Snapchat is coming to desktop. The platform’s messaging service will soon be available on the web and users will be able to send snaps via their computer rather than solely from a smartphone.
The new service is available to Snapchat+ subscribers in the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It will soon arrive in France, Germany, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, before being rolled out to the rest of the world. However, an exact date for when it will launch in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has not yet been announced.
Users can access Snapchat for Web by visiting web.snapchat.com and logging in. There, they can immediately resume conversations just like on the app. While looking to send pictures, the website will also have several Lenses available on desktop, which will be rolled out in the coming weeks.
In terms of privacy and security, Snapchat for Web has added two-step verficiation from the mobile app. While on PC, conversations will be hidden when a user clicks on another tab, window or task.
Currently, Snapchat for Web is being launched on Chrome and will work with the browser regardless of whether it is a Mac or a PC.
Snap's AR growth in the Mena region
In an exclusive interview with The National earlier this month, Hussein Freijeh, general manager of Snap in the Middle East and North Africa, said the company is trying to strengthen its position in the augmented reality space and provide revenue streams to creators and developers.
“We’re focusing on augmented reality developers to allow them to create experiences and monetise them. We’re hiring local talent in Saudi Arabia to make sure we get more understanding of the culture and bring the nuances across the board,” Freijeh said.
“The GCC is one of the most engaged communities for Snapchat globally, with a wide community of creators and potential partnerships in the advertising market to help drive revenue.”
Instagram launched a desktop version in 2020 and initially only allowed users to like posts and access direct messages. Last year, the Meta-owned app added the ability to post pictures and videos via the desktop version.
'Top Gun: Maverick'
Rating: 4/5
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
Starring: Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Ed Harris
The%20specs
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The details
Colette
Director: Wash Westmoreland
Starring: Keira Knightley, Dominic West
Our take: 3/5
FIGHT%20CARD
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Mental%20health%20support%20in%20the%20UAE
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The specs
Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
