Relying on online services and medtech devices to contain the pandemic has paid off for the Emirati administration, which was able to avoid an outbreak by tracking infections. But months under lockdown followed by another covid wave, have also motivated residents of the country to seek out innovative tech for monitoring and strengthening personal health.

The awareness about overall well being has triggered a surge in demand for oximeters, smart fitness bands and online platforms that facilitate remote checkups. At a time when Emiratis are proactive about building immunity, a local startup has turned the spotlight on overall fitness with guidance for a healthy lifestyle.

Focusing on people who aren't sick but haven't been in great shape either, the Valeo app starts off by updating people about the state of their body's well being. Users can schedule at-home tests, which involve collection of samples, before they are provided with simplified reports pointing out the scope for improvement.

Following this process, individuals are connected with wellness coaches who create a personalised plan that covers guidance on nutrition, everyday movement and lifestyle changes. The certified professionals spend time to interact with users, and come up with ways to motivate them towards developing healthy habits, which strengthen their fitness in the long run.

Valeo, which plans to reach out to residents of other gulf countries after securing funds, is replacing fad diets and health trends, with accurate advise crafted based on individual needs.

A rising consciousness about personal health in the Middle East has encouraged innovation, which includes top brands like Samsung upgrading wearables to monitor heart rate. Its competitor Oppo has also launched a smart band that can track blood oxygen levels, while the Apple watch has been touted as a device that spots covid symptoms.

Going beyond physical fitness, global tech giant Google has even enhanced its digital assistant to provide mental health guidance in Arabic for consumers in the Middle East.