SureSpace Launches in Dubai, Aiming to Detoxify Social Media Experience

Well, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know social media hasn’t exactly been a bed of roses for our mental health lately. With doomscrolling on the rise – a quick scroll turning into a deep dive of negative news, honestly, who hasn't been there? – fresh ideas aiming to tackle this problem are more in demand than ever. Here in Dubai, one startup is having a real go at shaking things up. SureSpace, a new social networking app, has just burst onto the scene with a mission that's anything but ordinary – they’re calling time on toxic online habits and giving users a proper safe haven, right from the very heart of the UAE.

Let’s be frank, the stats behind our online behaviours are a bit grim. Nearly half of millennials, and even more Gen Z adults, are glued to distressing news feeds far too often – and experts reckon 16.5% of adults show signs of what they’re now labelling “severely problematic” news consumption. Not only does endless scrolling wear folks down, it’s been tied to a near 30% drop in overall life satisfaction and mental well-being. It’s food for thought, really.

But here’s where SureSpace tries its luck with a different recipe. Unlike the usual suspects that want to keep us stuck scrolling (we all know the names), SureSpace ditches the manipulative algorithms, going instead for a blend of personal and professional networking in one verified, human-focused package. It’s a curious mix – part LinkedIn, part Instagram, but without all the pressure to put on a show. From what I can see, they’re keen to bring back what matters: authenticity, real conversations, and above all, a judgement-free environment.

What stands out is their zero-tolerance approach: a combination of AI moderation and actual humans keeping an eye out for trolling, bullying, or any unsavoury behaviour – so you can breathe easy. I reckon that's spot on, especially when you consider how much nonsense floats around online these days. And for once, a platform's not designed to steal your time with endless “recommended for you” content. They want users to log off feeling better, not worse.

Early birds who've had a play with the beta version seem chuffed to bits. One put it simply: “SureSpace is very easy to use and straightforward.” Someone else even mentioned they felt less stressed knowing the platform is properly moderated. It might sound like a small detail, but in today’s climate, that’s no mean feat.

For those eager to get a closer look, there’s a live launch set for 25 September 2025 at the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus, DTEC. It’s free to attend if you RSVP, and the app itself will go live for both iOS and Android devices that very day across the UAE. Not a bad shout if you’re curious about what the fuss is all about.

The brains behind this operation, Anish Suri, isn't just another serial entrepreneur. His own battles with mental health were the spark for SureSpace. With a Master’s from the University of Edinburgh in Business with Enterprise and Innovation, and plenty of digital experience under his belt, he’s passionate about putting people before profit in tech – and from what I’ve seen supporting startups around MENA, having more of that attitude never hurts.

Suri puts it like this: “We are building a space where people can connect creatively and socially in a meaningful way. There is a real gap in the market, and we are excited to fill it.” I can’t help but agree – most platforms these days feel like they care more about endless engagement numbers than anyone’s well-being. That said, changing habits on a broad scale is always a bit of a faff. Time will tell whether SureSpace can convince people to jump ship from the usual giants, but the intention’s noble.

For startup founders, artists, or just anyone wanting a more genuine online community, SureSpace’s hybrid approach – professional and personal networking tied together with strict verification – marks a significant step forward. You might call it ambitious or even a touch idealistic, but after seeing far too many promising digital communities get bogged down in negativity, believe me… it’s a breath of fresh air.

As platforms across the MENA region keep evolving, it’s heartening to watch new ventures like this take a stand. If SureSpace can maintain its safe, human-centric ethos and avoid becoming just another noisy social feed, they could be onto something special – and that, around here at Arageek, is a cause for cautious optimism, even if I’m not usually a fan of big promises.

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