Key Takeaways
- Funding: Arab Therapy closes a pre-Series A round of $2 million, led by Manara Ventures.
- Technology: The platform combines human therapy in Arabic with artificial intelligence tools and a network of over 200 therapists supervised by the University of Hamburg.
- Market: The expansion targets Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region, in a sector held back by a structural shortage of qualified Arabic-speaking therapists.
Fresh Capital for Regional Expansion
Arab Therapy has closed a pre-Series A round of $2 million, led by Manara Ventures, a venture capital fund managed by Jordan Capital, with participation from Anara Impact Fund and Value Makers Studio. The deal comes in August 2026 and follows a $1 million seed round closed in April 2024, led by Flat6Labs and Vision Health Pioneers. The funds are earmarked for two stated goals: a structured entry into the Saudi Arabian market and the expansion of the artificial intelligence infrastructure built into the platform.
The Operating Model
Founded in 2021 in Amman by psychiatrist Tareq Dalbah and software engineer Hekmat Al Hasi, Arab Therapy connects users to a network of over 200 licensed psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists, offering video, audio and unlimited text-based chat sessions. Clinical oversight runs through the University of Hamburg, which trains and monitors practitioners according to European protocols, while preserving the Arab cultural framework in how the service is delivered. The revenue model is twofold: direct-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B), reaching companies, educational institutions and healthcare providers through corporate wellness programs.
Artificial Intelligence as First Point of Contact
The platform is building a suite of AI tools in native Arabic, paired with a library of mental health content. Their stated purpose is to serve as a first touchpoint for people who aren't yet ready to book a session with a specialist. According to the founders, the cultural stigma surrounding mental health support remains a harder barrier to overcome than logistics.
Competition and Operational Constraints
The Arabic-language teletherapy sector also includes players such as Labayh in Saudi Arabia, Shezlong in Egypt, and Estaraht. A recent comparative review flagged a still-limited therapist pool at Arab Therapy, along with issues in handling session cancellations. Demand for digital mental health services in the region grew following the COVID-19 pandemic and regional crises, but the shortage of qualified Arabic-speaking therapists remains a structural bottleneck for the entire industry.
Next Steps
Dr. Dalbah said the funding will go "toward expanding our reach and improving our technology, particularly to address the growing mental health needs that emerged during the pandemic and regional conflicts." The push into Saudi Arabia marks the first real test of the platform's ability to scale beyond the Jordanian and European markets where it was born.
