For countless students across the United Arab Emirates, managing a fixed monthly allowance amidst rising prices has become a significant financial hurdle. In a direct response to this widespread challenge, two young entrepreneurs have launched a innovative digital solution designed to empower the youth financially.
The Genesis of a Student-Centric Solution
The brain behind SmartPocket is 19-year-old Emirati student Naji Faqihi Al Awadhi. The idea took root during his final year at the American School of Dubai, a period marked by personal frustration. Al Awadhi observed that while his monthly allowance from his parents remained constant, the costs for everyday essentials like food, clothing, and fitness activities were steadily climbing due to inflation.
"While our monthly allowances from our parents stayed the same, our spending needs naturally evolved," Al Awadhi explained, highlighting the core issue. This personal pain point transformed into a mission: to create a platform that makes student life more affordable without sacrificing lifestyle. He collaborated with Najib Mikati, a senior at the same school, and spent 18 months developing the concept into a fully-functional mobile platform.
How SmartPocket Works: Verified Savings for Genuine Students
Officially launched to the public in October 2025, SmartPocket is not just another discount aggregator. It is a dedicated financial companion for the 12-to-25 age demographic, aiming to help them stretch their dirhams while educating them on spending habits.
The platform operates on a verified access model to ensure its benefits are exclusive to students. Users must first confirm their student status through official channels such as university email addresses or documents like the Emirates ID. This crucial step maintains the platform's integrity and prevents misuse.
Once verified, members gain access to curated discounts from a network of more than 20 partner brands across key categories that align with student interests:
- Food and cafés
- Fashion and lifestyle
- Electronics and gadgets
- Subscriptions and services
Although the platform is relatively new, early estimates by Al Awadhi suggest that users are reducing their monthly expenditure by an average of around 20%. The app is actively collecting data to analyze and confirm these long-term saving trends.
Building Trust in a New Financial Platform
For any new service handling user access and deals, legitimacy is a primary concern. SmartPocket addresses this through multiple transparent measures. The mandatory student verification process itself acts as a fundamental security layer, mirroring the operation of global student discount networks like UNiDAYS, though SmartPocket is specifically tailored for the UAE market.
Furthermore, the app's presence on major official distribution platforms like the Apple App Store adds a layer of credibility. Its listing there as a genuine UAE-focused student discount app, complete with secure login features and clear offer details, demonstrates its commitment to standard security and functionality protocols.
The journey to SmartPocket's launch was built on foundational entrepreneurial experience. Al Awadhi's foray into business began at the age of 15, assisting his brother in reselling sneakers and streetwear. This early exposure to market dynamics and consumer demand provided invaluable insights that he later channeled into developing SmartPocket, turning a common student struggle into a viable, empowering business venture.
