Thomson Reuters Holdings Inc.

Delivering the brand’s first ever event in the Middle East – Reuters NEXT Gulf.

1,072

Registered guests

571

Check-ins

Session bumpers for screen content

Networking activations

The challenge

Reuters appointed Identity to deliver their first-ever Middle East event, relying on our regional expertise to launch Reuters NEXT Gulf 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The brief was to create a high-calibre hybrid conference at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, upholding Reuters’ global standards while navigating local cultural and regulatory nuances. Our scope covered full layout and experience design, supplier management, entertainment, sponsor activation, and end-to-end live delivery.

Approach

Identity designed the complete site plan and delegate journey, optimising flow between registration, plenary, sponsor zones, media areas, and hospitality. A broadcast-ready main stage was created for panel-led content, with integrated AV and content workflows for a premium hybrid experience. The team curated and managed opening ceremony entertainment that reflected the region and audience profile, while sponsor activations were conceived to deliver clear storytelling and measurable engagement. Throughout, live conference management, robust show-calling, and close vendor coordination were underpinned by transparent guidance, helping Reuters navigate their first in-region event with confidence.

Result

The summit welcomed over 1,000 in-person attendees and exceeded initial expectations on scale while remaining on time and on budget. Delegates engaged directly with senior leaders from organisations including DP World, Red Sea Global, Emaar, and Masdar, strengthening Reuters’ position at the heart of regional business and policy dialogue. The hybrid format extended reach to a substantial virtual audience and established a strong foundation for an ongoing Reuters–Identity partnership in the Gulf.