Introduction to Meta AI Expansion

Meta has officially expanded its Meta AI services to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This move opens up the AI-enabled chatbot to millions of new users, further expanding its global reach.

Background on Meta AI Launch

Previously, in October, Meta announced the launch of Meta AI in six new markets, including Brazil and the United Kingdom. At that time, the company also hinted at plans for a gradual rollout to additional markets worldwide, including the MENA region.

Availability and Language Support

Moving forward, Meta AI will be accessible in several countries across the MENA region, including Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Yemen. Moreover, Meta is expanding its language support to include Arabic, enhancing the user experience for the region’s diverse population.

Features and Functionality

Users in the region can access a virtual assistant by tagging @meta in chats on various apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, though availability may vary by region. The virtual assistant can recommend nearby places to visit or suggest songs for a road trip playlist. Meta plans to introduce multimodal AI features in the MENA region, including tools like “Imagine Me,” which generates stylized selfies, and audio dubbing for Instagram Reels.

Visual Representation of Meta AI

Global Availability and User Base

With this expansion, Meta AI is now available in 42 countries and supports 13 languages, boasting approximately 700 million users across its suite of apps, including WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, and Facebook. However, it’s worth noting that the specific features available can vary by market due to regulatory differences.

Regulatory Considerations

For instance, in some European countries, Meta AI’s functionality on Ray-Ban Meta AR glasses is limited to general inquiries only, as a result of stricter data privacy regulations. This underscores the need for Meta to navigate diverse legal landscapes as it continues to expand its AI services globally.