Dubai Brothers Launch Peekabox App to Combat Food Waste

Apr 27, 2026

95 min

Apr 27, 2026 06:32

My Business: Dubai brothers turn surplus food into 70% savings app

## Innovative Solution to Food Waste

Hasan and Omair Sarwar, two brothers from Dubai, have launched Peekabox, a food-tech app designed to tackle food waste while offering consumers significant savings. The app partners with local bakeries, cafes, and grocery stores to sell surplus food at discounts ranging from 50% to 70%. This initiative not only helps reduce food waste but also provides affordable meal options for residents.

## Addressing a Growing Problem

The idea for Peekabox emerged when Hasan Sarwar noticed the amount of perfectly edible food being discarded daily in Dubai. With over $3.5 billion worth of food wasted annually in the UAE, the brothers saw an opportunity to create a platform that benefits both consumers and retailers. By purchasing surplus food, consumers can enjoy meals from well-known brands at reduced prices, while retailers can recover revenue from items that would otherwise be thrown away.

## Building a Business

Both Hasan and Omair come from finance backgrounds, having worked in investment banking. This experience helped them approach Peekabox as a commercial venture rather than a charitable project. Their goal was to create a sustainable business model that offers a win-win situation for both retailers and consumers.

## Overcoming Challenges

Initially, the brothers faced skepticism due to their age and lack of experience in the food-tech industry. However, they successfully demonstrated the economic benefits of their model, securing partnerships with over 1,000 stores, including major brands like Carrefour and Costa. Peekabox also raised $1.5 million in seed funding, attracting prominent investors who provided credibility and access to regional networks.

## Future Plans

Peekabox plans to expand beyond Dubai, targeting the wider UAE and Gulf region. The brothers believe that the dense food and beverage markets, coupled with rising living costs, create ideal conditions for their platform. Their vision is for Peekabox to become the go-to app for affordable, quality food while helping retailers minimize waste.

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