International Advertising Association (IAA) Launches Qatar Chapter to Strengthen the Country’s Position as a Regional Hub for Creativity and Communications
Announced during IAA UNITE in London, the new chapter will be led by prominent leaders from Qatar’s media, advertising and communications industry
The International Advertising Association (IAA) has announced the establishment of its Qatar Chapter, marking a new step in strengthening Qatar’s presence on the global advertising and communications map and reinforcing the country’s role as a regional destination for creativity, innovation and partnership-building. Announced during IAA UNITE in London; the Qatar Chapter becomes the IAA’s fifth chapter in the Middle East. The chapter will be led by Mohammed Jassim Mohamed Ibrahim Jaidah, Group Executive Director of Jaidah Group.
Founded in New York City in 1938, the IAA today has an extensive global network comprising more than 55 chapters and a large number of experts from across marketing, advertising, media and technology. The association serves as an international platform that brings industry leaders together around a shared goal: advancing advertising and communications practices, promoting responsible creativity, supporting professional and ethical standards, and building bridges of collaboration between markets, institutions and talent around the world.
Frederik Borestrom, Global President and Chairman of the International Advertising Association, said:
“We are honoured and excited to establish our new IAA chapter in Qatar, further strengthening our commitment to this vital and rapidly developing region. Qatar is widely recognised for its ambition, innovation, and creative spirit and these are qualities that align closely with the IAA’s global mission and values. Working alongside our esteemed government partners and local industry leaders, we look forward to shaping the future of marketing, advertising and communications across the country and region.”
Frederik Borestrom, Global President and Chairman of the International Advertising Association
The launch comes at a time when Qatar’s media, communications and advertising sectors are gaining strong momentum, supported by advanced digital infrastructure, a global track record in hosting major events, and an environment that encourages investment and innovation. Data on Qatar’s media, communications and advertising sectors highlights strong fundamentals, including near-universal internet penetration, a leading global position in mobile internet speed, and a media ecosystem that includes prominent institutions such as Al Jazeera and beIN Media Group.
The IAA Qatar Chapter will connect global expertise with the ambitions of the local market by supporting knowledge exchange, talent development and best practices, while fostering dialogue between government entities, the private sector, and media and creative institutions. The chapter’s launch also aligns with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly in developing a knowledge-based economy, empowering the creative industries, and strengthening Qatar’s position as a regional hub for content and communications.
Mohammed Jassim Mohamed Ibrahim Jaidah, President of the IAA Qatar Chapter, said:
“The establishment of the IAA Qatar Chapter is an important step toward building a professional platform that brings leaders in advertising, media and communications together under one umbrella. It will support the continued development of the sector through knowledge exchange, global standards and the empowerment of local talent. This comes as Qatar continues to strengthen its position as a global destination for major events and an attractive hub for media institutions and creative companies, supported by advanced infrastructure and an ambitious vision for the future of the creative economy.”
Mohammed Jassim Mohamed Ibrahim Jaidah, President of the IAA Qatar Chapter
The Board of Directors of the IAA Qatar Chapter brings together a distinguished group of leaders and experts from across the sector. It is chaired by Mohammed Jassim Mohamed Ibrahim Jaidah, Chapter President, and includes Hanan El Tabch, Secretary General; Emin Bawab, Treasurer and Senior VP; Antoine Geadah, VP of Public Relations and Marketing; Wassim AlDayah, VP of Public Service; Ziad Smayra, Vice President of Marketing and Membership Recruitment; Mazen Abd Rabbo, VP Events and Programmes Officer; Moustapha Mikaty, VP of Communications and Website; John Bassil, Board Member; and Alain David, Board Member. The board’s composition reflects the diversity of Qatar’s media, communications and advertising ecosystem and the complementary roles played by agencies, media organizations, brands and digital platforms.
Through its upcoming programmes, the IAA Qatar Chapter will seek to introduce targeted initiatives including specialized workshops, professional training and certification programmes, sector dialogues, and events that bring together decision-makers, creative professionals and young talent working across advertising, media and communications. The chapter aims to become an active platform for supporting the next generation of talent, strengthening the competitiveness of the industry, and opening new opportunities for local and international collaboration, further reinforcing Qatar’s position as a leading destination for communications and creativity in the region and beyond.
