A UAE-based startup is redefining sports engagement with a competitive gaming app that removes the element of gambling while keeping the excitement intact.
Hajem Sports offers users a chance to make predictions and climb leaderboards—not for money, but for points. The platform generates revenue through in-app purchases, such as digital avatar customizations and other virtual perks.
“We wanted to give Arab and Muslim sports fans a way to engage with the action without crossing ethical boundaries,” said the company’s founder. 
Islam strictly prohibits gambling, with the Quran placing it alongside alcohol and idolatry as a sinful act. While religious leaders have historically resisted alternatives to forbidden products—such as non-alcoholic beer or halal dating—cultural attitudes are evolving.
Still, while the app offers an ethical way to enjoy the thrill of sports predictions, some may argue that earning points won’t replicate the rush of a high-stakes bet.
