The Middle East is no longer just a destination for imported brands. A new generation of regional IP is emerging — and the licensing infrastructure to support it is finally catching up. Amer Bitar examines what this shift means for global brands, regional rights holders, and the future of MENA licensing.

Planning your Middle East market entry? Learn the 10 key due diligence questions every brand must ask before selecting a partner, covering licensing, localization, IP protection, and strategic growth across the GCC.

لم يعد نمو صناعة الترخيص في الشرق الأوسط مرتبطاً فقط باستيراد العلامات العالمية، بل أيضاً ببناء ملكيات فكرية محلية قوية. يناقش هذا المقال كيف يمكن تحويل المفاهيم المحلية إلى أصول قابلة للترخيص والتوسع والنمو.

A practical guide for brands deciding whether to enter the Middle East through licensing or a joint venture, and how to choose the right growth model for control, speed, and long-term value.

Learn how to choose the right licensing or market-entry agency in the Middle East through a practical framework covering strategy, due diligence, localization, and partner selection.

A strategic perspective on why short-term geopolitical uncertainty does not change the Middle East’s long-term value as a licensing, retail, and brand expansion market. Originally published in Total Licensing, Spring 2026.

A strong idea is not enough. This article explores why startups need a clearer monetization strategy, stronger brand positioning, and more resilient revenue pathways to grow sustainably.

Explore what the 2026 Gulf crisis reveals about institutional resilience, Bedouin leadership traditions, crisis signaling, and how Gulf governance systems respond to volatility with calibrated control.