Business and Social Media in the Middle East

This book discusses the effectiveness of Western organizations’ social media strategies in the Middle East. Social media has changed the rules of doing business, but the exact impacts vary across regions. In the context of Middle Eastern societies, social media is seen as a way for individuals and communities to communicate with each other and is generally not viewed as a means for brands to interact with individuals. This book examines how the use of social media in the Middle East is shaped by the region’s culture, and discusses the factors that businesses need to consider when creating digital marketing strategies targeted there.



Including case studies of Middle Eastern companies, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of the rise of social media in the MENA region and the often-neglected role of culture in research in this area.  It will provide researchers and practitioners with a deeper understanding of conducting business in the Middle East through the effective and efficient use of social media.

Nehme Azoury is a Professor and Deputy President for Corporate and Employment Affairs at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik – USEK, Lebanon. His research interests cover marketing, strategy, and corporate governance. He is the author of several publications and Editor-in-Chief of the Arab Economic & Business Journal and theLebanese Journal of Management and Economics.  

Lindos Daou is Assistant Professor at Notre Dame University – Louaize, Lebanon. His research areas include university branding, social media and advertising.