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Google plans to open an office in Cairo, Egypt, in November to concentrate on its Arabic services, according to Arabian Computer News. The office will be Google’s first in the Middle East and will be directed by Sherif Iskander, regional head of Google Middle East and North Africa.
Google’s Cairo office marks another phase in its continuing international expansion. In June, Google CEO Eric Schmidt said the company is focusing on mobile and international markets.
Earlier this year Google offered both Gmail and Google News in Arabic. Google also offers Arabic/English translation (beta) through Google Translate.
The latter service angered some Middle Eastern citizens earlier this month when it was revealed that Google Translate provided a derogatory translation for the word “gay” in Arabic.