In a recent story about the launch of the UAE-centric YouTube site, YouTube.co.ae, Google’s Managing Director of Middle East North Africa, Ari Kesisoglu, confirmed that, “Youtube users in MENA upload one hour of video per minute. There are 167 million video views a day in MENA, putting the region in the number two spot in the world , behind the US and ahead of Brazil.” This staggering rate of digital content consumption was reciprocated by Google, who activated the UAE version of the online video portal to further support local and regional content.

Years ago, simply having an online presence was enough for one-way broadcasting and distribution of information. Today, the explosion of social networks like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and many more are driving new forms of social interaction between brands and customers. As a result, there has been a hugely growing demand on becoming social as almost all companies are exploring how they can use these tools most effectively. But the question remains – which channels are right for each brand?

Technology and media are evolving before our eyes it seems, a point the Pivot Conference has illustrated beautifully with an infographic they compiled showcasing how seven tech and web companies today started out. It’s a great reminder that we are right in the middle of a technological revolution. While established industries rely on large scale manufacturing and mature worldwide delivery networks, new communications technologies have resulted in cottage industries popping up across the globe where language and cultural awareness are a marketable asset.

I was fortunate enough to be invited, and able, to attend the 5th Arabian Business Forum. A well put together event at the Armani Hotel, the forum featured debate and discussion from representatives of Dubai government and business. The general sentiment of the discussion was quite subdued with real concerns about the European economy versus the strength of ASIA and the impact this will have on the UAE (and Gulf) in the short-term.

It’s the day every little girl dreams of. Her wedding day. The biggest day of her life. A day planned to perfection. From ‘the dress’, to the flowers; from the music to the fold of the napkins. Everything has to be thought of. So when I became engaged in the middle of last year, it didn’t take very long before I found myself with a second job. PR manager by day; wedding planner extraordinaire by night; and there was my new fiancé thinking that he’d done his bit by actually plucking up the courage to propose!

Yet another week is done and dusted, so let’s close it out in style with some of the week’s craziest, coolest and hottest stories. After sifting through some of the wildest content to cross my desk in a while, I was faced with a dilemma—there’s just too much awesome material to post for just one “…Week that Was.” However, I’ve done my best to narrow it down to a few finalists.

“You know, I have one simple request. And that is to have sharks with frickin’ laser beams attached to their frickin’ heads! Now evidently my cycloptic colleague informs me that that cannot be done. Ah, would you remind me what I pay you people for, honestly? Throw me a bone here!” Dr Evil may not the greatest role model one could have but I absolutely share his passion for toys. I love technology and always have.

It’s that time of the year again. Ramadan is just around the corner and each time I think about it, I have a rush of excitement. The Arabian Bytes team take this opportunity to wish everyone Ramadan Kareem. May this holy month of usher upon you peace, harmony and prosperity. So, below are some of the top digital stories I would like to share this week: Yahoo! Maktoob launches richer Ramadan content

Welcome again to our weekly edition of the hot and happening news from the digital world. This week has been really exciting for us, with the official launch of BlogLeveland re-launch of TweetLevel and all the conversations it stirred up around social influence, instantly after its launch. For more details, please check out our Arabian Bytes article here. Below are some of the other interesting social media / digital stories that caught my eye this week: