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Howlak

Innovative restaurant discovery in the Middle East

Consultant Deliverables

  • Business Plan

  • Voice of Customer Interviews

  • User Testing Plan and Execution

  • Go to Market Strategy

  • Marketing Collatoral

  • Product Messaging

  • Fundraising Pitch Deck

  • Wireframes

  • UI Specification

  • Product Requirements

  • User Stories

  • Build Buy Partner Analysis

Introduction

In a dynamic and diverse culinary landscape like the Middle East, finding the perfect dining spot can be a challenge. Howlak, the region's first location-based restaurant ratings and opinions app, has transformed this experience. This case study explores Howlak's journey from conception to its successful launch, offering an innovative solution for both expats and locals.

Media Coverage

The Challenge

The Middle East, particularly in cities like Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, boasts a vast array of dining options. However, the challenge lay in efficiently navigating this diversity and finding quality dining experiences tailored to individual preferences and locations.

Development of Howlak

Founded by a team of expats and locals, Howlak was developed with a deep understanding of local culture and a vision to make cities smarter and more user-friendly. The app's goal was to simplify the process of discovering great restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops, particularly for people constantly on the move.

Features and Functionality

Howlak stands out with its intuitive interface and innovative features:

  • Location-Based Recommendations: Utilizing one of the largest restaurant databases in the region, Howlak offers instant suggestions based on the user's current location.

  • Visual Ratings and Opinion Polls: The app provides simple visual ratings and short opinion polls, allowing users to quickly decide where to dine.

  • Interactive Listings: Each listing includes details like phone numbers, cuisine types, addresses, and user-submitted photos, complete with an easy reservation call feature.

  • Advanced Geo-Fencing Technology: This technology ensures the app’s content updates automatically as users move through different city areas.

  • User-Friendly Design: The app's slick, easy-to-use interface facilitates quick discovery and interaction with restaurants.

Launch and Impact

Howlak's launch was met with excitement and anticipation. Khalid Al-Naama, co-founder of Howlak, emphasized the company's commitment to making cities in the GCC smarter and more accessible. The app, available for free on the App Store, quickly gained popularity, offering recommendations from over 8,500 restaurants across four major cities.

Vision for the Future

Howlak's journey is not just about creating an app; it's about fostering a smarter, more connected community of diners. With a promising roadmap and a dedicated team, Howlak is poised to expand its impact across the GCC.

Conclusion

Howlak has successfully created a digital bridge between diners and the rich culinary tapestry of the Middle East. Its innovative approach to restaurant discovery reflects the region's evolving digital landscape and sets a new standard for smart city applications.