Twitter launches self service ad platform in the UAE

Micro-blogging site Twitter announced that it has launched its self-service ad platform in the United Arab Emirates as part of a larger expansion programme.

The new platform, now available in 15 languages across 200 countries and territories, is mainly targeted at small and medium-sized businesses.

Currently, the site has approximately 100,000 active advertisers, including SMBs, it said in a statement.

“Since we launched Twitter Ads for SMBs over two years ago, we’ve heard from our clients about how they’ve used our creative, measurement and targeting tools to drive website clicks or conversions, leads, and app installs or re-engagements,” the company said.

“And, with objective-based campaigns, reports, and pricing, SMBs can drive results on Twitter while only paying for the actions that align with their marketing objectives.”

Twitter, which has 316 million monthly active users (as of June 30), is growing rapidly across the world and is also seeking new ways of increasing revenues.

The site has done exceptionally well in the Middle East; according to officials, 76 per cent of social media users in the region use the micro-blogging site daily.

Earlier this week, Twitter also confirmed that the accounts held by United Arab Emirates’ airlines were doing extremely well, with @Emirates now among the top five aviation services on Twitter with more than 537,000 followers.

To further improve user experience and tap into the regional markets, Twitter also plans to soon open an office in Dubai, the company’s vice president Shailesh Rao said in March this year.

“Twitter is aiming to enhance the current experience and take it the next level by involving wider participation from every possible segment, including governments as well as non-government organisations,” he said at the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit in Dubai.

“One of the major steps into the future is the integration of video as we try to create a more real time experience for our users,” he added.