DUBAI — Manta Media Capital announced the launch of Manta Middle East, which will serve as a regional platform for investment, launching and scaling event businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the wider Middle East.
Manta Media Capital is an event accelerator and investment firm that was built and led by event entrepreneurs, with the goal of providing more than just funding to fellow event founders. Manta Media Capital aims to serve as a true partner that provides capital, strategic guidance and hands-on operator expertise to help grow events.
Founded by Doug Emslie, the new Manta Middle East platform from the group is ready to capitalize on the region’s fast-growing and dynamic market for business events, and other growing key sectors like technology, aerospace, healthcare and finance. The new platform will serve three key missions:
- To launch and incubate new event concepts
- To accelerate existing independent event platforms
- To support established international events seeking to enter or expand in the region
“Having been operational in the UAE for nearly 20 years, including organizing the Dubai Airshow and several other major events in the region, I’ve seen first-hand how powerful this market can be in shaping industries, convening leadership and supporting economic growth,” stated Emslie, who serves as a Partner at Manta Media Capital. “I’ve also been fortunate to forge strong relationships with government and industry partners who understand the strategic role events can play.
“The UAE has already proven it can create and scale world-class events. What excites me now is the opportunity to help more entrepreneurs, organizers and international brands build from the region, with the resources, guidance and practical experience needed to turn strong ideas into commercially valuable event platforms.”
Preparing for Continued Regional Growth
A strong growth trajectory was evident before the current conflict in Iran began, when the Middle East and particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council countries saw a surge of economic diversification and an explosion in infrastructure to support large-scale events.
Despite turbulence in neighboring countries, the UAE and others are readying themselves for stable regional conditions and continuing growth. The launch of Manta Middle East reflects that optimistic view of a soon-to-come return to normalcy overall.
“We believe this is the perfect time to be building for the future and getting ready for when the market resumes its trajectory and returns to its historic growth pattern,” Emslie said in an email to TSE.
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