UAE: Facebook owner Meta opens regional headquarters in Dubai

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, on Tuesday opened Meta’s new regional headquarters in Dubai Internet City.

The opening event was attended by Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Meta. Sheikh Hamdan said that the establishment of Meta’s new office in the emirate reflects Dubai’s growth as a global business hub and the continued confidence of the world’s largest technology companies in the city as a base for tapping new opportunities and advancing innovation. Consistent with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the emirate has continuously developed its integrated industry ecosystem, infrastructure and regulatory framework to support the world’s largest companies seeking to enhance their competitiveness and deliver high-quality services to some of the globe’s fastest growing emerging markets.

Sheikh Hamdan further said the company is one of many leading global technology companies that have benefited from Dubai’s vibrant growth-friendly environment. Dubai will continue to expand its cooperation with the world’s leading firms as part of its vision to be a global pioneer in adopting future-oriented technologies and advancements, he added.

The new headquarters for Meta will serve the Middle East and North Africa region (Mena), enabling 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 (SMBs) as part of its efforts to support businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Meta has also launched training and business resource centres and a MetaBoost programme to help businesses grow.

Speaking on the occasion, Sheryl Sandberg said that the new office represents Meta’s commitment to the millions of people who use the company’s 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.”

Ammar Al Malik, MD of Dubai Internet City, said” “Dubai’s flourishing relationship with global corporations in diverse sectors, especially tech, have immensely boosted national economic growth and diversification. Dubai Internet City has supported our leadership’s vision by not only providing a valuable meeting point for industry leaders to stimulate the UAE and wider region’s tech sector, but also nurtured a community that has been essential in moving the needle of innovation forward. Such a thriving ecosystem, supported by world-class infrastructure and business support cultivated over the past 20 years, have made our district the base of choice for major corporations such as Meta, and inspired an influx of skilled talent who are seeking out the wealth of opportunities available.”

rohma@khaleejtimes.com