Marafiq, Sadara sign desalination deal

Updated 21 November 2012
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Marafiq, Sadara sign desalination deal

Marafiq, the utility company for Jubail and Yanbu Industrial Cities, and Sadara Chemical Company have signed an agreement for the supply of desalinated water for industrial use at Sadara's complex in Jubail Industrial City II.
Sadara is the joint venture formed between Saudi Aramco and The Dow Chemical Company to develop an integrated chemicals complex in Jubail II. When completed, the Sadara complex will represent the largest petrochemical facility ever built in a single phase.
The Marafiq-Sadara agreement was signed by the president and CEO of Marafiq, Thamer Al-Sharhan, and the CEO of Sadara, Ziad Al-Labban. The signing ceremony was attended by senior executives of both companies.
The agreement was signed under the patronage of Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Thunayan Al-Saud, chairman of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu and Chairman of Marafiq.
The agreement involves the construction of a seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant on the Sadara site in Jubail II, fed by Marafiq's seawater supply to Jubail II. The plant's entire output will be for the exclusive use of Sadara. It will be established on a build, operate and own (BOO) basis.
The desalination plant, which will have a capacity of 148,800 cubic meters per day, is expected to be commissioned by the third quarter of 2015, before which Marafiq will supply Sadara temporarily from the Jubail Industrial Potable Water system.
The supply contract between the two companies is for a period of 20 years, with the option of extending it for another ten years. The supply agreement is based on a take-or-pay arrangement.
"This will be the first project of its kind to be built by Marafiq within the customer's premises", said Al-Sharhan. "It heralds a new era of relationships between the industries as our customers, and Marafiq as utility provider. What is more, the project will create multiple direct and indirect job opportunities for Saudi nationals", he said. He concluded that "Marafiq is very excited of this opportunity and we will do whatever it takes to successfully execute this project.

 


Muzz helps GCC to embrace modern marriage without compromising faith

Updated 18 December 2025
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Muzz helps GCC to embrace modern marriage without compromising faith

In an era where digital platforms shape nearly every aspect of modern life, many Muslims across the world are turning to technology not for casual interactions, but for something far more meaningful: marriage. Among the platforms leading this shift is Muzz, the world’s largest Muslim marriage app, which has established itself as a trusted space for young professionals, families, and faith-minded individuals seeking genuine, value-aligned connections.

With a global community of more than 15 million members and over 600,000 marriages facilitated through the platform, Muzz has redefined how Muslims meet and communicate while honoring cultural expectations and Islamic principles. Its rapid growth reflects an increasing demand for tools that offer modern convenience without compromising traditional values.

Muzz’s origins trace back to 2011, when founder Shahzad Younas created a simple website from his London bedroom. What started as a small personal project soon evolved into a pioneering venture. In 2017, the platform became the first Muslim-focused startup to be accepted into Y Combinator, the Silicon Valley accelerator known for backing giants such as Airbnb and Dropbox. This milestone marked a turning point that propelled Muzz from a grassroots idea into a global technology brand.

Today, the company operates with more than 150 employees across several regions, serving diverse Muslim communities throughout the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. Despite its global footprint, the platform remains rooted in a clear mission: to offer Muslims a safe, respectful, and intentional way to pursue marriage.

In contrast to mainstream dating apps that cater largely to casual relationships, Muzz’s guiding philosophy is that “Muslims don’t date — they marry.” This principle shapes the platform’s user experience and distinguishes it from competitors. The app incorporates features designed specifically to reflect Islamic values, including privacy tools, optional chaperone modes, verified profiles, and a strong emphasis on safety and conduct. These elements resonate particularly strongly with users in the GCC, where cultural expectations around courtship remain firmly tied to modesty, family involvement, and serious intentions.

“We built Muzz to empower Muslims with a tool that fits their lives and their values,” said CEO Younas. “Our users want modern convenience, but they also seek sincerity and intention. Muzz brings both together.”

Beyond impressive numbers and global reach, the platform’s impact is evident in the personal stories shared by couples who found each other through it. Omar and Noura, a Saudi–Jordanian couple who married last year, credit Muzz for creating the opportunity that brought them together. Living in different countries, they never expected their paths to cross naturally. “Conversations on Muzz felt sincere from the start,” Omar said. “Within weeks, we realized this was something real.”

For individuals like Sara, a single mother from the Gulf region, the app provided a renewed chance at companionship after years of hesitation. Concerns about trust and privacy initially held her back, but the platform’s respectful environment helped her feel comfortable enough to explore the process. “Muzz felt intentional,” she said. “I met someone who understood my journey, someone I didn’t expect to find.”

Stories like these, now numbering in the hundreds of thousands, highlight how thoughtfully designed technology can support tradition rather than undermine it. The platform’s growing adoption in Saudi Arabia and the UAE reflects this balance, combining technological ease with the cultural sensitivity deeply valued in the region. According to a spokesperson for the company, this growth demonstrates a widespread desire for tools that honor authenticity and respect while offering users an accessible way to pursue marriage.

In addition to its role as a matchmaking platform, Muzz has emerged as a socially conscious brand committed to humanitarian initiatives. The company has raised more than $1.2 million in charitable contributions, supporting essential projects in Sudan, Pakistan, Türkiye, Palestine, and other regions. Its donations have helped fund bakeries, mobile clinics, temporary shelters, and emergency relief efforts, reinforcing its commitment to community support and ethical responsibility.

As digital tools continue to influence how people work, communicate, and build relationships, Muzz’s success illustrates how technology can harmonize with religious and cultural values. By offering a platform grounded in sincerity, safety, and faith-centered design, Muzz is shaping a new chapter in Muslim matchmaking, one where innovation and tradition work hand in hand to help people build lasting connections.