The combination of Edelman’s United Arab Emirates operations with those of DABO & CO will create a new leader in the Middle East communications industry. Together they will meet the demand of clients and brands for increasingly integrated communications marketing and business solutions. In addition to providing economies of scale, the new operation will encompass 150 employees with a broad range of expertise from corporate to marketing to digital. The agency will offer creative, planning, research and event management capabilities across the region.
“Globally Edelman looks to invest in firms that are committed to reshaping the focus of the communications marketing industry, and DABO & CO demonstrates this vision through its highly creative, client-centric approach,” said Matthew Harrington, global chief operating officer, Edelman. “As the industry develops in the Middle East, this partnership will position us to create engaging and innovative communications programs that support our clients’ needs.”
Edelman UAE opened its first office in Abu Dhabi in 2008 and is now the fastest growing operation in Edelman’s global network. Its award-winning team of over 85 consultants across Abu Dhabi and Dubai has secured its position as one of the leading communications marketing firms in the UAE. With a broad array of expertise covering Corporate, Digital, Technology, Health and Consumer, as well as Research and Analytics through Edelman Berland, Edelman works for many of the UAE’s leading organizations and numerous multinationals.
“This is a classic partnership where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” said Robert Holdheim, CEO – South Asia, Middle East & Africa, Edelman. “Edelman’s leading position as a full service agency complements DABO& CO’s creativity, excellent reputation in consumer communications and strength in events and experiential marketing. Add Edelman’s regional and global strength and you have a combination that we feel will be hard to beat.”
Over the past ten years, DABO & CO has grown rapidly to become a full-scale, highly creative communications and experiential marketing business ranked by the Holmes Report as one of the 10 fastest growing firms in Asia Pacific in 2013. Its impressive roster of clients and innovative approach to integrated client solutions has ensured its excellent track record and award-winning reputation. Co-founded by Camilla and Lucy d’Abo, the Dubai-based agency has more than 60 staff and represents many of the world’s leading brands.
“We are excited to partner with Edelman as we believe this acquisition will unite two of the leading players in the market to create a regional powerhouse,” said Camilla d’Abo, managing partner, DABO & CO. “It will provide enormous opportunities to leverage the strength of the Edelman network and intellectual capital, combined with our award-winning creativity and commitment to exceptional levels of client servicing. Not only will our existing clients benefit greatly from this, it also constitutes a compelling proposition to brands seeking a new integrated approach in the region.”
“Edelman’s belief in integrated communications entirely mirrors our own,” added Lucy d’Abo, managing partner, DABO & CO. “Over the past 10 years we have been committed to delivering outstanding integrated campaigns with award-winning results. Moving forward together, our combined offering presents a real chance to deliver exceptional work and experiences that will make a difference to our industry.”