Social networking sites gain popularity among Arabs

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.

After logging in his first experience in Arabic websites a decade ago at Arabia.com, Majid Qasim is now chief executive of d1g.com, a six-month old social networking site based in Amman.

d1g.com is named after its phonetic equivalent, diwan, meaning a place where people come to converse.

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.

Fears have also been raised about popular site Facebook, after the programming code which runs the site was published on a website, a move which could help potential hackers to write software aimed at collecting user information.

However the company, which has more than 30 million members worldwide, denied that user data could be compromised in any way.

With additional inputs from Abbas Al Lawati/Staff Reporter

Have your say
Do you think social networking sites are changing the way people communicate? Is it creating more loners? Or allowing people to find a voice? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form below to send your comments.

Social networking sites or any other websites which give good services and benefits to the users are very good and UAE need these kinds of things. There are many people who want to come up with new ideas but all of them afraid from telecom rules as they can block any site like Orkut.
Shere
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2007, 12:09

Well in the online world you can chat with people around the world. Socialising online is incomparable to real-life socialising. You need to be sure to get out from behind your computer and talk to your friends in real life. Otherwise, you'll end up a 40 year old unmarried loser, who doesn't have any real friends. It's alright to socialise on the internet, just have a life. If you spend all of your time online, you might find yourself saying 'lol' in an actual conversation.
Laila
Mississauga,Canada
Posted: August 15, 2007, 09:47

I would love to socialise on networking sites, but I do not want to risk starting all over again because telecoms block websites, even if they are proved safe and clean (such as Flickr and Multiply).
Jaideep
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2007, 09:11

Social networking sites are a good medium for keeping in touch with friends. However users should be careful of befriending new people online. If used for staying in contact with your close group or network, it is actually a social blessing.
Sawmya
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2007, 09:00

Social networking sites open doors for communication specially for expatriates. The world gets smaller for people to stay in touch and to gain new friends even away from home. Though abuse of the social networking site is imminent, users ensuring proper use of site can enjoy socialisation in every part of the world.
Julius
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2007, 08:59

I just cannot fathom why so much undue importance is placed on such depraved sites.Why would I need such sites to befriend a person?Why would I need such sites to keep in touch with friends?Why would I need such sites to express my likes?
Abdallah
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2007, 08:21

Oh, I simply love Facebook. These social networking sites are just excellent! Not only to meet people, but to get business contacts. I have received several business queries and potential deal over Facebook.These sites also give a great way to keep in touch and find friends you thought you have lost to distance. Long live Facebook and other social networking websites!
Salamon
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2007, 08:14

I hope etisalat will block this two site also, similar to other 'western' based networking site. I hope etisalat will be consistent with their commitment to block all networking sites from their network... Good job Etisalat!!!
Joseph
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2007, 07:31

Social networking sites have revolutionised the way people communicate. These sites have broken down time and space constraints. People can practically talk to anyone on the planet anytime, anywhere on any given topic.
Levinne
Makati,Philippines
Posted: August 15, 2007, 02:27