Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, has launched its regional headquarters in Dubai.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, officially opened the headquarters at an event yesterday in the United Arab Emirates’ financial hub.
The new Middle East and North Africa hub will house more than 100 Meta employees.
“Dubai continues to consolidate its partnerships with global technology players as part of its ambitious vision to shape the future,” Sheikh Hamdan wrote on Twitter.
“From its new base in Dubai, Meta will serve its markets in the Middle East and North Africa region and support three billion users of its platforms worldwide.”
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, according to a statement from the Dubai Media Office.
Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Meta, said the UAE’s “culture of innovation” matched Meta’s ambitious vision.
“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,” she said.
“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 March 8 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.”
