Dubai Health Authority signs agreement with Visa

A general view of the Burj Khalifa and the downtown skyline in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 12, 2021. (REUTERS)
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Updated 25 July 2022
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Dubai Health Authority signs agreement with Visa

  • The agreement will be implemented in two phases. The first phase targets Visa card holders from Kuwait to benefit from discounts on services in six clinics and hospitals in the UAE

The Dubai Health Authority recently signed an MoU with Visa, a digital payments company, with the aim of enhancing Dubai’s competitiveness as an ideal destination for health tourism.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the Dubai Health Authority by Dr. Marwan Al-Mulla, executive director of the Health Regulation Sector at the DHA, and on behalf of Visa, by Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, senior vice president and group country manager for GCC.
According to the agreement, Visa will work in cooperation with its bank partners to provide cardholders with a set of exclusive discounts on medical services provided by members of the Dubai Health Experience through the health tourism website www.dxh.ae. Visa card holders will be able to choose between a range of medical services and procedures, book appointments with doctors, and plan their treatment itineraries.
The agreement will be implemented in two phases. The first phase targets Visa card holders from Kuwait to benefit from discounts on services in six clinics and hospitals in the UAE.

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Visa will work in cooperation with its bank partners to provide cardholders with a set of exclusive discounts on medical services provided by members of the Dubai Health Experience

While the second phase aims to provide discounts to Visa card holders in other countries to cover all hospitals and clinics affiliated with the Dubai Health Experience Group. It will also work with travel agents, airlines and hospitality service providers to obtain various discounts and other offers.
Dr. Al-Mulla said the MoU comes as part of the authority’s continuous plans and efforts to build broad horizons of strategic partnerships with various local, regional and global institutions to enhance Dubai’s ability and global competitiveness as an ideal destination for health care seekers.
He referred to the effective programs adopted by Dubai to activate the health tourism movement in cooperation with its strategic partners, which contributed during the past year to attracting 630,000 international health tourists, their medical expenses amounting to about 730 million dirhams ($198.74 million), which he said are record numbers in light of the exceptional circumstances the world is going through due to the COVID-19 pandemic that cast negative shadows on various vital sectors, including the health sector.
Jaffar said: “Our strategic agreement with DHA will increase Dubai’s attractiveness as a preferred destination for global health tourism, and as a center for first-class health care facilities. Through this first-of-its-kind strategic alliance, we want to highlight the importance of making health a priority and ensure that our cardholders can avail exclusive discounts on high-quality medical services, as well as enjoy the benefits offered by a Dubai Health Experience member.”


Muzz helps GCC to embrace modern marriage without compromising faith

Updated 58 min 59 sec ago
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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.