Stagwell continues Middle East expansion drive with addition of Create

International marketing and communications group Stagwell has added a next chapter to its Middle East growth with the acquisition of Create, one of the region’s leading communications agencies.
Following the 2024 acquisitions of Consulum and Leaders, Stagwell has capped off the year with yet another milestone in the Middle East. The purchase of Create adds a team of over 150 professionals in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt to its ranks, beefing up its core capabilities in strategic communications, content production, and digital marketing.
Founded 15 years ago, Create has a roster of clients that includes the Department of Culture & Tourism in Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, Sony, Volkswagen, COP29, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Neom.
“As a digital leader in the region, Create is a strong addition for Stagwell in the Middle East,” said Chairman and CEO of Stagwell, Mark Penn.
The integration roadmap will see Create join Stagwell’s Code and Theory Network, a digital-focused network that also includes other labels such as Kettle, Instrument, Left Field Labs, Truelogic, Rhythm, and Mediacurrent. All these labels (over 2,000 staff in total) support businesses and governments with the design and development of digital products and solutions.
“Create and the Code and Theory Network share the same digital-led vision and together, we’re the right size to produce quality, game-changing work that will drive growth at-scale for brands,” stated Penn.
Dan Gardner, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Code and Theory Network, added: “Create is at the epicenter of a powerful emerging market with huge ambitions. The projects in the Middle East are some of the biggest projects in the world, and Create excels at delivering them. They will now be able to expand their capabilities within Code and Theory Network to deliver best-in-class results locally and beyond.”
“Joining the Code and Theory and wider Stagwell network allows us to access world-class talent, cutting-edge technology, and a truly global footprint. This step fuels our growth, empowers our teams, and ensures we’re ideally positioned to help deliver for the region’s most ambitious brands,” noted Tom Otton, Founder and CEO of Create.