Karachi Startup Fortify Expands to Saudi Arabia from Riyadh

Pakistani PropTech startup Fortify has formally expanded into Saudi Arabia after completing the legal setup for its Riyadh entity. The Karachi-based company secured a Ministry of Investment (MISA) license in February 2026. It then incorporated its Saudi company in July 2026. Fortify builds cloud-based ERP software for real estate companies. The platform combines sales, CRM, finance, property management, and bookings on one system. CEO Syed Zain Ali and co-founder Sidra Shakeel started the company in Karachi in 2021. The team is now hiring Arabic-speaking and technical staff for its Riyadh operation. In addition, the Iqama (residency permit) process is already underway for key team members. However, major operational hires will begin only after residency approvals clear. 'Saudi Arabia is one of the largest markets within the GCC and, as far as Vision 2030 is concerned, we believe that real estate has real potential in terms of digital transformation within the Kingdom,' Syed Zain Ali, Fortify's CEO and co-founder, told Arab News. 'We believe starting with Riyadh, capital of the Kingdom, would be the first priority for us for global expansion.' Fortify also adapted its software for Saudi regulations. The team rebuilt the platform to meet ZATCA tax rules, cybersecurity standards, and in-Kingdom data storage requirements. As a result, Saudi clients can run the system without compliance risks. The startup first explored the Saudi market at LEAP 2024 in Riyadh. BridgeStart Pakistan, a program run through the state-owned Ignite fund, supported Fortify's accelerator costs, travel, and accommodation. Furthermore, Fortify joined a 12-week Saudi soft-landing program through BridgeStart, Ignite, and AstroLabs. Early Saudi traction already includes two notable arrangements. Keller Williams Saudi Arabia uses Fortify's CRM, brokerage management, and finance modules. The company also signed an agreement with Riyadh-based property valuation firm Muathamad. Ali called Riyadh the top priority for Fortify's global expansion. He cited the size of the Saudi real estate market and the Vision 2030 digital push. In addition, the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) runs a PropTech Hub to attract foreign technology firms. 'There are certain challenges when you go to a different market,' Ali said. 'It could be compliance, it could be localized product, it could be cybersecurity problems related to data residing within the Kingdom.' As of late October 2026, Fortify has not announced new clients, funding rounds, or further operational milestones in the Kingdom. The company's early phase still focuses on hiring and local business development.