Managing money as a student in the UAE has become increasingly difficult. With monthly allowances staying the same and everyday expenses like food, clothing, and fitness becoming more expensive, many students struggle to make their money last. Understanding this challenge, two young students turned a common problem into an innovative solution by creating SmartPocket, a mobile app designed exclusively for students.

💡 The Story Behind SmartPocket

The idea for SmartPocket was born during the final school year of Naji Faqihi Al Awadhi, a 19-year-old Emirati student from the American School of Dubai. Like many students, he noticed that inflation was driving up costs while student allowances remained unchanged. What started as a personal effort to manage spending soon grew into a vision to help students across the UAE live more affordably.

Along with Najib Mikati, a senior at the American School of Dubai, and Naji Faqihinejad, a freshman at George Washington University, Al Awadhi spent nearly 18 months developing SmartPocket. After extensive planning and testing, the app officially launched in October 2025.

📌 What Is SmartPocket?

SmartPocket is a student-focused financial companion created for users aged 12 to 25. The app helps students save money by offering verified discounts of up to 20% on everyday purchases. Beyond savings, it also encourages students to become more aware of their spending habits.

The platform partners with more than 20 brands, making it easier for students to access exclusive deals in one place.

⚙️ How the App Works

To ensure that only genuine students benefit, SmartPocket follows a secure and simple process.

🔐 Student Verification

Users must verify their student status using official methods such as school or university email IDs or valid identification documents like Emirates IDs.

🛍️ Browse and Redeem Discounts

Once verified, students can browse and redeem discounts across multiple categories, including:

  • Food and cafés

  • Fashion and lifestyle

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Subscriptions and digital services

According to the founders, regular users can save around 20% of their monthly expenses, helping their allowances last longer.

✅ Is SmartPocket Reliable?

Trust and security are major concerns for any digital platform. SmartPocket addresses these by implementing strict student verification processes and maintaining its presence on trusted platforms like the Apple App Store, which requires apps to meet security and quality standards.

These measures ensure that students and partner brands can use the platform with confidence.

🌍 Inspiration and Entrepreneurial Journey

SmartPocket is often compared to global student discount platforms such as UNiDAYS, but it stands out by being tailored specifically for the UAE market. The app focuses on local brands, regional spending habits, and a verification system designed for UAE students.

The founder’s entrepreneurial mindset developed early. At the age of 15, Al Awadhi began helping his brother resell sneakers and streetwear, gaining hands-on experience in business, pricing, and consumer demand—skills that later helped shape SmartPocket into a practical solution for students.

🏁 Conclusion

SmartPocket is more than just a discount app—it is a student-led initiative aimed at solving real financial challenges faced by young people in the UAE. By combining savings, security, and smart spending awareness, the app is helping students manage their finances better in a time of rising living costs.

As student expenses continue to grow, platforms like SmartPocket highlight how young innovators are creating meaningful solutions for their own communities.