MENA

Driving transformation through intelligence, from insight to impact.

We are honoured to be one of four nominated finalists in SPIA’s Best Advisory Services Awards.

GSIQ is powering progress across MENA’s sports, sponsorship and tourism landscape. We deliver impactful projects, working across every major service type to become the go-to intelligence partner for leading brands, events and properties across the region.

Our international, UAE-based team bring global expertise and local fluency to every engagement. From football to jiu-jitsu, government-backed mega-events to emerging leagues and initiatives beyond sport, our data, tools and consultancy services help clients structure rights, evaluate ROI, optimise strategy and drive sustainable growth — all with speed, precision and cultural understanding.

THE IQ

From industry updates to original insights and expert opinion, check out our latest content on The IQ.

Join the conversation — connect with Sam Dawson on LinkedIn.

WHO WE WORK WITH

Insight partner to the region’s most important organisations.

From ADXC to Coca-Cola Arena, New Balance to Yas Island, we work across the sport, sponsorship and tourism ecosystem — powering better outcomes for rights holders, sponsors, venues and advisory firms. Our intelligence supports their strategies, reporting, and boardroom decisions, every step of the way.

PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS

Guided by insight. Powered by trust.

We’re proud to support exceptional organisations through work that informs, measures and moves things forward.

PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS

FEVO Sport Industry Awards GSIQ Best Newcomer Award
Leaders in Sport GSIQ Tech Breakthrough Award
SPIA Awards GSIQ Best Advisory Services Award
ESA Awards GSIQ Best Use of Measurement & Insight Award

REGIONAL TEAM

A team built to meet the moment — and shape what’s next.

GSIQ’s MENA team reflects the region itself: ambitious, fast-moving and deeply invested in real results. We’ve earned the trust of stakeholders across sport, entertainment, tourism and beyond by combining deep knowledge with world-class tools and relentless delivery.

Sam Dawson

Managing Partner, MENA

Sam Dawson brings unique experience and skills to GSIQ, with a strong background of core financial and business acumen, complemented by data-driven marketing and commercial growth advisory developed in the market research industry.

Sam spent the first half of his career at PwC and held senior commercial positions at Nielsen Sports and most recently YouGov before joining GSIQ. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to support major rightsholders, brands and agencies throughout Europe, MENA and Asia. Since moving to the Middle East in 2017, he has experienced the region’s development first-hand.

In an industry often overwhelmed with data, Sam keenly grasps the significance of consolidating, simplifying, and overlaying essential expert insights based on critical experience. He is ACA qualified with a BSc Honours degree in Natural Sciences from Durham University.

Facilitating data-driven commercial growth – get to the answers that matter, quicker.

Sam Dawson LinkedIn Profile

“GSIQ MENA’s not just entered the market — we’ve covered the ground. In a short time, we’ve matched the scope of agencies that have been here for years.”

GSIQ has been recognised for four major industry honours:

  • Winner ‘Best Newcomer’ · FEVO Sport Industry Awards 2025
  • Winner ‘Tech Breakthrough Award’ · Leaders in Sport Awards 2025
  • Nominated Finalist ‘Best Advisory Services’ · SPIA Awards 2025
  • Shortlisted ‘Best Use of Measurement & Insight’ · ESA Awards 2026

Founder member of MESBN – the Middle East Sports & Business Network – supporting business collaboration and innovation.

ANJALI ARORA

Senior Account Manager, MENA

ALMIR GASHI

Senior Account Manager, MENA

SUOOD AL KHATEEB

Commercial Executive, MENA

ABOUT GSIQ

ONE BUSINESS. TWO INTERCONNECTED PILLARS.

We’re built for today’s evolving world. GSIQ connects the dots across sport, sponsorship and tourism through data-led insights and expert leadership.

OUR EXPERTISE

INNOVATIVE THINKING. PROVEN SOLUTIONS.

From media research to economic impact, our tailored services deliver intelligence that drives performance across sport, sponsorship and tourism.

GSIQ TECH

BUILT FOR INSIGHT. ENGINEERED FOR ACTION.

Our proprietary tools combine advanced tech with real-world expertise to power sponsorship tracking, valuation and smarter decision-making.