Online matrimonial sites have added a new twist to arranged marriages.
These websites, which are designed for the culturally wary, target individuals who have made finding a suitable life partner a primary goal.
Qiran.com is one of the more popular websites in the Arab-Muslim community. Egypt and Saudi Arabia top Qiran's membership list, which includes 1 million users from across the globe.
Members between the ages of 25 and 34 make up 47 per cent of Qiran's database, and more than 96 per cent of users are Muslim.
A Qiran spokesman said the site currently has a success rate of more than ten per cent. The website calculates compatibility over a number of common characteristics, such as age, religion, family values, education and interests.
In addition to being able to interact without breaking major cultural restrictions, members said that an important advantage of signing up to matrimonial websites is the number of options available.
Hazim Mustafa, 43, a petroleum engineer, met his wife through the website. "I wanted to see different mentalities and personalities and this seemed to be the perfect method," he said.
Mr Mustafa was on the site for nine months before he started communicating with his current wife, and now they have been happily married for four months.
Other Qiran members, however, said the benefit of meeting many singles can also be a drawback.
Shahita Abu al Ala, 50 and an Egyptian radio anchor, said that it was difficult to maintain communication with only one person.
"The men on these sites need to focus - they are always too preoccupied with the possibility of finding someone better, and not taking advantage of the great opportunities they're presented with."
Mr Mustafa agreed that the numerous options can distract users.
"Before the internet, when you met people through family - you might have two options and then you'll choose one. Now you'll be presented with 200 options and you'll choose none," he said.
He advised anyone opting for an online match to be patient, focus and take it step by step — as you would in any relationship.
As with all social sites, users are primarily concerned about the validity of information provided online, as well as their own privacy.
"I wouldn't go to these sites unless I feel that I've completely run out of options," said 27-year-old Hassan Khalil from Lebanon. "There's nothing like personal interaction. I'm a strong believer of the first impression, and no level of technology could provide that."
