Facebook Messenger collaborated with Freej to launch the first locally created and produced sticker pack in Ramadan

• "Celebrate with the fun old ladies and Abood from Freej” themed stickers launched by Facebook Messenger
• The stickers are available to all users on Facebook Messenger in MEA

Dubai, Monday, 15^th June, 2015: Gearing up for the Holy month of Ramadan, Facebook announced today its collaboration with the popular Arab characters of Freej, bringing to Messenger a sticker pack of the much-loved Emirati animation characters.

Freej is a popular, home-produced animated television series for children and is revered across the Arab 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 campaign is Facebook’s first initiative to launch a feature originally produced in the UAE.

Commenting on the collaboration with Freej, Jonathan Labin, Head of Facebook, 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, as we aim to connect the world, and make the Facebook experience for users more enhanced and personalized.”

He added, “During Ramadan, people have maximum engagements online with their friends, families, and even their favourite brands. With 191 million Monthly Active People in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and 167 million Monthly Active People on Mobile in the same region, and over 600 million users of Messenger globally, the launch of the Freej stickers will make the Facebook experience a memorable one for all age groups and nationalities.”

While the stickers can be shared globally, the newly launched pack will be exclusively available to people in the MEA region, using both desktop and mobile.

Launching the stickers in 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.

Mohammed Saeed Harib, the creator and producer of FREEJ, commented on his first collaboration with Facebook by saying: "While we are proud to have completed 10 successful years at Lammtara, FREEJ is celebrating the spirit of Ramadan this year, through characters that have resonated with people we know and admire. With the rising popularity of stickers on Facebook's Messenger, the debut of FREEJ at the Sticker Store is an exciting time and opportunity for us to stimulate conversations among the growing users on Facebook.”

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

Recognizing the significance of Ramadan in the region, Facebook recently introduced a new targeting feature in the Middle East to help businesses connect with people interested in Ramadan. Combined with targeting capabilities like geography and demographics, businesses can effectively reach people who are most engaged with Ramadan content on Facebook and ensure a more personalized experience for consumers.