emirates7 - 'We found ourselves experiencing a little less each month,' the young founder said while explaining that the cost of items kept rising, but his allowance stayed the same
Emirati student Naji Faqihi Al Awadhi noticed a problem during his final year at the American School of Dubai: His monthly allowance remained the same, but prices continued to rise. Food, fashion, fitness, everything became harder to afford on a student budget due to inflation.
Two years later, the 19-year-old launched SmartPocket, a dedicated student discount platform. The website went live in October, offering verified students access to deals from more than 20 brands across food, fashion, electronics, and subscriptions.
"While our monthly allowances from our parents stayed the same, our spending needs naturally evolved," Al Awadhi told Khaleej Times. "We found ourselves experiencing a little less each month."
Students verify their status through university email addresses or official documents like Emirates IDs to access the discounts. Al Awadhi estimates users save around 20 per cent on typical monthly spending, though the platform is still new and gathering data.
Al Awadhi's first business venture started at 15, when he joined his brother in reselling sneakers and streetwear. That experience was something that taught him supply and demand dynamics while managing school simultaneously.
Building SmartPocket took two years and required more sophisticated operations than reselling collectables. Al Awadhi and a co-founder initially developed the concept together, funded through family and friends. He later bought out his co-founder's stake before launch and now manages an in-house development team.
The biggest obstacle came from the business model itself. Al Awadhi initially designed a specific redemption system but changed direction after meetings with Dubai businesses revealed different needs.
"I transitioned to a system that better balances simplicity for merchants with a seamless experience for students," he said. "That shift required careful analysis, testing, and time."
The platform charges brands no commissions or upfront costs, offering free distribution instead. This approach helped secure partnerships with companies hesitant about new platforms, though it raises questions about long-term revenue generation that Al Awadhi hasn't detailed publicly.
Currently studying Entrepreneurship and Innovation at George Washington University in Washington, DC, Al Awadhi manages the platform remotely while pursuing his degree through 2028. He remains focused on immediate market feedback rather than expansion plans.
"My main focus right now is listening closely to what the market needs, both from students and brands," he said, adding that GCC expansion remains a possibility.
The platform faces competition from international student discount services and will need to prove its value proposition as the UAE's student market matures. Early user feedback has focused on verification processes and interface design.
Al Awadhi credits the UAE's business environment for enabling young entrepreneurs. His advice for aspiring founders reflects his gradual approach: “Start small, secure one customer, and build from there.”
Emirati student Naji Faqihi Al Awadhi noticed a problem during his final year at the American School of Dubai: His monthly allowance remained the same, but prices continued to rise. Food, fashion, fitness, everything became harder to afford on a student budget due to inflation.
Two years later, the 19-year-old launched SmartPocket, a dedicated student discount platform. The website went live in October, offering verified students access to deals from more than 20 brands across food, fashion, electronics, and subscriptions.
"While our monthly allowances from our parents stayed the same, our spending needs naturally evolved," Al Awadhi told Khaleej Times. "We found ourselves experiencing a little less each month."
Students verify their status through university email addresses or official documents like Emirates IDs to access the discounts. Al Awadhi estimates users save around 20 per cent on typical monthly spending, though the platform is still new and gathering data.
Al Awadhi's first business venture started at 15, when he joined his brother in reselling sneakers and streetwear. That experience was something that taught him supply and demand dynamics while managing school simultaneously.
Building SmartPocket took two years and required more sophisticated operations than reselling collectables. Al Awadhi and a co-founder initially developed the concept together, funded through family and friends. He later bought out his co-founder's stake before launch and now manages an in-house development team.
The biggest obstacle came from the business model itself. Al Awadhi initially designed a specific redemption system but changed direction after meetings with Dubai businesses revealed different needs.
"I transitioned to a system that better balances simplicity for merchants with a seamless experience for students," he said. "That shift required careful analysis, testing, and time."
The platform charges brands no commissions or upfront costs, offering free distribution instead. This approach helped secure partnerships with companies hesitant about new platforms, though it raises questions about long-term revenue generation that Al Awadhi hasn't detailed publicly.
Currently studying Entrepreneurship and Innovation at George Washington University in Washington, DC, Al Awadhi manages the platform remotely while pursuing his degree through 2028. He remains focused on immediate market feedback rather than expansion plans.
"My main focus right now is listening closely to what the market needs, both from students and brands," he said, adding that GCC expansion remains a possibility.
The platform faces competition from international student discount services and will need to prove its value proposition as the UAE's student market matures. Early user feedback has focused on verification processes and interface design.
Al Awadhi credits the UAE's business environment for enabling young entrepreneurs. His advice for aspiring founders reflects his gradual approach: “Start small, secure one customer, and build from there.”