Google recently announced unveiling Google Impact Report, a report conducted by Public First research agency, overviewing how Google products (Search, Play, Maps, YouTube, and Google Ads) help people, local businesses, content creators, and developers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
Globally, Google releases Impact Reports which are based on public polling, economic modeling, and third-party data. Public First estimates that Google drove AED 11.3 billion in economic activity in the UAE in 2021.
Anthony Nakache, Managing Director for Google in the Middle East & North Africa commented on the UAE report stating: “It’s great to see the positive impact Google products like Search, YouTube, Maps, and Android have on the daily lives of people in the UAE, local business owners, developers, and content creators. For 13 years, Google has been present in the UAE driving growth and economic contribution and we’re deeply committed to continuing investing and doing more through programs and local partnerships.”
Jonathan Dupont, Partner at Public First commented: “In the last couple of years, Covid-19 has helped accelerate some pre-existing trends such as the rise of e-commerce, the shift towards remote working and the use of online tools to support lifelong learning. In our research, people and businesses across the Middle East told us how important Google’s tools and services had been in enabling them to adapt to these changes: helping small businesses start to sell online, supporting workers to collaborate better online and children to keep learning.”
Public First Report also added that In October 2020, Google announced a $13 million USD fund to help one million people and businesses in the Middle East and North Africa learn advanced digital skills and grow their businesses by the end of 2021. The program aims to accelerate the MENA region’s economic recovery through digital transformation, by offering digital tools, training, and financial grants to support local businesses and job seekers.
