In a significant move to bolster its presence in the Middle East, Snap Inc. has officially opened a new office in Doha’s Msheireb district. The expansion, marked by a launch ceremony attended by Founder and CEO Evan Spiegel, signals a long-term investment in the region’s burgeoning digital economy and aligns with Qatar’s rapid digital transformation goals.
A Strategic Partnership with Qatar
The office inauguration was attended by Snap’s Founder and CEO, Evan Spiegel, and Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the Government Communications Office (GCO). This move strengthens a strategic partnership that began three years ago and reinforces Snap’s commitment to supporting Qatar National Vision 2030. Sheikh Jassim highlighted the expansion as a new phase of close cooperation to build a digital infrastructure that reinforces Qatar’s position as a regional hub for innovation. Hussein Freijeh, Vice President of Snap Inc. in MENA, added that the new office deepens the company’s roots in a market that celebrates creativity and culture.
Tapping a Highly Engaged Gulf Market
The Gulf region represents one of the most connected and technologically advanced markets globally for Snap. On average, users in the region open the Snapchat app more than 45 times a day, with around 85% engaging daily with augmented reality experiences. This high level of engagement demonstrates the region’s strong appetite for immersive technologies, making Qatar a key market for the company’s growth and innovation in AR.
Fostering Local Talent with a New AR Academy
Building on a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the GCO during Web Summit Qatar earlier this year, Snap Inc. is establishing the region’s first Augmented Reality (AR) Academy. The initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of AR talent in Qatar and across the region, equipping young innovators with the skills needed to shape the future of immersive technology and contribute to the local creative economy.
New Avenues for Regional Brands
Snap’s expanded presence in Qatar is set to create new opportunities for businesses to connect with a dynamic and digitally native audience. As the number of active advertisers in the market continues to grow, the new Doha office will help brands leverage the platform for impactful storytelling and authentic engagement with consumers.
About Snap Inc.
Snap is a technology company. We believe the camera presents the greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. Snap contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together. The Company’s three core products are Snapchat, a visual messaging app that enhances your relationships with friends, family, and the world; Lens Studio, an augmented reality platform that powers AR across Snapchat and other services; and its AR glasses, Spectacles.
About the Government Communications Office
The Government Communications Office (GCO) was established by Amiri Decree No. (27) of 2015 to serve as the strategic communications arm of the State of Qatar. It coordinates communications activities across government and public-sector institutions, showcasing the country’s vision, initiatives and achievements.
Source: Campaign Middle East
