DUBAI, UAE — September 2026 – Augustus Media Hosts Third Edition of Local Influence: Regional Impact in Dubai, bringing together senior voices from media, brands, sport and the creator ecosystem to explore how a rapidly evolving MENA landscape is reshaping audience attention and creating new opportunities for brands and content.
This year’s edition, MENA in Motion, focused on the regional shifts influencing media consumption, brand participation and content strategy, while looking ahead to the opportunities emerging across MENA in 2027.
Key Discussion Areas:
Brand Agility: The opening panel, “Pause, Pivot or Participate: How Brands Respond When the Moment Changes,” explored how brands can respond to cultural, economic and digital shifts while maintaining strategic consistency. The discussion featured Claire Peach, Mahreen Munir, Pinar Celikel and Nikita Phulwani.
The New Sports Opportunity: The second panel, “Beyond the Game: The New Sports Opportunity,” examined the growing influence of sport, athletes, creators and digital platforms in connecting brands with regional audiences. Speakers included Shamsa Darwish, Mehran Rowshan and Mohammad Harb.
Lovin Dubai Crisis Coverage: The event also featured a Lovin Dubai keynote case study examining the platform’s approach to covering regional conflict. The session highlighted the importance of factual accuracy, community trust, responsible reporting and agile editorial workflows during periods of heightened sensitivity. Lovin Dubai’s coverage was recognised at the Emirati Media Forum by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Looking Ahead to 2027: Across the sessions, speakers explored changing audience behaviour, emerging media platforms, local cultural moments and the growing role of sport and creators. Discussions also focused on how marketers can build greater flexibility into their 2027 campaigns while remaining strategically consistent.
The event concluded with networking between speakers, panelists and guests, extending the conversations beyond the stage and creating opportunities for new connections across the regional media and marketing ecosystem.
“MENA is moving quickly, and brands need to be ready to move with it,” said Augustus Media. “Local influence continues to shape regional conversations, creating new opportunities for brands, media and creators to connect with audiences in meaningful ways.”
The third edition of Local Influence: Regional Impact brought together industry leaders for a morning of insights, discussion and networking, continuing Augustus Media’s commitment to creating conversations around the future of media and audiences across MENA.
Augustus Media 