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Toothpick Is Aiming To Digitize Dentalcare In The UAE & Beyond
The Dubai-based dental health startup has ambitious plans to revolutionize the way we approach oral health.

Last year, the global dental market’s value was estimated at nearly $40 billion. Despite being immensely profitable, the sector remains decidedly old-school in its approach to digitization and cloud-based solutions. For that reason, startups have enormous potential to help dentalcare providers streamline their operations and patient journeys while enhancing supply chains.
One of those startups, known as Toothpick, is a homegrown, UAE-based venture that allows dentists to find products and services in their local marketplace and matches them to various financial solutions.
Toothpick is another success story from AREA 2071, the government-funded startup accelerator helping Dubai become a leading player in the world’s interconnected digital economy. The startup is the first healthtech innovator globally to attempt to digitalize the dental industry and has acquired over 50,000 subscribers, 390 local suppliers, and sold nearly 70,000 products.
Although founded and based in Dubai, Toothpick has expanded its services into Egypt, Lebanon, and Qatar while recently signing agreements for the Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti markets. The company’s next target regions are Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and, if successful, the lucrative Asian and American markets.
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“We were inspired by the leadership and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to aim as high as possible. Being immersed in the spirit of Emirates Towers and seeing the motivational quotes from the UAE’s leadership on a daily basis instilled confidence. We have attempted to integrate the UAE’s approach to problem-solving into our thinking and company structure, which has led us to achieve some significant milestones and will propel us to further success,” says Sary Azakir, Managing Partner of Toothpick.
As part of Toothpick’s pre-seed funding round, the company raised $2.8 million and is set to generate over $15 million during its Series A Round.
News
Google Pay Launches In Lebanon With Support From Multiple Banks
Bank Audi, Neo Digital Bank, and Whish Money are all offering support for Mastercard and Visa cardholders.

Google Pay has officially launched in Lebanon, allowing Android users to make secure, contactless payments via their smartphones. The rollout has been quickly supported by BLOM, BLF, Whish Money, Bank Audi, and its digital banking offshoot Neo Digital Bank. Customers of all three services can now add eligible Mastercard and Visa payment cards to their Google Wallets.
The integration enables in-store tap-to-pay transactions, as well as online and in-app purchases, using the same cards users already carry. For Bank Audi and Neo Digital Bank, the launch covers Mastercard products; for Whish Money, BLOM, and BLF it includes Visa cards. Payments are processed through the Google Pay platform, which maintains cardholder privacy while extending standard card protections.
To begin using the service, customers can download the Google Wallet app from Google Play, select “Add to Wallet,” and follow a short verification process. Once set up, payments can be made with a single tap — eliminating the need to carry physical cards or cash.
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“This launch represents a significant milestone in our commitment to digital innovation and customer convenience,” said Toufic Koussa, CEO at Whish Money. “By making Whish Visa Card available on Google Pay, we’re enabling our customers to make everyday transactions faster, more secure, and more inclusive. It’s about giving them the tools they need to transact seamlessly, wherever they are”.
The move follows the official activation of Google Pay in Lebanon on June 24, 2025, and marks a notable expansion of mobile payment options in a market where Apple Pay has yet to gain traction. Google’s entry is expected to increase digital wallet adoption among Android users and pave the way for further collaborations with regional financial institutions.
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