Global Women in PR has launched its eighth Annual Index, inviting women working across PR and communications around the world to share their views and experiences.First launched in 2019, the GWPR Annual Index, conducted in partnership with Opinium Research, has become an important global benchmark for tracking the progress of women in public relations. Each year, the survey explores issues including flexible working, leadership representation, boardroom presence, career breaks, ageism, diversity and inclusion, and harassment in the workplace.To maintain year-on-year comparison, the core survey remains consistent each year, enabling GWPR to monitor long-term trends and identify where meaningful progress is being made. For 2026, the survey includes a new focus question on the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the PR industry, reflecting one of the most significant shifts currently facing communications professionals worldwide.The new AI section will look at how AI is being used in day-to-day PR work, from content drafting and campaign measurement to research, graphics generation and recruitment assistance. It will also explore the concerns women in PR have about the rise of AI, including the potential impact on entry-level roles, reduced opportunities to learn on the job, over-reliance on AI-generated content, misinformation risks and the growing emphasis on technical skills.The 2025 GWPR Annual Index revealed that while progress toward gender equality in public relations continues, it remains slow and uneven. The 2025 study found that male-dominated boardrooms had dropped from 61% in 2024 to 51% in 2025, showing steady improvement. However, 85% of respondents said more must be done to ensure women have greater boardroom presence.Other findings from the 2025 Index highlighted persistent barriers including caring responsibilities, inflexible working practices, lack of transparency around recruitment and promotion, the ongoing impact of career breaks, harassment in the workplace and a concerning reduction in visible DE&I commitments.Susan Hardwick, Co-Founder of Global Women in PR, says:“Since launching the first GWPR Annual Index in 2019, our ambition has been to create a consistent global benchmark that helps the industry understand where progress is being made, and where women in PR continue to face barriers.The value of the Index is that it allows us to track change year on year. While each survey reflects the mood of the industry at that moment, the consistent structure gives us the evidence we need to keep the conversation focused, informed and accountable.For 2026, we felt it essential to look at the impact of AI. It is already changing the way PR professionals work, but we need to understand what that means for women’s careers, skills development, entry-level opportunities and future leadership. AI brings enormous opportunity, but we must make sure it does not create new barriers or widen existing inequalities.We are asking women across the global PR and communications industry to take a few minutes to complete the survey and add their voice. Every response helps us build a clearer picture of the industry today and supports GWPR’s ongoing work to champion more inclusive and representative leadership.”Loretta Ahmed, Co-Founder of Global Women in PR, says:"The Annual Index has become one of the most valuable tools we have for understanding the real experiences of women in our industry, and its global reach matters enormously here in the MENA region. The conversations we are having about flexible working, boardroom representation and career progression are universal, but the regional context shapes how they play out, and that is exactly why every voice from MENA counts.This year's focus on AI is especially timely for our region, where the PR and communications sector is growing fast and adopting new technology at pace. AI offers real opportunity to open doors, but we have to be deliberate about ensuring it does not quietly narrow them, particularly for women at the start of their careers. The only way to understand that impact is with evidence. I would encourage every woman working in PR and communications across the Middle East and North Africa to take a few minutes to complete the survey. Your response helps ensure our region is fully represented in the global picture, and strengthens the case for more inclusive, representative leadership across our industry."The GWPR Annual Index 2026 is open to women working in PR and communications across agency, in-house, freelance, independent and consultancy roles.The findings will be published later this year and will provide an updated snapshot of the global PR landscape, alongside year-on-year comparisons from previous Index reports.

Global Women in PR (GWPR) MENA has appointed Lynn Al Khatib, Vice President, Communications of Chalhoub Group, as its new board member. Lynn is a seasoned communications professional with more than 15 years of experience in the field. Throughout her career, Lynn has demonstrated a strong focus on empowering women within the communications industry. ?Ç£As someone committed to advancing women?ÇÖs leadership in PR, I?ÇÖm honored to join the board of Global Women in PR MENA and support its powerful regional mission to empower and elevate women across the communications industry. ?Ç£Today, communications plays an ever more critical role in shaping brands, organizations, and thought leaders ?Çö and as professionals, whether in-house or at agencies, we must continue evolving to deliver true value. In a world where corporate career growth is becoming more limited and traditional measures of success increasingly blurred, I look forward to contributing to both women and the industry through this incredible board of inspiring leaders.?Ç¥ said Lynn Al Khatib.Her appointment comes at a time of rapid growth for GWPR MENA, which now celebrates 100 members ?Çö a testament to its ongoing commitment to advancing female leadership in the region?ÇÖs communications industry.Loretta Ahmed, GWPR MENA Chair and Founder and CEO of Houbara Communications, commented, ?Ç£We are delighted to welcome Lynn Al Khatib, Vice President Communications at Chalhoub Group, to the board of Global Women in PR MENA. As we continue championing gender parity at the highest levels of the industry, Lynn?ÇÖs voice and perspective will play an important role in driving meaningful progress.?Ç¥  GWPR is a global not-for-profit network that champions and connects senior women in communications. Its MENA chapter provides a collaborative platform to tackle key industry challenges and drive tangible impact. Through practical initiatives, GWPR MENA empowers women to lead change, shape the future of the profession, and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.The GWPR MENA board is made up of six accomplished women from across the communications spectrum ?Çö agency, in-house, and consultancy ?Çö each bringing a wealth of experience and a shared passion for empowering women in the industry.Together, they reflect the diversity and strength of the MENA region?ÇÖs communications landscape and are united in their commitment to championing gender parity, fostering leadership, and driving long-term, positive change.Board members include:?Çó Loretta Ahmed, Founder and CEO, Houbara Communications ?Çô Chair?Çó Louise Jacobson, Managing Director, Brazen MENA ?Çô Board Member?Çó Naamat Baradhy, Regional Communication Advisor, First Abu Dhabi Bank ?Çô Board Member?Çó Radwa Allabban, Founder and Managing Director, Place Communications ?Çô Board Member?Çó Purti Simon, Vice President, Teneo ?Çô Board Member?Çó Lynn Al Khatib, Vice President, Communications, Chalhoub Group ?Çô Board MemberGWPR MENA welcomes women in senior leadership roles across agency, in-house, and consultancy environments with 10+ years of experience. Members gain access to exclusive career-building resources, including global networking, mentorship, thought leadership, and a collaborative platform for driving positive industry change.

Emile Woolf Middle East, a leading global provider of strategic learning solutions for corporates, has appointed Houbara Communications as its PR agency for the region. Houbara will be responsible for implementing strategic communications to build brand awareness and drive greater engagement with stakeholders.Emile Woolf provides a customized approach to enterprise-driven learning solutions focusing on achieving specific business goals.Fiona McBride, CEO of Emile Woolf Middle East, said: ?Ç£To support our communications efforts in the region, we needed a partner that demonstrated a strong understanding of our industry, combined with strategic thinking and expertise in the regional media landscape. We are confident in Houbara's ability to deliver a well-designed approach and look forward to a successful partnership."Loretta Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Houbara Communications, added: "We are thrilled to welcome Emile Woolf to our growing portfolio of clients. Houbara's strengths lie in reputation building and enhancement through strategic, content-driven, and multi-channel communications, always viewed through the lens of corporate reputation. Our extensive experience working with businesses across the education and training sectors positions us well to drive the desired impact and outcomes for Emile Woolf's business.?Ç¥

Gilead Sciences, a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines, has appointed Houbara Communications as its official public relations and communications partner in the GCC. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both companies and underscores their commitment to advancing healthcare communication in the region.?Ç£At Gilead Sciences, we view ourselves as a partner to government, medical, and industry stakeholders across the Middle East, working collaboratively to achieve healthcare goals and create a healthier world for all. In this journey, we are confident that Houbara Communications is the right partner to develop and tell our story across key markets, and I look forward to working closely with the team to achieve this,?Ç¥ said Alexey Brevnov, Public Affairs Director Middle East, Gilead."As a leading biopharmaceutical company, dedicated to improving patient outcomes, Gilead's work aligns perfectly with our agency's mission to drive positive change through strategic communication. We look forward to leveraging our expertise to support Gilead achieve its communication objectives and make a meaningful impact," added Loretta Ahmed, CEO of Houbara Communications.Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and commercializes innovative medicines in areas of unmet medical need. The company strives to transform and simplify care for people with life-threatening illnesses around the world.Houbara Communications is an independent, award-winning, integrated, and creative communications consultancy with partners across the Middle East. The agency has an entrepreneurial approach combined with deep, global agency experience. Promising a very personal service to clients, Houbara has a relentless commitment to delivering results and driving positive change.

The MENA chapter of Global Women in PR (GWPR), a global membership organisation connecting women in senior PR and communications roles, is welcoming Radwa Allabban, Founder and Managing Director, Place Communications and Purti Simon, Vice President, Teneo as board members this Women?ÇÖs History Month.Radwa brings 20+ years of experience to her position, and invaluable knowledge from her time setting up and running her own agency, which she launched in 2011. Purti is a multidisciplinary communications professional with over 10 years in the Middle East, Asia and Europe. She was listed as one of India?ÇÖs top 30 PR professionals under 30 and led the APACMEA delegation for the International Women?ÇÖs Forum to Boston.Purti said: ?Ç£I am delighted to be formally appointed as a Board Member for the regional chapter following my involvement with the organisation for many years. GWPR MENA is steadfast in delivering its promise of an equitable PR industry where women are seen and valued. I am grateful to join the league of committed Board Members, each trailblazers in their own right, to advocate and equip female leaders at a time when companies are losing them in droves for a variety of systemic reasons. Looking ahead, I hope to bring more impetus to building a healthy pipeline of women leaders and providing them opportunities that help them thrive in the workplace.?Ç¥Radwa said: ?Ç£In a region experiencing constant change, the role of PR and Communications has never been more important. Global Women in PR MENA is not just another networking group - it's the only platform in the region for senior female communicators to come together and have honest conversations about the challenges and opportunities we face, and most importantly to take concrete actions to address them. We don't just talk, we act. We exist to support, showcase and lift up current and future female leaders in our industry.?Ç¥Rachel Dunn, GWPR MENA Co-Chair and Communications Director at Microsoft Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, said: ?Ç£Radwa and Purti are two of the most well-respected female leaders in the communications industry here in the region and we are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming them as GWPR MENA Board Members. Their combined knowledge, insights and experience will be invaluable in offering guidance and shaping the experiences of women in the industry. Their arrival at a time when women around the globe are marking Women?ÇÖs History Month is particularly fitting, and we look forward to getting straight to work.?Ç¥GWPR MENA is currently celebrating its largest ever membership of female senior communications professionals in the UAE, at 80 members. The six-strong board members also includes Co-Chair, Loretta Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Houbara Communications, Naamat Baradhy, Regional Communication Advisor at First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Louise Jacobson, Managing Partner of Brazen MENA.In its latest step to strengthen its commitment to connecting senior female communicators, GWPR MENA recently launched ?ÇÿThe Conversation Series,?ÇÖ a platform to have honest conversations about the challenges and issues faced by women in the industry, and discuss ways to overcome them. The series is the latest addition to GWPR MENA?ÇÖs robust calendar of monthly events, webinars, and community platforms including an active and supportive messaging group.GWPR MENA continues to connect and attract women in leadership within the communications industry across the region, offering membership to those in senior leadership positions within the PR and Communications industry, both agency and ?Çÿin-house?ÇÖ or who are freelance consultants with significant PR experience of 10 years and above.