Xing website sees 50% increase in membership

Xing, the European online business networking website reported that its UAE membership growth rose by 50 per cent in November compared to October.

The number of Xing page views increased by 35 per cent over the past six months.

"The value of an online professional network is increasing worldwide, in all markets and all regions around the globe. Now is the time to take advantage of online networking, as can be seen from the membership figures in the UAE," said Lars Hinrichs, Founder and CEO of Xing AG, which is based in Germany.

A recent survey by Synovate revealed that UAE is the second most active country in the world in terms of online networking. Some 46 per cent of UAE residents actively nurture their business connections online.

Nelly Liebrecht, Xing AG Market Development Manager for Middle East and North Africa, said: "A large number of professionals have been affected by the economic downturn and are now seeking new job opportunities, building new circles of acquaintances and business partners and essentially starting a new life. Online business networking has proven a crucial tool in helping business professionals to negotiate their way through economically unstable times."

The consistently high level of activity – with 92 percent of premium members using Xing every month – coupled with strong member growth has already resulted in more than 120 million direct connections between individual members.

Managers and professionals are increasingly connecting with one another on the internet, added a statement by the German networking website. "Personal contacts open many doors to professional success. This is true when it comes to establishing new sales channels, initiating new venture partnerships and, above all, when members are forced to plan for their career in the face of possible job changes", it said.