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Dawsat is a technology-enabled services startup combining advanced technology, a proven methodology and Arab culture to address the obesity and diabetes crisis facing the Arab world. Dawsat is committed to reversing the trend of obesity and diabetes in the region and creating a model for addressing obesity in emerging markets. It does this by delivering the “Dawsat Method”, a points-based system of support, menus and nutrition tracking based on the Arabic diet via a set of digital tools. The digital tools it offers today are (1) mobile App and (2) online weekly support groups.
With Dawsat, people lose an average of 11% of their body weight over 13-weeks and over 70% maintain 5% of more weight loss 1 year later. Harvard Medical School researchers support its work with an academic research focus.
Audience: Overweight Women/Men, ages 25-55 across the Arab world (GCC and Egypt)
Headquarters
BVI Company with Bahraini Subsidiary. Current Focus is GCC, especially UAE and KSA
The business model is a subscription model. Dawsat charges $8/month for the premium version of its mobile application in a direct B2C model and it offers online remote support groups within the mobile App for $45/month. Dawsat is transitioning to a B2B / B2G model, to reach the millions of obese Arabic speakers in the MENA region in a scalable way and reduce diabetes and related healthcare costs. It is exploring partnerships with insurance companies, health clininics, employer health plans and international food brands offering (1) outcome-based payment for online groups or (2) white-label App.
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MAS WATAD, President and Cofounder
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TALLY ZINGHER, CEO and Cofounder
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EDWARD ZIADEH, CTO
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OMAR BISHTAWI, Data Manager
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YASMEEN BISHTAWI, Director of Training
Ahmad Saleh
Partner, Head of Patents & Designs (R&D and Innovations)- Al Tamimi & Company
Ahmad is a Canadian attorney and engineer with over 13 years of international and local experience in IP and commercial law. Prior to joining Al Tamimi in September 2013 as Head of Patents and Designs (R&D Innovations), he worked for reputable Canadian and International law firms.
Ahmad is one of the most experienced patent lawyers and innovation councils in the Middle East and is widely recognized for his strategic and visionary thinking and leadership.
Ahmad advises clients in the private and public sectors in a wide range of legal matters in the sphere of Research & Development and Innovation, from patent protection to technology transfer transactions and litigation. Ahmad holds a Bachelor degree in Computer Engineering and a Masters of Applied Sciences degree in Electrical Engineering from Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal, an LLB in Civi Law and a DESSS in common Law from the University of Montreal.
Ahmad has completed executive education programs in General Management, Innovation & Technology and Artificial Intelligence for Business Strategies from MIT Sloan School of Management.
Ahmad has a unique set of skills and credentials bringing to the benefit of clients a rich three- dimensional expertise combining legal, technical and business.
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Al Tamimi & Company
Al Tamimi & Company provide in kind IP/ Patents Consultancy services for Dawsat which would be worth $5,000
AstroLab
AstroLabs will provide a free membership in its Dubai space for Dawsat and full scholarship to its signature programs to 2 people as well. That’s a combined value of 20,000 AED.
Amjad Ahmad
Amjad founded Precinct Partners through his passion for working closely with exceptional entrepreneurs and investing in growth companies. He is a tireless advocate for the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and strongly believes that the success of the economy is highly dependent on support for growth companies.
Amjad currently holds board positions at mrUsta, Mumzworld and German Imaging Technologies. He has led 27 investments in emerging markets in various sectors including consumer, education, healthcare, industrial and technology.
Prior to Precinct Partners, Amjad was CEO of NBK Capital Partners where he was a co-founder and developed the firm into a leading private equity fund manager with nearly USD 1 billion of assets under management.
His prior experience includes technology and telecom investment banking and management consulting with UBS, Credit Suisse and PWC in the United States.
Amjad earned a Masters in International Affairs from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Hofstra University. He is a graduate of the General Management Program at Harvard Business School and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Roberto Croci
Regional Managing Director Microsoft, keen on helping startups create and achieve tech goals in the Middle East
Microsoft for Startup Regional MD, with a vision to drive innovation and develop market- defining ideas in the Middle East
Roberto Croci joined Microsoft for Startups team with a wide range of knowledge, having previously worked as the Google Regional head for (EMEA) Emerging Markets (Middle East, Turkey, Israel, Russia, Africa) where he helped businesses by building & mentoring teams that could successfully penetrate new markets and ensure sustainable revenue growth.
As a natural born leader, he is passionate about business, people and their growth and has more than 15 years’ experience in various industries – ranging from digital marketing, ad-tech to sales
He will be integral as the Regional Managing director at Microsoft for startups Middle East, in helping startups achieve their goals by promoting their tech solutions through digital and social campaigns, opening up the right opportunities for growth, customizing a market plan to maximize joint marketing with Microsoft and providing a targeted industry co-marketing and account planning.
He has specialized in leadership development as a Harvard Business School graduate and has a proven track-record of creating successful teams and growing businesses in unpredictable environments.
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Salman Hamad Al-Zayani
MD, MSc, PhD is a Consultant and Assistant Professor of Public Health in the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences at the Arabian Gulf University in Bahrain.
Dr. Salman Hamad Alzayani, MD, MSc, PhD is a Consultant and Assistant Professor of Public Health in the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences at the Arabian Gulf University in Bahrain. He has more than 15 years of experience in health sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States. His expertise ranges from clinical, academic, administrative and scientific research in the fields of public health, community medicine, health policy and population studies.
Dr. Alzayani holds an MD degree and MSc in Health Policy from the Arabian Gulf University. He got his PhD in Public Health from the University of Connecticut in the United States and received his executive education in Healthcare Leadership from Harvard School of Public Health and another executive education in negotiation from Harvard Kennedy School of Governments. Moreover, he holds graduate certificates in Health Promotion, Health Education and College Instruction from University of Connecticut in the United States. He has published several studies in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented number of papers at local, regional and international conferences. Dr. Alzayani is a recipient of Venus International Medical Award for Outstanding Clinician in Community Medicine – 2018.
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Marketing assistance in
- Developing relevant partnerships (or research partnerships) to close deals with insurers, health plans, health clinics and employers towards the shift to B2B or B2G
- Digital marketing and content marketing support to help refine our B2C approach as we grow into the GCC.
- Fundraising/Investment: Our investors include 500 Falcons and a seasoned franchisee of WW in the US. We are interested in connecting with other relevant investors.
We are looking to raise another $1M to grow our tech team and hire a marketing function in the GCC as well as cover budget to shift to working with our B2B clients.
Advisory and Mentorship Support
Please choose the area(s) of support that you are interested in being part of:
Digital Marketing Assistance to help refine the B2C approach as growing into the GCC.
Secure further partnerships with insurers, health plans, health clinics and employers towards the shift to B2B or B2G
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3ARABI IMPACT by HAAA
The 3arabi Impact Initiative by HAAA aims at identifying and supporting implementation of projects that impact the Arab world, regardless of sector or country. The 3arabi Impact Initiative by HAAA aims at identifying and supporting implementation of projects that impact the Arab world, regardless of sector or country
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I was so impressed, when I heard that Dawsat took part in a competition. Anyway, I became happy when I learned that they have got a prize.
Everything goes smoothly. Thank you very much for your continues support, kindness and used approaches. I like your idea.
As it was said in the description, this team was working on tools for Arabic diet. Now, I am so curious, what Arabic diet is.