emirates7 - His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, today met with Evan Spiegel, Co-Founder and CEO of Snap Inc, the leading US-based social media company that owns the popular messaging app Snapchat.

In his discussions with the CEO of Snap Inc, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed said Dubai is looking to further strengthen its cooperation with leading international technology companies to advance its vision to be a key player in shaping the worldwide digital economy and strengthen its position as a global destination for international digital investments and technology talent.

As part of its visionary strategy, Dubai seeks to leverage the power of digital technology to transform all aspects of the economy and government, for the benefit of its people, businesses and a wide range of other stakeholders, His Highness further said. Dubai provides global technology majors, who are key partners in realising this vision, with one of the world’s best environments to advance innovation and tap new opportunities emerging from the transformation of the digital landscape in the UAE and the wider region, he noted.

Snap Inc. launched its regional headquarters in Dubai Internet City in early 2017. Since then, the company has used Dubai as a crucial platform to produce more locally relevant content, introduce new creator platforms and products, and launch creative campaigns in partnership with local and pan-regional brands.

As of the fourth quarter of 2021, Snapchat had 319 million daily active users worldwide with the MENA region a key high-growth market for the company. Over the last few years, the company has grown its presence across MENA from its Dubai Internet City office, which serves as a business hub for its diverse regional clients and agency partners.

The CEO of Snap Inc. thanked His Highness for the support extended by Dubai and UAE that has enabled the company to expand its operations and its users both in the country and across the region. Its headquarters in Dubai offers it the ideal base to tap further opportunities to grow its audience and business network, he added.

Snapchat is currently partnering with Expo 2020 Dubai to provide visitors with an interactive augmented reality experience that celebrates Dubai's unique role in connecting the world, and brings to life the mega-global event’s theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ through a cross-cultural collaboration The meeting was attended by Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism; Mona Al Marri, Vice Chair and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office; and Malek Al Malek, Director General of the Dubai Development Authority and Group CEO of TECOM Group.