Dubai Media City, a member of TECOM Group PJSC, and Communicate wrapped the last session for the DMConnect brunch series earlier last week with a riveting discussion on the “Power of Storytelling.” Over an intimate gathering of over 50 creators, marketers, and creatives, the session presented an impeccable line-up of speakers across three different sessions

The session started with a keynote address from filmmaker and actor at Visualize Media, Issam Akel. Drawing inspiration from the process of filmmaking, Akel shed light on the various forms of production and direction that marketers can focus on while building brand strategies and campaigns.

Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President – Dubai Media City, TECOM Group, said, “Storytelling is both a skill and an art form. The ability to harness it impactfully is a measure of a creative individual and brand’s expertise, and essential to their ultimate success. Wrapping up DMConnect on storytelling feels like a fitting end to a successful series, and we are grateful to all the creatives and experts who participated. Dubai Media City will continue to host such events that bring together our diverse media community to engage, share knowledge, and help push the media and communications industry forward.”

Tahaab Rais, Chief Strategy Officer at Publicis Groupe across MENAT, then switched the tone of the room with a silent presentation exploring the archetypes of storytelling. Rais’s compilation opened the floor to dialogue about how the art of storytelling is critical in creating an impact and thus developing an emotional bond between the brand and its consumer.

Bringing the brunch to an end, a panel discussion moderated by Pavneet Kaur, Junior Editor at Communicate, presenting Akshaya Sikand, Head of Marketing at Cadillac – General Motors, Georges Khouri, Marketing Director at TECOM Group, Lara Sous, Head of Communications at MG Motors, and Ahmad Abu Zannad, Author, Strategist, and Founder at Native.

Sahar Rafique, Managing Director at NordStella Events said, “Storytelling is a very integral part of the advertising and marketing industry. This morning, we’re glad to have gathered some actionable insights from our experts. We will continue to bring such exciting discussions to the community in the next year.”