Senior leaders from government, business, media, and communications will convene in Doha on 10 September to examine how trust, resilience, and influence are being reshaped across the Middle East
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates // Doha, Qatar – 10 August 2026
The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) will host the 2026 MEPRA Qatar Leadership Majlis on 10 September at W Doha, bringing together senior leaders to explore the changing nature of influence and what it means for organisations across the region.
Held under the theme “The New Architecture of Influence,” theLeadership Majlis will examine how regional conflict, geopolitical realignment, economic uncertainty, rapid advances in artificial intelligence, and changing media habits are transforming the way information is created, shared, and trusted.
The event will feature a mix of discussions and panel conversations designed to surface what works, what does not, and what is changing across the regional communications landscape.
Building on feedback from last year’s Majlis, the 2026 edition will place a stronger emphasis on practical application and lived experience. Sessions will explore how communications teams are using AI tools to plan, execute, and report on events; how event-led strategies differ across B2B, B2C, and B2G contexts; and how organisations are measuring impact beyond attendance and media coverage.
Justin Kerr-Stevens, MEPRA Chair, said: “The role of communications has changed. It’s no longer just about controlling the message. Increasingly, our role is to help organisations make better decisions, build trust before they need it and navigate periods of uncertainty with confidence.That’s what this year’s Qatar Leadership Majlis is about. We’ll bring together leaders from across government, business, media and communications to share practical experience, challenge conventional thinking and explore what the new architecture of influence means for organisations operating in today’s Middle East. If attendees leave with one new idea they can take back into their organisation the very next day, we’ll have achieved our goal.”
As with previous editions, the MEPRA Qatar Leadership Majlis will serve as an open forum for candid discussion, peer learning, and practical insight. The event will give participants an opportunity to share experiences, challenge established approaches, and consider the capabilities communications teams need to remain trusted, resilient, and influential.
The Majlis is aimed at senior professionals from government, business, media, and communications, as well as leaders responsible for reputation, stakeholder engagement, corporate affairs, and organisational strategy.
For more information and to register, click here.
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Notes to Editors
About the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA)
The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) is the leading professional body for public relations and communications practitioners in the Middle East.
Founded in 2001, MEPRA represents agency, in-house and public-sector professionals across the GCC and wider Middle East. Its work focuses on professional standards, capability building, industry recognition and convening senior practitioners to address the evolving role of communications in the region.
MEPRA delivers a year-round programme of professional development, research and industry dialogue, alongside its flagship annual awards. In 2026, the association marks its 25th anniversary.
About the Middle East Public Relations and Communications Industry
The public relations and communications industry in the Middle East is estimated to be worth between USD 1.5 and 2.0 billion annually, encompassing consultancy fees, retained advisory services, project-based work and integrated communications activity.
The market is characterised by strong growth across the GCC, a mix of global network agencies and regional independents, and increasing demand for strategic communications, crisis and reputation management, public affairs and stakeholder engagement. Rapid adoption of AI-enabled tools is being matched by heightened focus on ethics, trust and professional standards.
Biographies of MEPRA Leadership
Justin Kerr-Stevens – Chair
Justin Kerr-Stevens is a senior communications and strategic advisory leader with nearly 30 years’ experience across government, consultancy and agency leadership. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Northbourne Advisory, a Doha-based firm specialising in corporate strategy, crisis management, reputation and geopolitical risk.
His career spans senior advisory roles in Australia, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Central Asia. He previously served as CEO of BLJ Worldwide and as Partner and Middle East General Manager at Portland Communications. Kerr-Stevens has previously served as a member of both MEPRA’s Executive Board and Strategy Board and is the first Chair appointed during MEPRA’s 25th-anniversary year from outside the United Arab Emirates.
Neda Shelton – Vice Chair
Neda Shelton is a senior corporate communications leader with more than two decades of experience across global organisations in the Middle East and Europe. She currently serves as Senior Vice President of Group Communications at Mubadala Investment Company.
Her previous roles include senior communications leadership positions at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Emirates Airline and dnata. Shelton has previously served as a member of both MEPRA’s Executive Board and Strategy Board.
Monther Tayeb – Vice Chair
Monther Tayeb is a senior communications and public relations executive with over 20 years’ experience advising organisations across the Middle East, with particular depth in Saudi Arabia. He has held leadership roles across government, corporate and advisory environments, including senior communications roles within the Saudi Ministry of Defense.
Tayeb has previously served on both MEPRA’s Executive Board and Strategy Board, is a MEPRA Fellow, and is the first Vice Chair appointed from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.