Arafa
A privacy-centric professional social network and business directory for the GCC. Connect with verified businesses, professionals and students, operated from Doha, Qatar.
Visit ArafaArafa is a professional social network and business directory that connects verified businesses, professionals and students across Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. Members use it to find jobs, events and services, and to grow their professional network.
It combines professional networking with integrated e-commerce, and offers three profile types: business, professional and student. Arafa describes its design as privacy-centric, stating that your data belongs to you.
Arafa is free to join, available on the web, the App Store, Google Play and AppGallery, and works in English and Arabic. It is operated by Abtikarat Louis Trading and Services WLL (CR No. 173808) in Doha.
Features
Verified profiles
Members choose a role, verify a GCC mobile number by OTP, then validate a document (commercial registration, employment document or student ID) to receive a free verified badge.
Profile visibility controls
Each member chooses one of three visibility levels, Public, Loops Only or Private, to decide who can see their profile.
Business directory and storefronts
Business profiles support product listings, storefronts, job postings, event hosting, booking management and an AI chatbot for customer service. E-commerce starts from QAR 49 per month.
Jobs and internships
Businesses post jobs across the GCC, professionals apply, and students find internships and mentorship.
Events with verified certificates
Members can host and join public events, with QR-verified certificates for attendees.
Messaging, groups and rewards
Secure messaging, groups and communities, an AI assistant, a reward points system and an advertising platform.
Who it is for
- Businesses and organisations in the GCC that want a verified profile, storefront and job listings
- Working professionals building a network and looking for jobs across the six GCC countries
- University and school students looking for internships, mentorship and study groups
For Qatar and the GCC
Arafa is built around the Gulf region. Membership is tied to a verified GCC mobile number, it has country hubs for all six GCC states, and the site works in Arabic and English with right to left layout. It is operated by a Qatari company in Doha, and its stated principle is that members own their data and choose who sees their profile.
Frequently asked questions
What is Arafa?
Arafa is a professional social network and business directory for the GCC. It connects verified businesses, professionals and students across all six GCC countries, and helps members find jobs, events and services.
Is Arafa free?
Yes. Arafa is free to join and use, and the verified badge is free. Some business features are paid, such as e-commerce from QAR 49 per month and premium custom profile URLs.
How does verification work on Arafa?
You choose your role, verify a GCC mobile number with a one-time password, then validate a document: a commercial registration for businesses, an employment document for professionals, or a student ID for students. Once validated, your profile receives a verified badge.
Who can see my Arafa profile?
You decide. Arafa offers three visibility levels: Public, Loops Only, or Private. The platform describes its design as privacy-centric, on the principle that your data belongs to you and you choose who sees your profile.
Which languages and devices does Arafa support?
Arafa works in English and Arabic with full right to left support, and you can switch language on any page. It runs on the web and is available on the App Store, Google Play and AppGallery.