Saudi matchmaking app, Awaser, helps people discover companions by bridging custom and modernity

JEDDAH: With digital innovation going down at a speedy tempo, Awaser, a cellular utility developed in Saudi Arabia, is on the forefront of a quiet transformation within the Kingdom’s matchmaking traditions.

It provides a contemporary strategy to marriage, however stays firmly rooted in cultural and non secular values.

Based by psychiatrist Dr. Mohammed Alolayan, Awaser is not only a courting platform however a devoted house for people and households with the intention of forming lasting marriages.

With options tailor-made to Saudi Arabia’s cultural norms and a robust emphasis on privateness, the app introduces a respectful and structured various to conventional matchmaking.

Talking in regards to the inspiration behind creating the primary app of its type, Alolayan stated: “As a educated psychiatrist, I’ve spent years exploring human psychology and understanding the deep emotional challenges folks face, particularly in midlife, round intimacy and the query of ‘Who ought to I be with?’

“Listening to numerous tales from sufferers and on-line followers, I noticed how troublesome it’s for a lot of to discover a appropriate companion throughout the conventional framework. That’s what impressed me to create Awaser.”

Not like typical matchmaking apps that depend on algorithms to counsel potential companions, Awaser provides customers the instruments to look primarily based on preferences distinctive to Saudi Arabia society, together with regional origin, household background, schooling, sect, and tribal affiliation.

This strategy blends know-how with cultural traditions, making a platform that speaks to each the youthful technology and their households.

Alolayan stated: “Awaser doesn’t provide matchmaking within the standard sense. As a substitute, it elevates conventional matchmaking by making it extra accessible and environment friendly.

“It’s a platform that respects Saudi customs whereas empowering people and households to make knowledgeable selections.”

One of many app’s most distinctive options is the power for households to create and handle accounts on behalf of their youngsters, a mannequin that preserves the essence of conventional matchmaking whereas rising the possibilities of discovering an appropriate match.

This family-first strategy has resonated strongly with conservative customers looking for to keep up belief all through the method.

The app operates on a paid subscription mannequin, which Alolayan believes ensures the standard and seriousness of its neighborhood. “We carried out a fee wall to make sure critical participation and stop random or unserious customers,” he stated.

“Belief is essential. That’s why customers should confirm with a Saudi cellular quantity and OTP (One-Time Password), and all communications are encrypted and routinely deleted after 30 days of inactivity.”

Privateness is a key concern for customers in Saudi Arabia, significantly in terms of on-line interactions between women and men.

Awaser addresses this by giving customers full management over their profiles and conversations, with no human intervention from the app’s administration staff. Conversations can not start with out mutual consent, and all consumer information stays non-public and guarded.

The platform presently focuses on Saudi nationals and residents, and has already had spectacular engagement, particularly from well-educated people.

“Round 30 to 40 % of our customers maintain superior levels reminiscent of grasp’s or PhDs. Whereas we anticipated excessive participation from main cities, we had been pleasantly shocked to see customers from practically each area of the Kingdom,” he stated.

Among the many many success tales shared by customers, one stands out for Alolayan: “A pair who met on Awaser married a couple of 12 months and a half in the past, and so they not too long ago welcomed their first youngster.

“Listening to that straight from them was extremely shifting, it validated every part we’ve been working towards.”

In a tradition the place household involvement stays a cornerstone of the wedding course of, launching a technology-driven platform offered distinctive challenges. However the public response,  Alolayan stated, has been overwhelmingly constructive.

“There’s a transparent want, and many individuals are able to embrace know-how, as long as it honors our values. Awaser permits them to do each.”

Umm Abdullah, a consumer of the app, stated: “As a mom, I’ve seen how troublesome it’s grow to be to seek out appropriate matches, and approaching somebody because the bride’s mother and father shouldn’t be quite common in our tradition, we normally watch for proposals to return.

“Apps like this give us the prospect to actively search as a substitute of simply ready. It feels extra environment friendly, whereas nonetheless respecting our values.”

Curiously, Awaser additionally supplies an area for non-traditional introductions between people, permitting for extra autonomy within the relationship-building part.

This twin strategy supporting each conventional and impartial searches displays the evolving preferences of youthful Saudis who wish to play a extra energetic function in selecting their life companions.

Alolayan stated: “The youthful technology more and more needs to take possession of their marriage journey when it comes to to get to know their future companion earlier than conventional steps start.

“Awaser arrived at simply the suitable time to satisfy this shift. It provides another that feels fashionable but grounded in cultural values.”

One other consumer, Naser Al-Rahman, stated: “It’s actually onerous lately to discover a relationship that results in one thing critical. Most platforms don’t really feel secure or real.

“However with this app, I really feel like I can search extra conveniently and securely, realizing the folks listed below are critical about marriage.”

Though Awaser doesn’t presently make use of synthetic intelligence to match customers, Alolayan is open to future potentialities. “There isn’t any confirmed psychological mannequin for excellent matchmaking, which is why we don’t declare to match folks ourselves.

“However I do see potential for AI and information analytics to supply smarter instruments sooner or later, primarily based on long-term consumer habits.”

As Saudi Arabia continues its Imaginative and prescient 2030 journey towards modernization and empowerment, platforms reminiscent of Awaser spotlight how digital options can coexist with custom.

Commenting on the authorized and cultural implications of matchmaking platforms, household lawyer Hassan Al-Ghawi stated: “Apps like these assist bridge the hole between custom and know-how.

“So long as consumer privateness is protected and the authorized framework is revered, they will function a constructive and legit extension of conventional matchmaking.

“At present’s youthful technology typically rushes into relationships, so involving each mother and father and kids within the course of permits for deeper understanding and extra considerate choices, doubtlessly resulting in stronger, longer-lasting marriages and fewer divorces.”