The global sponsorship landscape is evolving faster than ever - and right now, the Middle East sits at the centre of it all. With major investments flowing into sports partnerships across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, the region presents huge opportunities for brands and organisations looking to grow their global reach.
Our latest Honch List provides exclusive insights into the top 750 companies across the Emirates, connecting you directly with the CMOs and decision-makers driving sponsorship investment and brand expansion.
We've profiled all the major players and detailed more than 7,000 key contacts, including CMOs, CEOs, and senior marketing executives. Here's a quick look at some standout names making waves right now:
Key Players and Up-And-Coming Brands:
- Emirates Group: Aviation powerhouse with longstanding partnerships across football, rugby, tennis, motorsports, golf, cricket, cycling, and sailing, reflecting deep global brand integration since 2004.
- Etihad Airways: UAE's national carrier sponsoring Formula 1, La Liga's Girona FC, elite cricket teams, tennis events, and naming rights for venues like Etihad Arena and Etihad Park - integrating sponsorship seamlessly into commercial strategy.
- DP World: Logistics giant backing golf's DP World Tour, Ryder Cup, ICC cricket events, motorsports (McLaren F1), and SailGP. Combines elite sports with grassroots impact and high-profile ambassadors.
- Aldar Properties: Leveraging sports sponsorship (Manchester City, NBA Abu Dhabi Games, Formula 1) to promote real estate projects and foster community engagement through clinics and education programmes.
- Emaar Properties: Famous for iconic developments like Burj Khalifa, Emaar promotes health and wellbeing through UAE Team Emirates (cycling) and leisure-driven CSR initiatives.
- ADQ: Abu Dhabi holding company championing women’s sport via UAE Team ADQ and NBA Abu Dhabi Games, enhancing community and athlete development.
- Mubadala Investment Company: Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund actively investing in sports, including tennis’s Mubadala Citi DC Open, to strengthen global visibility and engagement.
- Eyewa: GCC’s leading online eyewear brand, using advanced AR tech for product experiences, ideally suited for visually focused sports like motorsports or e-sports.
- Kibsons International: Sustainable fresh-food platform emphasising healthy living. Sponsorship of wellness-focused sporting events aligns perfectly with its brand ethos.
- e&: Global tech and telecom giant present in 16 countries, driving innovation and digital empowerment. Ideal for partnerships supporting societal advancement through sports.
- Souq.com (Amazon): Largest e-commerce platform in the Arab world, positioned to boost regional visibility and SME growth through strategic sports sponsorship.
- Fetchr: Tech-driven logistics firm specialising in agile delivery services, perfectly matched for sponsorship opportunities around speed, precision, and efficiency, such as racing or urban sports.
Staying Ahead in a Dynamic Market
This isn’t just a snapshot. Honch continuously tracks key changes, providing real-time insights on every new senior marketer stepping into roles focused on sports sponsorship and global brand exposure. Here's a few of the recent moves you need to be tracking:
- Saddle: Tania Bilani, Director of Marketing
- Emirates Development Bank: Vladimir Maximov, CMO
- Silal: Dhafer Al Qasimi, Group CEO
- Pathfinder Phygital AI: Chantal Asaad, VP of Marketing
- Yayla Agro: Pinar Celikel, VP of Sales & Marketing MEA
- Miral Destinations: Max Mayer, VP of Marketing (Yas Island & Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi)
Confidently Target Middle East Brands
Companies in the region are not just investing in sports - they’re embedding them into their national strategies for economic diversification, global influence, and community growth. Honch simplifies the complexity of this fast-moving region, ensuring you’re connected directly with the precise brands and decision-makers shaping its future.
Explore the full Honch List on our platform today.
Stay proactive, informed, and one step ahead of the competition.
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