The number of followers on the forum’s official Facebook page this year grew to more than 19,800 — a significant increase from last year with 15,000 new followers.
With nearly 20,000 followers on Facebook, the 13th Ramadan Forum enjoyed a strong online presence, highlighting the success of its rich and packed programme.
The social media team of Ramadan Forum. -Supplied photo
Mohammed Al Hashemi, head of the organising committee, said since its start on July 3, the 13th edition engaged a growing number of participants — including residents and tourists — on its official website, social media accounts and mobile applications.
“Instagram was the newest addition to the forum’s social media reach, offering the region’s online users an additional platform to receive updates on one of the most popular social networking outlets in the region today,” he said.
The number of followers on the forum’s official Facebook page this year grew to more than 19,800 — a significant increase from last year with 15,000 new followers.
Al Hashemi said over 3,869 participants registered on the forum’s official website www.almultaqa.ae which has both English and Arabic versions.
The website was also used by group and individual participants in the Iftar programme for non-Muslims, another new component and cherished by residents keen on learning more about Islam and Ramadan traditions.
This year, the forum also launched Apple and Android applications for audiences to watch the live broadcast of the lectures held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The apps were downloaded more than 21,450 times for each of the two operating systems, underscoring the growing popularity of the Ramadan forum lectures.
Al Hashemi said the forum’s official YouTube site gave online audiences the convenience to watch the inspirational lectures at home.
“The account (http://www.youtube.com/user/almultaqaalramadani), which serves as an online library of the most popular lectures held during the current and previous editions of the Ramadan forum, has more than 467,910 views till date.”
Participants also had the option of registering for upcoming lectures through an SMS service and over 6,648 used the service.
Elaborating, Al Hashemi said the social media team responsible for expanding the online reach of the Ramadan forum consists of a team of young and ambitious school and university students working alongside the organising committee to promote the forum on various social media networks. The team also answers the queries raised online.
The 13th Ramadan Forum was organised by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing under the patronage of Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation. The 12-day forum offered more activities this year, including educational programmes and training workshops.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com