HALLA WALLA: Arab and Khaleeji Emojis Arrive in Middle East

Last year it was announced that Muslim-friendly emojis could soon be added to the universal emoticon keyboard but for now ones to suit Arab and Khaleeji culture are about to become a real thing. HALLA WALLA (which means "what's up") is giving us playful GIFs that we can really relate to.

You might notice some inside jokes and over the top emotions being expressed in the examples below, plus images in our gallery show some oft he stickers that will also be available. Whether you want to use Arabic or English, the app will enable you to really express yourself on Android and IOS devices.

"We wanted to create something that we know well and give the Khaleeji culture a boost through our creativity," Yasmine Rasool, Co- founder of HALLA WALLA says. When it came to representing the modern Middle Eastern voice, we felt there was a real gap in social messaging platforms. From our loud families, endless cousin gatherings and shared meals, to signature phrases, fashion statements, football, shisha and late night shawarma runs – our lives are brimming with inside jokes and over the top emotions that needed a platform to be expressed."

Check it out, Habibti!