Introduction: Who is Viaka?

In a recent webinar hosted by TAP, Hani Azzam, founder of Viaka, shared valuable insights on the potential of investing in MENA talent from abroad.

Viaka is a global community that connects over 800 tech professionals from MENA and the diaspora. Their mission is to foster collaboration, empower entrepreneurs, and support the growth of startups across regions like Silicon Valley and the Gulf. Through both virtual and in-person events, Viaka helps MENA professionals build strong networks, secure funding, and drive innovation.

"Our vision is to create a connected, supportive network where MENA’s tech professionals can collaborate, invest, and grow together — no matter where they are in the world," Hani explained.

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TAP and Viaka: A Strategic Partnership

TAP and Viaka share a common goal: to create opportunities for MENA talent and bridge the gap between local expertise and global market demand. TAP connects professionals from Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan with remote job opportunities in global companies. With a 94% rehire rate, TAP’s success highlights the value of integrating MENA talent into international teams.

Hani reflected on how Viaka and TAP complement each other’s missions:

"Viaka creates a network of trust and support, while TAP provides the tools and opportunities to turn that trust into real career opportunities."

Hani himself benefited from this partnership when he hired Malak, a TAP graduate, who quickly became a key player at Viaka.

“Malak took full ownership of our digital media and branding strategy. In just a few months, her work significantly increased our engagement and helped position Viaka as a thought leader in the MENA tech space.”

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Key Takeaways from the Conversation

1. The Rise of Remote Work and MENA Talent

Hani emphasized that remote work has opened doors for MENA talent like never before. Companies can now tap into a highly educated, multilingual workforce at a competitive cost. This shift has allowed businesses to diversify their teams and benefit from fresh perspectives and problem-solving approaches.

“Remote work is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity for businesses that want to stay competitive and innovative,” Hani explained.

He noted that the normalization of virtual collaboration during COVID-19 played a significant role in making remote hiring more accessible:

“Ten years ago, convincing companies to hire remotely from MENA was difficult. Now, it’s a smart business decision.”

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2. Why MENA Talent is a Strategic Advantage

Hani outlined three key reasons why hiring from MENA is a smart move:

• Cost-Effective Talent – High-quality talent at a lower cost compared to hiring in Europe or the U.S.
• Strong Work Ethic – MENA professionals are known for their technical skills, language proficiency, and adaptability.
• Untapped Potential – Youth unemployment in the region stands at 27%, with even higher rates in Gaza (62%) and the West Bank (40%). This represents a pool of highly motivated individuals ready to contribute and grow.

Hani spoke about how hiring Malak exceeded his expectations:

“I initially thought I was hiring someone to help manage my calendar and emails. But Malak quickly became a strategic partner, refreshing our branding and social media presence, which contributed to a significant spike in our growth.”

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3. Empowering Talent Through Trust and Ownership

Hani stressed the importance of empowering MENA professionals to take ownership of their work:

“Give them ownership and empower them to take charge of their work. When you trust your team, you unlock their full potential.”

He advised business leaders to avoid micromanagement:

“Don’t hire someone from MENA just to give them basic tasks. Bring them on with the mindset that they can lead and innovate.”

Hani’s experience with Malak reinforces this:

“Her willingness to expand her scope and provide fresh ideas has been a huge contributor to our recent growth.”

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Challenges and Future Opportunities

Despite positive trends, challenges remain. Hani pointed out that while there’s more capital flowing into the region — especially from Gulf-based governments — it remains concentrated in specific markets and circles. Access to capital for smaller startups and founders in Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon is still limited.

“The next step is to democratize access to capital and ensure that more founders from across MENA can benefit from this growth.”

Hani remains optimistic about the future:

“The talent is there, the motivation is there — we just need more bridges to connect them with the right opportunities.”

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Conclusion: What We Learned

Investing in MENA talent is not just about filling roles — it’s about building a future of collaboration and innovation. TAP and Viaka are creating sustainable employment pathways and strengthening the global tech ecosystem by connecting international businesses with MENA’s rich talent pool.

“This is not just about jobs — it’s about building a more connected, innovative future for the MENA region.”

Ready to invest in MENA talent? Schedule a call with our team to discover how TAP can help you build a diverse, high-performing remote team.

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