Global creative agency IMA has officially launched its new office in Dubai, marking a significant milestone in its global growth journey. The expansion follows a recent pitch win with adidas in the region and underscores IMA’s commitment to building meaningful connections between brands and consumers in the Middle East.
A member of The Smollan Group, IMA’s Dubai operations will be led by Ross Adam, newly appointed Managing Director, MENA. With 20 years of experience in sports retail and fashion marketing, Adam has previously worked with leading brands including Umbro, Nike, Canada Goose, and The North Face, and has successfully managed the adidas account for IMA across other territories.
James Henry, CEO at IMA, said:
“This expansion marks an exciting milestone in our global growth. Establishing a presence in Dubai, a hub of innovation and international business, allows us to partner with leading brands across the Middle East. By combining strategy, bold creative thinking, flawless execution, and collaboration, we aim to deliver campaigns that create lasting value and measurable business impact.”
Ross Adam, Managing Director, MENA, added:
“Opening in Dubai reflects IMA’s forward-thinking approach. In a competitive landscape where many agencies overlook regional investment, we are committed to building local expertise from the ground up. I’m excited to lead the Dubai team, working with our extensive network and delivering campaigns that resonate across the region.”
The Dubai office will initially be staffed by a mix of local hires and transfers from IMA’s UK offices, ensuring a blend of global expertise and regional insights. Leveraging deep-rooted strengths in retail, creativity, and integrated campaigns, the new office aims to provide brands across MENA with world-class strategies tailored to local audiences.
In addition, IMA has partnered with regional marketing agency Born28, combining IMA’s international network with Born28’s local market knowledge. The collaboration has already delivered successful campaigns for adidas, including partnerships with Stella McCartney and adidas Superstar.
The Dubai office launch comes as IMA introduces its refreshed proposition: “Creating connections people buy.” This positioning reflects the agency’s expertise in retail, creativity, strategy, and media, developed through decades of collaboration with industry-leading brands.
With the addition of Dubai, IMA now operates across eight territories globally, supported by more than 300 specialists worldwide, helping brands succeed where it matters most: at the point of purchase.
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