Expanding Presence Across the Gulf

Global firms are no longer treating the Middle East as a single market. In 2026, expansion strategies are increasingly Gulf-wide, reflecting how capital, clients and commercial activity now move across borders within the region.

Historically, firms focused on one entry point, most commonly Dubai. That model is changing. Clients operating in sport, real estate, finance and private wealth now span multiple jurisdictions, from the UAE and Saudi Arabia to Qatar and emerging centres such as Ras Al Khaimah. As a result, firms are expanding their presence across the Gulf to remain relevant to how business is actually conducted.

This shift is visible in how mandates are structured. Rather than country-specific engagements, firms are being asked to support regional strategies that cover investment, relocation, operations, and governance across multiple markets simultaneously. According to the World Bank, economic integration across the Middle East has increased steadily, particularly in sectors linked to infrastructure, services and cross-border investment.

Premier Sports Network’s Middle East activity reflects this broader pattern. Engagements increasingly cut across multiple networks, including property, venue operations, travel and private clients, rather than sitting in silos. This mirrors how executives and investors operate, often holding assets, residences and commercial interests across different Gulf states.

Ras Al Khaimah is part of this regional logic. While smaller than Dubai or Abu Dhabi, it has attracted attention from firms seeking to establish early positioning within the wider Gulf ecosystem, driven by its growing role in tourism, property, and sport-linked development. Expansion into RAK is less about replacing existing hubs and more about complementing them.

What defines the current phase is coordination. Firms are aligning regional teams, sharing intelligence across offices and offering integrated coverage rather than fragmented local services. This approach reduces friction for clients and strengthens long-term relationships.

In 2026, expanding across the Gulf is not about scale for its own sake. It is about aligning organisational structure with how capital and decision-making currently flow through the region.