Completing five years in the Middle East and North Africa, Facebook opened the doors to its brand new regional headquarters in Dubai on Oct. 27. The 20,000-square-foot space features an open office concept, and showcases regional cultural inspirations through the various designs and artistic cues.
Since launching a local presence in the region in 2012, Facebook has been embraced by users, growing to 164 million monthly active people. With over 60 employees, mostly from the Arab region, Facebook's office in Dubai acts as a hub.
Over the past five years, Facebook has grown its MENA user base by 264 percent, and now looks to galvanize the digital transformation in the Arab World, collaborating with users and partners to create products and solutions relevant to the region.
The new office houses a strong, purpose-built team, with strong regional experience, that reflects the brand's mission to give people the power to build communities and bring the world closer together.
Working with companies across a multitude of industries including travel and tourism, finance, media, automotive, FMCG, retail, telecom and start-ups, Facebook has driven both awareness and consideration for global and local brands in the region. Complementing this is the company's mobile-first strategy as over 156 million users access Facebook on mobile devices every month in MENA.
"This region has embarked on a path of growth and transformation and we aim to be part of it. Our new headquarters is a truly inspiring space, and brings to life the dynamism, creativity and innovative culture of Facebook while reflecting the communities around us," said Jonathan Labin, Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan at Facebook.
"With its strong business ecosystems, regional connectivity, and access to the best global talent, Dubai and the UAE remain the right place for us to call home in the region," Labin added. "We are only 1 percent finished in our journey here, and we are excited about what lies ahead in this young, connected, and mobile-first region."
Facebook's strong connection to the region is reflected in the Arabic themes used in the new office design, not just limited to quirky meeting room names such as 'Hommous', but also with commissioned pieces that blend modern and traditional styles from Emirati artist Eman Al Hashemi, making her the first artist from the Arab world to join Facebook's Global Artist in Residence program.
Other things to look out for in the office include a maternity room for mothers who choose to bring their children to work, a treadmill desk, and an interfaith room. The office also features an in-house library with a cross-section of publications from global authors.
Designed by INC Group and JLL MENA, the office includes a bright open floor area to encourage collaboration, a mother's room, an interfaith room, a majlis, with recreational and quiet rooms. The office also features a private terrace with views of the iconic Palm Jumeirah.
Employees have access to a gaming section or can take selfies in a custom-built Instagram anti-gravity room. For those looking for quiet time, the space features 'acoustic sofas' as a quieter location for work as well as meeting rooms that reflect the regional culture and sense of humor, including 'Three Men and a Habibi', 'Shawarma', and 'Gone with the Sandstorm'.
Expanding their presence in the region, Facebook aims to build on its work with local and regional Arab content creators like The Saudi Reporters, as well as further create opportunities for entrepreneurs by working directly with businesses to develop bespoke strategies that supports their growth.
The next few years will also see Facebook sustaining the momentum of its global #SheMeansBusiness program, launched earlier this year, in partnership with Emirates Foundation, Sheraa Sharjah and Ahead of the Curve in Egypt which aims to train and inspire women entrepreneurs in the region, and use Facebook and Instagram as platforms to reach and grow their audiences.
