• Snapping has been redefined for brands, by snapping through the chat, camera and creators, brands can foster authentic presence and accelerate ROI 

Dubai, UAE, 13 February 2025: This Ramadan, Snap is allowing brands to Snap like a Snapchatter, by tapping into the platform’s most beloved features, from the camera and chat to the creativity of its community of creators. In the GCC, Ramadan is a celebration of community, and Snapchat is deeply embedded in the heart of Ramadan celebrations, with Snapchatters planning, shopping, and connecting with loved ones. 

Engagement on Snapchat is massive during Ramadan. In KSA, GCC audiences open the app over 45 times a day. This importance of personal connections is why Snapchat has become the go-to platform for communal shopping during Ramadan. The GCC audience is highly active, constantly searching for their next Ramadan must-have across all categories. Shopping becomes a social event during Ramadan and brands have the opportunity to raise awareness, gain consideration and drive conversion on a platform where during Ramadan in markets like KSA, an average of 10 billion stories are viewed each day, and Snapchatters play with AR lenses over 220 million times daily.

This Ramadan, Snapchat is giving brands the chance to Snap like a Snapchatter, with the launch of Sponsored Snaps, a game changing new ad placement tool which has been designed to empower businesses to connect with the Snapchat community in more innovative ways. Strategically being scaled first globally in KSA and the UAE during Ramadan—a season defined by reflection, togetherness, and meaningful connections—the initiative reinforces Snapchat’s role as a digital extension of these cherished moments. Sponsored Snaps offer an opportunity to engage audiences in ways that are both authentic and impactful, by seamlessly integrating brands into the cultural and social fabric of Ramadan. 

In a natural extension of the way Snapchatters already engage with businesses on the platform, Sponsored Snaps will allow brands to deliver full-screen vertical video messages directly into Snapchatters’ Chat inboxes, enabling deeper engagement with audiences. Maintaining the user-first design philosophy for which Snapchat has long been known, Sponsored Snaps are visually distinct messages from brands, ensuring a clear separation from personal messages. They are also opt-in, so Snapchatters can choose to view the Snap, respond directly to the advertiser, or use the embedded call-to-action to visit a predetermined link.

The holy month will also see the return of the Snap AR Ramadan Mall, following an impressive 16M shoppers visiting in 2024. The new edition has been reimagined to embody the essence of GCC old towns and modern day shopping districts making for the ultimate retail experience.  

Further empowering brands to connect authentically with audiences this Ramadan, a third experience will also be introduced onto the platform that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation – HAZAR FAZAR, an AR experience that spotlights stories deeply rooted into GCC culture, brought to life through a series of branded lenses that are opened by riddles and showcase unique characters. 

Snapchatters in the GCC have a very strong and personal relationship with the Creators they follow and during moments like Ramadan audiences are tuned in to the Creators they follow. Brands will have the opportunity to leverage Creators’ credibility on Snapchat to reach new audiences by collaborating with their favorite Snap Stars and utilizing programs such as Creator Midrolls, the Creator Collab Studio or through sponsoring or promoting Creator content.  

Hala Zgeib, Head of Luxury MENA at Snap Inc. said; “Innovation, while staying true to the essence of the platform, has always been at the heart of Snapchat. We empower businesses to connect with our community’s inner circle, both online and offline, fostering authentic relationships and driving success across the region. This Ramadan marks an exciting chapter for Snap, as we enable brands to engage more meaningfully with their audience through Snaps, deepen resonance, and celebrate culture with initiatives like the Snap AR Ramadan Mall and HAZAR FAZAR, while also making it easier to collaborate with our creators.”

Snapchat is empowering brands to create authentic connections with audiences, driving deeper engagement and accelerating ROI across the full funnel this Ramadan, making the platform more interactive and communal than ever before.