Saudi matchmaking app, Awaser, is helping individuals find partners by bridging tradition and modernity

Awaser remains firmly rooted in cultural and religious values. (Supplied)
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Updated 16 June 2025
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Saudi matchmaking app, Awaser, is helping individuals find partners by bridging tradition and modernity

  • Alolayan said: “The younger generation increasingly wants to take ownership of their marriage journey in terms of to get

JEDDAH: With digital innovation taking place at a rapid pace, Awaser, a mobile application developed in Saudi Arabia, is at the forefront of a quiet transformation in the Kingdom’s matchmaking traditions.

It offers a modern approach to marriage, but remains firmly rooted in cultural and religious values.

Founded by psychiatrist Dr. Mohammed Alolayan, Awaser is not just a dating platform but a dedicated space for individuals and families with the intention of forming lasting marriages.




“There’s a clear need, and many people are ready to embrace technology, so long as it honors our values. Awaser allows them to do both.” (Supplied)

With features tailored to Saudi Arabia’s cultural norms and a strong emphasis on privacy, the app introduces a respectful and structured alternative to traditional matchmaking.

Speaking about the inspiration behind creating the first app of its kind, Alolayan said: “As a trained psychiatrist, I’ve spent years exploring human psychology and understanding the deep emotional challenges people face, especially in midlife, around intimacy and the question of ‘Who should I be with?’

“Listening to countless stories from patients and online followers, I realized how difficult it is for many to find a suitable partner within the traditional framework. That’s what inspired me to create Awaser.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• Awaser gives users the tools to search based on preferences unique to Saudi society, including regional origin, family background, education, sect, and tribal affiliation. 

• This approach blends technology with cultural traditions, creating a platform that speaks to both the younger generation and their families. 

Unlike typical matchmaking apps that rely on algorithms to suggest potential partners, Awaser gives users the tools to search based on preferences unique to Saudi Arabia society, including regional origin, family background, education, sect, and tribal affiliation.

This approach blends technology with cultural traditions, creating a platform that speaks to both the younger generation and their families.

Alolayan said: “Awaser does not offer matchmaking in the conventional sense. Instead, it elevates traditional matchmaking by making it more accessible and efficient.




Dr. Mohammed Alolayan

“It’s a platform that respects Saudi customs while empowering individuals and families to make informed choices.”

One of the app’s most distinctive features is the ability for families to create and manage accounts on behalf of their children, a model that preserves the essence of traditional matchmaking while increasing the chances of finding a suitable match.

This family-first approach has resonated strongly with conservative users seeking to maintain trust throughout the process.

The app operates on a paid subscription model, which Alolayan believes ensures the quality and seriousness of its community. “We implemented a payment wall to ensure serious participation and prevent random or unserious users,” he said.

“Trust is crucial. That’s why users must verify with a Saudi mobile number and OTP (One-Time Password), and all communications are encrypted and automatically deleted after 30 days of inactivity.”

Privacy is a key concern for users in Saudi Arabia, particularly when it comes to online interactions between men and women.

Awaser addresses this by giving users complete control over their profiles and conversations, with no human intervention from the app’s management team. Conversations cannot begin without mutual consent, and all user data remains private and protected.

The platform currently focuses on Saudi nationals and residents, and has already had impressive engagement, especially from well-educated individuals.

“Around 30 to 40 percent of our users hold advanced degrees such as master’s or PhDs. While we expected high participation from major cities, we were pleasantly surprised to see users from nearly every region of the Kingdom,” he said.

Among the many success stories shared by users, one stands out for Alolayan: “A couple who met on Awaser married about a year and a half ago, and they recently welcomed their first child.

“Hearing that directly from them was incredibly moving, it validated everything we’ve been working toward.”

In a culture where family involvement remains a cornerstone of the marriage process, launching a technology-driven platform presented unique challenges. But the public response,  Alolayan said, has been overwhelmingly positive.

“There’s a clear need, and many people are ready to embrace technology, so long as it honors our values. Awaser allows them to do both.”

Umm Abdullah, a user of the app, said: “As a mother, I’ve seen how difficult it’s become to find suitable matches, and approaching someone as the bride’s parents is not very common in our culture, we usually wait for proposals to come.

“Apps like this give us the chance to actively search instead of just waiting. It feels more efficient, while still respecting our values.”

Interestingly, Awaser also provides a space for non-traditional introductions between individuals, allowing for more autonomy in the relationship-building phase.

This dual approach supporting both traditional and independent searches reflects the evolving preferences of younger Saudis who want to play a more active role in choosing their life partners.

Alolayan said: “The younger generation increasingly wants to take ownership of their marriage journey in terms of to get to know their future partner before traditional steps begin.

“Awaser arrived at just the right time to meet this shift. It offers an alternative that feels modern yet grounded in cultural values.”

Another user, Naser Al-Rahman, said: “It’s really hard these days to find a relationship that leads to something serious. Most platforms don’t feel safe or genuine.

“But with this app, I feel like I can search more conveniently and securely, knowing the people here are serious about marriage.”

Although Awaser does not currently employ artificial intelligence to match users, Alolayan is open to future possibilities. “There is no proven psychological model for perfect matchmaking, which is why we don’t claim to match people ourselves.

“But I do see potential for AI and data analytics to provide smarter tools in the future, based on long-term user behavior.”

As Saudi Arabia continues its Vision 2030 journey toward modernization and empowerment, platforms such as Awaser highlight how digital solutions can coexist with tradition.

Commenting on the legal and cultural implications of matchmaking platforms, family lawyer Hassan Al-Ghawi said: “Apps like these help bridge the gap between tradition and technology.

“As long as user privacy is protected and the legal framework is respected, they can serve as a positive and legitimate extension of traditional matchmaking.

“Today’s younger generation often rushes into relationships, so involving both parents and children in the process allows for deeper understanding and more thoughtful decisions, potentially leading to stronger, longer-lasting marriages and fewer divorces.”

 


Jeddah’s newest indoor jungle brings nature to the city this summer

From flamingos and reptiles to cats and birds, the experience blends wildlife interaction with environmental education. (AN phot
Updated 19 July 2025
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Jeddah’s newest indoor jungle brings nature to the city this summer

  • The 45-day Forest Wonders is a part of the broader Jeddah Season push to offer diverse, family-oriented entertainment

JEDDAH: Families in Jeddah are skipping summertime’s typical indoor mall circuit and heading somewhere … wilder.

The newly opened Forest Wonders indoor jungle is offering a nature-inspired escape in the heart of the coastal city, including turtles to pat, goats to feed and lemurs to meet.

From flamingos and reptiles to cats and birds, the experience blends wildlife interaction with environmental education. (AN photo)

“As far as I know, such animal jungles don’t just offer fun experiences but also educate the public about wildlife conservation,” 36-year-old Abdullah Al-Hashmi told Arab News while waiting in line with his family on opening day.

“It is a new experience for (the kids) and they are excited about it,” he said.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The newly opened Forest Wonders indoor jungle is offering a nature-inspired escape.

• It features more than 200 animals in themed zones such as the Meercat Zone, Raccoon Enclosure, and the Secret Garden.

• Young visitors can color, plant or play skill games between feeding stations and animal encounters.

Located on King Abdulaziz Road, the jungle-like venue opened on July 16 as part of this year’s Jeddah Season.

From flamingos and reptiles to cats and birds, the experience blends wildlife interaction with environmental education. (AN photo)

The air-conditioned space, covering 7,500 sq. m, features more than 200 animals in themed zones such as the Meercat Zone, Raccoon Enclosure, Bird Park and the Secret Garden, where rare animals are hidden among the foliage.

“It was fun and we enjoyed every zone or area,” said Jameel Al-Shikhi, visiting with his wife and two children.

Young visitors can color, plant or play skill games between feeding stations and animal encounters. (AN photo)

“The kids had fun with the most of the animals and they still want to see more.”

From flamingos and reptiles to cats and birds, the experience blends wildlife interaction with environmental education, including on topics such as sustainability, farming and animal care.

From flamingos and reptiles to cats and birds, the experience blends wildlife interaction with environmental education. (AN photo)

Young visitors can color, plant or play skill games between feeding stations and animal encounters.

“It is really connecting people with animals and the kids enjoyed many activities such playing, feeding, planting, drawing and watching the diverse animals closely,” Al-Shikhi said.

From flamingos and reptiles to cats and birds, the experience blends wildlife interaction with environmental education. (AN photo)

According to officials of the National Events Center, the 45-day Forest Wonders is a part of the broader Jeddah Season push to offer diverse, family-oriented entertainment.

Whether it is snapping a photo with a raccoon, learning about farming or simply watching a lemur, Forest Wonders offers a breath of fresh, leafy air in the middle of Jeddah’s urban summer.

 


Riyadh welcomes Japanese cultural flair at Esports World Cup

Japan Park offers Saudis and tourists alike the chance to explore Japanese heritage in the heart of Riyadh. (SPA)
Updated 19 July 2025
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Riyadh welcomes Japanese cultural flair at Esports World Cup

  • The streets of Japan Park have been transformed into an interactive world of Tokyo-inspired streets and manga-themed photo zones

RIYADH: Amid the fast-paced tournaments and flashing screens at the Esports World Cup in Boulevard Riyadh City, a quieter kind of immersion — one rooted in culture, not gameplay — is drawing crowds.

At Japan Park, visitors are stepping into “yukatas,” the traditional Japanese summer garment that merges Japanese heritage with the modern world of esports.

The garment, which is worn during festivals and public celebrations in Japan, was redesigned with a contemporary twist inspired by popular characters and iconic elements of Japanese visual culture.

FASTFACTS

• At Japan Park entrance, visitors can register via QR code and receive a yukata to wear for free.

• In the calligraphy corner, visitors learn to write their names in kanji under the guidance of Japanese artists.

The experience offers Saudis and tourists alike the chance to explore Japanese heritage in the heart of Riyadh.

At the park entrance, visitors can register via QR code and receive a yukata to wear for free. Staff help guests to suit up correctly, maintaining respect for the garment’s cultural roots.

The streets of Japan Park have been transformed into an interactive world of Tokyo-inspired streets and manga-themed photo zones. The decor draws from vibrant districts such as Shibuya and other landmarks from Japanese pop culture.

The yukata experience is part of the broader cultural showcase that includes workshops on origami and uchiwa conducted by Japanese professionals.

In the calligraphy corner, visitors learn to write their names in kanji under the guidance of Japanese artists. It is slow, meticulous work in contrast to the speed of the esports tournaments happening just steps away.

The food stalls serve ramen, sushi and traditional desserts such as mochi, adding another sensory layer to the cultural experience.

While much of the Esports World Cup is about international gaming and competition, Japan Park offers a more reflective counterpoint.

It is a reminder that global pop culture — from anime to fashion and food — is inseparable from the traditions that shape it.

 


Wasl Community trains students in media skills

Updated 19 July 2025
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Wasl Community trains students in media skills

  • Wasl Community’s CEO Mohammed Al-Razqi said the initiative reflected the belief that empowering people was essential to effective communication, and that strong content started with developing talent

RIYADH: The Wasl Community has concluded its Media Skills Week initiative, which was held in Riyadh from July 13-18 at PureMinds Studios. The program targeted university students majoring in communication and media who were aiming to enhance their practical skills to align themselves with job market demands.

The week-long initiative attracted more than 1,000 registrants and offered more than 20 hours of specialized training through professional workshops led by experienced media and communication experts.

The workshops covered key topics, including spokesperson skills and media appearances by Majid Al-Ghamdi; fundamentals of strategic communication by Abdulrahman Al-Sultan; media content creation and management by Waleed Al-Harbi; internal communication by Najla Al-Otaibi; media production from writing to publishing by Saad Moamen; and corporate audio identity by Abdullah Al-Zarzour.

Wasl Community’s CEO Mohammed Al-Razqi said the initiative reflected the belief that empowering people was essential to effective communication, and that strong content started with developing talent.

He said: “Media Skills Week was designed to connect knowledge with practice. We are proud of the strong turnout from ambitious students and graduates, and we look forward to offering even more impactful programs in the future.”

Wasl Community is a nonprofit professional network registered under the Hawi platform and part of the Quality of Life Program under Vision 2030. It brings together professionals in corporate communication, media, and marketing across various sectors.

The community organizes programs, expert meetups, and projects to enhance practitioners’ skills and elevate the media sector’s professional image in Saudi Arabia.

 


General Court of Audit chief attends Internal Auditors meeting in Riyadh

Updated 19 July 2025
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General Court of Audit chief attends Internal Auditors meeting in Riyadh

  • Members of the ILA board congratulated Saudi Arabia, represented by SAIA, on its winning bid to host the 2027 IIA International Conference

RIYADH: Hussam Alangari, the president of the General Court of Audit and board member of the Saudi Authority of Internal Auditors, attended the meeting of the Institute of Internal Auditors in Riyadh.

Members of the ILA board congratulated Saudi Arabia, represented by SAIA, on its winning bid to host the 2027 IIA International Conference, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The board said the successful bid was a culmination of the Kingdom’s “tireless efforts to enhance its international presence in the field of internal auditing and consolidate its leadership role in developing the profession regionally and globally.”

 

 


Saudi Arabia welcomes peace declaration signed in Doha between Democratic Republic of the Congo, March 23 Movement

Updated 19 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia welcomes peace declaration signed in Doha between Democratic Republic of the Congo, March 23 Movement

  • Agreement seen as positive step toward peace, stability

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia welcomed the signing on Saturday of a declaration of principles between the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the March 23 Movement, describing the agreement as a positive step toward peace and stability in the region.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kingdom expressed its hope that the declaration, which was signed in Qatar’s capital of Doha, would contribute to improving humanitarian and economic conditions in the DRC and bolster regional and international security.

Riyadh also praised the diplomatic efforts of Qatar in facilitating the agreement, highlighting Doha’s constructive role in promoting dialogue and reconciliation between the parties, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The declaration comes amid regional and international calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC, where fighting between government forces and armed groups, including the M23, has displaced millions and deepened humanitarian crises.

Both sides have pledged to pursue dialogue, cease hostilities, and work toward a comprehensive political settlement, according to the agreement.

Qatar hosted the talks as part of its growing diplomatic engagement in African conflict resolution efforts.