Manta Media Capital is positioning for the future event market resumption and anticipating a return to historic growth pattern trajectory in the region with the launch of Manta Middle East, a new regional platform created to invest in, launch and scale high-potential event businesses across the UAE.
The launch comes at a defining moment for the region’s events industry. The UAE has become one of the world’s most dynamic markets for business events, supported by world-class venues, strong government backing, international connectivity and fast-growing sectors including technology, aerospace, healthcare, finance, and the creative economy.
Manta believes that as this market continues to mature, the next opportunity is to strengthen the ecosystem around event founders, independent organisers and international event brands looking to build scalable platforms from the region.
Manta Middle East says it intends to support that next phase of growth and that its platform will combine capital, strategic guidance and hands-on operator expertise to help ambitious founders and event owners move from concept or early traction to sustainable, commercially valuable event businesses.
Manta Middle East combines Manta Media Capital’s global investment perspective with the practical insight of regional operators who have helped shape some of the most influential event brands and its regional leadership team brings more than 100 years of experience in building, delivering and scaling major events.
Manta Middle East will operate across three core areas: launching and incubating new event concepts, accelerating existing independent event platforms, and supporting established international event brands seeking to enter or expand in the region.
HE Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “Dubai’s business events sector continues to evolve through a long-term strategic vision, underpinned by strong collaboration between the public and private sectors and a shared commitment to delivering sustainable economic impact. Platforms such as Manta Middle East showcase the strength and maturity of Dubai’s business ecosystem, while reflecting the growing confidence that global investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders place in the emirate as a destination for growth, innovation, and opportunity.
“Business events play a vital role in fostering industry connections, facilitating knowledge exchange, and accelerating the development of key sectors. We welcome initiatives that enrich this dynamic ecosystem, strengthen international partnerships, and contribute to Dubai’s continued positioning as a leading global hub for business, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.”
Doug Emslie, partner at Manta Media Capital and founder of Manta Middle East, added: “Having been operational in the UAE for nearly 20 years, including organising 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. 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, organisers and international brands build from the region, with the resources, guidance and practical experience needed to turn strong ideas into commercially valuable event platforms.”
Toby Duckworth, founder of Manta Media Capital, said: “Manta Media Capital was built to back ambitious event entrepreneurs with more than capital. We bring the experience of people who have built event businesses themselves and understand what it takes to move from launch to scale.
“The UAE is a natural next step for Manta Media Capital, with the infrastructure, ambition and sector growth to support a new generation of valuable event platforms.”
Manta says its new platform will focus on ideas and businesses with strong founder-market fit, clear audience demand, credible commercial potential and relevance to the UAE’s long-term growth priorities. It will also draw on the wider Manta Media Capital network, bringing global expertise across event investment, M&A, commercial strategy, conference production, marketing and international scaling.
For more information, visit:
www.mantamiddleeast.com
Source: www.exhibitionworld.co.uk
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