The Romans

UAE, Saudi Arabia

The Romans originally opened in Dubai as its third international hub in 2022, after setting up in London and launching in New York and Amsterdam. Its growth and presence in the Middle East accelerated fast in 2024, with the appointment of former Ogilvy MENA leader Joe Lipscombe as a partner, and the agency has bought forward its ambition to enter the Saudi Arabian market by two years, opening in Riyadh at the start of this year. 

Over the past year, the agency has established itself as a creative force in the Middle East, delivering standout campaigns and securing major client wins at an impressive pace. Within six months of Lipscombe arriving, the agency won four multi-market retainers, for Audi, Binance, Wynn Hotels, and a significant Saudi government entity. The Romans ended the year with Middle East revenue of £2.5 million — representing nearly 13% of global revenue from a standing start. 

The Romans has made its mark in the region with culturally relevant, insight-driven work. Last year, it launched Audi’s Q6 and A5 models across 13 markets in one quarter, demonstrating its ability to execute major regional campaigns with its signature blend of bold creativity and strategic execution. It is also behind the launch of Binance’s first-ever multi-format Ramadan campaign. 

For Wynn Al Marjan Island, The Romans orchestrated a standout activation to introduce the brand to the Middle East: the ‘Hole In One Million’ challenge. By creating a floating golf green in the sea and inviting golfers to tee off from the under-construction hotel’s rooftop, the campaign generated a reach of 200 million and 90 pieces of media coverage, making a splash both figuratively and literally.

Beyond commercial success, The Romans has also committed to pro bono work in the Middle East, supporting environmental conservation efforts with Azraq and Fluuky. The agency has also embedded itself in local culture by forging a brand partnership with a regional hot sauce company, blending creativity with community engagement. Notably, The Romans’ Middle East team is 95% female, representing 10 different nationalities. —MPS