Dubai, UAE - 17th February: The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the world’s leading professional body for marketing, has officially launched its new regional hub in Dubai Knowledge Park, marking a significant milestone in its expansion across the Middle East. The launch event brought together senior leaders, industry influencers, and marketing professionals to celebrate CIM’s commitment to elevating marketing standards across the UAE and the wider GCC.

This move aligns with the UAE’s national vision for economic diversification, talent development, and global competitiveness, as well as the region’s accelerating demand for world-class marketing capability.

Discussing the launch, Chris Daly, Chief Executive of CIM, said: "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. 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."

Saria Hayek, Regional Manager of CIM GCC, added: "This new hub is more than a physical space - it’s a platform for collaboration, learning, and innovation. Our focus is to engage with members, building meaningful partnerships, and create a vibrant marketing community that reflects the energy and innovation of the UAE and the wider Gulf."

Why it matters
Marketing plays a defining role in organisational growth, innovation, and digital transformation. CIM brings globally recognised standards, qualifications, and frameworks that help organisations embed marketing excellence, strengthen decision-making, and deliver measurable business impact.

What CIM offers the region

• World-class qualifications and training: Delivered through CIM Academy, accredited centres, and regional partners.
• Membership & professional recognition: From Affiliate Member to Chartered Marketer status.
• Business Solutions: Customised capability-building programmes designed around organisational strategy and performance.

A more engaged, connected GCC marketing community
CIM’s new hub will focus on building an inclusive, high-impact marketing community across the region - connecting professionals, engaging members, and supporting organisations as they navigate rapid change.

Looking ahead
CIM will roll out a series of regional activities, including:

• Professional development and networking events
• Marketing capability assessments
• Executive roundtables
• Professional development programmes
• GCC-wide marketing community initiatives

These efforts will support marketers at every stage of their career while helping organisations compete globally.

For more information, visit: https://www.cim.co.uk/cim-networks/middle-east/

 -ENDS-

For media enquiries
For further media information please contact:
James Delves 
Head of PR and External Affairs, CIM
James.Delves@cim.co.uk   

For local enquiries
For local enquiries please contact:
Saria Hayek
Regional Manager, CIM GCC
Saria.Hayek@cim-middleeast.ae  

About CIM
For over 100 years, CIM has been the universal voice of marketing, championing our industry and its positive impact on organisations, economies and the wider society. Today, we play a more significant role than ever in supporting, developing and representing our members and the profession around the world. Always on top of the latest developments, we offer inspiring insights and thought leadership to generate transformative discussion and ideas.

On an individual level, marketers at every stage of their career find us a trusted and people-centred provider of clear guidance, training and professional qualifications – especially on their path to being accredited as a Chartered Marketer. If it carries a CIM stamp, it’s taken seriously: proof of the essential skills that boost long-term success for any business.

We’re at the forefront of all that’s exciting about marketing. Our services build careers and boost businesses. We continue to speak out for our industry, working alongside like-minded organisations to bring on the latest generations of talent and set professional standards for the entire marketing ecosystem. Find out more about CIM by visiting www.cim.co.uk.