Google is also launching Flow, the only AI filmmaking tool custom-designed for Google’s most advanced models — Veo, Imagen and Gemini. Flow can help storytellers explore their ideas without bounds and create cinematic clips and scenes for their stories. 

Photo-to-video brings images to life

To turn photos into videos, select ‘Videos’ from the tool menu in the prompt box and upload a photo. Then, describe the scene and any audio instructions, and watch as the selected still image transforms into a dynamic video. Users can get creative by animating everyday objects, bringing their drawings and paintings to life or adding movement to nature scenes. Once the video is complete, users can tap the share button or download it to share with friends and family.

Flow: available in MENA & in Arabic

Flow comes with a range of features for professionals or those just getting started:

• Camera Controls: Master some shots with direct control over camera motion, angles and perspectives.
• Scenebuilder: Seamlessly edit and extend existing shots — revealing more of the action or transitioning to what happens next with continuous motion and consistent characters.
• Asset Management: Easily manage and organize all of the ingredients and prompts.

The explosion of creativity from users has been truly remarkable, with over 40 million Veo 3 videos generated across the Gemini app and Flow over the last seven weeks. All generated videos include a visible watermark to show they are AI-generated and an invisible SynthID digital watermark.

Users can access Gemini, and check the Google AI Pro and Ultra subscriptions to explore Veo 3 and Flow, Google’s AI filmmaking tool. 

With Veo 3 now built into the Gemini app, people can write the scene they want to watch. This description is called a “prompt” and with it, Veo 3 will whip up a custom eight-second video complete with sound, dialogue and music, at 720p output.  

Veo 3 was released at Google’s annual event for developers, Google I/O, last May. Veo 3 lets users add sound effects, ambient noise, and even dialogue to their creations – generating all audio natively. It also delivers best in class quality, excelling in physics, realism and prompt adherence.

The SynthID watermark is embedded in all content generated by Google’s generative AI models, including Veo 3. Google recently rolled out SynthID Detector to early testers, and aims to expand access soon. As an additional step to help people identify AI-generated content, a visible watermark will be added to all videos generated by the video model, except for videos generated by Ultra members in Flow, Google’s latest tool for AI filmmakers.

People can subscribe to Google AI Pro to try out Veo 3, starting today.

It started with a prompt. Ended with a viral moment. Somewhere between that single prompt and millions of views, I realized the impossible had just become the inevitable.

It was the night of Google I/O. Veo 3, Google’s latest video generation model, was announced, and this time, it spoke. As a curious creative with early access, I typed in Arabic, hit generate, and braced. For what, I wasn’t sure. But I braced. Then, when the output came back fluent, warm, and unmistakably human, I froze. Check the output here.

In that instant, I didn’t know I was making the first-ever fully AI-generated film in Arabic. I didn’t know it would go viral, or spark a wildfire of user-generated content across the Arab world – everything from national tributes to wonderfully quirky business ads.

But most of all, I didn’t expect it to punch a hole straight through everything I thought I knew about creativity.

Creativity Used to Be a Club, Not a Capability

Before Google, I was in the creative agency world where creativity wasn’t just your job, it was your identity, your persona. Being “creative” was a club badge you wore with pride, as I did. Sure, we never intentionally locked the door, but let’s be honest, we certainly didn’t hand out maps to everyone. Tools, jargon, portfolios, budgets, they all served as quiet forms of gatekeeping. Even inside agencies, many felt like creativity wasn’t theirs to claim. (Shout out to every strategist and account manager ever told to “stay in their lane.”)

At Google, we replaced gatekeeping with belief. “Everyone is creative” became more than a mantra. It became a methodology. At the ZOO, we built the proprietary MAChINE Sprint to unlock co-creation across disciplines. But even then, the playing field wasn’t fully level. The best work still came from creative professionals, not the Brand Manager. Not because others lacked ideas, but because they lacked the tools to express them. We invited everyone to create, but invitation alone wasn’t enough.

Until now.

The Machines Didn’t Just Open the Gates, They Dismantled Them

That’s the seismic shift we’re witnessing. Tools like Veo 3, Imagen 4, Whisk, and Stitch didn’t just lower the barrier to entry. They raised the floor.

Skeptics will say AI churns out soulless content. To them, I say: look closer.

My video wasn’t just made by AI; it unlocked human expression. People in the region didn’t relate to it for the tech itself, but because the tech suddenly understood their dialects, their nuances, their stories. They felt genuinely seen, profoundly heard. That isn’t creative automation. That’s creative liberation.

You know creativity’s gone wide when engineers are debating camera angles, business leaders are getting playful with their slides, and sales teams are the first to RSVP to creative trainings. Because isn’t this the whole point of creativity?

The More We Create, the More Originality Matters

For the first time, creativity didn’t feel like a resource to ration. There was enough for everyone. The keys weren’t just forged; they’ve been handed over. AI didn’t make creativity easier. It made it possible, for more people, in more ways. And if democratized creativity means your aunt starts posting (even more) pixelated quotes over AI-generated sunsets… consider it a small price for a big shift.

Because what we’re witnessing isn’t creative dilution. It’s creative amplification. When anyone can create, the only thing left that matters is what stands out. In this ocean, originality matters more, not less. The idea is still the star. The difference now? More people get to bring theirs to life. And just like that, the old creative playbook got shredded. Here’s what’s replacing it:

Momentum over perfection, perspective over production value, concept over credentials, vision over validation, new voices over familiar reels.

Creativity Isn’t at the Table, It’s Driving the Conversation

For decades, creatives sought a seat at the business table. Then people like Scott Galloway declared those seats extinct, relics of a bygone “Clow-Jobs” era. Maybe he was right.

But now, something better is happening: Creativity isn’t just back at the table, it’s redefining what’s being said and by whom.

I’m witnessing this early shift firsthand. CMOs no longer solely carry the creative conversation – CTOs are their new best friends, and their CEOs have joined in too. AI-powered creativity has reframed the entire conversation around growth, personalization, and brand voice. Creativity isn’t a cost center anymore. It’s the growth engine.

I could flood you with data points to prove it but just this once, let’s skip the numbers and savor the victory. This marks the beginning of the end of choosing between creativity and business. It’s about those not in the business of creativity recognizing that creativity is business.

Opposite the client side, the faces around the table are changing, too. They’re a new breed: prompt engineers with taste, media strategists with storytelling instincts, and those Brand Managers in Sprints, they now build scenes, not just slides. The truth? Creativity isn’t just more inclusive. It’s more competitive.

And I couldn’t be happier.

So What Now?

If you’ve ever called yourself creative, this is your wakeup call. If you’ve never dared to, this is your invitation.

We’ve hyped “democratization of creativity” for years, but until now, it was more TED-talk than reality. AI just erased the gap between imagination and creation. And the only things you need now are a story worth telling and the guts to tell it.

The brief has never been more open. The tools have never been more accessible. The competition has never been more intense.

We’re still figuring all of this out together. We’re all figuring it out, but one thing’s certain: there’s never been a more exciting time to be creative.

A total of 26 startups from the Hub71 community have been selected to join the inaugural cohort, gaining access to a tailored three-month curriculum. Startups will gain access to Google’s global network of mentors, engineers, product leaders and Google Cloud credits. Top-performing startups will be eligible for up to $300,000 in credits, the highest tier of support available through the programme globally. They will also be considered for Google Cloud Platform (GCP) ecosystem tier credit allocations, further expanding their technical capabilities.

These startups, already based within the Hub71 community, have previously benefited from up to AED 500,000 in funding support, including AED 250,000 in in-kind support services, AED 250,000 in cash via a SAFE note and tailored mentorship. Now, through the Google for Startups Accelerator, they are gaining access to a powerful network of partners, technical experts and business development opportunities within the Hub71+ AI ecosystem, further strengthening their ability to scale globally from Abu Dhabi.

Alongside mentorship and technical resources, Google will provide early-stage founders with tailored playbooks and toolkits, as well as introductions to its investment arms and Alphabet’s wider network, opening doors to new funding and commercial opportunities.

The launch follows the strategic agreement signed in late 2024 to bring Google’s startup programme to Abu Dhabi, reinforcing a shared ambition to expand access to advanced digital infrastructure, attract top talent, and foster cross-border collaboration in AI.

Backed by the Government of Abu Dhabi and Mubadala Investment Company, Hub71 is growing its vibrant community of tech startups, investors, government, and corporate partners to ensure the availability of investment, commercial activities, and incentives from the public and private sectors.

For more information visit www.hub71.com and follow us on @Hub71AD #Hub71.

Google's global initiative to empower women to thrive in the tech space started in 2013 and has amassed over 82,500 members globally. The Women Techmakers Program has held over 1,260 events and has a presence in 193 countries, with the Middle East set to become a prominent piece of the puzzle under the guidance of new Women Techmaker Ambassador for the region, Dawn Kubicek.

With over 23 years of Google and SEO expertise, Dawn has spent the last eight years growing Leaders in Digital, the first female SEO consultancy in the Middle East specialising in strategic business growth across Google platforms. Her expertise lies in SEO, data-driven marketing, paid search and media, strategic consultancy, analytics, and organic marketing. She is now set to bring this knowledge and experience to the masses in her new role with Google, as she continues to grow and manage Leaders in Digital.

IGAP by Google will equip UM with exclusive tools, resources, and valuable data, empowering the agency to facilitate growth and support clients at various stages of global expansion. This encompasses assistance in identifying international growth prospects, developing effective go-to-market strategies, providing consultation on localization, payments, customer experience, logistics through Google and its partner network, and implementing international best practices to ensure performance parity with domestic markets.

Commenting on UM joining Google’s International Growth Program, Walid Stephan, Head of Agency Partners at Google MENA, said, “We are very excited to have UM MENA completing the Google IGAP program. This equips them with key tools and insights that allow them to elevate the export strategy and new market expansion of their clients to a new level, opening up global opportunities.”

James Dutton, Regional Director – Digital & Head of Product at UM MENAT, said, “We are experiencing an extraordinary moment in history. In a world marred by uncertainty, economic challenges, and increasing polarization, the Middle East stands out as a beacon of growth, development, and prosperity. Empowering our clients to expand into global markets is the next phase where we will change the game. Building on the significant success of our pilot global expansion clients, we look forward to extending our global expansion client portfolio alongside Google."

According to Google, Arabic queries on AI by users in the Middle East and North Africa region rose significantly in the last 12 months, and many of them are related to its daily practical uses.  The six episodes will address the top searched questions –

• Episode 1: What is Generative AI?
• Episode 2: How can I use AI in my studies?
• Episode 3: What is the difference between AI and Machine Learning?
• Episode 4: How can I use AI every day?
• Episode 5: How can I protect my data while using AI tools?
• Episode 6: How can I use AI to be more productive and creative?

Googleyat has been going live every week since February 5th and is running on Google Arabia’s channels on YouTube, Instagram, and X, as well as the channels of Abdullah AlAlawi on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

The grant will support researchers at IWMI as they develop e-ReWater, a platform powered by artificial intelligence and earth observation data that uses remote sensing technologies to monitor land, seas, and the atmosphere. With help from satellites, it will help estimate the availability of new water resources and improve water reuse. This will reduce the impact of water scarcity in the MENA region, improving food and water security.

MENA is one of the most water-scarce regions of the world. Growing populations and the increasing impacts of climate change continue to exacerbate water scarcity. While recycled water offers multiple benefits compared to desalination of groundwater abstraction, a recent study indicates that this region is losing at least 54% of the nutrient-rich wastewater.

As part of this project, researchers from IWMI will also develop an online dashboard that will provide accessible and comprehensive information on wastewater generation and recycling potential in Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The dashboard, which is developed for utility managers, policymakers, and the wider public, will help bolster climate resilience and mitigation efforts across the region by providing better access to information about water reuse.

The three-year project presents an opportunity to improve access to wastewater information and strengthen the capacity of staff at national research institutions. It will also identify the potential of wastewater reuse in different sectors and lead to reductions in groundwater use, the current source of water for many.

Commenting on the announcement, Adam Elman, Head of Regional Sustainability, EMEA at Google, said, “Water scarcity is one of the most critical environmental issues facing people living in the Middle East & North Africa. By supporting IWMI’s efforts to use AI in order to improve water reuse, we’re aiming to help people in Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia”

“To help water-scarce countries adapt to climate change it is important to use all possible sources of water,” said Rachael McDonnell, Deputy Director General of IWMI. “This new data tool will help water managers bring recycled water into their future management plans to ease water stress for some users. We are excited to bring together the strengths of Google.org and IWMI to develop this game-changing tool that responds to requests from governments in the MENA region and beyond.”

Recycled water can provide a reliable source of water for agriculture — the sector using the most water in the region — industry and the environment, as it is not affected by variations in weather, particularly rainfall. This resource is also often available at lower investment costs and energy use than desalination or long-distance water transfers.

At the close of every month, here at Netizency, we delve into the vibrant world of social media and online platforms across the Gulf. Our goal? To shine a spotlight on the key trends that matter and dissect the conversations that are making waves. To achieve this, we've curated a set of keywords in both Arabic and English that encapsulate discussions relevant to the region's key industries. These keywords are then categorized based on the frequency of mentions, enabling us to dissect the discourse across social and online media from the first day to the last of the month.

In September, the category rankings remained firm compared to the previous month, with Electronics, Entertainment, and Education maintaining their top positions. Trailing behind in successive order are Health, Finance, Malls & Retail, Automotive, and Telecommunication.

Photo Source: Netizency

The digital chattersphere was buzzing with a diverse mix of stories this month. They ranged from joyous celebrations of the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) birthday and KSA National Day to heart-wrenching tragedies like the Morocco earthquake, the Libya floods, and the Iraq wedding fire. Here's a preview of the top categories’ trending topics.

Top Themes

Electronics & Technology

In the realm of Electronics and Technology, Apple continued to reign supreme in the GCC region. The launch of the iPhone 15 models, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and Apple Watch Series 9 sent waves of excitement across the digital landscape. Viral videos capturing the bustling crowds at Dubai Mall’s Apple store during the launch event added to the buzz. Conversations ranged from the new devices' premium price tags and enhanced battery life to detailed recaps of the Apple Event. Users also discussed iOS 17 and Apple's introduction of 24 new default ringtones after nearly a decade, with some questioning their relevance in a world where silent phones are the norm. Retailers capitalized on the hype by offering iPhones as prizes to celebrate Saudi National Day, sparking a surge of retweets from users for a chance to win.

Watch how Apple creatively shares its sustainability report through a short film.

Google also made headlines this month as it celebrated its 25th anniversary. Tech enthusiasts and media outlets highlighted the brand's journey from a dorm room project to a tech giant, showcasing its logo evolution and 92% global search market share. Screenshots of the anniversary doodle were widely shared, and discussions revolved around Google’s most searched categories over the years. Familiar names like Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Wordle, Gangnam Style, Pokémon Go, and others consistently dominated these lists.

The debut of WhatsApp Channels sparked a flurry of posts as well. This one-way broadcast tool enables users to receive updates from their favorite individuals and organizations in a dedicated tab, separate from their personal conversations. Tech pundits discussed the new feature's key differences from WhatsApp Communities, while others shared tips and tutorials on how to use it, create their own, and leave those they've joined. Influencers also urged their followers to join their channels to stay up-to-date on their latest news, further fueling the hype around the new option.

WhatsApp's latest update picks up popularity across the internet.

Entertainment

As anticipated, the Entertainment category was ablaze with activity this month, primarily due to the spirited celebrations of Saudi National Day. From Cristiano Ronaldo in traditional attire to influencers painting the Saudi map on their faces, the festivities were on full display on social media. Notable brands like Cadillac Arabia and Babyshop also got involved, with the former extending an enticing offer to KSA gamers to join the 'Maseerat Cadillac,' their inaugural game parade on Forza Horizon 5, and the latter unveiling a fresh collection of Saudi-themed clothing. Whether a gamer, fashionista, or patriot, there was something for everyone to enjoy. And with so much excitement to go around, it's no surprise that our Entertainment listening dashboard brimmed with activity.

Additionally, K-Pop mania swept the GCC like a tidal wave in September, fueled by the announcement of two upcoming mega-events. The first was the return of Hyperound K-Fest in Abu Dhabi this November, featuring a star-studded lineup, including ENHYPEN, Sunmi, Epik High, DPR Ian, XG, Cherry Bullet, and Peakboy. Fans eagerly sought ticket details to secure their spots, sending excitement levels soaring. The revelation of KSA’s K-CON Korean Festival’s second edition in October also ignited fervent conversations. With 14 Korean bands set to perform, fans passionately expressed their enthusiasm through their responses to relevant posts.

Photo Source: Hyperound

The Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Abu Dhabi was another hit in the Entertainment category. Nickelodeon Arabia and affiliated social accounts were abuzz with updates regarding the performances and appearances of global and regional stars. Our social media feeds overflowed with news of the winners, with special attention given to Mayan El Sayed (Favorite Actress), Ahmed Dash (Favorite Actor), Siilawy (Favorite Male Newcomer), Ghaith Marwan (Favorite Influencer), and many other deserving victors. However, the true highlight was the record-breaking 46 million votes from around the world in this year's edition, tripling the previous record and highlighting the remarkable influence of children’s voices.

Education

This month's Education discussions centered on the escalating significance of technology in our world and its impact on digital literacy. Several accounts were posting about initiatives in the region designed to address this matter. One notable example was the partnership between Zain KSA, Aanaab, and Code School Finland, which aimed to enhance digital education within the Kingdom. There was also a spotlight on UAE-based efforts, especially Omar bin Sultan Al Olama's participation in UNESCO Digital Learning Week 2023. His involvement in a special scientific ministerial session titled "Reimagining the Futures of Knowledge and Research Using Generative AI" attracted widespread attention from mainstream sources. They highlighted his statements emphasizing the UAE government's steadfast dedication to prioritizing digital education in the future of learning, in alignment with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's visionary approach. 

The International Day to Protect Education from Attack also took center stage in Education this month, particularly within Qatar. Conversations were active under the hashtag #UniteToProtect. News outlets reported on Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Education Above All and UN Sustainable Development Goal Advocate, participating in a high-level event at the UN Headquarters in New York to mark the occasion. Brands like Ooredoo Qatar also played a significant role in the chatter by promoting the initiative and encouraging users to donate to Education Above All. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs consistently posted about its efforts to raise awareness regarding ensuring education for children in conflict areas. Mainstream articles underscored the country's resolute commitment and its call to prioritize education both in times of conflict and peace.

Photo Source: Gulf Times

In addition, the Riyadh International Book Fair was another key topic in the Education discourse this month. Hosted at King Saud University, the event gathered over 1,800 publishing houses from 32 countries, showcasing their latest publications. Social media platforms buzzed with images and videos capturing the diverse pavilions and activities, promising an enriching experience for book enthusiasts. Oman was also featured prominently in the discussions as it was chosen as the guest of honor for the event. Media outlets focused on the profound historical ties and shared commitment to cultural cooperation between the two nations, among various other themes related to the Book Fair.

With this, our September monthly recap comes to a close! Sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest social media news, delivered to your inbox every week.

At the end of each month, we at Netizency study the popular conversations happening on social media and online platforms across the Gulf to highlight the most relevant trends and analyze the discussions that have gained momentum. To do so effectively, we’ve identified a group of keywords in Arabic and English that define conversations based on the region’s most relevant industries. We then classify them according to the volume of mentions and analyze the topics of conversation across social and online media between the first day of the month to the last.

 Photo Source: Netizency

In July, the category rankings remained consistent with the previous month. Entertainment, Electronics, and Finance retained their top positions, while Education, Health, Automotive, Malls & Retail, and Telecommunication followed suit.

It was an exciting month online, filled with buzz about Barbie, Oppenheimer, Friendship Day, World Emoji Day, Islamic New Year, Samsung Unpacked 2023, Twitter's "X" rebranding, and the grand launch of Instagram's Threads. But wait, there's more! Let's explore the hottest topics in the GCC, covering Entertainment, Electronics, and Finance.

Top Themes

Entertainment

Sports remains a dominant force driving online chatter within this category, and this trend holds true month after month. July is no exception, as it witnessed widespread coverage centering around two events: the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 and the FIFAe Nations Cup 2023 — marking a historic moment as the first-ever FIFA event hosted in Saudi Arabia. Both have captured the attention of partnering brands, entertainment-oriented social media accounts, influencers, and engaged users. A noteworthy moment that triggered a spike in the positive sentiments for The FIFAe Nations Cup was when Sami Al Jaber, a Saudi football manager, and former professional player, was announced as the event’s ambassador. Users enthusiastically engaged with relevant posts, endorsing him as the ideal face to represent the country on this front. The positivity also prevailed in the FIFA Women’s World Cup discourse, recording two key peaks. The first was when the Morocco team became the first and only Arab team to play in the tournament, and the second was when they won their match with a 1-0 victory over South Korea. Indeed, this prompted an avalanche of congratulatory comments on pertinent social media posts. 

Photo Source: Esquire Middle East

However, not all the trending topics carried a positive twist this month. In fact, the next two stories caused a major commotion, leading to a surge in negative sentiments across the Entertainment discussions. 

"King the Land," a South Korean drama that ruled Netflix’s top 10 in the UAE, faced a barrage of backlash for its controversial depiction of an Arab character in a recent episode. K-drama fans found the scene with Prince Samir in a nightclub, dressed in traditional Arab clothing and behaving stereotypically, outdated, and offensive. In response to the uproar, the production company issued an apology, clarifying that the drama's characters, regions, and place names are all fictional and not representative of any specific country. Nevertheless, the controversy persisted, stirring debates on cultural sensitivity and representation in the entertainment industry, especially for international shows with diverse global audiences. 

Photo Source: Netflix

Additionally, the new SaudiaBEYOND ad featuring TikToker Khaby Lame wasn't immune to the online tumult, finding itself entangled in a mix of reactions from supporters and naysayers. The uproar started when a now-deleted social media video showed Khaby demonstrating how to use the in-flight entertainment system to a Saudi passenger. Some users found the ad offensive and criticized the brand for portraying a Saudi national as technologically weak while presenting a foreigner as proficient. They argued that as a Saudi brand, it should have showcased a more accurate and positive depiction of Saudis' technological prowess. On the other hand, some argued that comedy in media content can be sensitive, and government entities or the private sector must be cautious about its use. Others have appreciated the use of Saudi traditional dress and music in the ad, seeing it as a positive idea complementing the travel-related content. However, due to the backlash, the airline has replaced the ad with a new version featuring a seemingly East Asian passenger being assisted by Khaby with the “Do not disturb” mode as part of the brand’s in-flight entertainment system. The incident serves as yet another testament to the influence and power of social media. 

Now onto tech talk!

Electronics & Technology

Amidst the July buzz, jaw-dropping news from social media giants propelled quite a storm, sweeping even Twitter’s mighty blue bird into the winds of change! Elon Musk left his mark by rebranding Twitter as "X," aligning it with his holdings, SpaceX and TeslaX, and showing his deep fascination with the letter. While Musk emphasized that the move represents more than just a name change, envisioning an "everything app," it elicited mixed reactions from the online community. GCC users shared their sentiments on #تويتر_بحله_جديدهX (Twitter’s new look X), with some bidding farewell to the blue bird and praising the new X symbol replacing the heart Like button. Others saw it as detrimental to Twitter's core identity, undoing years of branding. They were not entirely pleased with the switch, questioning if Musk's move was just showmanship without substance and fearing it might give an advantage to its newest competitor, Instagram’s Threads, on a silver platter. 

Photo Source: Lifewire

This brings us to the next top story about Instagram's grand launch of Threads, its latest text-based app. This new app stole the spotlight, gathering a massive 100 million users in just 5 days, surpassing Twitter's 5-year record. However, as the initial hype subsided, recent data revealed a 70% drop in user engagement. Despite this, Threads' arrival triggered an avalanche of buzz. Users in the GCC were split in their opinions, and the battleground was set with the Arabic poll hashtag #تويتر_والا_ثريدز (#TwitterOrThreads), comparing the two platforms. Memes flooded the conversation, with users poking fun at Elon Musk's investments in Twitter and Meta's tendency to clone features rather than innovate. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the battle between social media giants is far from over, and we’re here for the show!

Generative AI was also prominent in this month’s trending conversation, with ChatGPT and Google's Bard dominating the word cloud. ChatGPT earned praise from GCC-based users for its Android app release following its debut on iOS last May. On the other hand, Google's Bard impressed users by expanding into Arabic, demonstrating its ability to comprehend 16 different dialects, including Egyptian, Emirati, and Saudi Arabic, all while responding in Modern Standard Arabic. Many tech influencers believed this move would give Google a winning edge over ChatGPT. They flooded social media with lists of Bard's benefits over the latter, emphasizing its direct internet connection, up-to-date information, Arabic support, speed, and seamless integration with Google services like Gmail.

Coming up next: Finance frenzy!

Finance

The 'Buy Now Pay Later' (BNPL) payment option has been a hot topic in the Finance category this month, fueling lively discussions among GCC users. The conversation gained momentum following two significant announcements made by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait's Central Banks. The former has granted both Tamara and Tabby, BNPL platforms, permits to conduct postpaid payment activities in the Kingdom. The move was applauded by some as it aligns with the country's vision to become a regional fintech hub fostering innovative financial solutions. Meanwhile, Kuwait's Central Bank issued BNPL regulations to local banks, finance companies, and large e-money service providers, aiming to create an environment conducive to innovative value-added financial services for customers. As for users' sentiments about the whole BNPL evolution, they are mixed! Some users took to social media to highlight how they embraced the trend, lauding the ease of interest-free installments that simplify their daily spending habits. On the other hand, some strongly opposed it, believing that BNPL creates a false sense of security, making it too easy to overspend on unnecessary items and get trapped in a never-ending loop of debt. This leads us to our next story which stands in stark contrast to BNPL.

From “Buy Now Pay Later” to “Save Now, Buy Later” – a pioneering solution, unveiled by UAE FinTech app, Sav, in July has caused a spike in the Finance conversation. As the name suggests, this feature aims to instill responsible spending habits amid mounting price pressures. It encourages users to adopt a savings-focused approach and steer away from reliance on credit and debt accumulation. By providing instant cash rewards upon reaching savings milestones, the "Save Now, Buy Later" feature offers an attractive alternative to the prevailing BNPL trend, incentivizing responsible money management and thoughtful purchase planning. Users and news outlets alike were abuzz with excitement, sharing the news online and commending Sav for taking a proactive stance to promote greater financial responsibility.

Noon has also appeared in the Finance conversation this month with the introduction of Noon Pay, its latest peer-to-peer payment service. The feature enables effortless money transfers in the form of noon credits within KSA and the UAE, where the receiver can conveniently use the balance on different platforms or transfer it to others via mobile number or email address. Mainstream sources picked up the news, sharing articles that emphasized its advantages, including instant and fee-free transactions, expanding the online reach around the new feature.

That concludes our July monthly roundup! But you can subscribe to our newsletter to get the freshest social media updates delivered straight to your inbox every week.