Wednesday, Aug 15, 2007
Dubai: Social networking sites are now catching on in the Middle East, with at least two companies being formed in tune with Arab cultural sensibilities and perspectives.
Qasim said local networking sites should have built in features for families to stay in touch. "We have a different approach, " he said. "Our sites make sure we have packaged the site differently, and make sure the emphasis on family appears."
Another site is Faye3.com, developed by Sohaib Thiab and Hussam Hammo, who have partnered with the Maktoob Group, an established family of websites which is positioning itself for the social networking field.
Syrian public relations executive Noor Zendaki, 23, feels an Arabic networking site will give non English-speaking Arabs an opportunity to use the internet more and discover internet networking.
Meanwhile, UAE residents said they are not worried about online security, despite claims that social networking websites provide fertile hunting ground for identity fraudsters.
However the company, which has more than 30 million members worldwide, denied that user data could be compromised in any way.
Gulf News 2007. All rights reserved.
