2026 marks a distinct moment for brands in the Middle East. Against a backdrop of continued regional and global uncertainty, coupled with rapid AI-led transformation, resilience is no longer simply about weathering volatility. It is about adapting faster than the context shifts, while balancing immediate commercial pressures with the need to build enduring brand equity.
Agility, resilience and 'the new normal' are not new ideas for marketers, what is changing is the speed, scale and complexity of what brands now need to navigate.
At this year's BrandZ launch, we will reveal the brands that are successfully navigating this new reality and discuss what it takes to build brands that thrive in an era defined by disruption, acceleration and opportunity.
Hear from leading industry voices, gain fresh perspectives, and leave inspired with strategies you can apply straight away.
Event date:
Wednesday 23 September | 9:30am – 11:00am
Panel highlights:
How do successful brands stay chosen and remain future-ready?
In a world where consumers have more choice than ever before, what separates the brands that consistently earn preference?
We explore how brands adapt to evolving consumer expectations, and what it takes to remain relevant and future-ready in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Home-grown brands: Making their mark in a market of giants
In a market dominated by global giants, how do challenger brands break through? Some of the UAE's most exciting growth stories have been built by brands that understand local needs, cultural relevance and changing consumer behaviour. We discuss how challengers carve out space, build distinctive brands, and turn local insight into lasting growth.
Speakers & Panelists
Alaa Alsweileh, Head of Brand & Marketing, Group, Samsung Gulf Electronics
Anup Oommen, Editor, Campaign Middle East, Motivate Media Group
George Yaryura, SVP Marketing, Mashreq
Kamille Marchant, Head of Festivals, Athar Festival
Mazen Kanaan, CEO, House of Pops
Ravi Rao, CEO MENA, Assembly Global
Rupa Antony, Head of Brand & Marketing, Justlife
Sébastien Herriau, Co-Founder, rite
Sinatra Carneiro, Marketing Director, MEA, Perfetti Van Melle
Paul Zwillenberg, Global CEO, Kantar
Amol Ghate, CEO, Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan & Türkiye, Kantar
Aruna Rajaram, Executive Director, Middle East, Kantar
About Kantar BrandZ
Kantar BrandZ is the global currency when assessing brand value, quantifying the contribution of brands to business’ financial performance.
The 2026 Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands is based on interviews with over 60,000 consumers, on 726 brands in 43 categories. Discover more about Kantar BrandZ here.
Register your interest:
Complete the form to let us know you'd like to attend – please use your business address. Spaces are limited – we’ll confirm your spot via email.
Co-hosted by Kantar and the MENA Effie Awards.