Publicis Groupe Middle East has partnered with the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) to launch a series of workshops aimed at providing female-founded micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with practical and actionable marketing and communications knowledge.
Through this collaboration, DWBC members will gain access to some of the same strategic insights that drive success for both global and regional leading brands, tailored specifically to the unique needs of MSMEs.
Commenting on the partnership, Bassel Kakish, CEO of Publicis Groupe Middle East & Turkey said, “Effective marketing and communication can transform businesses, yet access to this knowledge and resources isn’t always within reach for small business owners. Through this collaboration with Dubai Women Business Council, we’re working to democratize these insights and break down barriers for women entrepreneurs so they can elevate their brands and drive meaningful growth. This initiative is another significant step from our side towards building a more inclusive business landscape, empowering and enabling women to succeed.”
These workshops are structured to address the most pressing challenges faced by small business owners in today’s competitive landscape. Supported by Publicis Academy, an internal wing within Publicis Groupe dedicated to fostering upskilling and knowledge-sharing, the workshops draw on insights gathered during the preliminary stages to ensure relevance and impact. Guided by a survey conducted to identify key pain points, the sessions will focus on essential topics such as public relations, brand communication, digital marketing, social media strategies, and growth-driven innovation.
Nadine Halabi, Head of Business Development and Operations at Dubai Business Women Council, said “Empowering female entrepreneurs with the tools to elevate their brands is crucial for fostering innovation and growth within Dubai’s business landscape. Working with the experts at Publicis Groupe Middle East provides our members with access to strategic marketing and communication insights typically reserved for larger corporations. Such workshops will equip women-led MSMEs with the knowledge to make impactful, informed decisions for their brands, ultimately driving both personal and professional growth. Together, we’re building a more inclusive and dynamic economy by giving women entrepreneurs the resources they need to thrive."
The first workshop, titled "The Power of Founder-Led Brands," took place on 14th November and was led by Andira Raslan, Business Director, and Sophia Boudjemaa, Business Director, Strategy & Insights, from MSL Group Middle East.
The session emphasised the importance of personal branding for female-founded businesses, exploring how founders can leverage their unique stories to build stronger brand identities. Participants also learned strategies for cultivating trust, engaging with loyal customer bases, and achieving lasting impact by embedding authenticity and personality into their brands.
The workshop also provided actionable insights on balancing professional storytelling with personal values to enhance brand presence and foster long-term growth.
This series of workshops is announced as "an initiative rooted in the shared commitment of Publicis Groupe Middle East and DBWC to enable women in all aspects of their professional and personal growth" -- one that is sure to play a key role in helping women enhance their skills, strengthen their businesses, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth within Dubai.
