So you want your brand to show up in one of the UAE’s top digital magazines. Maybe it’s to build trust, boost visibility, or simply give your business the credibility it deserves. Whatever your reason, getting media coverage is one of the smartest marketing moves you can make this year.
And let’s be honest, if you’re running a business in Dubai or anywhere across the UAE, you already know how competitive the digital space can be. Every day, there’s a new product launch, a viral café, or a tech startup grabbing headlines. Everyone’s vying for attention. So how do you cut through the noise and land your spot in one of the country’s most trusted publications?
Now, let’s get real for a second. It’s not about blasting a generic press release to every editor in town or blowing your marketing budget on one sponsored post that goes nowhere. That old-school PR tactic just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Getting featured in top-tier media in 2025 means crafting a compelling story, understanding the local media landscape, and building genuine relationships. It’s about showing up in the right places with the right message at the right time.
The good news? You don’t need to be a Fortune 500 company to make it happen. Whether you’re a startup based in Business Bay, a wellness brand in Marina, or a boutique creative studio in Al Quoz, your story matters, and with the right support, your brand can make headlines. At Pella Global, we’ve helped brands across the UAE do just that, get seen, get published, and get results.
Why Media Features Matter in the UAE
Let’s paint a picture. You’re a business owner in Dubai. You’ve got a great product or service, your social media is decent, and you’re running ads here and there. Things are fine, but not wow.
Now imagine this, your brand gets featured in a Gulf News article or a Time Out Dubai write-up. Instantly, you’re not just another business on the block. You’re a name people recognize. You’re legit.
Being featured in these publications can:
- Open doors to new partnerships
- Drive organic traffic to your site
- Boost your search engine rankings
- Help customers trust you faster
- Make your brand feel established, even if you just launched last year
That’s the kind of visibility you can’t buy with just ads. You need a smart strategy rooted in digital PR and solid content marketing. And when it comes to branding in Dubai, few things are more powerful than a credible media feature.
Step 1: Clean Up Your Digital Presence
Before you even think about reaching out to the media, do a quick audit of your online presence. Because here’s the truth, if an editor or journalist checks out your website or Instagram after reading your pitch (and they will), and it’s outdated or half-baked, your chances drop fast.
So take some time to:
- Make sure your website looks professional and is mobile-friendly
- Clean up your social media bios and posts
- Align your branding across platforms
- Fix broken links and update outdated info
- Highlight testimonials or press mentions if you have them
And if you’re just getting started and need help leveling up, consider working with a team like Pella Global’s Digital Advertising experts to sharpen your digital game before you go public.
Step 2: Find Your Unique Story Angle
Newsflash, your business isn’t going to get featured just because it exists.
You need a story. One that fits with what people in Dubai and the UAE care about right now.
Here are a few story angles that work well in the local media scene:
- A startup solving a uniquely local problem
- A business championing sustainability in the UAE
- A brand creating jobs or supporting Emiratization
- A founder with a compelling backstory, especially if you’re self-made
- A product or service that’s genuinely new, exciting, or trending
- A small business doing big things (people love underdogs!)
The goal is to craft your pitch in a way that emphasizes what’s genuinely relevant and engaging, rather than focusing solely on promotional content. When your story connects with local events, holidays, or economic trends, it adds even more value. If your angle also supports your efforts in branding in Dubai, that’s an even bigger win. Local relevance makes all the difference.
Step 3: Start Creating and Publishing Quality Content
Before you get into the press, start becoming a voice in your niche. Content marketing isn’t just about pushing out blogs to check a box. It’s about sharing value, building trust, and letting search engines and readers alike know that you know your stuff.
Here’s what you should focus on:
- Write blog posts that answer questions people in Dubai are actually searching for
- Create case studies and real customer stories
- Share behind-the-scenes content about your brand journey
- Collaborate with other Dubai-based creators or businesses
If writing isn’t your strength or you just don’t have time, Pella Global’s Content Marketing and SEO services can take it off your plate. Publishing great content makes it way easier to reach out to journalists. They’ll see you’re active, credible, and already adding value to your audience.
This is especially important if you’re focused on branding in Dubai, where online perception carries serious weight.
Step 4: Get to Know the UAE Media Landscape
Alright, let’s get tactical. Not all UAE online magazines are created equal, and not every one will be the right fit for your brand. So start by getting familiar with the media outlets that align with your industry, your audience, and your goals.
Here are a few top names to keep an eye on:
- Khaleej Times: Great for business, tech, and startup coverage
- Gulf News: Well-rounded, covers lifestyle, business, culture
- What’s On Dubai: Lifestyle, entertainment, food, events
- Time Out Dubai: Dining, nightlife, lifestyle, things to do
- Lovin Dubai: Super social, often features trending stories and community-driven content
- Arabian Business: Focused on finance, business, entrepreneurship
- The National News: A mix of current affairs and in-depth UAE content
- Esquire Middle East and Harper’s Bazaar Arabia: Great for luxury brands or personal branding
Make a list of the top 5 that fit your brand. Follow them on social media. Read their articles. See what kinds of stories they cover. This is the groundwork for the next step.
Step 5: Craft a Pitch That Doesn’t Get Ignored
Okay, now that you’ve got a good story, solid content, and a target list of media outlets, it’s time to reach out. Your pitch needs to be short, clear, and relevant. Here’s a simple structure that works:
- Start with a hook: Why should they care now?
- Explain who you are: Keep it tight, no rambling bios
- Give them the angle: What’s the story, why does it matter to their readers
- Offer extras: Photos, stats, videos, anything that adds value
- Make it easy: Include contact info, links, availability for interviews
Personalize it. Mention a story of theirs you liked or explain why your angle fits their editorial style. And remember, journalists get a lot of emails, so a couple of friendly follow-ups are perfectly fine. Need help writing a press release or media kit? That’s exactly where Pella Global’s Digital PR services can come in handy.
Step 6: Partner, Sponsor, or Collaborate Smartly
Here’s something most people forget, some features are paid, and that’s okay. A sponsored post in a high-traffic magazine might cost a bit, but it can also bring in thousands of eyeballs, solid backlinks, and even long-term SEO value.
Look for:
- Sponsored articles
- Brand spotlights
- Event partnerships
- Content collaborations
Before you shell out any cash though, ask for their audience numbers, check engagement on past features, and see if they’ll link back to your site. Not sure where to start with digital ads or sponsorships? Get in touch with Pella Global’s Digital Advertising experts to build a campaign that actually makes sense for your goals. Strategic partnerships also play a huge role in branding in Dubai, especially when you’re trying to reach niche or affluent audiences.
Step 7: Make the Most of Every Feature
So you finally got featured, huge congrats! But the work doesn’t stop there. Now it’s time to squeeze every drop of value out of it:
- Share the article across all your social platforms
- Add an “As Seen In” banner to your website
- Include it in your email newsletters
- Mention it in sales calls or pitches
- Repurpose the content into short videos, social posts, or blog follow-ups
You can even take that article and use it to pitch other magazines or platforms. The media love validation. If one outlet features you, others will be more likely to follow.
To Sum Up
Getting your brand featured in one of the UAE’s top online magazines isn’t about luck or insider connections. It’s about strategy, persistence, and knowing how to tell your story in a way that clicks.
Start with your brand foundation. Shape a story that matters. Share content that builds trust. And when the time is right, pitch like a pro. Whether you’re running a café in Al Quoz, launching a tech startup in Dubai Internet City, or managing a boutique in Jumeirah, your story deserves to be told, and seen.
When you’re ready to make that leap, Pella Global, the best marketing agency in Dubai, is here to help you shine. From digital PR to content marketing and influence marketing, we’ve got the tools to get your brand the recognition it deserves. Let’s get you featured, and take your branding in Dubai to the next level.
