Google's developers event G|Jordan back to Amman

As part of an ongoing drive to support the growth of local talent, Google kicked off g|jordan developers’ event taking place for the second consecutive year. Registration for this year’s event is up 70% versus last year. The event brought together software developers, webmasters, IT & business professionals, tech entrepreneurs, and university students for two days of training and informative discussions around the future of innovation in the region, and how Google’s suite of products is a major driving force behind that innovation.

Ari Kesisoglu, Director, Middle East North Africa commented. “One of the things Google finds most exciting about Jordan is how eager and vibrant the Internet community is to learn about new innovations, build new technologies, and create businesses; and that’s why we’re back here” He continued "Google is serious about this region and the untapped growth potential of the talent that exists here. Fostering and growing these skills will most certainly lead to more innovation, which can positively influence the region’s ongoing social and economic development.”

With a focus on innovation, g|jordan involved multiple introductory and hands-on sessions spread over two days, focusing on new Google products but also allowing the company to communicate directly with the technology community to get vital feedback. Google had also demonstrated its latest products launched.

Nelson Mattos, VP, EMEA Product & Engineering, who has arrived to Jordan to take part in this event, commented: “The Arab region, particularly Jordan, is home to an active, aspiring and dynamic community of developers, and Google believes we can play a significant role in leveraging this talent and that’s why we came back here.” He added, “We are particularly excited to discuss our latest innovations, including for the first time Android development and Google+”.

Mattos led a team of more than 50 Googlers who flew in from across the world to give a range of sessions on specialized products and subjects. Day One sessions offered several tracks which focused on using Google developer tools to push the boundaries of web & mobile applications. Google engineers and web-development leaders guided attendees through a full day of in-depth sessions, including hands-on code labs dedicated to cutting-edge web and mobile technologies. Topics also included Android development, Google+, Google APIs, HTML5 and Engineering Best Practices.

Day one also included a panel session on Entrepreneurship & Innovation with the participation of renowned entrepreneurs from across the region to share their experiences and success stories with the participants. Speakers include Mr. Firas Al Otaibi, Co-Founder, and CEO of Think Arabia Group, a parent company that develops ideas/ventures/small entrepreneurs in the media, technology and publishing sector to build value through making impact; Mr. Ahmed Al Alfi, entrepreneur and head of Sawari Ventures, and Mr. Rashid M. Al Ballaa – CEO and founder of National Net Ventures (N2V) one of the largest internet holding companies in the MENA region.

Day Two was full of Google product demonstrations aimed at entrepreneurs, Webmasters, IT Professionals and University Students. The goal is to help spur innovation and business growth in Jordan and across the region, inspiring businesses to make the most of the web and mobile space. Sessions focused on developing ‘crawlable’ sites, integrating Google tools, using the cloud to manage apps, and managing a business presence online.

Google has been actively engaging with Jordan both through outreach activities and local product launches. More than 50 students applied to become Google Student Ambassadors from universities throughout Jordan representing Google on campus to host events, share knowledge and invigorate the academic community. On the product front, Google launched local versions of Google Maps and YouTube, and Chrome ranks as the leading browser for Jordanians.

g|jordan is part of a series of similar events across the region, designed to provide an informal environment in which local participants can engage in open dialogue with technology and product experts as they experience Google technologies.