Shawdesh desk:
Finding the right partner, which traditionally begins with family discussions and proposals during home gatherings, can now be facilitated through licensed companies that use AI (artificial intelligence), known as electronic compatibility system.
This system helps individuals find suitable life partners by addressing about 80% to 90% of questions about preferences and desires. Additionally, they operate under strict controls to ensure privacy while adhering to Emirati Islamic traditions, reports Khaleej Times.
Society is new to the idea of such programmes, as most families rely on their existing social circles. When options run out, some turn to special marriage programmes, most of which allow the exchange of personal data, photos, and phone numbers, usually for acquaintances only with serious intent to marry.
If there is no agreement, they move on to someone else, which weakens the chances of achieving an actual marriage, especially when the guardian or family head is unaware. These practices are generally rejected by those who oppose emotional exploitation, particularly women seeking a suitable spouse amid rising rates of delayed marriage in many communities.
From this standpoint, some Emirati citizens created licensed intermediary companies for marriages, noting that these business licenses are granted exclusively to the UAE nationals.
How it works
Shariki, based in Ras Al Khaimah designed a platform that analyses subscriber data from those registering on the website. After filling out a form, users specify their preferences for a life partner. The team then identifies the highest compatibility rate, followed by verbal confirmation from both parties. Upon agreement, each party logs into their page and clicks the “electronic approval” button to document acceptance and proceed with the official procedures.
The platform uses precise algorithms to analyse applicant data and select the best match. After approval, a formal viewing (the ‘legal meeting’) is coordinated at the bride’s family home, ensuring full respect for privacy and customs.
The subscription fee is Dh1,099, which includes four electronic compatibility attempts and no expiry date for the profile.
The office emphasises strict confidentiality. Personal data is only shared based on a legal agreement signed by all parties.
Bu Nahyan, founder of Shariki office for marriage services, told Khaleej Times, “After obtaining the necessary approvals from relevant authorities, our office was officially opened in Ras Al Khaimah, alongside the programme launch via our website. Operating this activity requires registration with the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Development Department and approval from the Community Services Department at Ras Al Khaimah Courts, the official body responsible for regulating and licensing marriage intermediaries.”
Bu Nahyan explained that the platform uses AI technology to match parties based on user data input while strictly respecting Islamic Emirati customs and social privacy. It’s available for residents and citizens of the UAE.
Despite the community’s adherence to conservative traditions, limited social circles and growing social challenges have driven some to use unlicensed apps where users exchange photos and phone numbers outside family supervision. Unregulated interactions that disregard customs have led to emotional exploitation. Thus, the need for responsibly managed, organised solutions arose.
“In the past, matching grooms through neighbors and acquaintances was easier. Today, people are more closed off, and many do not know if there are eligible brides within their community,” Bu Nahyan said.
‘Be careful’
Bu Nahyan acknowledged existing challenges but stressed that the drive to provide a respectable, modern service is the core motivation, especially given the lack of oversight of some traditional marriage offices, which may expose clients to extortion or misleading advertisements.
On the other hand, illegal practices exploit the needs of some youth for marriage through “fake proposals”, asking for money with false promises, or socially and religiously unacceptable behavior.
Sharjah Police have also warned the public against falling victim to scams by fake marriage brokers on social media. Victims are usually asked to pay deposits only to realise later that they have been defrauded. The Sharjah Police General Command urged caution, recommended dealing only with official platforms, and recommended reporting any fraud attempts to the relevant authorities.
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