In a region where digital transformation is reshaping consumer engagement, UAE-based Journify is emerging as a critical enabler of privacy-compliant, first-party data marketing.
The AI-powered data activation platform has reported 5x revenue growth and doubled its valuation in six months, as it rapidly scales operations across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
As GCC brands face tighter data regulations, the loss of third-party cookies, and growing pressure to prove ROI, the firm offers a timely alternative.
Its platform allows advertisers to activate first-party data across platforms like Meta, TikTok, Google, Snapchat, and X, translating consumer insights into measurable, cost-efficient performance.
“Our goal is to reimagine brand-customer relationships by making first-party data activation simple, accessible, and profitable,” said Taoufik El Jamali, Co-Founder and CEO of Journify. “In a privacy-first world, this is where the future lies.”
Journify’s Retail Results Fuel Expansion
Journify’s value is best seen through its partnerships. Jarir, a major retail player in Saudi Arabia, used Journify’s AI to activate its first-party data on Meta, achieving a 182% increase in Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) and a 51% reduction in Cost Per Purchase (CPP).
Baytonia, a furniture marketplace operating across the Gulf, applied Journify’s solution on TikTok and saw an 80% increase in ROAS and 44% drop in CPP.
These numbers underscore Journify’s pitch: performance marketing that’s measurable, privacy-compliant, and rooted in a brand’s own data.
To meet surging demand, the startup is accelerating development of its agentic AI systems, designed for 1:1 personalisation, autonomous media buying, and predictive conversion journeys.
Expansion of its product, engineering, and commercial teams is also underway, fueled by fresh capital and a bullish Gulf outlook.
Strategic Backing for a Changing Ad Ecosystem
Journify recently closed a strategic investment round with support from Shorooq Partners, Bunat Ventures, and Plug and Play. The funding will drive product innovation, talent acquisition, and deeper penetration in high-growth GCC markets.
“The underutilisation of first-party data is one of the biggest missed opportunities in digital marketing today,” said Omer Zabit, Partner at Shorooq. “Journify is building the infrastructure marketers will depend on for the next decade.”
The broader market signals support this momentum. According to IAB MENA, regional digital ad spend grew 20% in 2024 to hit $7 billion. But challenges persist, data silos, lack of transparency, and poor measurement still plague the industry.
“Solutions that combine first-party data, AI optimization, and transparent performance are best positioned to lead the next phase of growth,” said Ian Manning, Executive Director at IAB MENA.
As Gulf brands seek better ways to reach, understand, and convert customers, Journify stands at the crossroads of performance and privacy. With a clear mission and strong backing, the startup is positioning itself as the region’s go-to platform for activating first-party data at scale.
The message is clear: in the evolving digital economy of the Middle East, data belongs to the brand and Journify knows how to use it.
