MEPRA marks 25 years of advancing communications across the Middle East

Association highlights industry growth, professional standards and new leadership

The Middle East Public Relations and Communications Association (MEPRA) is marking its 25th anniversary in 2026, continuing its work to strengthen professional standards and capabilities across the region’s communications industry.

Founded in 2001, MEPRA represents agency, in-house and public-sector communications professionals across the GCC and wider Middle East. Its programmes focus on professional development, research, industry recognition and dialogue on the evolving role of communications.

The Middle East public relations and communications market is estimated at between USD 1.5 billion and USD 2 billion annually, driven by growing demand for strategic communications, crisis and reputation management, public affairs and stakeholder engagement.

The industry is also seeing rapid adoption of AI-enabled tools, alongside increased attention to ethics, trust and professional standards.

MEPRA’s 2026 leadership includes Chair Justin Kerr-Stevens, founder and CEO of Northbourne Advisory; Vice Chair Neda Shelton, Senior Vice President of Group Communications at Mubadala Investment Company; and Vice Chair Monther Tayeb, a senior communications executive with extensive experience in Saudi Arabia.

Kerr-Stevens is the first MEPRA Chair appointed from outside the UAE during the association’s 25th-anniversary year, while Tayeb is the first Vice Chair appointed from Saudi Arabia.