ABG MARKETING LEADERSHIP UNDER PRESSURE | 2026

Senior marketing leaders across the Middle East and GCC came together at ABG’s first CMO Forum to discuss the growing pressure on brands to deliver measurable growth while protecting long-term brand equity. The report captures key priorities, challenges, and strategic shifts shaping the future of marketing leadership.
ABG CMO FORUM OPENING ADDRESS | 2026

The mandate hasn’t changed. The pressure around delivery has. Drawing on ABG Pulse Survey insights, this session outlines how marketing leaders are shifting from long-term planning to real-time decision-making, balancing growth, brand, and accountability in a more volatile environment. A clear view of how the CMO role is evolving, and what it now takes to lead effectively.
ABG CMO FORUM CEO-CMO ALIGNMENT | 2026

Growth is becoming harder to deliver and sustain. Drawing on ABG Pulse Survey data and regional dynamics, this session explores how shifting demand, rising costs, and performance pressure are reshaping the marketing operating model. It highlights the need for stronger CEO–CMO alignment focused on growth quality, capital efficiency, faster decision-making, and the investment shifts required to drive more sustainable, profitable growth.
ABG CMO FORUM CHAIRPERSON ADDRESS | 2026

What got us here will not get us where we need to go next. This session positions the modern CMO at the center of growth and transformation, navigating accelerating change across technology, media, and consumer behavior. It reinforces the shift from brand leadership to business leadership, and the need for collective intelligence to drive faster, more effective decisions.
ABG CMO FORUM CONSUMER INSIGHTS | 2026

Consumer behavior is shifting toward control, value, and certainty. Based on Ipsos research in the UAE, this session unpacks how uncertainty is reshaping spending, brand choice, and digital engagement. It highlights the growing role of trust, transparency, and relevance, and what brands must do to compete in an environment where value perception and emotional context drive decisions.
ABG CMO PULSE REPORT | 2026

Marketing leaders across the Middle East are navigating geopolitical pressure, tighter budgets, and rising expectations for measurable growth. ABG’s April 2026 CMO Pulse captures how senior leaders across 9+ markets are adapting strategy, investment, and priorities in real time.
GLOBAL ADVERTISING REGULATION | 2026

Global advertising standards are shifting fast. This international survey highlights emerging legislative priorities, sensitive content areas, and the growing compliance pressures shaping responsible marketing across digital and outdoor media worldwide.
INFLUENCER MARKETING & AI SURVEY | 2025

As influencer partnerships and AI-driven marketing accelerate in the UAE, consumer expectations around authenticity, transparency, and data responsibility are evolving. This survey reveals how audiences perceive creator credibility, sponsored content disclosure, and the future role of artificial intelligence in shaping trusted brand engagement.
INFLUENCER MARKETING BEST PRACTICES | UAE 2024

Influencer marketing in the UAE is entering a new era of accountability. This charter outlines practical guidance on licensing, disclosure standards, ethical partnerships, and responsible campaign execution — helping brands and creators build trust while navigating a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.
INFLUENCER MARKETING BEST PRACTICES | KSA 2024

As influencer marketing accelerates in Saudi Arabia, brands and creators must balance creativity with responsibility. This charter offers practical direction on disclosure expectations, partnership governance, and culturally aligned campaign execution to support sustainable industry growth.