23 April 2025
Digital Strategy for the KSA. Bridging Saudi Business Innovations with Polish Technological Excellence
Contents:
Saudi Arabia’s digital future is full of opportunities, and the right partner accelerates that momentum. The Software House, a trusted Polish technology company, brings over a decade of successful collaboration with Saudi businesses, combining technical excellence with cultural alignment. Discover how our tailored digital strategies, proactive support, and deep local presence empower visionary leaders to drive innovation and achieve ambitious goals.
Will an outsider company help you deliver the highest quality products and services to your customers?
The Software House (TSH) from Poland has been offering strategic partnerships in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for over a decade, built on trust, expertise, and proven success.
Read on to learn how, with deep technical knowledge about digital strategy, cultural adaptability, and a commitment to excellence, The Software House seamlessly integrates with Saudi companies to drive innovation and growth.
It’s about balancing the local and foreign talent and then making them work together.
In this interview, Muhammed discusses recent developments in KSA and why combining local and foreign talent is key to success in the Saudi software industry.
Proven success. The Software House’s impact on Saudi Arabia businesses
We knew from analytics that [our platform] needed a usability upgrade […]. It was tough for our team to figure out how to provide similar ease of usage for buyers and freelancers, where a client can work under both roles. Deciding to involve The Software House in the redesign was a fast decision. Looking back, I feel they did their best to overhaul how the website works for people.
How does The Software House work for you?
Adapting to changing needs/requirements
We embrace change at every stage, adjusting swiftly to shifting goals and priorities to keep projects moving forward without compromising quality.
Their integrity, quality of work, and adaptation to changing requirements impressed us the most. The project was delivered on time and budget, and we’ve extended our contract to support this website.
“There is high pressure on results, but we handle it with a balanced and understanding approach. Our ability to remain adaptable strengthens our relationships.” – notes Darek Kociecki, Account Director at TSH. “Clients praise our professionalism and efficiency in implementing solutions. We are seen as reasonable and easy to work with, offering flexibility and patience. Where other companies might take a rigid stance, we adapt to changes rather than forcing tough.”
Michał Siewniak, Project Manager at TSH, agrees and adds: “We don’t take a ‘do what we’re told’ approach; instead, we focus on finding the best solutions for each situation. We respect our partners’ business as strategic contributors. While the client makes the final decision and maintains oversight, they also value our input and collaboration. We are praised for not reacting emotionally to every change. There’s no tension—we remain friendly and professional, treating changes as a natural part of an evolving project.”
Flexible and adaptable processes
If the company follows a one-size-fits-all approach and cannot accommodate evolving requirements, it may slow down progress and limit innovation. We understand that flexibility is key, as Saudi businesses often need to adjust project scopes based on market changes.
We want to keep working with the Software House as much as we can. It’s incredible how they’re always on time and meet every deadline we set. They’re highly professional and work diligently to ensure they do everything the way we like, even if we change the requirements during development.
“Adapting to legal and regulatory changes is essential in the Kingdom, as compliance with top-down requirements is a constant priority. We take a proactive approach, offering our recommendations and insights rather than simply executing tasks.” – said Aleksandra Nguyen Van, Senior Project Manager and Scrum Master at The Software House. “We introduce structure and organization by fostering direct communication and ensuring developers are directly involved in discussions. We emphasize gathering and acting on ever-changing market situations, making work more structured.”
Bartosz Skowroński, who plays a role as Head of Design at TSH, agrees: “Our partnership approach goes beyond just delivering services. We help clients even when a request falls outside our typical offerings, always guiding them in the right direction. Flexibility is key; we proactively adapt to their expectations.”
Active presence in Saudi Arabia
Our over ten-year local presence allows us to build trust through personal connections, ensuring our solutions are always grounded in a deep understanding of the Saudi market and culture.
Engage in workshops with your European partners and, if possible, visit each other’s headquarters. In-person collaboration strengthens alignment and helps shape a shared product vision.
One thing I valued while working with The Software House was our recurring brainstorming sessions. Every three months, we’d revisit our direction and refine our approach. This cadence kept us aligned and moving toward the right targets.
“Over 10 years working in Saudi Arabia taught us the importance of face-to-face relationships, ensuring that in-person interactions remain central to building trust and strong partnerships.” – highlights Prem Markowski, VP of Saudi Arabia at TSH. “We approach business with empathy, demonstrating patience and genuine care for our clients. Before starting any collaboration, we visit their offices and meet the team to understand their business needs. Only when we have a clear personal understanding do we proceed to build a project plan.”
Darek Kociecki adds: “In-person interactions make a huge difference. Three months of online collaboration cannot match the impact of just two days on-site, where hospitality plays a key role. We respect cultural sensitivities, understand that availability is lower during certain times of the year, and acknowledge these cultural and community-driven priorities. This awareness helps build a sense of closeness and trust, reinforcing our strong partnerships.”
Drawing from her visits in the Kingdom, Julia Jacoń, Senior Project Manager at TSH, affirms: “Clients truly appreciate our in-person visits. When we are there, they are much more open, warm, and trusting. Building relationships takes time, but visiting strengthens them significantly. Face-to-face interactions create deep connections. Meetings are not rushed; a simple “coffee” can last six hours, often including discussions about family and personal life.”
Julia appreciates the moments during her meetings when: “…someone spoke only to me, showing a high level of trust. I am often told: You need to be here. Without a physical presence, collaboration remains limited. Cultural nuances matter, and respect is key.”
Effective online communication
Delayed responses, lack of understanding of high-context communication styles, or misalignment in project expectations can create inefficiencies and risks. A strong partner should be proactive, responsive, and willing to adapt to Saudi decision-making processes.
In one of the projects, The Software House helped us move from a manual-based booking system, which required constant communication between our team and the customer […] The team always gave it their best and met the deadline. Their depth of knowledge and ability to react quickly to our requests was impressive.
“In a long-term partnership, clear communication is crucial to ensure mutual understanding, quality work delivery, and the ability to always follow through on promises. The greater the trust, the greater the responsibility.” – observes Marcin Cinkowski, Saudi Account Manager at TSH.
But this level of trust wasn’t built overnight, as notes Tomek Poźniak, COO of Saudi Arabia at The Software House: “Great online cooperation comes from consistent on-time delivery, deep engagement, and responsiveness. When there’s urgency, they know we’ll step in and get things done fast. Partners can contact us at any hour of the day.”
We know that Saudi teams appreciate having an IT partner manage technology so they can focus on leadership and core tasks, expanding their strategic role. As Cinkowski shared: “My development manager once said he could no longer work (and live) without us. We handle the background work so he can focus on his daily business challenges.”
When asked about their day-to-day practices:
- Prem Markowski: “Pinging people before a meeting shows that we take them seriously. In the Arab world, ambiguity is not tolerated—clients want clear communication.”
- Marcin Cinkowski: “A fast response is highly valued – our core team joins calls immediately and directly handles issues right away, we do not delay processes with tickets and requests that slow everything down.”
- Tomek Poźniak: “I’m always available on WhatsApp, so my Saudi partners directly call or message me with anything.”
Knowledge of Arabic UX/UI
User experience and interface design in Saudi Arabia follow cultural and functional rules, including right-to-left layouts, Arabic typography, and regional user behavior patterns. A software partner unfamiliar with these elements may create products that feel foreign or difficult to use for Saudi audiences. Our designers are proficient in these areas to ensure better user adoption and engagement.
Many European companies offer strong development services and competitive price-to-value ratios, but skilled UX experts are harder to come by. In Saudi Arabia, delivering a distinctive User Experience is critical, especially with numerous competing service providers and ranking platforms. That’s why it’s essential to find a partner who can elevate your UX to the next level.
Bartek Skowroński notes that: “Cultural sensitivity is always top of mind, ensuring that our solutions align with local expectations and user behavior. In design, we focus on Saudi Arabia’s unique needs. Right-to-left layouts require careful adjustments and typography testing is essential. Some clients have proprietary fonts, while others rely on us to select the best option—given the distinctive letterforms in Arabic, this is a crucial step.”
“Accessibility is another priority.” – continues Bartek Skowroński. “From our conversations, we know it’s a major concern for clients due to top-down pressure and accountability. This is especially relevant for Digital Experience Maturity Index (DXMI) compliance, which influences design and usability decisions. Finally, a mobile-first approach, as users in the region primarily engage through mobile devices rather than desktops.”
Kasia Mazur-Zawisz, Product and UX Designer at TSH, who creates functional and beautiful products for Saudi partners, talks about her approach: “From a technical perspective, we ensure their product is well-structured, including dual views for users of both Arabic and English language versions. Clients appreciate the effort we put into developing their products. They value our expertise and often rely on our know-how, trusting us to propose valuable solutions. There is a high level of trust in what we do, and they strongly consider our technical insights when making decisions.”
Alignment with Vision 2030 and DXMI
The Software House brings experience in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and automation—key areas that support Vision 2030 initiatives and the Digital Experience Maturity Index (DXMI). With a strong focus on innovation and compliance with digital governance standards, Polish technology supports Saudi businesses in implementing regulatory requirements, enhancing digital infrastructure, and accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge solutions.
Vision 2030 is a really exciting initiative. I think that it made the whole world jealous a little. All countries would love a government that invests as heavily in its people as KSA’s. […]. There’s also a lot of investment in human talent and experts that can help grow and nurture the next generation of Saudi leaders. Now, you have to develop high-quality products and user experiences, conduct user discovery and research, and solve real user problems. The bar is being raised.
“Our team at this particular Saudi project (NDA) is actively involved in a project to align all platforms with the UI requirements set by the DGA. The initiative is currently underway with a tight deadline. Implementation is being led by a Saudi developer who was previously trained by our specialist.” – says Darek Kociecki. “At this stage, our role is to support the developer by testing the introduced changes. These updates span all services and focus primarily on visual adjustments, such as color modifications. The goal is to ensure the UI updates meet DXMI requirements while maintaining the core functionality of the frontend.”
Strong security standards
Failing to adhere to Saudi cybersecurity regulations or international security best practices can put sensitive data at risk. We follow robust security protocols, including compliance with Saudi government regulations.
With no delays, they delivered the secure custom system on a very tight deadline. It was really demanding and stressful, but even in this situation, as they were constantly under pressure, they prepared a realistic project plan and were able to work effectively [within a budget].
As Tomek Poźniak points out: “Security is a top priority. Government regulations require all data to stay in Saudi Arabia, with data centers located there. By law, the DevOps director must be Saudi—they oversee infrastructure while we work within secure environments without direct access to production. We have the necessary permissions to work with data while staying compliant.”
Post-launch support
Some providers disappear after project delivery, leaving businesses to handle issues on their own. That’s why we offer ongoing maintenance, updates, and technical support, regardless of how long may be needed.
European companies apply proven best practices, tools, and processes to build strong foundations early on, setting the stage for long-term success. Once your organization matures and metrics look strong, it’s tempting to ease off. But customers quickly adapt to the current experience level, so rather than slowing down, continue innovating and introducing fresh ideas. This is something European companies excel at.
“Post-launch, responsiveness matters more than the issues themselves. The Head of my project always repeats that what truly counts is that we react quickly and solve everything efficiently.” – says Michał Siewniak.
Building long-term partnerships through cultural empathy
Saudi and Polish business cultures both value long-term relationships built on trust and mutual respect. Poles understand that strong partnerships aren’t just about contracts—they’re about genuine connections and reliability over time. This is very important, especially in recognizing holidays, festivals, and other community-driven priorities, ensuring respectful timing, and fostering trust in business relationships.
People here really value personal relationships. It’s a very family-centric culture. In many organizations, people like to ask each other how their families are doing and what they’re up to. They tend to eat together and go out together. That really helps to unlock a lot of doors in terms of collaboration.
Julia Jacoń noticed that Saudi and Polish culture value their families and the quality time they spend together: “In Saudi Arabia, business and personal relationships blend naturally. Many companies are family-run, and working with close friends and relatives is common. Talking about personal matters isn’t just small talk; it’s an integral part of trust-building. I know my client’s entire calendar of his children’s illnesses and that matters! It directly affects his decisions and behavior. Family always comes first, far above work or deadlines.”
With a natural focus on collaboration and loyalty, we build business and personal relationships that grow stronger with each project, ensuring stability and shared success.
As Michał Siewniak observes: “Building client relationships goes beyond being an employer—it’s about true partnership and human connection. We are seen as partners, not just contractors. With Sahar, we often talk about our families or weather differences (Polish snow vs. Arabian heat), which highlights how small conversations strengthen relationships.”
Transparency
Unclear pricing models, vague project scopes, or hidden costs can lead to budget overruns and misalignment. A reliable partner should provide detailed cost breakdowns and a clear roadmap from the start.
What I love about TSH is that they give consultation on the general directions they don’t just say yes. If they think the feature is not needed they tell us that.Their integrity, quality of work, and adaptation to change of requirements impressed us the most.
As Poles, we embrace a curious culture—instead of just agreeing to a request, we ask “why” to better understand the real needs. As Michał Siewniak notices, this feature allows us to grasp the client’s plans and take the initiative: “…whether it’s yearly planning, launching new features, or presenting a roadmap based on insights gathered over six months. We set realistic timelines, providing scenarios for the client to choose from – ideas to improve our collaboration and partners’ internal processes. After review and adjustments, the client often realizes it’s exactly what they need.”
Prem Markowski agrees, “We never just say, ‘Yes, we’ll do it without asking why something is important. Together, we can only move forward in the same direction when the digital strategy is clear and open from the beginning. “
Over the years, we have become a trusted, non-typical vendor. We adapt to strict security and operational requirements while maintaining our role as a true technology partner. The Software House doesn’t just execute tasks; we care about our partners and their products.
As Tomek Poźniak proudly says: “Clients appreciate us because they know they can trust us. We are transparent and deliver on time. If something is due on Wednesday, it’s ready on Wednesday. Because of this, our partners always say, We rely on you, guys.”
Last but not least, we just genuinely love working with our Saudi partners!
Saudi Arabia is the best place to be! I love the market and have great memories from my travels. – Marcin Cinkowski
I’m especially happy when collaborating with many women in leadership roles in Saudi Arabia. Especially under Vision 2030, women work as managers, product owners, and key decision-makers, highlighting the region’s evolving business landscape. – Aleksandra Nguyen Van.
Saudi innovation meets world-class tech development. Read the success stories!
Addressing Saudi’s leaders’ common concerns about collaborating with Polish teams
Communication & collaboration
Will they understand us and our business needs?
- Polish software engineers are experienced in working with global teams, including partners from Saudi Arabia. They are active listeners and adaptable communicators who prioritize understanding complex requirements and ensuring smooth collaboration.
- With 10+ years of experience in the region, TSH adjusts to our Saudi partners’ communication style and maintains a friendly, open approach.
- The minimal time zone difference (1-2 hours) allows for real-time discussions, making project execution seamless and well-aligned with business goals.
- Like Saudi people, the Polish are welcoming, hospitable, and family-friendly. We cherish the time we spend in the company of our loved ones. Therefore, we understand the importance of togetherness and are respectful of local customs, traditions, and holidays.
Ensuring the highest-quality software development
How can we be sure of the work quality?
- Poland ranks among the top global leaders in programming expertise, e.g., HackerRank – 3rd place; Competitive Programming Hall of Fame – 2nd place; Google Code Jam – 4th place.
- The Software House follows rigorous quality assurance standards, including Agile methodologies and best coding practices, ensuring software solutions meet the highest industry benchmarks.
- For our efforts, TSH has been awarded numerous accolades, including: Clutch (ranked as the top software development company in Poland, based on client reviews), Financial Times 1000 list, Great Place to Work, Computerworld TOP 200, Deloitte Fast 50 Europe, to name a few.
Data security
Can we trust an external provider with sensitive data?
- The Software House adheres to internationally recognized security standards while ensuring compliance with Saudi data protection regulations.
- NDAs and contractual agreements guarantee that intellectual property rights remain with the client.
Control over the development process
Will we lose oversight?
- Transparency is central to The Software House’s approach; we never “take over” and leave you in the dark. Our Saudi partners always stay fully informed and in control through dedicated Account Managers, Agile boards, and frequent updates.
- Regular check-ins, including daily alignments when needed, demonstrate commitment and ensure continuous progress in line with business objectives.
Managing costs without going over the budget
Are there any hidden costs that will lead to overspending?
- The Software House ensures transparent pricing and clear project scoping while remaining flexible to evolving needs.
- We understand that requirements can change dynamically, and our approach allows for adjustments without unexpected cost escalations.
- Our structured yet adaptable collaboration ensures alignment with budget expectations while delivering maximum value.
Saudi-Polish business synergies: a strong foundation for collaboration
With minimal time zone differences, direct flights, and on-site presence, working with The Software House ensures smooth and efficient collaboration for Saudi businesses.
Real-time communication supports quick decisions, while in-person meetings help build trust and alignment. Both cultures share a strong commitment to excellence—valuing precision, professionalism, and high-quality outcomes. The Software House approaches each project with care, dedication, and a genuine sense of ownership, making us a dependable partner for long-term growth and innovative digital strategy.
I highly recommend The Software House to any company. There’s a huge difference in the comparison between the website when it first launched and the current version. I credit that improvement to their hard work. They’re impressively qualified and can handle any challenge.
Discover the potential of Saudi-Polish collaboration
Connect with The Software House’s Saudi team to explore tailored solutions for your business. Let’s build the future together.
