Arabic websites have no hope of ever attracting investments, or being sold or acquired for millions of dollars like their counterparts in the US and the West. Such acquisitions will not occur, and we are avoiding the use of the word ‘never’ because such deals do not come easily, at least not within the timeline expected by Arabs who work in the field of the knowledge economy and dream of becoming wealthy.
What factors played a part in drawing such a pessimistic and discouraging picture? Or is it simply a long-standing stereotype towards Arabic websites?
In order not to be unjust towards good Arabic websites, one has to exempt the minority who excelled in designing and managing the content of their websites in a harsh environment that has always faced those who are working in Arab nations.
A ‘bad’ Arabic website has nothing to do with the intelligence, educational background or qualifications of those who run it. There are, after all, many creative Arabs around the world who are highly qualified and capable and have left their mark in the world. Many foreign individuals and companies are always surprised by the intelligence and capabilities of Arabs to develop ideas.
The issue also does not concern the poor design of Arabic websites, because the content is the priority for visitors. A website’s failure also cannot be attributed to the lack of content diversity, even though diversity is important for content enrichment and to attract visitors who are interested in content from various fields.
What then are the factors that determine a website’s success? What makes Arabic websites poor in content when compared to their counterparts in the West, and what makes them less appealing prospects for investments?
Personal Arabic websites are also poor, and are not up to par with standards that attract investments or acquisitions. At present, the Huffington Post, a globally popular site, is marking the launch of its Arabic edition. The site is currently available in many languages, and was originally an internet blog for news founded in 2005 by Arianna Huffington, Kenneth Lerer and Andrew Breitbart and a number of prominent columnists.
In 2011, the site was acquired by AOL for $315 million (Dh1.15 billion), and Arianna was appointed the site’s Editor-in-Chief. Huffington Post won the Pulitzer Award in 2012, becoming the first online news organisation.
Diversity of content
The success of a website depends on three aspects for its general content, the first is how important the news piece is for its readers, the second is touching on solutions for topics and clearly expressing ideas and methods, and finally the diversity of content. Poor content diversity and standards in terms of presentation and methodology make the website an unpleasant experience for visitors who are short on time and impatient. One can easily state that websites that are backed financially are the most successful. However, enthusiasts and specialists in this field present a different set of credible facts, which show that a budget of millions cannot rescue a website with poor content from failure. Even though money can ensure the success of frozen projects, it still requires a strong set of skills in order to fulfil its role in making a project successful.
The weakness of Arabic websites can be attributed to the fact that they do not have freedom of expression and no access to information. The absence of these factors is key behind the weakness and failure of all Arabic websites, making them unable to withstand the test of time.
Furthermore, Arabic websites tend to copy successful foreign websites instead of being based on the ideas of their Arab founders. Also, the designs of websites do not tend to use any distinct or eyecatching Arabic-inspired features.
Foreign websites are launched once ready, and have a clear message, strategic policies and goals. Arabic sites, on the other hand, do not follow the same approach and seem to operate in a more haphazard manner.
For example, Huffington Post was founded to face up to conservatives and deliver sound information to a large segment of people. It also tackles issues in an objective and courageous way and presents the other side of the argument that the public is perhaps not aware of.
The site is also designed very well and enjoys content diversity that meets the needs of the average person. That is why the Huffington Post is a success.
Arabic websites will remain unsuccessful for at least another two decades. No company will acquire Arabic websites because they are not suitable for investments.
After all, how can an investment be successful when it’s made in websites or blogs that fail due to the absence of freedom of expression?
Mohammad Hassan Al Harbi is a writer and journalist.