Social Media Week scheduled to begin today in Jeddah has been postponed according to Social4ce, a consulting firm that was to host the event through Sept. 27.
“We had to postpone the event due to a call we received from the National Security Department at the government office of the Makkah region saying that any licensed event regarding social media has been put on hold for obvious reasons that the Islamic world is facing with social media,” Bilal Hallab, partner and social business strategist at Social4ce, told Arab News.
He was referring to violent protests at American embassies, schools and fast food chains across North Africa, the Middle East and Asia condemning an anti-Islamic film released on YouTube two weeks ago.
Hallab said that Social4ce tried for at least 16 hours in meetings with government officials in efforts of convincing them to allow the event to go on as scheduled.
However, “all media related events for the next two weeks have been suspended, but should be reinstated following the suspension,” he said, adding that the event is rescheduled for November.
“Our only objective from the event is raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and educating those interested in learning the true value of social media, whether in business, education, or any industry you can think of.”
Those wishing to re-register or get more information can log on to the SMW Jeddah website at: socialmediaweek.org/jeddah.