LinkedIn reveals list of the UAE's 45 most viewed profiles in 2016

LinkedIn, the world's largest professional network with over three million members in the UAE, on Sunday revealed for the first time, a list of the UAE's 45 most viewed profiles in 2016.
The profiles of "exemplary professionals" include CEOs from the public and private sector and executives from industries such as marketing and advertising, human resources, technology and lifestyle, the online professional network said.
The "power profiles list" is a celebration of professionals who have understood the importance of investing in their online personal brand and have succeeded in growing their employer's brand by becoming its ambassadors, said Ali Matar, head of LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Growth Markets, Southern Europe, Middle East and North Africa.
"These power profiles are skillfully growing their professional networks online and sharing insights on areas that they are passionate about. We are excited to launch the first Power Profiles list in the UAE and look forward to seeing more and more members investing in their professional brands" Matar said.
With over three million members in the UAE, and over 20 million members in the Mena region, LinkedIn is growing rapidly in the region. The UAE Power Profiles list provides an insight into the most popular personalities on the site and the key thought leaders in the country, linkedIn said.
Compiled for the first time for the UAE, "power profiles" lists have previously been released in other markets such as Australia, India and Singapore.

"References are not just a source of information but the source of trust in the UAE market. 'Whom you know' and 'Who knows you' play a vital role in getting your dream job or business deal. While Facebook remains the most popular social media platform, the trust factor is what makes LinkedIn the most preferred and popular social media among professionals. In the dynamic UAE market, it's not about the cost of engagement but the quality of services or output that every employer seeks; wherein LinkedIn has become an inevitable tool for better hiring," said James Mathew, group CEO (UAE and Oman), Crowe Horwath and Secretary General, Indian Business and Professional Council, Dubai.
"I started using LinkedIn in 2008 and found this tool as the most efficient business tool to connect with fellow professionals globally. I have 6,000 plus friends in more than 30 countries. I am proud to share that my consultancy firm Nimai closed first fund raising transaction through Linkedin connect," said Pankaj Mundra, chairman, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India - UAE (Dubai) Chapter.
"LinkedIn's most powerful feature is 'recommendation' which helps an individual to build his social media profile and share his credentials with his followers online. There are many business groups on LinkedIn, which can be effectively used for the two-way communication between peers and fellow professionals on relevant and current topics globally, said Mundra.
- issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com