In a recent podcast interview, Wael Saad — Founder and CEO of Arqqa — shared the inspiring story of how the company came to life. He detailed the founding journey, the early challenges faced, the major growth milestones, and how Arqqa evolved into one of the region’s top digital marketing agencies. This article highlights the key points from the episode and provides a structured look into Arqqa’s journey of growth and innovation.
The Birth of Arqqa
Arqqa was founded in Cairo in 2011 during a time of massive change in Egypt. Wael Saad, who previously worked as Head of Creative at Yahoo for MENA, saw a shift in how people interacted with digital platforms following the 2011 revolution. Recognizing the growing influence of social media and digital presence, he decided to leave the corporate world and start his own digital agency. His goal was to help brands navigate the new digital landscape and connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.
With a small team, limited resources, and a clear vision, Wael launched Arqqa to provide innovative digital marketing services at a time when the concept was still new in the Egyptian market.
Early Struggles and Challenges
Like many startups, Arqqa faced significant hurdles in its early days. The political and economic instability of post-revolution Egypt made it difficult to secure clients and maintain operations. Many traditional businesses were hesitant to invest in digital marketing, and Arqqa had to spend time educating the market on its value.
Wael also made a personal sacrifice by transitioning from a secure corporate job to the uncertain world of entrepreneurship. With limited staff, he wore multiple hats — from strategy and creative to client servicing and execution. Building trust with clients and proving the effectiveness of digital marketing became the team’s daily mission.
Major Growth Milestones
Despite the challenges, Arqqa steadily grew. As awareness around digital marketing increased, so did demand for Arqqa’s services. The company’s ability to deliver results and craft compelling campaigns led to larger projects and a growing client base.
Here are some key milestones in Arqqa’s journey:
Service Evolution and Value Proposition
Arqqa began as a social media-focused agency but quickly expanded to cover the full spectrum of digital marketing services. This includes:
- Website design and development
- Mobile app development
- UX/UI optimization
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
- Performance marketing
- Data analytics
- Branding and identity design
- Content production
- Video production and motion graphics
By offering an end-to-end solution, Arqqa positioned itself as a one-stop-shop for companies looking to grow their online presence. Today, the agency serves over 100 clients across 10+ industries, combining creativity with data-driven strategies.
Wael Saad’s Leadership Philosophy
Wael’s leadership style is rooted in creativity, continuous learning, and agility. He believes in empowering his team with knowledge and giving them the space to experiment and innovate. With a design background, Wael emphasizes the importance of great user experience and visual storytelling. At the same time, he is data-driven and ensures that every decision is backed by metrics and performance insights.
He also fosters a culture of transparency and loyalty, both internally with the team and externally with clients. This has resulted in long-term partnerships and a strong reputation for trust and reliability.
What Makes Arqqa Different
Arqqa’s competitive edge lies in its ability to combine creativity, technology, and strategy under one roof. Key differentiators include:
- Integrated Services: Full digital marketing stack, from branding to performance campaigns.
- Growth-Driven Approach: Focus on real business outcomes, not just vanity metrics.
- Regional Expertise: Deep understanding of local markets in Egypt and the Gulf.
- Client Retention: Long-standing relationships with clients who trust Arqqa’s vision.
Conclusion
Arqqa’s story is one of vision, resilience, and evolution. From a small startup navigating an uncertain market to a regional leader in digital marketing, the journey of Wael Saad and his team offers valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in the digital age. With a clear mission, strong leadership, and a focus on innovation, Arqqa is poised for even greater achievements in the coming years.
