Digital Republic bolsters its business in Middle East and North Africa by opening in Dubai

The expansion mirrors the increasing demand for a digitally-inspired agency that can offer clients and advertising agencies creative services and digital production under one roof.

Previously the production and filming for digital campaigns had been outsourced to Europe, but as CEO and Founder of Digital Republic, Karim Khalifa explains; the trend is turning: "The region, and Digital Republic, has now developed the facilities and technical capabilities that should negate the need to find partners outside the Middle East. For clients and agencies alike, Digital Republic has subsequently developed a single-source model for advertising that combines cutting-edge creative with technical expertise in digital production. Bringing this to the commercial hub of the Middle East is the next phase for us; one that will align Digital Republic closer to the networks and major brands that need cost effective solutions without compromising on innovation, standards or scale."

The scope of services Digital Republic has developed and will be offering clients from the Dubai operation include digital media and campaign strategy and planning, creative conceptualisation, design, technical development, SEO and SEM 'as a certified Google partner', on-the-ground digital solutions, mobile marketing, gaming, viral marketing and 'always on' social media management.

The tactical services are all aligned to a strategic direction that will ensure the content and ideas enhance digital performance and interact with the target markets to deliver effective ROI for clients.

Each division will also integrate with Digital Republic's Innovation Lab 'DRIL' based in Cairo. DRIL's objective is to highlight and incorporate the world's latest innovations in technology and communications within clients' campaigns.

As Khalifa explains, this presents a huge opportunity: "In the Middle East and North Africa, overall ad spend on digital is estimated at $150m to $175m and enjoys double digit growth annually. In the UAE specifically 60% of the total population is on Facebook and brands are playing catch up. But just having a presence on social networking serves no purpose. It's all about the content and technically-creative execution, which can engage and activate online browsers. This is the domain of Digital Republic. We can create inspiring content and deliver pre and post digital production across any medium. Working as one with the headquarters, Digital Republic will become an effective partner for the ad-land in the UAE and GCC as much as it has in Cairo."

Digital Republic, which already works with leading agencies and brands in the region will continue these relationships as well as working directly with its clients; McDonalds, General Motors, Mastercard, Nestle, Coca Cola and Kraft amongst others.