Samih Toukan: The Visionary Behind Arab Tech Revolution
In the early 2000s, when the Arab world was just beginning to embrace the Internet, few could have predicted that a quiet revolution was brewing in Amman, Jordan. At the center of that transformation stood Samih Toukan, a visionary entrepreneur who helped reshape how Arabs communicate, create, and consume online content. Known as the co-founder of Maktoob.com, the first Arabic-language email and Internet portal, Toukan’s work opened the digital door for millions of Arabic speakers and laid the foundation for the region’s thriving startup ecosystem.
Early Life and Education
Samih Toukan was born and raised in Amman, Jordan, into a family that valued education and innovation. He developed an early fascination with technology, global business, and communication — interests that would later define his career.
After completing his early education in Jordan, Toukan pursued higher studies abroad. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of London and later earned a Master’s degree in Management Engineering from Imperial College London. This combination of technical expertise and business acumen equipped him with the skills to navigate both the engineering and entrepreneurial sides of the emerging Internet world.
The Birth of Maktoob: The First Arabic Email Portal
In 2000, when the Internet was still in its infancy across the Middle East, Arabic users faced a major barrier — the lack of online platforms that supported the Arabic language. Most email and web services at the time were designed for English users, excluding millions of potential Arabic speakers from the digital revolution.
It was this challenge that sparked Toukan’s big idea. Along with his partner Husam Khoury, he founded Maktoob.com, the world’s first Arabic/English email service and web portal. The name Maktoob, meaning “written” or “destined” in Arabic, was fitting — it symbolized the beginning of a new digital story for the Arab world.
Maktoob was revolutionary because it broke linguistic barriers. It allowed users to send and receive emails in Arabic characters at a time when such functionality was almost unheard of. Beyond email, Maktoob quickly evolved into a comprehensive platform, offering news, sports, entertainment, and forums.
Growth and Regional Impact
Maktoob grew rapidly, attracting millions of users across the Middle East and North Africa. It became more than just a website — it was a community. For many Arabs, Maktoob was their first digital experience and a gateway to global communication.
Toukan and his team also pioneered online advertising and Arabic content creation, laying the foundation for what would later become the region’s booming digital economy. Under his leadership, Maktoob became a digital hub for Arabic-speaking users and businesses alike.
Yahoo’s Acquisition: A Milestone for Arab Tech
In 2009, Maktoob reached a historic milestone when it was acquired by Yahoo! for a reported $164 million USD. This was the first major acquisition of an Arab tech company by a global Internet giant, and it marked a defining moment for the Middle East’s startup ecosystem.
For many young Arab entrepreneurs, the acquisition was a wake-up call — proof that regional startups could achieve global success. It validated the potential of the Middle Eastern tech scene and showed that Arabic digital products could attract international attention and investment.
After the sale, Toukan briefly worked with Yahoo! to facilitate the transition, but his entrepreneurial spirit soon drove him to new ventures.
The Launch of Jabbar Internet Group
In 2009, shortly after the Yahoo acquisition, Toukan and his partner Husam Khoury founded the Jabbar Internet Group. Jabbar was designed as a regional investment and venture capital company focused on supporting and growing digital businesses in the Middle East.
Through Jabbar, Toukan reinvested the lessons and profits from Maktoob into nurturing the next generation of startups. The firm has since backed some of the most successful digital ventures in the region, including:
- com – The “Amazon of the Middle East,” later acquired by Amazon for $580 million USD.
- com – A leading daily deals platform.
- Tahadi Games – An Arabic online gaming company.
- CashU – A digital payment solution for online purchases.
Jabbar Internet Group became one of the most influential tech investment firms in the Arab world, helping to create a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem long before “startups” became a buzzword in the region.
Philosophy and Leadership Style
Samih Toukan is known for his calm demeanor, strategic thinking, and passion for empowering others. His leadership philosophy is grounded in collaboration and innovation. He often emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation, youth empowerment, and knowledge sharing in building a robust digital future for the Middle East.
Toukan believes that the Arab world’s greatest asset is its youthful population and that the next wave of economic growth will come from technology-driven solutions. He frequently speaks at global forums and entrepreneurship conferences, encouraging young Arabs to dream beyond borders and embrace risk-taking.
Recognition and Awards
Over the years, Samih Toukan has received widespread recognition for his pioneering role in the digital transformation of the Arab world. His achievements include:
- Named among the Top 100 Most Powerful Arabs by Gulf Business Magazine and Arabian Business.
- Recognized as one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders.
- Honored for his contributions to the growth of entrepreneurship in the MENA region.
- Frequently featured in Forbes Middle East as one of the region’s most influential business leaders.
Beyond titles and awards, Toukan’s true legacy lies in the thousands of entrepreneurs and innovators who credit him as their inspiration.
Beyond Business: Vision for the Arab World
Toukan’s impact extends beyond technology and business. He envisions a digitally empowered Arab world that harnesses technology to solve local problems — from education and employment to sustainability and culture.
Through his involvement in various initiatives, he advocates for:
- Increased Arabic digital content to preserve culture and language online.
- Greater access to capital for young entrepreneurs.
- Women’s participation in tech and innovation.
- Stronger collaboration between private and public sectors to support startups.
He has also supported educational programs and incubators, particularly those aimed at developing digital literacy and entrepreneurship among Arab youth.
Personal Life and Values
Despite his business success, Samih Toukan remains humble and grounded. He is known for his down-to-earth personality and commitment to family and community. Unlike many entrepreneurs who chase publicity, Toukan prefers to let his work speak for itself.
His approach reflects a deep sense of purpose — to create lasting value and opportunities for others rather than focusing solely on financial gain.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Today, Samih Toukan is regarded as one of the founding fathers of Arab entrepreneurship. His pioneering work with Maktoob inspired a new generation of innovators who went on to build some of the most successful startups in the Middle East.
More importantly, he changed perceptions — proving that global success can start from Amman, Cairo, Riyadh, or Beirut, not just Silicon Valley.
By empowering local talent and reinvesting in regional innovation, Toukan has helped transform the Middle East into one of the world’s most promising emerging tech markets. His journey exemplifies the power of vision, resilience, and community-driven success.
Conclusion
Samih Toukan’s story is more than a tale of entrepreneurial triumph — it is the story of how one idea sparked an entire digital movement. From launching the first Arabic email service to mentoring hundreds of startups, Toukan has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern Arab Internet landscape.
He remains a beacon of inspiration for young entrepreneurs, proving that with creativity, persistence, and belief in local potential, the Middle East can produce global success stories that bridge cultures and create opportunities for generations to come.
Published: 5th December 2025
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