APCO

Bahrain, Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia

APCO was founded 40 years ago in Washington, DC, and initially made its name as a US public affairs specialist. It has been operating in Europe since 1995 and in the Middle East since the establishment of a Dubai office in 2006, later acquiring regional network JiWin Public Relations in 2010 to establish a multi-market footprint in the region. Its roots in the public policy arena set the firm apart from anyone else of its size and scale but it has expanded its offering over the years and now offers clients to ability to solve a wide range of their thorniest stakeholder relationship issues spanning corporate reputation and geocommerce.

With a team of more than 275 consultants across offices in Abu Dhabi; Amann, Jordan: Dubai; Manama, Bahrain; and Riyadh, APCO’s MENA region generated fee income of more than $50 million in 2024, crossing an unusual threshold for the region and representing impressive 15% growth. The Pomelo full-service creative offer launched in 2021, has expanded to a team of 75 across offices in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE and is now establishing itself in Europe too.

The firm continues to work with some of the largest players in the region, ranging from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Tourism to the World Government Summit in Dubai, to the Diriyah Biennale Foundation to DP World. A notable highlight last year was the firm’s work for the UAE’s National Center of Meteorology, which retained APCO to position the organization and its awardees as leaders in water security and weather modification.

APCO produces some critical thought leadership, with its Geopolitical Radar offer a particular highlight, designed to give clients real-time updates on the global operating environment for business and providing even more value in these tumultuous times. Its Climate Intelligence Report, meanwhile, offers insight into the changing policy environment around climate issues. But 2024 saw a couple of innovations both based out of its MENA region operations: first, the firm’s burgeoning AI suite, Margy, which tracks regulatory changes across 100 markets and multiple sectors; and second, its Storybook Studio, which amplifies clients’ activities at major global events.

The MENA region continues to be led by president Mamoon Sbeih, who has held the role for more than a decade, overseeing substantial growth. He is supported by an impressive leadership team including Imad Lahad, who is managing director of the Dubai office and has spearheaded the firm’s global AI development; Christophe Guibeleguiet, who leads the region’s sustainability and climate practice; Jolyon Kimble, general manager of operations in Bahrain; and Tim Walmsley, who leads the change management practice. The regional team includes 38 nationalities (supplemented by 15 moves from other offices to MENA last year) and is gender balanced—culture building and an inclusive work environment have been priorities.—PH