• Home
• /
• Tech
• /
• Business

UAE: Facebook owner Meta opens regional headquarters in Dubai

Sheikh Hamdan tweeted that Meta would manage its Mena operations from the Emirate

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.”

ALSO READ:

• Adopt digital avatars of rescued dogs: UAE animal shelter to launch NFTs

• One of a kind Superior Flagship Smartphone HONOR Magic4 Pro delivers industry-first features that unleashes the Power of Magic

• Emirates Draw launches mobile app on Google Play, iOS Stores

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has been in the region for 10 years, working with communities, creators, partners, media and governments to enable the millions of people who use its platforms to create content and flourish in any industry. From everyday users to large global brands and upcoming entrepreneurs, Meta’s platforms are being utilised in a variety of ways in the region.

Derya Matras, VP of the Africa, Middle East and Turkey regions at Meta, said: “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.”

Malek Al Malek, director general of the Dubai Development Authority, said: “Our leadership’s vision to cement an enabling and competitive business environment has attracted some of the world’s leading players to Dubai, especially in the technology sector, and enabled them to expand in the region and beyond. Our Group’s business districts including Dubai Internet City have been at the forefront of efforts to deliver on this vision and the cornerstone of the region’s economic growth and digital transformation journey for the past two decades by providing a world-class ecosystem that attracted a pool of 95,000 best-in-class talent.”

rohma@khaleejtimes.com