Meta launches its AI chatbot in almost a dozen countries in the Middle East.

      Meta

      On Monday, the company announced that millions of users across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger in the Middle East now have access to its AI chatbot platform, Meta AI. This rollout includes users in Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

      Meta stated in its blog post, “AI has never been more accessible, as we officially launched Meta AI in the Middle East and North Africa with support for Arabic.” Initially, users will have access to select generative capabilities of Meta AI, including text and image generation, and image animation. The company plans to further expand these features to include simultaneous dubbing for Reels, AI image editing, and the “Imagine Me” feature, which creates a portrait based on uploaded reference photos, in the near future.

      Although Meta’s AI lacks agency like OpenAI’s Operator system, the company envisions it as a personal assistant in addition to being a generator of text and images. For instance, users could plan trips through a group chat with the chatbot providing destination suggestions and helping brainstorm activity ideas. “You can upload a photo of your view from your apartment and ask Meta AI to reimagine an entirely new world,” the company noted. “Want to see yourself with a new hairstyle or color? Meta AI will assist with your makeover.”

      Meta is not the only player seeking to increase its presence in the Middle East and North Africa. Recently, French AI startup Mistral unveiled its new Saba model specifically designed for interaction with Arabic-speaking users. While the region has yet to experience the rapid growth of generative AI seen in the U.S. and China, significant benefits from the technology are anticipated in the coming years. A recent PWC study predicts that by 2030, the Middle East will garner 2% of total global AI benefits, amounting to approximately US$320 billion.

      Andrew Tarantola is a journalist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies, including robotics and machine learning.

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