The expansion also introduces support for Arabic, making Meta AI accessible to even more people across the region.
Meta has announced the expansion of its AI assistant, Meta AI, to the Middle East and North Africa, offering users in the region a tool to learn, create and connect with people and topics of interest. The feature is gradually rolling out across the region, with full accessibility already available in key markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco and Iraq.
Integrated seamlessly across Meta’s family of apps – Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger – Meta AI can be accessed through its blue circle icon without requiring prior registration. It is also available in group chats by simply typing ‘@Meta AI,’ making it an effective tool for quick research, brainstorming and collaborative planning. For example, users planning a spring trip from the UAE can mention @Meta AI in a group chat to receive tailored destination suggestions in real time.
Built with Meta’s state-of-the-art Llama 3.2, its most advanced open-source large language model, Meta AI can generate text, create and animate images directly within Meta apps. Users can explore the AI’s image-generation feature by typing “Imagine” followed by a detailed description of the desired image, such as “Imagine a tiger wearing a vest drinking tea at a café,” prompting real-time image generation with animation options.
The expansion also introduces Arabic language support, broadening accessibility across the region.
Speaking about the expansion, Fares Akkad, Regional Director for Middle East and Africa at Meta, said: “Meta AI is one of the world’s leading AI assistants already on your phone, in your pocket for free. Combining accessibility with cutting-edge technology, it serves as a gateway to a smarter, more connected life for millions of users in the MENA region. We believe that having a reliable assistant will be one of the defining benefits of this generation of AI. With Meta AI on track to become the most used AI assistant in the world by the end of the year, we’re excited to bring its transformative potential to communities across the region.”
To celebrate Meta AI’s arrival in the Middle East and North Africa, Meta is launching “Elevating Every Moment,” a content series aimed at helping users maximise the potential of Meta AI. This initiative includes collaborations with regional Instagram creators like Yara Boumonsef, Amro Maskoun, Raghad Zamel and Abdullah Al Sabe. Additionally, Meta will launch an educational series on its official Meta Arabia page, providing guidance on crafting effective prompts for both professional and personal use.
Fares Akkad added: “We’re seeing people use Meta AI to dive deep on projects that spark their interest, get help with how-to tasks, and use the assistant for guidance on things like art projects, home decor, outfit inspiration, and more. Image generation has been especially popular and I’m excited to see how people in our region will find new, creative ways to make the most of what AI can offer.”
Meta AI is designed to enhance daily life with upcoming features such as simultaneous dubbing for Reels content, real-life image editing and the “Imagine Me” feature, which generates personalised portraits that can be edited in real time. Advanced tools for crafting captions will also be integrated, making creativity and connection more seamless than ever.
With nearly 700m active monthly users and availability in 42 countries and 13 languages, Meta AI is on track to become the world’s most widely used AI assistant by the end of the year.
