Abdullah Murad: Visionary Innovator and Entrepreneur Driving Digital Transformation in Saudi Arabia
In today’s fast-paced digital world, few figures embody the fusion of academic excellence and entrepreneurial spirit as profoundly as Dr. Abdullah Murad. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to information systems, healthcare innovation, and startup culture, Dr. Murad has firmly established himself as a key influencer in Saudi Arabia’s technological landscape. As the founder of SoftCare LLC and YnmoData, and a respected academic at the College of Computer and Information Systems at Umm Al-Qura University, his career reflects a unique blend of scholarship, innovation, and practical impact.
This article explores the inspiring journey of Abdullah Murad—his education, career, and entrepreneurial ventures—highlighting his role in advancing technology-driven solutions within Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Abdullah Murad: Academic Excellence and Professional Foundations
Educational Background
Dr. Abdullah Murad’s academic journey is a testament to his dedication and intellectual rigor. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), one of Saudi Arabia’s premier institutions for science and engineering education. This foundational degree paved the way for advanced studies in the United States.
He went on to complete two Master’s degrees—one in Computer Science from California State University, Fullerton, and another in Information Systems and Technology from Claremont Graduate University (CGU). Dr. Murad’s commitment to excellence culminated in earning a PhD in Information Systems and Technology from CGU, where he achieved a remarkable GPA of 3.91/4.0.
Further honing his business acumen, Dr. Murad completed a Mini-MBA at Babson College and an Executive MBA at ESADE Business School, equipping him with the strategic insight necessary to lead tech startups successfully.
Career and Academic Contributions
Assistant Professor at Umm Al-Qura University
Since January 2019, Dr. Abdullah Murad has served as an Assistant Professor at the College of Computer and Information Systems at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) in Makkah. In this role, he contributes not only to educating the next generation of tech leaders but also to advancing research in digital innovation and health informatics.
He also plays a significant role at the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute at UQU, fostering a culture of creativity and business thinking among students and researchers.
Leadership at Wadi Makkah Technology Company
Between 2017 and 2018, Dr. Murad was the Director of Business Incubation and Acceleration Programs at Wadi Makkah Technology Company, a renowned Saudi tech incubator affiliated with Umm Al-Qura University. There, he helped nurture promising startups, providing mentorship and strategic guidance to emerging entrepreneurs.
This experience strengthened his ability to bridge academic research with real-world business applications, a hallmark of his career.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
SoftCare LLC: Innovating Digital Solutions
Founded in 2016 by Dr. Abdullah Murad, SoftCare LLC is a Saudi-based startup specializing in web and mobile application development. Over the years, SoftCare has expanded its scope to include digital marketing services, growing into a multidisciplinary tech firm.
SoftCare is recognized for delivering innovative solutions to major clients such as the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MoHaj), the General Car Syndicate, and Wadi Makkah Technology Company. The startup’s success is driven by a diverse and ambitious team that brings together various cultural and educational backgrounds.
SoftCare’s commitment to excellence and technological innovation has positioned it as a key player in Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation initiatives.
YnmoData: Transforming Care for Special Needs
In 2017, Dr. Murad launched YnmoData, a groundbreaking company focused on improving the quality of care and education for individuals with special needs. YnmoData offers a unique digital solution in both Arabic and English, enabling service providers like schools, clinics, and centers to design and monitor individualized treatment plans efficiently.
YnmoData’s innovative platform empowers educators and healthcare professionals to understand better and meet the needs of their students and patients, fostering personalized care and educational outcomes.
Research and Innovation in Healthcare
Pioneering mHealth and Emergency Medical Services
Before fully transitioning to entrepreneurship, Dr. Abdullah Murad directed the Health Innovation Center (HIC) at Umm Al-Qura University. His work focused on mHealth (mobile health) and its impact on emergency medical services (EMS), exploring how mobile technology can improve response times and patient outcomes during emergencies.
In addition to his academic work, Dr. Murad served as a consultant at King Abdullah Medical City, collaborating directly with healthcare practitioners to develop multidisciplinary technology solutions aimed at enhancing patient safety and healthcare experiences.
Honors and Awards
Dr. Abdullah Murad’s outstanding academic and research achievements have been widely recognized. Notable honors include:
- CGU Board of Trustees Chairman’s Recognition for impactful contributions during his PhD studies.
- CGU President’s Recognition, highlighting his exemplary applied research.
- The Henry R. Kravis Award for Entrepreneurship finalist honors a secure healthcare data collection platform concept.
- Featured in the CGU Flame Magazine as a promising researcher with innovative projects in health technology.
These awards underscore Dr. Murad’s dual role as a scholar and innovator.
The Role of Education in Abdullah Murad’s Success
Education has been pivotal in shaping Dr. Murad’s approach to technology and entrepreneurship. His solid engineering and computer science background, coupled with advanced studies in information systems and business management, enable him to address complex problems at the intersection of technology, healthcare, and business.
His experience across top-tier universities in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia reflects a global perspective that informs his leadership style and vision.
Contribution to Saudi Arabia’s Digital Ecosystem
Through his ventures and academic roles, Abdullah Murad contributes significantly to Saudi Arabia’s vision for a digitally advanced society. His leadership in startups like SoftCare and YnmoData aligns with national priorities to modernize healthcare, education, and government services using technology.
At Wadi Makkah, he has helped cultivate an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports innovation and startup growth in the Makkah region.
Conclusion
Dr. Abdullah Murad exemplifies the power of combining academic excellence with entrepreneurial drive. His journey from computer engineering student to accomplished researcher, educator, and founder of impactful tech startups embodies the spirit of innovation vital for Saudi Arabia’s future.
By spearheading initiatives that improve healthcare delivery and education for special needs individuals, Dr. Murad not only advances technology but also enhances social wellbeing. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, academics, and professionals aiming to create meaningful change through technology.
