Facebook to target Mideast with office in Dubai

[May 24, 2012]  DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Facebook is not letting a slumping stock get in the way of its global growth ambitions.

The social networking company on Wednesday invited journalists to an event next week to launch its first office in the Middle East business hub of Dubai.

A Dubai public relations firm hired by the Menlo Park, California-based company declined to comment further. It said details on the Gulf outpost would be released at the May 30 event. Facebook itself didn't respond to a request for comment.

Facebook has some 30 offices worldwide, but doesn't list any in the Arab world. It teamed with Cairo-based advertising company Connect Ads in 2010 to better reach advertisers in the region.

Facebook shares have fallen sharply since the company's initial public offering Friday.

[Associated Press]

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