Zein Zone, a marketing communications creative consultancy, has launched in the UAE. Founded by Zaina Kourki, the agency supports entrepreneurs, creative communities, and organisations in the art, culture, and tourism sectors across the Middle East.

Zein Zone offers tailored communications that aim to resonate both locally and globally through multilingual, editorial precision, and human storytelling. Its services span PR and media relations, brand storytelling and editorial strategy, thought leadership and spokesperson positioning, content creation and campaign planning, recreational experiences and events, as well as cultural communications and tourism marketing.

“The Middle East is experiencing a cultural and creative awakening,” said Zaina, Founder and Managing Director of Zein Zone. “From heritage preservation and culinary innovation to immersive tourism experiences, the region is rich with stories that deserve to be heard. Yet many voices remain underrepresented or lost in translation."

"Zein Zone was born to bridge that gap, helping brands communicate with clarity, authenticity, and impact. Now is the time to nurture these sectors through thoughtful storytelling and strategic visibility.”

With 20 years of experience across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, Zaina has led award-winning campaigns and helped shape brand narratives for global and regional organisations across both public and private sectors. Her expertise spans strategic marketing communications, media relations, editorial direction, spokesperson management, events, sponsorships, and digital-first engagement. She previously held senior roles at AtkinsRéalis, Majid Al Futtaim, Edelman, and Grayling Middle East. 

SEC Newgate has launched SEC Newgate Ukraine. The new hub supports foreign companies from Asia, Europe, and the U.S. seeking entry into the Ukrainian market.

Based in Kyiv, SEC Newgate Ukraine is led by newly appointed Director, Andrii Rudenko (pictured left), who is supported by a team of senior advisors. The agency’s services will mirror the Group’s core specialisms in corporate affairs, institutional relations and strategic advice.

Artem Bidenko (pictured right), Senior Advisor and SEC Newgate Ukraine’s member of the Supervisory board, said, "Ukraine now is a place for opportunities and for action. International companies already need support in public affairs, in understanding the Ukrainian context and in building relations with stakeholders."

He added, "Ukrainian businesses are also stepping into partnerships abroad and developing their presence in international markets. With SEC Newgate’s global expertise and our local knowledge, we provide the platform to make these connections effective - today and in the future."

TEAM LEWIS has announced the acquisition of the UK division within Instinctif, effective immediately.

This addition aims to grow and develop its integrated proposition by uniting brand strategy, PR, digital marketing, and creative engineering with specialist capital markets, public policy, and global corporate comms expertise.

The business is integrated into TEAM LEWIS’ global network but retain the Instinctif brand in the near-term. The combined entity looks to offer clients across all sectors and offices with expanded services, additional expertise, and enhanced insights.

“We welcome our Instinctif colleagues to the TEAM LEWIS family,” said Chris Lewis (pictured), CEO, TEAM LEWIS. “This acquisition is a testament to our pursuit of growth, innovation and delivery of best-in-class results for our clients. Together, we will unlock new opportunities and raise standards of excellence in marketing communications enabling our team to deliver a greater range of services across a wider geography to clients in multiple sectors.”

“Our shared vision and passion for creativity, collaboration and impact makes this is an exciting new chapter as we look to build on our expertise in capital and public markets,” adds Instinctif CEO, Julian Walker. “Together, TEAM LEWIS will enable accelerated growth and facilitate the delivery of even more innovative solutions for our clients”