In the realm of Saudi digital entrepreneurship, several young innovators have successfully turned simple ideas into inspiring success stories.
Among them stands out Yousef Al-Rushaidi, the founder of the widely popular Haraj platform,
which transformed from a modest concept into one of the most prominent online classifieds websites in Saudi Arabia and the wider Arab region.
Yousef’s journey was not paved with ease. Instead, it was marked by determination, a deep understanding of the local market,
and a continuous commitment to humility and staying away from the limelight.
Early Life and Background
Yousef Al-Rushaidi was born in Saudi Arabia into a humble family environment rooted in Islamic and social values that emphasized discipline,
hard work, and respect for others. Raised in a middle-class Saudi household, he developed an early fascination with technology, computers, and the internet.
This passion laid the foundation for his future path into the entrepreneurial world.
Yousef did not come from wealth or external financial support. His beginnings were modest,
relying on limited resources and investing his time and energy in self-learning and idea development.
Education
Yousef studied in Saudi schools and graduated from Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University,
where he majored in Sharia (Islamic Law)—a surprising fact to some, considering his later involvement in technology and e-commerce. However,
his personal passion for digital innovation and online business far outweighed his academic specialization.
Through daily practice and hands-on experimentation, he shaped a career path that combined ambition with multidimensional interests.
Career Path and the Birth of Success
Yousef’s career began with a simple yet focused vision: to create an online platform that would make buying and selling in Saudi Arabia easy and secure.
In 2007, he launched a straightforward website under the domain haraj-sa.com, targeting the active car trading community.
The platform quickly gained traction due to:
- Its simplicity and ease of use.
- The freedom it gave buyers and sellers to negotiate directly.
- Its full reliance on Arabic language and a strong local orientation.
Despite having no grand marketing campaigns, Haraj grew organically through word-of-mouth and became a daily tool for Saudis and residents alike.
Achievements
Yousef’s greatest achievement is undoubtedly the Haraj platform, which evolved into a vibrant digital ecosystem that serves millions of users.
It wasn’t just about offering a space for secondhand sales—it was a quiet revolution in Saudi e-commerce.
Without a tech degree, major funding, or investor networks, he relied on something more powerful: a clear vision,
relentless passion, and a deep understanding of local needs. Haraj became more than a classifieds site—it became a social hub where people exchanged goods, services, and ideas.
Today, Haraj is one of the largest classifieds websites in the Middle East in terms of daily traffic and user activity.
Despite many lucrative offers from major tech companies to acquire or commercialize the platform,
Yousef has consistently chosen to preserve the site’s original identity: simple, accessible, and community-oriented.
He refused to turn Haraj into a complicated app or monopolistic service.
His commitment to serving the user remained steadfast, even in the face of tempting offers.
This unwavering dedication cemented his reputation as a principled entrepreneur whose work is grounded in community values, sustainability, and vision—not mere profit.
The impact of Haraj goes beyond numbers. It redefined the local marketplace culture, created accessible e-commerce opportunities for all,
and became a model for aspiring Saudi entrepreneurs who believe in integrity, persistence, and grassroots innovation.
Personal Life
Despite his widespread success, Yousef Al-Rushaidi is known for his reserved nature and love for privacy.
He rarely appears in media interviews or public events, choosing instead to focus quietly on his work.
He leads a stable family life and prioritizes balance between his professional commitments and his personal values of modesty and simplicity—qualities that have earned him deep respect in Saudi society.
Net Worth and Platform Value
Thanks to Haraj’s popularity, Yousef’s net worth has grown significantly.
He once revealed that the total sales volume facilitated through the platform reached around 400 million SAR per month, with over 10,000 new listings added daily.
Yet, he emphasized that the site’s 1% commission fee is symbolic and not profit-driven.
It is intended solely to support the website’s maintenance and operational team—demonstrating his continued dedication to serving users over maximizing revenue.
See More: Abdulrahman Fakieh: Founder of Al Tazaj and a Pillar of Saudi Hospitality and Investment
