A Dubai-based boutique marketing agency, Aark Marketing, has expanded its footprint in the UAE’s competitive communications sector as brands increasingly prioritize digital reach, influencer strategies, and measurable returns on marketing spend.
Founded in 2020, Aark Marketing has grown alongside the rapid expansion of the Gulf’s digital economy, carving out a niche in social media, influencer marketing, and public relations. The agency’s recent growth reflects broader shifts in the region’s marketing industry, where companies are seeking partners with local cultural insight and data-driven execution rather than scale alone.
Aark has been particularly active in the food and beverage and hospitality sectors, which remain among the most competitive consumer markets in the UAE. Campaigns for restaurant brands such as Kashkan and Pincode by Chef Kunal Kapur focused on social-first strategies, helping boost online visibility and audience engagement. The agency said one campaign generated more than two million online views within three months.
Its hospitality portfolio also includes Silk Lantern, Lavang, Aminia, and The Permit Room. Beyond food and hospitality, Aark has worked with clients including dnata, part of the Emirates Group, and Dubai Islamic Bank, highlighting efforts to diversify into sectors such as aviation services, finance, retail, and construction.
Industry observers say boutique agencies have gained ground in the Gulf as brands respond to fragmented audiences and rising advertising costs by demanding clearer performance metrics and return on investment.
In 2025, several Aark-managed brands received regional recognition, including awards from Time Out and Filmfare Middle East, underscoring the role of marketing strategy in a crowded dining and entertainment landscape.
The agency itself also received industry honors from regional business publications and trade bodies this year, reflecting growing acceptance of smaller firms as alternatives to multinational agency networks.
Founder and Marketing Director Kkusum Rawat said brands are increasingly focused on relevance and accountability. “Clients are looking for partners who understand regional consumer behavior and can translate insight into measurable results,” she said.
From a performance standpoint, Aark said it delivered sustained digital growth across its portfolio in 2025, with millions of impressions and increased engagement during seasonal campaigns. Influencer-led initiatives and targeted public relations efforts also contributed to wider editorial exposure across regional media outlets.
