Marketing is NOT Views on Reels

Today, many entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business leaders are more focused on chasing likes and views on social media than on building real marketing strategies. Somewhere along the way, “going viral” became the goal, and short-term engagement on TikTok or Instagram started to be confused with actual branding and positioning. The truth is simple: marketing is […]

Business Leader Spotlight: Hesham Hamdy

Hesham, could you start by telling our readers a little about yourself and your professional journey? Certainly. I currently serve as the Marketing Head of Lundbeck MEA, bringing more than two decades of expertise in the pharmaceutical industry. I spearhead strategic marketing and digital transformation initiatives, with a strong emphasis on AI-driven customer engagement, omnichannel […]

Sound That Sells: Why Sonic Branding Is the Next Big Move for SMEs and Creators

What Is Sonic Branding? If branding is how people recognize your business visually, sonic branding is how they remember you emotionally. Think of the Netflix “ta-dum,” the Intel chime, or the satisfying snap of a Coca-Cola bottle opening. These aren’t just sounds — they’re experiences. They connect instantly. They stick. And they say something powerful […]

The Future of Marketing in the Middle East: From Awareness to Authenticity

In the last decade, the Middle East has emerged as one of the fastest-growing hubs for digital transformation. With smartphone penetration rates among the highest in the world and a youthful population driving online engagement, marketing in the region is no longer about simply being present — it’s about being authentic, adaptive, and value-driven. For […]

Company Spotlight: Khushbu Bhatia, Partner & Head of Marketing at Smart Zone

Tell us about yourself and your background. I’ve always been deeply passionate about marketing and its power to drive businesses forward. With over 18 years of experience in the field, I’ve had the privilege of working with businesses across various industries, helping them articulate their vision and carve out a niche in the marketplace. Growing […]

From Social First to Self-Owned: How AI and Microtools Empower the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Digitalisation has transformed entrepreneurship—especially at its inception. An increasing number of small businesses are launching via platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or WhatsApp, bypassing traditional websites. These social-first entrepreneurs meet customers where they already are, turning social media from a mere communication tool into a business. According to the GoDaddy 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey, over one […]

Building a Healthier Nation: 5 Ways Brands Can Build Engagement and Champion Wellbeing in Their Communities

As the UAE strides towards its National Wellbeing Strategy 2031 and embraces the Year of Community, there has never been a better time for brands to take action. True impact goes beyond short-lived buzz – it’s about creating initiatives that deliver real, measurable change. As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President […]