Manta Media Capital has launched Manta Middle East, a regional platform to invest in and scale event businesses across the UAE and Middle East, as the UAE strengthens its position as a global business events hub.
Manta Middle East will focus on supporting event founders, independent organizers and international event brands seeking to build and expand scalable event platforms from the region. The platform will combine investment capital, strategic advisory services and operational expertise to help event businesses move from concept stage or early growth to commercially sustainable operations.
Manta Media Capital stated that the new venture brings together its global investment experience and a regional leadership team with more than 100 years of combined experience in developing and scaling major event brands.
Manta Middle East will operate across three areas: launching and incubating new event concepts, accelerating independent event platforms and supporting international event brands entering or expanding across the region.
Manta Media Capital’s long-term growth strategy
The platform will prioritize businesses with strong founder-market fit, clear audience demand, commercial viability and alignment with the UAE’s long-term economic development priorities. It will also leverage Manta Media Capital’s global network and expertise in event investment, mergers and acquisitions, commercial strategy, conference production, marketing and international expansion.
Manta Middle East will work with founders, independent organizers, sector specialists, investors, commercial partners and international event businesses to identify growth opportunities across the UAE and the broader Middle East.
Ahmed Al Khaja CEO – DFRE
“Dubai’s business events sector continues to evolve through a long-term strategic vision, underpinned by strong collaboration between the public and private sectors and a shared commitment to delivering sustainable economic impact. Platforms such as Manta Middle East showcase the strength and maturity of Dubai’s business ecosystem, while reflecting the growing confidence that global investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders place in the emirate as a destination for growth, innovation, and opportunity. Business events play a vital role in fostering industry connections, facilitating knowledge exchange, and accelerating the development of key sectors. We welcome initiatives that enrich this dynamic ecosystem, strengthen international partnerships, and contribute to Dubai’s continued positioning as a leading global hub for business, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.”
Doug Emslie, Partner at Manta Media Capital and founder of Manta Middle East, said that, “Having been operational in the UAE for nearly 20 years, including organizing the Dubai Airshow and several other major events in the region, I’ve seen first-hand how powerful this market can be in shaping industries, convening leadership and supporting economic growth. I’ve also been fortunate to forge strong relationships with government and industry partners who understand the strategic role events can play. The UAE has already proven it can create and scale world-class events.”
Doug Emslie further commented that, “What excites me now is the opportunity to help more entrepreneurs, organisers and international brands build from the region, with the resources, guidance and practical experience needed to turn strong ideas into commercially valuable event platforms.”
Focus on scaling event businesses
Toby Duckworth, Founder of Manta Media Capital, highlighted that, “Manta Media Capital was built to back ambitious event entrepreneurs with more than capital. We bring the experience of people who have built event businesses themselves and understand what it takes to move from launch to scale. The UAE is a natural next step for Manta Media Capital, with the infrastructure, ambition and sector growth to support a new generation of valuable event platforms.”
Manta Media Capital stated that the initiative is intended to play a long-term role in supporting founders, event platforms and strategic partnerships as the region’s business events industry continues to expand.
