Meta AI Announces Its Launch in the MENA Region
Meta AI Expands Its Reach in the Middle East and North Africa
Meta, the parent company of popular social media platforms, has recently unveiled the expansion of its AI assistant, Meta AI, to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This new tool aims to empower users in the region by providing them with the means to learn, create, and connect with things and people they care about.
Regions Receiving Meta AI
The rollout of Meta AI is taking place gradually, with full functionality already available in several key markets:
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Iraq
This expansion aims to enable a broader audience to harness the capabilities of AI right at their fingertips.
Accessibility Across Platforms
Meta AI is seamlessly integrated across various applications under the Meta umbrella, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. Users can easily access it by clicking on the blue circle icon within these apps, requiring no prior registration.
Simple Integration in Group Chats
One of the standout features of Meta AI is its utility in group chats. By simply typing “@Meta AI,” users can access quick research and brainstorming tools. For example, if a family is planning a vacation, they can ask for ideas on island destinations that are within a six-hour flight from the UAE, and Meta AI will provide real-time suggestions that the group can discuss.
Advanced Features of Meta AI
Meta AI is powered by Llama 3.2, which is Meta’s most robust open-source large language model. This means it not only generates text but can also create and animate images directly within Meta’s suite of applications.
Image Generation Made Easy
Users can take advantage of the image-generation feature by typing “Imagine,” followed by a detailed description of the desired image. For instance, entering “Imagine a tiger wearing a vest drinking tea at a café” prompts Meta AI to generate that image instantly, with the option to add animation.
Support for Arabic Language
In an effort to make the tool accessible to even wider audiences, the latest expansion introduces Arabic language support. This is a crucial step for engaging with users throughout the Arabic-speaking world.
Exciting Initiatives to Promote Meta AI
To celebrate the introduction of Meta AI in the MENA region, Meta has launched a content series called “Elevating Every Moment.” This initiative aims to help users maximize the potential of Meta AI through:
- Helpful tips and tricks
- Practical use cases
- Collaborations with regional content creators on Instagram, such as Yara Boumonsef, Amro Maskoun, Raghad Zamel, and Abdullah Al Sabe
Additionally, there will be an educational series on Meta’s official Meta Arabia page focused on crafting effective prompts to streamline everyday tasks, both personal and professional.
Varied Uses of Meta AI
Fares Akkad, Meta’s Regional Director for Middle East and Africa, highlighted the diverse ways users are engaging with Meta AI. Many are using it to:
- Get assistance on projects
- Seek guidance on home decor
- Find inspiration for outfits and art projects
Image generation has become particularly popular, and there is excitement to see how users in the MENA region will creatively implement AI into their daily lives.
Future Features to Anticipate
As the rollout continues, users can look forward to more advanced features. Upcoming functionalities may include:
- Simultaneous dubbing for Reels content
- Real-life image editing capabilities
- The “Imagine Me” feature, which will provide personalized, editable portraits
- Advanced tools for generating captions for social media posts
Meta AI is rapidly gaining momentum, already on track to become the world’s most widely used AI assistant by the year’s end. Currently, it boasts nearly 700 million active monthly users across 42 countries and 13 languages, marking a significant leap in AI accessibility and user engagement.
