Facebook Messenger launches sticker pack in collaboration with Freej

While the stickers can be shared globally, the sticker pack is exclusively available to the users on Facebook in the MEA region on desktop and Mobile.

Dubai: While the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Facebook is gearing up with a Ramadan-special gift for all its users in the MEA region. Facebook announced today the official launch of the sticker pack based on the characters of Freej, the much-loved Emirati animated sitcom.

Freej is a popular, home-grown animated television series for children and is revered across the region. Adding to the dozens of themed sticker packs at Facebook’s Sticker Store, The “Celebrate with the fun old ladies and Abood from Freej” themed stickers is the first time for Facebook to launch a feature which is produced in UAE. Launching the stickers in the holy month of Ramadan is only the beginning, as this will be a permanent feature on the platform. The stickers will include existing characters of Freej with special characters created exclusively for the Facebook Messenger.

While the stickers can be shared globally, the sticker pack is exclusively available to the users on Facebook in the MEA region on desktop and Mobile.

Commenting on the collaboration with Freej, Jonathan Labin, head of Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan, said: “Partnering with Freej to launch the sticker pack during this time of the year is significant to us at Facebook while we aim to connect the world, and make the Facebook experience for users better and more personal. During Ramadan, people have maximum engagements online with their friends, families and even their favourite brands. With 191 million Monthly Active People in MEA and 167 million Monthly Active People on Mobile in MEA, and over 600 million users of Messenger globally, the launch of the Freej stickers will make the experience of Facebook personal and enjoyable.”

Mohammed Saeed Harib, the creator and producer of Freej, further added: “Freej celebrates the spirit of Ramadan through characters that resonate with people we know and admire. With the rising popularity of stickers on Facebook Messenger, the debut of Freej at the Facebook Sticker Store is an exciting time and opportunity for us to stimulate conversations within the growing users on Facebook.”

Over the years, Facebook has grown to emerge as the second screen when watching television during the holy month of Ramadan as people desire to stay updated with information that matters to them the most, and engage with campaigns in real time.

As part of continued efforts to encourage effective campaigns by businesses in the region, Facebook recently introduced a new targeting feature that enables businesses to connect with people interested in the holy month. Available in the Middle East and Pakistan, the Ramadan cluster updates every 24 hours based on people’s engagement and can be combined with other targeting features, like geography and demographics.

news@khaleejtimes.com

• TECH