Yalla Chat – Islam Abdelaziz

IM APP—YALLA CHAT

Instant messaging app for MENA region and muslims

UX/UI, CONCEPTUAL, MOBILE DESIGN

CONTENT
INTRODUCTION
PROBLEM
SOLUTION
IMPACT

INTRODUCTION

Yalla Chat - instant messaging app

As an Art Director at Yalla Group, I played a key role in shaping the app’s identity and user experience as it expanded across the MENA region.

I collaborated with product, engineering, marketing, and design teams to elevate Yalla Chat’s positioning through integrated branding efforts, localized UX improvements, and feature-focused campaigns tailored to regional user behavior.

Led the creative direction and UX/UI design for in-app features and marketing campaigns across iOS and Android, reaching millions of users. I delivered rapid design prototypes, conducted user research, and optimized app flows based on insights, which resulted in higher engagement and stronger user retention.

PROBLEM

Yalla Chat needed a stronger brand identity and a more localized, user-friendly mobile experience to increase engagement and retention across the MENA region.

Yalla Chat required a distinct brand identity and an improved mobile user experience tailored to the MENA audience in order to boost engagement, strengthen retention, and stand out in a highly competitive regional messaging market.

SOLUTION

Crafting a bold brand and intuitive mobile experience for Yalla Chat to connect with users across the MENA region.

Redefined Yalla Chat’s brand and mobile experience to reflect the language, culture, and behaviors of users in the MENA region. Through localized UI design, cohesive visual identity, and tailored marketing campaigns, we strengthened user connection, increased engagement, and built a product that feels truly regional.

QURAN

Stay focused and centered with the Quran feature for daily spiritual moments.

Introduced an in-app Quran experience with a clean, accessible interface designed for daily use. The feature supports verse bookmarking, sharing, and audio playback, offering a seamless way for users to stay spiritually connected within the Yalla Chat ecosystem.

DRIFT BOTTLE

Send a message into the unknown and let the sea decide who finds it. A playful way to connect with strangers through random, anonymous notes.

Share thoughts, secrets, or questions by writing a message and tossing it into the virtual sea. Other users can discover your bottle at random, creating spontaneous and anonymous connections across the Yalla Chat community.

NEARBY

Meet new people around you with the Nearby feature.

Explore who's around you and start conversations with people nearby. This feature helps you discover local connections, meet new friends, and grow your community—all within walking distance.

MOMENTS

Share photos, updates, and everyday stories with your friends. Moments lets you capture life as it happens and stay connected through real, personal content.

Capture and share life’s everyday highlights with your friends through photos, videos, and status updates. Whether it's a special occasion or a simple daily thought, Moments helps you express yourself and stay connected with your circle in a more personal and engaging way.

MAIL

RESUME

BEHANCE

17'-25'