Meta has also launched a training and business resource centres and a MetaBoost programme to help businesses grow.
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has opened its regional headquarters in Dubai Internet City.
The office was inaugurated by Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of the Executive Council.
In a series of tweets, Shaikh Hamdan said: “Dubai continues to strengthen its partnerships with major international tech companies to shape the future.”
From Dubai, the company will be managing its regional operations in MENA and support more than 3bn users globally. “Dubai’s infrastructure and business environment has promoted the emirate as a hub for major technology companies around the world. Today, Dubai Internet City hosts 95,000 employees working and living in Dubai,” added Shaikh Hamdan.
Speaking about the launch, Ammar Al Malik, Managing Director of Dubai Internet City, stated: “Dubai’s reputation for business friendliness and a globally competitive business landscape have tremendously spurred the growth of the UAE. For more than two decades, Dubai Internet City has helped the emirate achieve economic diversification while catalysing digital transformation across the MENA region. Tech giants like Meta and Visa play an essential role in enriching innovation with their wealth of resources and insight, and boost the export of digital solutions designed for the needs of regional consumers.”
The new headquarters for Meta will enable more than 100 employees to cater to the growing needs of hundreds of millions of people in the region who use the company’s platforms every month.
Through its partnerships with various public and private sector organisations across the MENA region, Meta aims to make a significant impact on various industries. The company has awarded grants to more than 100 Dubai-based small and medium-sized businesses as part of its efforts to support businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Meta has also launched a training and business resource centres and a MetaBoost programme to help businesses grow.
Meta chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg commented: “This office represents our commitment to the millions of people who use our platforms to express themselves, stay connected to their loved ones and their communities, and start and grow businesses. There is a culture of innovation in the UAE that fits with the spirit of our company. We share an excitement about the economic and social opportunities that a connected world can create. The talent and creativity of people across the region will be crucial as we embark on the next chapter for our company – helping to build the metaverse. It is no coincidence that we selected 8 March for our office opening. We chose to do it on International Women’s Day as a sign of our continued commitment to empowering women, here in Dubai and around the world.”
Derya Matras, Vice President, Africa, Middle East and Turkey at META, noted: “I am incredibly proud of the work that we have done and continue to do in the MENA region. From launching initiatives such as LoveLocal and SheCreates – a platform that shines a spotlight on incredible women- to our partnerships to support small and medium-sized businesses, our work continues to have a great impact. None of this would have been possible without the support of our partners, which makes today such an important day in our history in the region. It is so encouraging to see the UAE’s commitment to establishing a culture that allows innovation and creativity to thrive.”
Fares Akkad, Regional Director, MENA, remarked: “When you look at our platforms, the scale and breadth of it is incredible. What is crucial, however, is not so much the platforms themselves but how and why people use them. We continue to see this during the pandemic, with people across the region coming together to show support for one another, helping SMBs reach larger audiences, helping newsrooms function in a more digital world and providing a platform where people can be heard. This is what continues to motivate us. It is so encouraging to see the continued support of the UAE government, which remains a true regional leader in innovation and growth.”
