Dubai - The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the UK-based professional body for marketing, has officially launched its regional hub in Dubai Knowledge Park, marking an expansion of its presence across the Middle East.
The launch event brought together senior business leaders, industry influencers and marketing professionals, underscoring the organisation’s aim to enhance professional marketing capability across the UAE and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
CIM said the move aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy for economic diversification, talent development and global competitiveness, as demand for advanced marketing expertise continues to grow across regional industries.
Chris Daly, Chief Executive of CIM, said the UAE and GCC markets are undergoing large-scale transformation, requiring stronger marketing leadership to support business objectives.
“The UAE and GCC are home to some of the world’s most ambitious transformation agendas. Strong marketing capability is essential to bringing these visions to life,” Daly said. “By establishing a permanent presence in Dubai, we are expanding access to international marketing standards and creating new opportunities for professional growth across the region.”
Building Regional Capability
The Dubai hub will serve as a regional platform for professional development, collaboration and industry engagement. CIM stated that it plans to work closely with members, corporate partners and academic institutions to support marketing excellence in both public and private sectors.
Saria Hayek, Regional Manager of CIM GCC, described the new office as more than a physical expansion.
“This new hub is a platform for collaboration, learning and innovation,” Hayek said. “Our focus is to engage with members, build meaningful partnerships and create a vibrant marketing community that reflects the energy and innovation of the UAE and the wider Gulf.”
Marketing is increasingly viewed as central to organisational growth, digital transformation and innovation. CIM brings internationally recognised qualifications, professional frameworks and capability-building programmes designed to help organisations embed structured marketing practices and improve performance outcomes.
Services Offered in the GCC
Through its regional presence, CIM will offer:
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Globally recognised marketing qualifications and training programmes
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Membership pathways leading to Chartered Marketer status
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Organisational capability-building solutions aligned with business strategy
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Professional networking and development initiatives
The organisation also plans to introduce executive roundtables, marketing capability assessments and GCC-wide community initiatives aimed at supporting professionals at various career stages.
Regional Impact
Industry observers note that the establishment of the Dubai hub reflects the growing maturity of the GCC’s marketing sector, as companies increasingly invest in structured brand development, digital strategy and performance-driven marketing.
By embedding international standards within the regional ecosystem, CIM aims to strengthen professional recognition and help organisations compete in global markets.
The Dubai office is expected to serve as a central coordination point for CIM activities across the Gulf, reinforcing the region’s role as a business and innovation hub.
