Facebook's Journey: From a University Project to a Digital Giant
Two decades after its launch from a humble Harvard University room, Facebook, now part of the tech giant Meta, continues to prove its resilience and ability to evolve in a constantly changing digital landscape. On February 4, 2004, Mark Zuckerberg and his colleagues launched a platform initially intended to connect college students, but which quickly transformed into a global phenomenon that changed the way billions of people communicate. Facebook's journey has been marked by significant milestones, from the launch of the News Feed, which revolutionized content consumption, to the strategic acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp to solidify its dominance, culminating in the radical shift towards Meta in 2021, announcing its ambitions to build a metaverse.
Facebook by the numbers: Global dominance and a strong Arab presence
The latest global statistics demonstrate Facebook's continued widespread influence, with its monthly active users exceeding 3 billion. According to Statista's 2024 data, India leads the list of countries with the most users of the platform, boasting over 390 million users, followed by the United States and Indonesia. This global reach reflects the platform's ability to adapt to diverse cultures and markets.
In the Arab world, Egypt as a major force in the Facebook world, ranking first in the Arab world and tenth globally with over 51 million users. This huge number not only reflects the large population but also indicates the pivotal role Facebook plays in the daily lives of Egyptians, whether as a means of social networking, a platform for following news, or a vibrant digital marketplace for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Saudi market: Rapid growth driven by Vision 2030
In Saudi Arabia, Facebook is writing a remarkable growth story. Its user base has seen a significant leap in recent years, rising from approximately 10.35 million in 2017 to nearly 16.57 million by early 2024. This steady growth is inextricably linked to the broader context of the Kingdom's digital transformation under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030 , which aims to build a digital society and a knowledge-based economy. The robust digital infrastructure and the high proportion of young people in Saudi society have also contributed to the accelerated adoption of social media platforms.
What's striking about the Saudi market is Facebook's dominance in terms of users compared to X (formerly Twitter), which once enjoyed immense popularity in the Kingdom. This dominance is attributed to the diversity Facebook offers, from interactive groups and Marketplace to short-form video content (Reels), attracting a wider segment of society compared to X's focus on breaking news and public discussions.
Economic and social importance of the region
Facebook's influence is no longer limited to the social sphere; it has become a crucial economic tool. In Saudi Arabia and Egypt, thousands of small businesses and entrepreneurs rely on the platform to reach their customers through targeted advertising and business pages. This economic impact reinforces the platform's importance as an integral part of the region's digital infrastructure. As Meta continues to develop augmented reality and metaverse technologies, Facebook is expected to continue playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of communication and digital commerce in the Arab world.
