Slash food bill by 70%: New app transforming UAE shopping

ABU DHABI: Expatriates in the UAE can now look forward to significant savings on their daily food expenses, thanks to a newly launched mobile application offering discounts of up to 70%. The platform is expected to help residents substantially cut down their living costs and boost their monthly savings. The application, named 'Peekabox', was developed by Dubai-raised brothers Hasan and Omair. It operates on a surplus-food model, allowing users to reserve items through the app and collect them directly from participating outlets on the same day. Under the pricing structure, grocery bundles are typically priced at AED 15, while food boxes from bakeries, coffee shops, and sushi outlets are available for AED 30. The platform has already partnered with over 1,000 stores across 50 major brands. Hasan Sarwar, CEO of Peekabox, emphasised that all items sold through the platform are prepared fresh daily and comply strictly with food safety and expiration standards. He also clarified that there are no hidden conditions for users. To use the service, customers reserve and pay for their food via the app, then pick up their order from the retail outlet during a designated time window. Rather than selecting individual menu items, customers receive a curated box of unsold, surplus food that retailers clear out at the end of the day, offering a win-win solution for both budget-conscious consumers and sustainability efforts.