More encouraging data from the Middle East, confirming the critical role that social media is performing in facilitating global communication and the exercise of free speech. Our pals at IQPC & SocialBakers have put together the infographic you see below as a thank you.

This report’s biggest flaw is that it omits Egypt, MENA’s main economy and internet viewership, which is critical to comprehending the region’s trends and prospects.

Highlights include:

  • A total of 30.2 million people utilise social media on a regular basis.
  • Facebook has 15 million active users.
  • More than half of the UAE’s 3 million Twitter users
  • Saudi Arabia saw a 240 percent rise in the number of Twitter users in 2010.
  • About seventy percent of businesses raised their spending on digital media in 2011.
  • United Arab Emirates

According to ArabCrunch:

In addition, the article states that there are 15 million Facebook members. This number may not be correct, however; in the first quarter of 2010, our sources inside Fb believed that there were 16-18 million users.

However, there are two important caveats: the Arab region does not provide any e-marketing budget for banner ads, preferring instead to spend on email, smart phone apps and SMS advertising as well as Facebook and Google adwords. Another instance when the source of Twitter user counts is omitted!

There are between 110 and 130 million dollars spent on internet advertising in the Middle East and North Africa each year, according to Ari Kesisoglu – Area Manager, Middle East And parts Africa.

Entrepreneurs, despite their passion and dedication, recognise that their work is a gruelling one. You can understand what we mean by checking out these stark realities compiled by the fantastic OnStartup.com.

Belgrade, Serbia – June 6, 2013: Samsung Galaxy Note 2 screen with social media applications of Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Linkedin, ChatON, Hangouts, WhatsApp, Instagram.

Fortunately, all of these obstacles can be overcome if you know what to expect, prepare for it, and seek out the aid of the right individuals.

  • An idea’s first iteration is likely to be incorrect.
  • What you do will be completely incomprehensible to your close family and friends.
  • For the time being, you’ll get paid less than you would in your regular job.
  • Everything takes even longer now… Let’s assume this happens
  • Titles have no bearing on anything. You’ll work as a janitor at the school.
  • In the absence of a magic bullet,
  • You will be annoyed by customers.
  • You can’t do everything on your own.
  • Success does not come quickly or easily.
  • Building a squad is a challenge.
  • There are forces that you cannot influence.
  • Read the whole thing.

500Startups believed the list was so true that they put up a blog post with examples through their own experiences. Please share your thoughts in the space provided.

Dharmesh Shah, a venture capitalist and current CEO of HubSpot, launched OnStartups, an online forum and blog supporting startup founders.

The 500 Most Promising Entrepreneurship Initiatives:

Entrepreneur Dave McLure launched the startup fund and incubator 500 Startups, which is based in Mountain View, California. Internet firms and related online infrastructure services are the focus of our investments.