5 Interesting Facts about Social Media in Middle East 

Before we even start talking about numbers, let’s take a step back and look at this whole situation from a bird’s eye perspective. Social Media and Middle East – what’s really happening in this space?

Honestly speaking, the buzz and the hype we hear today about social media is a bit…well…over rated. The reason?  Day in and day out, the numbers, stats and success stories you hear on social media is essentially skewed towards the west. In the U.S for instance, social media is huge and has become second nature to a majority of the population.  It’s like the TV revolution of the 2000, obviously on a bigger scale.

So, what do all the numbers mean? Do social media mean the same in all parts of the world?

Yes and No. Yes because the technology and working principles remain the same everywhere irrespective of where you are. And No because, different regions have unique behavioral patterns.

Coming back to Social Media in Middle East, what are the real facts and numbers ?

Social Media in Middle East: Fact No.1

1 in 4 Facebook Users Come From Asia or the Middle East

According to O’Reilly media research, one out of four facebook users in the world are either from Asia or the Middle East. This shows that Middle East is one of the most active and fast growing regions outside the US on facebook.

Social Media in Middle East: Fact No.2

Teenagers flock to social media more than any other age group in Middle East

Looking at the percentage share of Active facebook users by age, 18-25 age group of teenagers takes the bigger portion of the cake compared to other groups.

O’Reilly Media

Social Media in Middle East: Fact No.3

The Middle East has the lowest female population on Social Media

While women outnumber men in most of the other parts of the world, in regions like Middle East, N.Africa, women community is comparatively lesser compared to men.

Courtesy – O’Reilly Media

Social Media in Middle East: Fact No.4

The Most Influential personalities in the Middle East are already either on facebook or Twitter.

 1. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of UAE

The most popular being His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of UAE, followed by the Lebanese Diva “fairouz” and “Nancy Ajram” singer and “Queen Rania” the Queen of Jordan.

Social Media in Middle East: Fact No.5

User Communities like Forums and Discussion Boards are still more popular than web2.0 social media in the Middle East.

Contrary to popular belief, discussion boards and forums which sprouted up during the pre-web2.0 era still prove to be popular platforms in the region. The user generated content in these platforms are far more interactive and engaged-with than content shared on web 2.0 social networking sites.

Bonus – Facebook user Statistics in the Middle East

Here are some interesting stats about the demographics of facebook users in the Middle East

The bottom line?  There is activity in the Middle East, people have things to say, but it’s just slower growing. And social media agencies in the middle east should probably start thinking about strategies that will custom fit the region with its unique flavor and behaviors, rather than ape proven formulas or believe the hear say. At Flip, we believe in social media as a new way of thinking rather than just a new set of tools.