7awi's lessons from launching 5 Arabic sites in 2 years

The virtual world suffers a severe shortage of Arabic content; sites in Arabic account for only 3% of all online content. In recent years, there have been initiatives in several countries to develop a production pipeline for Arabic content, especially since demand is rising among an increasingly web literate population. As more content is produced, diversity becomes an issue: this is the problem 7awi tackles.

7awi CEO Anas Abbar, known as Andy, tells us that “two years ago, Waseet, which owns several Arabic magazines, decided to go digital… They asked me to found 7awi, a sister company that would focus on digital Arabic content,” he says.

Today, 7awi’s family includes five unique websites that each addresses the interests and preferences of readers in the MENA region, including Layalina, 7awi’s first product, launched in November 2012. Prior to 2012, most websites in Arabic were forums, in the style of many early websites in English and other languages; Layalina was one of the first Arabic sites to produce articles, photo essays, and other content with which readers could interact. “The printed magazine wasn’t available in all of the Middle East. However, the website allowed us to build relationships with readers throughout the Arab world, from the Maghreb to the Gulf, who could now share news and comments.”

Arab Turbo was launched in August 2013 for news about cars and engines, followed by Waseet in February 2013, the transactions portal and markets guide, considered to be the core product in 7awi’s portfolio, according to Abbar.

Original article by Pamela Kesrouani

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7awi’s lessons from launching 5 Arabic sites in 2 years