Latest news with #HusseinFreijeh
Web Release
25-03-2025
- Health
- Web Release
Move for MS: Snap Inc. and The National Multiple Sclerosis Society launch AR campaign to raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis
In line with MS Awareness Month, Snap Inc., in collaboration with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), has introduced an interactive step challenge with the launch of Snap's first-ever regional step counter augmented reality (AR) experience powered by the Snap Camera. The initiative encourages people across the UAE to learn important facts about multiple sclerosis (MS), and explore how they can get involved and support the MS community by taking part in a competitive walking challenge. With the prevalence of MS rising in the Middle East, the UAE has transitioned into a moderately high-risk zone, underscoring the increased need for awareness and education. MS is a chronic, unpredictable condition of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information between the brain and spinal cord. The exact cause of MS remains unknown, and symptoms vary widely from person to person, making early diagnosis and awareness essential. As part of the society's Move for MS campaign – an initiative designed to inspire movement as a way to raise awareness for MS – this collaboration leverages Snapchat's vast reach in the region, where users visit the platform an average of 45 times per day, ensuring enhanced awareness to a highly connected audience. Snap is also home to a large creator ecosystem, which will also be taking part in the step challenge, driving further engagement. The Lens encourages Snapchatters to complete a step challenge, unlocking key facts about MS at each milestone around symptoms, its prevalence in the UAE, and the importance of early diagnosis. To enhance participation, the Lens also links back to a leaderboard feature, which highlights users who complete the highest number of steps, introducing an element of friendly competition. More than just education, the initiative is setting out to build a conversation around MS, encouraging Snapchatters to share with friends and family to expand their reach and make a real difference. 'At Snap, we believe technology has the power to drive positive change, and we are proud to partner with NMSS to raise awareness for such an important cause,' said Hussein Freijeh, Vice President of Snap Inc. in MENA 'Snapchat is a place where people come to share moments with those they care about most and now, we're extending that sense of closeness to include the causes they care about too. By using AR in an interactive and engaging way, we're not just educating the community about MS; we're empowering them to take action. This partnership reinforces our commitment to leveraging innovation for meaningful impact, and we look forward to driving positive change, one step at a time.' Maral Alexandrian, Acting Executive Director at NMSS, said : 'True impact is never achieved alone, it takes collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to change. At NMSS, we recognize that awareness is a crucial first step, we are excited to partner with platforms like Snapchat that allow us to reach a younger, digitally connected audience in engaging and immersive ways. By combining our mission with their technology, we aim to raise awareness about MS, foster empathy, and inspire action. This partnership exemplifies how innovation and purpose can unite to drive social change, ensuring that more people understand MS and feel motivated to support those affected by it.' Snap's Step Counter Lens operates without GPS tracking, offering a private and seamless, movement-based experience. Combining Snap's latest Leaderboard feature, the Lens will allow Snapchatters to enhance their journey and share their progress, spreading more awareness in the process. The initiative is powered by Snap's AR technology, which has significantly evolved since it first arrived on the platform, transitioning from fun, playful lenses to a powerful tool that creates real impact. Augmented Reality, defined as digital content overlaid on the real world, represents the next major shift in computing, which Snap believes is the healthiest, most compelling way to communicate. Snap Inc. continues to push the boundaries of AR innovation, and with over 80% of users in the UAE interacting with AR Lenses daily, the platform is on a mission to further use the technology to drive positive social impact. For more information on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and to discover the many ways you can contribute to the MS community in the UAE, visit: . Scan the Snapcode below to Move for MS:
Zawya
24-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Snap Inc. and The National Multiple Sclerosis Society launch AR campaign to raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis
Abu Dhabi, UAE – In line with MS Awareness Month, Snap Inc., in collaboration with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), has introduced an interactive step challenge with the launch of Snap's first-ever regional step counter augmented reality (AR) experience powered by the Snap Camera. The initiative encourages people across the UAE to learn important facts about multiple sclerosis (MS), and explore how they can get involved and support the MS community by taking part in a competitive walking challenge. With the prevalence of MS rising in the Middle East, the UAE has transitioned into a moderately high-risk zone, underscoring the increased need for awareness and education. MS is a chronic, unpredictable condition of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information between the brain and spinal cord. The exact cause of MS remains unknown, and symptoms vary widely from person to person, making early diagnosis and awareness essential. As part of the society's Move for MS campaign - an initiative designed to inspire movement as a way to raise awareness for MS - this collaboration leverages Snapchat's vast reach in the region, where users visit the platform an average of 45 times per day, ensuring enhanced awareness to a highly connected audience. Snap is also home to a large creator ecosystem, which will also be taking part in the step challenge, driving further engagement. The Lens encourages Snapchatters to complete a step challenge, unlocking key facts about MS at each milestone around symptoms, its prevalence in the UAE, and the importance of early diagnosis. To enhance participation, the Lens also links back to a leaderboard feature, which highlights users who complete the highest number of steps, introducing an element of friendly competition. More than just education, the initiative is setting out to build a conversation around MS, encouraging Snapchatters to share with friends and family to expand their reach and make a real difference. "At Snap, we believe technology has the power to drive positive change, and we are proud to partner with NMSS to raise awareness for such an important cause," said Hussein Freijeh, Vice President of Snap Inc. in MENA "Snapchat is a place where people come to share moments with those they care about most and now, we're extending that sense of closeness to include the causes they care about too. By using AR in an interactive and engaging way, we're not just educating the community about MS; we're empowering them to take action. This partnership reinforces our commitment to leveraging innovation for meaningful impact, and we look forward to driving positive change, one step at a time." Maral Alexandrian, Acting Executive Director at NMSS, said: 'True impact is never achieved alone, it takes collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to change. At NMSS, we recognize that awareness is a crucial first step, we are excited to partner with platforms like Snapchat that allow us to reach a younger, digitally connected audience in engaging and immersive ways. By combining our mission with their technology, we aim to raise awareness about MS, foster empathy, and inspire action. This partnership exemplifies how innovation and purpose can unite to drive social change, ensuring that more people understand MS and feel motivated to support those affected by it.' Snap's Step Counter Lens operates without GPS tracking, offering a private and seamless, movement-based experience. Combining Snap's latest Leaderboard feature, the Lens will allow Snapchatters to enhance their journey and share their progress, spreading more awareness in the process. The initiative is powered by Snap's AR technology, which has significantly evolved since it first arrived on the platform, transitioning from fun, playful lenses to a powerful tool that creates real impact. Augmented Reality, defined as digital content overlaid on the real world, represents the next major shift in computing, which Snap believes is the healthiest, most compelling way to communicate. Snap Inc. continues to push the boundaries of AR innovation, and with over 80% of users in the UAE interacting with AR Lenses daily, the platform is on a mission to further use the technology to drive positive social impact. For more information on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and to discover the many ways you can contribute to the MS community in the UAE, visit: Scan the Snapcode below to Move for MS: About Snap Inc. Snap is a technology company. We believe the camera presents the greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. Snap contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together. The Company's three core products are Snapchat, a visual messaging app that enhances your relationships with friends, family, and the world; Lens Studio, an augmented reality platform that powers AR across Snapchat and other services; and it's AR glasses, Spectacles. For more information, visit Media Contact: About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Established in 2022 under the Ministry of Community Empowerment, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) is a UAE-based NGO created to better the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their communities in the UAE through education, advocacy and advancing global efforts to finding a cure for MS. NMSS is governed by a board of trustees, advised by a local and international Strategic Advisory Committee and Medical Advisory Committee, and supported by MS ambassadors and volunteers. Together, they ensure that people living with MS have access to high quality care and get the guidance they need through reliable resources. NMSS works with leading national medical institutions and renowned global partners to build a trusted network of healthcare providers and support organisations. The society aims to raise awareness of MS, create a holistic ecosystem for the MS community in the UAE, and provide support and resources for individuals affected by MS. For more information about MS and the NMSS, please visit Visit NMSS's official social media platforms for the most recent updates and insights. Instagram: NMSsocietyUAE Facebook: National MS Society UAE LinkedIn: National Multiple Sclerosis Society UAE YouTube: NMSSocietyUAE X: NMSsocietyUAE For media inquiries, please contact: NMSS@
Zawya
27-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
US' Snap Inc to launch first Mena AR academy in Qatar
Qatar - The partnership with GCO for the first AR academy will unlock new opportunities and empower the next generation of AR creators and developers. Snap Inc, an American technology company, will launch in Qatar its first augmented reality (AR) academy in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region. In this regard, Snap Inc signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Government Communications Office (GCO) at the Web Summit 2025. The partnership with GCO for the first AR academy will unlock new opportunities and empower the next generation of AR creators and developers. This move also underscores Snap's long-term commitment to investing in Mena's digital ecosystem, by building AR capabilities for partners both old and new, which is critical to digital transformation agendas. "This initiative aligns with Qatar's National Vision 2030 in building a knowledge-based economy and nurturing the next generation of creators by equipping them with the essential tools and skills to navigate global digital transformations. Through our investment in such pioneering programmes, we continue to strengthen Qatar's position as a regional centre for digital excellence and technological innovation," said Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor al-Thani, director of the GCO and chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee. Hussein Freijeh, General Manager of Snap Inc in the Middle East said the long-term success of the technology requires a vibrant developer and creator ecosystem, which is critical to the digital transformation taking place in the region. "Once again we are honoured to work hand in hand with GCO to drive the growth and digital upskilling of the thriving talent pool and we cannot wait to see the groundbreaking work they produce," he added. AR has played a pivotal role in visual communication for more than a decade, pioneered by Snapchat and widely loved by online communities and brands all over the world for its ability to elevate creativity, connection and self-expression. From retail try-ons, and now Gen AI, Snapchat has evolved AR into a tool for human connection and spatial computing. Today, more than 300mn people use AR on Snapchat and more than 85% of Mena daily users interact with Lenses every day. In the fourth quarter of 2024 alone, more than 400mn Snapchatters engaged with Gen AI-powered Lenses over 4bn times. At present, more than 375,000 AR creators, developers, and teams from nearly every country in the world have built over 4mn Lenses. Many of these are created using fifth generation Snap Spectacles, which have capabilities to better build and experiment with AR, allowing users to interact with the world and each other in entirely new ways. © Gulf Times Newspaper 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Campaign ME
26-02-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Snap Inc inks MoU with Qatar's GCO to launch AR Academy for the MENA region
Snap Inc. has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Qatar's Government Communications Office (GCO) to launch an Augmented Reality (AR) Academy in the MENA region. Announced at Web Summit Qatar 2025, the agreement marks a step in unlocking creative potential across the region and driving digital innovation. The partnership with GCO for the AR Academy aims to unlock new opportunities and empower the next generation of AR creators and developers. Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the GCO and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Commitee, said, 'Our partnership with Snap to launch the region's first Augmented Reality Academy marks a strategic milestone in empowering digital talent and driving technological innovation. This initiative aligns with Qatar's National Vision 2030 in building a knowledge-based economy and nurturing the next generation of creators by equipping them with the essential tools and skills to navigate global digital transformations. Through our investment in such pioneering programs, we continue to strengthen Qatar's position as a regional centre for digital excellence and technological innovation.' From retail try-ons to generative AI, Snapchat has evolved AR into a tool for human connection and spatial computing. Today, more than 300 million people use AR on Snapchat and more than 85 per cent of daily users in the MENA region interact with Lenses every day. In Q4 2024 alone, more than 400 million Snapchatters engaged with Gen AI-powered Lenses more than four billion times. Hussein Freijeh, General Manager of Snap Inc. in the Middle East, said, 'We continue to bet on AR technology as we believe its potential is limitless. AR brings joy and utility to everyday life, enables brands to drive real business results, and empowers developers to push creative boundaries.' Freijeh added, 'The long-term success of the technology requires a vibrant developer and creator ecosystem, which is critical to the digital transformation taking place in the region. Once again we are honored to work hand in hand with GCO to drive the growth and digital upskilling of the thriving talent pool and we cannot wait to see the groundbreaking work they produce'. Developers and creators are also central to the potential of this technology and Snap has stated that it remains committed to supporting this community through a variety of programmes, opportunities and tools to help them build experiences and grow their creative potential. Currently, more than 375,000 AR creators, developers and teams from nearly every country in the world have built more than four million Lenses. Many of these are created using fifth generation Snap Spectacles, which have capabilities to better build and experiment with AR, allowing users to interact with the world and each other in entirely new ways. The MOU punctuated an action-packed Web Summit, where Snap showcased the evolution of its AR technology and reinforced the positive role the tech plays in fostering authentic connections across the GCC. Snap's presence included live tech demonstrations, Snap Spectacles, expert-led discussions, and AR masterclasses, bringing the power of AR to life for attendees at Web Summit Qatar.
Broadcast Pro
26-02-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Snap partners with Qatar's GCO to launch first AR Academy in MENA
More than 300mpeople use AR on Snapchat and more than 85% of daily users in the MENA region interact with Lenses every day. Snap Inc. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar's Government Communications Office (GCO) to establish the first Augmented Reality (AR) Academy in the MENA region. Announced at Web Summit Qatar 2025, this initiative marks a major step toward fostering digital innovation and unlocking creative potential across the region. The launch of the AR Academy reflects Snap's commitment to investing in the MENA digital ecosystem by equipping both emerging and established partners with advanced AR capabilities. By empowering the next generation of AR creators and developers, this collaboration aims to accelerate digital transformation and expand opportunities within the region. Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the GCO and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Commitee, said: 'Our partnership with Snap to launch the region's first Augmented Reality Academy marks a strategic milestone in empowering digital talent and driving technological innovation. This initiative aligns with Qatar's National Vision 2030 in building a knowledge-based economy and nurturing the next generation of creators by equipping them with the essential tools and skills to navigate global digital transformations. Through our investment in such pioneering programmes, we continue to strengthen Qatar's position as a regional centre for digital excellence and technological innovation.' Hussein Freijeh, General Manager of Snap Inc. in the Middle East, added: 'We continue to bet on AR technology as we believe its potential is limitless. AR brings joy and utility to everyday life, enables brands to drive real business results, and empowers developers to push creative boundaries. The long-term success of the technology requires a vibrant developer and creator ecosystem, which is critical to the digital transformation taking place in the region. Once again we are honored to work hand in hand with GCO to drive the growth and digital upskilling of the thriving talent pool and we cannot wait to see the groundbreaking work they produce.' For over a decade, AR has been central to visual communication, with Snapchat pioneering its evolution into a tool for creativity, self-expression and spatial computing. From interactive retail try-ons to the latest advancements in generative AI, AR has transformed how users engage with digital experiences. Currently, over 300m people use AR on Snapchat, and in the MENA region, more than 85% of daily Snapchat users interact with Lenses every day. In Q4 2024 alone, Snapchatters engaged with Gen AI-powered Lenses more than 4bn times. Snap Inc. continues to support the AR creator and developer community through various programmes, tools and initiatives designed to enhance creative expression. With over 375,000 AR creators and developers worldwide having built more than 4m Lenses, Snap's fifth-generation Spectacles have further expanded opportunities for interactive and immersive AR experiences. The MoU signing was a key highlight of Web Summit Qatar 2025, where Snap played a central role in showcasing its AR advancements. Attendees experienced live demonstrations of Snap's latest technology, including Snap Spectacles and expert-led AR masterclasses, highlighting how AR is shaping authentic connections and digital interactions across the GCC.
