Emerging Markets Intelligence & Research (EMIR) and Omnicom Media MENA have formed a strategic partnership to help GCC organisations take regional insights to global business audiences.
The partnership will combine EMIR’s GCC intelligence and executive network with Omnicom Media MENA’s communications, media planning and campaign amplification capabilities.
EMIR and Omnicom Media MENA target global audiences
The two organisations will help businesses turn research, executive views and regional expertise into thought leadership.
The partnership comes as the GCC attracts global investment and plays a growing role in the world economy. At the same time, organisations across the region are building expertise in AI, energy transition, infrastructure and tourism.
They are also working across advanced manufacturing and new trade corridors. However, international coverage of the Middle East can often focus on headlines rather than the wider changes taking place across the region.
As a result, EMIR and Omnicom Media MENA will help organisations present a broader view of the GCC. The work will combine research, strategic communications and media expertise.
EMIR to lead GCC research and executive programmes
EMIR will lead the development of thought leadership programmes under the partnership.
These programmes will include executive insight reports, CEO roundtables and stakeholder engagement. They will also include filmed interviews and bespoke leadership platforms.
EMIR will draw on its access to CEOs, policymakers, investors and business leaders across the GCC. This network will help inform the research and executive programmes.
The firm describes itself as a boutique advisory and research firm. Its work is built around Boardroom by EMIR, an invite-only executive engagement platform.
Omnicom Media MENA to drive media strategy
Omnicom Media MENA will lead communications strategy, media planning and campaign amplification.
The organisation will help connect the programmes with senior business, policy, investor and industry audiences. These audiences will span regional and international markets.
Therefore, the partnership will link regional research with wider media reach. The firms aim to help GCC organisations build visibility for their ideas and expertise beyond the region.
EMIR founder highlights GCC expertise
Trevor McFarlane, CEO and Founder of EMIR, said the GCC is now central to major discussions on economic transformation.
He pointed to areas including AI, investment, energy transition and advanced manufacturing. McFarlane also highlighted the region’s wider economic transformation.
“The GCC is now home to some of the world’s most important conversations,” McFarlane said.
He added that EMIR works directly with CEOs, ministers, boards, investors and operators across the region. This gives the firm access to intelligence and insights from people involved in the GCC’s growth.
McFarlane said the partnership will allow EMIR to take those insights further. The aim is to reach relevant audiences around the world and provide a wider view of opportunities in the region.
Omnicom Media MENA CEO focuses on ideas and expertise
Elda Choucair, CEO of Omnicom Media MENA, said organisations now compete on ideas and expertise as well as products and services.
“The GCC is no longer a market the world is watching; it’s a market the world is learning from,” Choucair said.
She said organisations across the region are driving innovation and economic transformation. Therefore, their experience can reach audiences that can act on those ideas.
Choucair added that the partnership will bring together EMIR’s regional knowledge and Omnicom Media MENA’s communications expertise.
The combined approach will help organisations build credibility through ideas, according to Choucair. It will also help take those ideas into conversations beyond the Gulf.
About EMIR and Omnicom Media
EMIR provides strategic guidance, proprietary research and strategic foresight. The firm also offers access to leaders, policymakers and industry experts.
Omnicom Media is an Omnicom Connected Capability and a global media management network. Its portfolio includes OMD, Initiative, PHD, UM and Hearts United.
The portfolio also includes Acxiom, an identity solution, and Flywheel, a digital commerce practice. Omnicom Media also provides specialist services across cloud consulting, creator, financial, healthcare and sports and entertainment categories.
The new partnership will focus on connecting GCC research and executive perspectives with business, investment and economic audiences in the region and globally.
