The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) will host the 2026 MEPRA Qatar Leadership Majlis on September 10 at W Doha, bringing together senior leaders from government, business, media and communications to examine how the region’s influence landscape is changing.Held under the theme “The New Architecture of Influence,” the event will explore how geopolitical shifts, regional conflicts, economic uncertainty, advances in artificial intelligence and evolving media consumption habits are reshaping the way information is created, distributed and trusted.The programme will feature panel discussions and interactive conversations focused on practical experiences and emerging trends across the communications industry.Building on feedback from last year’s event, this year’s Majlis will place greater emphasis on practical application. Sessions will examine how communications teams are using AI to plan, execute and measure events, how event strategies vary across B2B, B2C and B2G environments, and how organisations can measure impact beyond attendance figures and media coverage.Justin Kerr-Stevens, Chair, MEPRA, said the role of communications has moved beyond simply managing messages. “It's no longer just about controlling the message. Increasingly, our role is to help organisations make better decisions, build trust before they need it and navigate periods of uncertainty with confidence,” he said.Kerr-Stevens added that the Qatar Leadership Majlis would bring together leaders from government, business, media and communications to share practical experiences, challenge conventional approaches and examine what the new architecture of influence means for organisations operating in the Middle East.The Majlis will also provide a forum for peer learning and candid discussion, with participants encouraged to share experiences and assess the capabilities communications teams need to remain trusted, resilient and influential.The event is targeted at senior professionals across government, business, media and communications, as well as executives responsible for reputation, stakeholder engagement, corporate affairs and organisational strategy.The 2026 MEPRA Qatar Leadership Majlis will take place on September 10 at W Doha.

BLJ Worldwide, a Doha-based PR and strategic communications agency, has announced a new leadership structure following the resignation of Justin Kerr-Stevens as CEO. This restructuring sees Iman Asante, formerly General Manager, elevated to Acting Managing Director, and Hadia Saraya promoted to Acting General Manager.Iman Asante brings over 17 years of international communications experience, spanning Europe, Bermuda, and the Middle East. Notably, she has led BLJ's Finance and Investments practice and was recently elected to the MEPRA Strategy Board. Her contributions to the industry have also earned her recognition in the PRWeek Middle East Power Book for the past two years.Hadia Saraya, a nine-year veteran at BLJ, has more than 15 years of corporate communications experience. She leads the agency's Foundations & Education practice, drawing from previous roles at PepsiCo Egypt and Qatar-based consultancy TripleTwo. Her expertise1 encompasses diverse sectors, including FMCGs, sports, education, community development, and technology.This leadership reshuffle follows the departure of Justin Kerr-Stevens, who significantly expanded BLJ's client portfolio across Qatar's private, governmental, and semi-governmental sectors during his tenure.BLJ Worldwide, known for its award-winning campaigns and advisory services to major Qatari institutions, remains headquartered in Doha, serving clients across finance, education, sports, culture, and technology.