerships for marketing and traffic
What role do partnerships with TikTok, Snapchat, Meta, and Google play in merchant success?
“Marketing is critical. Merchants already invest in reaching customers through top advertising platforms. Zid’s seamless integration with these networks amplifies their campaigns for maximum impact, while our educational resources equip merchants and marketers to optimize their returns.”
What challenges do SMEs face in their digital transition, and how does Zid help?
“Every stage of business presents unique hurdles. By segmenting merchants based on order volumes or sales levels, we design data-driven, practical solutions. There’s simply no universal approach, each merchant’s growth journey is unique.”
Saudi Arabian e-commerce revolution: Protecting merchants through scaling cybersecurity
How does Zid ensure cybersecurity and data protection for its merchants?
“Security is paramount. In addition to meeting strict regulatory requirements, Zid has invested in accreditations like (ISO27001) to safeguard merchant data and provide total peace of mind.”
Saudi Arabian e-commerce revolution: How does Zid financing empower merchants?
“Inorganic growth requires capital for inventory and healthy cash flow. Through Zid Financing, we offer diverse funding options, deploying over 50 million SAR to date, enabling our merchants to achieve remarkable revenue uplift and scale their operations.”
Saudi Arabian e-commerce revolution: Building a growth-focused leadership team
What qualities do you prioritize in Zid leadership and in new markets?
“We’re all about a growth mindset. Team members must be deeply committed to local communities and bring a sense of ownership and engagement. That level of dedication is non-negotiable.”
Saudi Arabian e-commerce revolution: Zid’s future
Where do you see Zid in the next five years
“Our mission is to unlock merchant growth. With our base in KSA solidified, we’re set on regional expansion. becoming the leading growth partner for ambitious merchants everywhere.”
Saudi Arabian e-commerce revolution: Advice for Saudi tech entrepreneurs
“Invest in your team and local talent. They bring invaluable context, passion, and a sense of ownership that will shape and strengthen your company from within.”
Saudi Arabian e-commerce revolution: Defining the Zid difference
In your words, what makes Zid special?
“We are unapologetically growth-centric. Whatever drives merchant growth, we pursue it wholeheartedly. Growth is not just a priority, it’s at the heart of our company DNA.”
For more information, visit Zid
