GCC Branding are specialists continuing to launch across the GCC.
Manifesto, a specialised brand consultancy and part of the JWT MENA Group of companies, has officially launched in Dubai headed by Jean-Claude Saade as brand consultant and MD.
"We have realised that phenomenal growth in the UAE and in the region has attracted a growing number of branding agencies," Saade, former director of strategic planning, Grey Worldwide Middle East, told GMR.
"The brand design aspect offered by these agencies is of very good standard but the strategy part is not getting the due attention and focus."
As a result many large regional corporations still turn to international consultancies he added.
"What make us different is our unique human branding' philosophy... and our deep understanding of the region."
Although owned by JWT MENA, Manifesto operates independently.
Saade declined to name current clients.
From South Africa comes The Win Win Group - specialists in brand activation - which plans to launch it Middle East operation from in Dubai Media City in August.
"After 15 years of operating globally out of South Africa, we believe that being closer to the international offices of our multinational clients would prove mutually beneficial," said founding partner and director, Paul van Musschenbroek.
Initially the office will be staffed by three "key management" Musschenbroek told GMR. "Once a working-understanding of the delivery needs of our clients in the region has been established we aim to strategically grow the local team to approximately 10 in the first 18 months of operation."
Existing Win Win clients include Unilever, Coca-Cola, Standard Chartered, Sun International, Anglo American, Nando's, Ogilvy, Standard Bank, ADT, International Finance Corporation and others with a presence in Dubai and the region he added.
© Gulf Marketing Review 2008
