Matthew Davidson with his wife, Yasmin Davidson, at their residence in JLT, Dubai. – Photo by Muhammad Sajjad
A Dubai-based British-Filipino couple has introduced a dining discovery app named Places UAE. This startup, headquartered in JLT, Dubai, is the first globally to digitally catalog an entire city's menus. The app boasts over 3.5 million searchable food and beverage items across 10,000 restaurants and cafes in Dubai. It also stands out as one of the pioneering companies in the UAE to develop and deploy its own Artificial Intelligence (AI) model. "We constructed our own search framework, enabling even intricate search results to be delivered in under half a second. Places was entirely developed in Dubai, and our team consists of 21 members," stated Matthew Davidson, CEO and co-founder of Places UAE. One of the app's co-founders is Emirati Saif Alnajjar, who graduated from King’s College London University with a master’s in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in 2023.
The app was launched in October and has already garnered 20,000 users, according to Yasmin Davidson, Matthew's wife and Head of Customer Support at Places UAE. Matthew, 51, has initiated five businesses, three of which are in the UAE, and has spent nearly half his life in the country. "I established Expat Wheels, which facilitated car buying and selling for Dubai residents. It was highly successful and was acquired by Dubizzle in 2017, now known as Dubizzle Motors. My wife has been a steadfast supporter and collaborator in all my UAE ventures," Matthew recounted. He met Yasmin in Dubai in 2014 through a mutual acquaintance. "I quickly began assisting with the business (Expat Wheels) and managed the call center and customer service team," said Yasmin, 42, who was born in Saudi Arabia.
After completing her university education, Yasmin entered the airline industry, working across the Middle East in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE from 2005, before transitioning into customer service. "I draw inspiration from individuals who exhibit raw determination and perseverance, which I believe is the foremost trait for an entrepreneur to succeed. Eric Ries, author of The Lean Startup, and Jim Collins, with his numerous impactful business books, have significantly influenced my journey," Matthew shared. Yasmin, on the other hand, finds motivation in Robin Sharma, author of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. "His emphasis on purpose, passion, and self-discipline has always been my guiding light."
Matthew attributes his resilience to his maternal grandfather, who was deeply driven and determined in his entrepreneurial endeavors. Yasmin was inspired by her parents and grandparents, who built businesses during her childhood. "Their stories of their entrepreneurial journey were profoundly inspiring and have remained with me," she noted. The UAE is celebrated as a leading investment hub, distinguished by its strategic location, robust economic policies, and top-tier infrastructure. The government actively promotes a business-friendly environment, offering tax incentives, full foreign ownership in various sectors, and minimal bureaucratic obstacles. These policies attract global investors and entrepreneurs keen to explore the Middle Eastern and African markets. With state-of-the-art facilities and a forward-thinking leadership focused on innovation and sustainability, the UAE continues to be a preferred destination for investors aiming to maximize growth and opportunities in the region.
"One of the pivotal factors is the empowerment emanating from the UAE leadership. The city's energy is palpable, with everyone pushing towards the same goal. I've always felt that nothing is impossible in the UAE. Success and victory are celebrated by all," Matthew remarked. Yasmin echoed this sentiment, stating, "Everything is accessible without barriers. The resources are unparalleled. The transport and telecom infrastructure, government services, and ease of business setup are second to none."
Matthew Davidson with his wife, Yasmin Davidson, at their residence in JLT, Dubai. – Photo by Muhammad Sajjad
Tips for Couples Aspiring to Start a Business
Understand your skills and concentrate on what you excel at. Delegate everything else to hired professionals.
Support each other during tough times and celebrate victories together.
Clearly define the business goals and roadmap, and remain aligned with these objectives.
Separate business matters from personal life.
Engage in regular walks to connect on a personal level and schedule date nights several times a month.
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