In a region where rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and lifestyle-related diseases place immense pressure on public health systems, Mas and Tally , a unique Arab woman with her partner, a unique American woman are leading a quiet revolution. Mas Watad, a visionary health entrepreneur mother of 3 kids , and tally zinger also a mother of 3, a proud alumni of Harvard College, Harvard Law School and the Harvard Kennedy School. Tally NY-based investment banker and corporate lawyer who now lives in the Middle East.together created Dawsat, a culturally grounded, scientifically validated digital health platform that is transforming how wellness is approached across the Arab world.
Combining the richness of Arab culinary traditions with the power of data, behavioral science, and community engagement, Watad’s model doesn’t just promote weight loss, it inspires lasting lifestyle change. Her method is simple, scalable, and most importantly, designed with the Arab family in mind. As governments across the region search for sustainable ways to reduce healthcare costs and improve population health, Dawsat emerges as a bold, homegrown solution, proven to save millions in public spending when adopted on a national scale.
Mas Watad isn’t just building a company. She’s building a movement, one that blends heritage with innovation to reshape the future of Arab health
A Childhood Spark That Lit a Lifelong Mission
Could you please tell us about your early life and how your passion for health and wellness began?
At the age of ten, I was already exploring entrepreneurship by creating and selling a wellness and nutrition magazine to my classmates, managing to sell 30 copies. This early project was more than a childhood venture; it reflected a deep-rooted passion for improving the health of those around me. From then on, I remained committed to becoming a leader in the field of wellness and community health.
Creating Dawsat: Where Culture Meets Wellness Innovation
What inspired you to start Dawsat and how did the idea evolve over time?
My interest in preventive healthcare led me to pursue Clinical Dietetics at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. I aspired to help prevent diseases like diabetes through dietary awareness and behavior change. However, I soon realized that many in my community were hesitant to give up traditional food habits in favor of unfamiliar Western diets. That gap between health and heritage inspired me to find a solution that would preserve cultural practices while promoting wellness.
This led to the creation of Dawsat, an original nutritional system that quantifies calories, fat, and protein using a point-based approach adapted specifically for Arabic cuisine. I began by hosting a small support group of 10 women in my home. Within three months, the group grew tenfold, reflecting the strength of collective motivation. I spent the next several years refining the method, researching extensively across various Arab regions, and eventually formalizing Dawsat into a registered solution with widespread relevance.
Mas Watad The Oprah of the Arab World
What has been the impact of Dawsat in the Arab community so far?
Mas Watad has often been called the Oprah of the Arab world, a recognition that reflects not only her influence but also the meaningful change Dawsat has brought to thousands of lives. One of her early milestones was hosting the first health and weight loss conference tailored for Arab women, which drew over 2,000 attendees and laid the foundation for a series of successful annual events.
The magazine is now also available digitally, with more than 100,000 downloads. Through partnerships with the Leumit National Health Fund and a network of specialists, from dietitians and psychologists to fitness experts, we’ve guided over 60,000 individuals toward improved health. In collaboration with Tali Singer, we expanded Dawsat’s reach by developing a mobile app that integrates health coaching with sales and marketing technologies. Recently, I moved Dawsat’s headquarters and my family to Abu Dhabi to better serve the growing demand in the region.
Digital Wellness, Rooted in Culture
What is unique about Dawsat’s digital health solutions compared to conventional diet programs?
Dawsat’s mobile platform simplifies access to personalized weight loss guidance, empowering users to manage their health conveniently. The method uses a flexible, culturally tuned points system that accommodates familiar traditional foods. We maintain an extensive food database curated specifically for Arabic cuisine and lifestyle, supporting long-term, realistic health habits.
In addition to the app, our team of professional health coaches and vibrant online communities provides a support network that helps people feel connected. Rather than focusing solely on weight loss, Dawsat emphasizes the overall wellness journey, helping users find enjoyment, confidence, and community throughout the process.
The Obesity and Diabetes Crisis in the Arab World
What challenges is the Arab region facing in terms of obesity and diabetes?
Obesity has become a critical global issue, and the MENA region is among the most affected. Studies show that nine of the world’s ten most obese countries are in this region, with more than 80% of women in countries like Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia considered overweight or obese. Obesity also contributes significantly to diabetes, accounting for 30–50% of new cases.
In the Arab world, diabetes rates are alarmingly high, about 65% above the global average. These conditions not only impact individual health but also place immense financial strain on healthcare systems. Addressing these health threats requires culturally tailored, sustainable interventions that go beyond temporary fixes.
Why the Dawsat Method Works
What makes the Dawsat method effective in tackling these issues?
What sets Dawsat apart is its ability to blend culture, science, and support into a comprehensive system. Our model is built to be accessible and relevant to Arabic-speaking communities. On average, participants in our virtual support groups reduce their body weight by about 9%, and, crucially, maintain those results over time. This level of sustained success reflects the strength of our method, which encourages small, practical changes reinforced by collective motivation.
Harnessing Data and Community Wisdom
How do data and community insights drive your approach?
The 60,000+ stories we’ve collected from Dawsat users serve as a rich source of insight. By analyzing this data, we can identify successful patterns and refine our strategies continuously. Every success story contributes to a larger body of knowledge that we use to optimize user experience and outcomes. We also apply advanced data analysis tools to personalize recommendations, making our system more responsive to individual and cultural needs.
Standing Out in a Crowded Health Landscape
How does Dawsat stand out in a fragmented health market?
Many global health and wellness solutions overlook the MENA region. While other providers may focus on Arabic-language content or standalone services like clinics and testing kits, Dawsat is distinctive because it integrates technology, cultural relevance, and nutritional science into a single, unified solution. Our approach is comprehensive, community-centered, and designed to meet real-life challenges head-on.
Empowering Women as Wellness Leaders
What is the role of women in your wellness mission?
Women play a central role in our vision. As the primary influencers of food and health habits within households, empowering women with tools and knowledge creates a multiplier effect. They don’t just improve their own well-being, they also inspire healthier practices within their families. Approximately 80% of our users are women, but we are proud to support men as well, who make up 20% of our base. Together, these communities demonstrate that Dawsat isn’t just a program, it’s a lifestyle shift.
A Message to the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Starting a business begins with deep passion. Without genuine enthusiasm for your work, it becomes difficult to navigate the inevitable ups and downs. I believe it’s vital to define your strategy, stay focused on what makes your product or service different, and remain persistent. The entrepreneurial journey is a cycle, moments of hardship are always followed by new opportunities. Stay committed, and growth will follow.
Technology as a Wellness Catalyst
What role does technology play in your long-term vision?
Technology is a cornerstone of our mission to create meaningful health change in the region. Our development team is constantly working to improve the Dawsat app, using the latest tools to deliver personalized experiences. By applying insights from user data, we continue to fine-tune our point-based system and expand our reach. Our goal is to make wellness both accessible and culturally resonant, and technology enables us to do that at scale.
Confidence in a Culturally Grounded Solution
What gives you confidence in Dawsat as a solution for the Arab world?
I have full confidence in Dawsat because it was built for the communities it serves. Our system has earned the trust of major health institutions and insurers, confirming its credibility and value. This support affirms our commitment to scientific rigor, cultural sensitivity, and positive impact. With every success story and partnership, we’re further driven to continue shaping a healthier, more empowered Arab world.
Conclusion: Where Purpose Becomes Legacy
Mas Watad’s journey is a testament to what happens when innovation meets authenticity. Through Dawsat, she has not only introduced a scientifically sound and culturally relevant solution to combat obesity and diabetes in the Arab world, but she has also sparked a movement, one that centers community, honors heritage, and empowers people to reclaim their health on their own terms. Her commitment to creating lasting impact, especially through women-led family health education, is reshaping wellness from the ground up. As the region continues to face growing health challenges, Mas remains a powerful force of change, proving that sustainable transformation is possible when care, culture, and community come together.
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