A British-Filipino couple in Dubai has introduced an innovative dining discovery app called Places UAE. This startup, based in Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Dubai, is the first globally to digitally index an entire city’s menus. The app boasts over 3.5 million searchable food and drink items from 10,000 restaurants and cafes across Dubai.
Pioneering AI Technology
Places UAE is also one of the first companies in the UAE to create and launch its own Artificial Intelligence (AI) model. “We developed our own search infrastructure to deliver complex results in under half a second. Everything was built in Dubai, and our team now includes 21 members,” shared Matthew Davidson, the app’s CEO and co-founder.
The Team Behind the Vision
Matthew co-founded the app with Emirati Saif Alnajjar, a King’s College London graduate with a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Launched in October 2023, the app has already attracted 20,000 users, as confirmed by Matthew’s wife, Yasmin Davidson, who leads customer support for the platform.
Matthew’s Journey in Dubai
Matthew, 51, has a history of entrepreneurship in the UAE. He founded Expat Wheels, a platform that helped Dubai residents buy and sell cars, which he later sold to Dubizzle in 2017 (now known as Dubizzle Motors). “My wife has been an essential partner in all my UAE ventures,” said Matthew.
A Partnership Built on Mutual Support
Matthew and Yasmin met in 2014 through a mutual friend. Yasmin, 42, had previously worked in the airline industry across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE before transitioning to customer service. Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, she said, “I admire people with perseverance. It’s the top quality needed to succeed.”
While Matthew draws inspiration from business authors like Eric Ries and Jim Collins, Yasmin is guided by Robin Sharma’s book The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, valuing its lessons on purpose, passion, and self-discipline.
Entrepreneurial Foundations and Family Support
The couple credits their families for inspiring their entrepreneurial spirits. Matthew remembers his grandfather’s determination, while Yasmin grew up hearing stories about her parents and grandparents building businesses.
The UAE: A Land of Opportunity
The UAE’s strategic location, robust economy, and pro-business policies make it a prime hub for startups and investors. The government supports innovation with tax incentives, minimal bureaucracy, and full foreign ownership in various sectors. “The leadership here fosters a culture of empowerment. It feels like anything is possible,” said Matthew.
Yasmin added, “Everything here is seamless—from transport to telecoms and government services. The resources available are unmatched.”
Advice for Couples Starting a Business
- Focus on your strengths and hire professionals for the rest.
- Support each other during tough times and celebrate wins together.
- Clearly define business goals and stay aligned.
- Separate personal life from business.
- Make time for personal connection with activities like walks or regular date nights.
