MARKETER OF THE FUTURE 2026

Middle East

THE HUMAN EDGE  | AI generates. Humans judge.

As AI reshapes how marketing works, the sharpest advantage isn’t the technology; it’s the judgment behind it.

Marketer of the Future Middle East 2026 brings together the leaders redefining what human ingenuity means in an AI-first industry: creativity, empathy, cultural intelligence, and strategic thinking that turn intelligent technology into real business impact.

INDUSTRY-FIRST. BRAND-CENTRIC. INDEPENDENT.

The Advertising Business Group (ABG) is an independent industry association advancing responsible advertising and marketing standards across the UAE and wider GCC.

INDUSTRY STANDARDS

Establishing the benchmarks for ethical advertising.

BRAND LEADERSHIP

Strengthening collaboration across the Middle East.

RESPONSIBLE INNOVATION

Supporting accountable adoption of new technologies.

ADVANCING ETHICAL MARKETING

Across the Middle East

ABG supports marketing leaders across the UAE and wider GCC in navigating evolving standards, consumer expectations, and regulatory change. Our initiatives help brands operate responsibly while strengthening trust and long-term industry growth.

Supporting members across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider GCC region.

WHY JOIN ABG?

Membership connects you to a community committed to responsible marketing and industry leadership in the UAE and GCC.

  • Influence advertising standards and policy conversations
  • Access exclusive research and best practice toolkits
  • Participate in industry forums and leadership events
  • Collaborate with brands, agencies, and media partners
  • Stay ahead of regulatory and technology developments

INSIGHTS DRIVING MARKETING GROWTH

ABG publishes practical guidance and research to support ethical, effective marketing across the Middle East.

Best practices for disclosure, authenticity, and consumer trust in influencer marketing across the UAE.​

Guidance on responsible artificial intelligence adoption in advertising and brand communication.​

Industry frameworks supporting transparency, accountability, and responsible brand messaging.

UPCOMING EVENTS

ABG hosts leading marketing events in Dubai and across the region, including leadership forums, policy discussions, and the Marketer of the Future Middle East conference. Our events create space for dialogue, innovation, and meaningful collaboration.

Business leaders gathered around a table for the ABG Travel Roundtable in Dubai.

ABG TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE | 2026

November 18, 2026
ABG’s Travel & Hospitality Leadership Roundtable brings together senior marketing leaders to explore travel and tourism recovery and launch the Travel & Hospitality CMO Recovery Toolkit.
Riyadh skyline, Saudi Arabia, for the ABG CMO Forum in November 2026.

ABG CMO FORUM | RIYADH 2026

November 24, 2026
ABG's CMO Forum returns November 24, 2026, in Riyadh, KSA. More details coming soon. Time and venue are to be determined.
ABG 10-Year Anniversary celebration overlooking the Dubai skyline.

ABG 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY EVENT | 2026

December 9, 2026
ABG marks 10 years with an evening celebrating the members and partners who have shaped the organization, hosted by Choueiri Group in Dubai. Attendance is open, with places confirmed by RSVP only.

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MARKETING TOGETHER

Responsible advertising is built through collaboration. ABG brings together leaders from across the Middle East’s marketing ecosystem to drive meaningful change, foster innovation, and strengthen transparency. Together, we’re helping shape a more trusted, responsible industry that benefits brands, agencies, platforms, publishers, and consumers alike.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ABG develops ethical advertising standards, publishes best-practice guidance, and convenes marketing leaders across the UAE and the Middle East to strengthen responsible industry growth.

Membership is open to brands, agencies, media owners, technology platforms, and other organizations active in the advertising and marketing ecosystem across the GCC region.

While headquartered in the UAE, ABG serves marketing professionals and member organizations across the wider Middle East and GCC.

ABG collaborates with industry stakeholders to create guidelines, promote transparency, and encourage accountability in marketing practices.

ABG hosts conferences, roundtables, leadership forums, and industry discussions focused on marketing innovation, governance, and responsible communication.

CONTACT ABG

Get in touch to learn more about our work or explore ways to get involved in shaping the future of responsible advertising.

secretariat@abg-me.com