Places to Watch: Africa & Middle East Special
The Africa & Middle East Special Edition celebrates the people and places driving transformation across two of the world’s most ambitious regions.
From Saudi Arabia’s innovation-led development and Africa’s creative reawakening to new forms of soft power and identity-building, this edition brings together insights from leaders, policymakers, and place branding practitioners shaping how their cities and nations are seen — and how they see themselves.The publication features forewords from Thebe Ikalafeng, H.E. Eng. Fahad Albuliheshi, and Savio D’Souza of Brand Finance, alongside in-depth interviews and showcases of emerging success stories from across Africa and the Middle East.
It is both a reflection of progress and a call for collaboration — highlighting how purpose, identity, and innovation converge in shaping sustainable, competitive, and human-centred places.
Thebe Ikalafeng“This special Places to Watch: Africa & Middle East edition arrives at a critical moment. Both regions stand at the crossroads of transformation — demographically youthful, digitally connected, and economically ambitious.”
— Thebe Ikalafeng,Founder, Brand Leadership Group
H.E. Eng. Fahad Albuliheshi“This special edition offers a glimpse into Al Madinah’s evolution — and into the journeys of other cities across our region. Enjoy reading their stories, their ambitions, and their bold reimagining of place.”
— H.E. Eng. Fahad Albuliheshi,Mayor of Madinah Region and CEO, Madinah Region Development Authority
Savio D’Souza“This edition Places to Watch: Africa & Middle East comes as both regions undergo transformation, redefining what effective nation and destination branding can achieve.”
— Savio D’Souza,Managing Director, Middle East & Africa, Brand Finance