Kamal Ali
Nominated for Innovation, science and technology award
Kamal Ali from Pillgwenlly in Newport designed the world’s first interactive prayer mat to help children and adults learn how to perform Salah – the daily prayer practiced by muslims.
Former teacher Kamal set up the company after he noticed his son struggling with his prayer positions. Having a Masters degree in product design, Kamal created a touch sensitive interactive prayer mat teaching children the different positions in Salah.
After 2 years of developing prototypes Kamal launched My Salah Mat in 2018 and has since developed an adult version of the mat too. The company has a strong social media presence where its TikTok videos and work with influencers generating millions of views to develop a global brand.
In the 4 years since it started, the company sells its products to over 40 countries across the world, and selling to over 180 companies and retailers worldwide - including Virgin Megastores in the UAE and Dabdoob, one of the largest children’s toy stores in Kuwait. The company also has a subsidiary in Germany. The company is now working with Omar and Hana - one of Malaysia’s largest animation studios - to partner on product design of children’s products.