Ronaldo Mouchawar, a pioneering entrepreneur and one of the Middle East’s most influential business leaders, has played a transformative role in shaping the region’s digital economy. Best known as the co-founder and CEO of Souq.com, often dubbed the “Amazon of the Middle East,” Mouchawar turned a startup idea into the largest e-commerce platform in the Arab world, paving the way for the digital revolution in the region.
Early Life and Education
Born in Aleppo, Syria, Ronaldo Mouchawar grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, which inspired his interest in business from a young age. He pursued higher education in the United States, earning a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston, followed by an MBA in Marketing and Finance. This blend of technical knowledge and business acumen would later prove crucial in his entrepreneurial journey.
Building Souq.com
In 2005, Mouchawar co-founded Souq.com in Dubai as part of the Maktoob Group. Initially conceived as an auction site, Souq eventually pivoted into a marketplace model that connected millions of buyers and sellers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Under his leadership, Souq.com quickly grew to dominate regional e-commerce by offering not only products but also local payment solutions such as Cash on Delivery (COD) — a groundbreaking move in a market where digital payments were limited. By localizing services and understanding consumer behavior, Mouchawar addressed the challenges of logistics, trust, and payments, which were major barriers to e-commerce in the Arab world at the time.
The Amazon Acquisition
Souq.com’s success caught global attention, and in 2017, Amazon acquired Souq.com for $580 million, marking one of the biggest tech deals in the Middle East. The acquisition underscored Mouchawar’s role as a trailblazer who bridged the gap between global tech giants and the Arab world’s digital marketplace. Following the acquisition, he continued to lead Amazon’s operations in the Middle East as Vice President, further integrating global e-commerce standards into the region.
Contributions to the Middle East’s Digital Economy
Beyond Souq.com, Ronaldo Mouchawar has been an active advocate for entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and job creation in the region. His work has helped foster a culture of online shopping and inspired a new generation of Arab entrepreneurs to pursue ventures in technology and e-commerce.
Through initiatives in logistics, fintech, and customer service, Mouchawar not only revolutionized consumer habits but also built a sustainable ecosystem that supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). His leadership has been instrumental in making the UAE and wider MENA region a hub for digital commerce.
Recognition and Legacy
Ronaldo Mouchawar has been consistently recognized as one of the most influential Arab business leaders. His vision and persistence have redefined the retail experience in the Middle East and positioned him as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
From Aleppo to Amazon, Mouchawar’s journey is a testament to resilience, foresight, and innovation. He remains a symbol of how local visionaries can drive global impact, reminding the world that the Middle East is not just a consumer of innovation but also a creator of it.