Publicis Groupe Middle East, a global leader in marketing, communications, and business transformation, has announced a strategic partnership with the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) to host a series of workshops designed to elevate female-founded micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This collaboration aims to equip women entrepreneurs with essential marketing and communications knowledge to drive growth and success for their businesses.
The workshops, which will be open to DBWC members, are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by small business owners in today’s competitive marketplace. These sessions will provide actionable insights that are typically available only to large, global brands, enabling female entrepreneurs to apply cutting-edge strategies to their own businesses.
Bassel Kakish, CEO of Publicis Groupe Middle East & Turkey, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “Effective marketing and communication have the power to transform businesses, but access to these resources is often limited for small business owners. By working with the Dubai Business Women Council, we aim to democratize these insights and break down barriers for women entrepreneurs. This initiative is a vital step toward creating a more inclusive business environment, empowering women to succeed and grow their brands.”
The workshops will cover a wide range of topics, including public relations, brand communication, digital marketing, social media strategies, and growth-driven innovation. Publicis Academy, the company’s internal wing focused on upskilling and knowledge-sharing, will provide ongoing support for the initiative, ensuring the content is relevant and impactful. Insights gathered from a survey identifying key pain points of MSMEs will guide the structure of the sessions.
Nadine Halabi, Head of Business Development and Operations at DBWC, shared her perspective: “Empowering female entrepreneurs with the tools to elevate their brands is crucial to driving innovation and economic growth in Dubai. Our collaboration with Publicis Groupe Middle East gives our members access to strategic marketing and communication expertise that’s usually reserved for larger corporations. These workshops will help women-led MSMEs make informed, impactful decisions, contributing to both personal and professional growth. Together, we are fostering a more dynamic and inclusive economy.”
The first workshop, titled "The Power of Founder-Led Brands", took place on 14th November 2024. It was led by Andira Raslan, Business Director, and Sophia Boudjemaa, Business Director, Strategy & Insights, from MSL Group Middle East. The session highlighted the significance of personal branding for female founders and explored how they can leverage their stories to build stronger brand identities. Participants were introduced to strategies for cultivating trust with customers and creating lasting impact by integrating authenticity into their brands.
This collaboration reflects both Publicis Groupe Middle East and DBWC's commitment to supporting women’s professional and personal growth. By providing female entrepreneurs with the necessary resources, the initiative will help strengthen their businesses and drive economic growth within Dubai.
