September 16, 2024, Dubai, UAE – The Modern Marketing Association (MMA) announces the expansion of its educational initiative, MMA Academy, into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This significant milestone aims to enhance digital marketing education, emphasizing the crucial role of strategic university collaborations in shaping the future of marketing professionals across the region.

MMA Academy is a cutting-edge platform designed to equip both marketing professionals and aspiring talent with the latest skills in AI-driven marketing technologies and strategies. With a focus on globally relevant and future-proof competencies, the Academy offers training programs and workshops that cover the latest advancements in digital marketing, artificial intelligence (AI), and marketing technologies. Participants, including MMA board member company employees, university students, and new graduates, benefit from innovative learning experiences that prepare them for the evolving landscape of modern marketing.

MMA Academy is launching the region’s first certificate program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the digital marketing landscape in collaboration with MMA’s esteemed member Digital Turbine. Through free masterclass sessions, participants will gain access to the latest marketing technologies and strategies, positioning them at the forefront of the industry. This partnership offers visionary insights that empower marketing professionals to drive innovation and create a lasting impact in their careers.

Starting in the 2024-2025 academic year, MMA Academy is collaborating with leading universities in the MENA region, beginning with the American University in Dubai (AUD). These partnerships are designed to offer students hands-on learning opportunities, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world industry demands.

One key initiative is a semester-long MBA student pitch competition at AUD, organized by MMA Academy in partnership with OSN. The competition will challenge students to develop a comprehensive 360-degree marketing communications and advertising campaign, incorporating AI and digital marketing technologies. This experience will provide students with practical skills and prepare them for real-world marketing challenges.

Additionally, MMA Academy will host guest speaker sessions with industry leaders from UM (Universal McCann) and MEmob+, offering both undergraduate and MBA students insights into AI-driven marketing and data analytics. These sessions will include practical exercises that encourage students to apply their knowledge in real-time, further aligning academic learning with industry expectations.

Driving Growth and Innovation through Education

MMA Academy’s mission is to foster continuous learning and innovation in the marketing industry. By collaborating with local and international partners, including esteemed universities like AUD, MMA Academy is helping to develop industry standards and best practices that will shape the future of marketing in the MENA region. These efforts are crucial in driving economic growth and elevating the capabilities of marketing professionals throughout the region.

“We are proud to take a significant step toward realizing our vision of contributing qualified human resources to the global modern marketing sector through MMA Academy. By collaborating with prestigious universities like AUD, we are not only providing students with invaluable learning opportunities but also bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs. Our goal is to empower the next generation of marketers with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape,” says Melis Ertem, MMA MEA CEO. 

MMA Academy: A Hub for Digital Learning

To further its commitment to digital marketing education, MMA Academy will also launch a comprehensive digital content hub on the MMA MENA website. This platform will serve as a go-to resource for marketing professionals seeking to advance their skills and knowledge, offering webinars, certificate programs, and exclusive content.

Upcoming Highlights at AUD with OSN:

  • September 17th: MMA Academy and OSN executives will visit AUD to present the Creative Brief to MBA students, launching the semester-long collaborative pitch competition.
  • October 15th: OSN marketing executives will deliver a guest speaker session at AUD.
  • November 26th: MBA students will present their 360-degree marketing campaign pitches to OSN and MMA Academy, with prizes and internship opportunities for the winning teams.

Additional Guest Speaker Sessions:

  • September 30th: Lucie Blahova of MEmob+ will present a session on AI-driven marketing to senior undergraduate students, including a practical AI-powered marketing campaign exercise.
  • October 21st & 29th: UM executives will deliver two AI Masterclass sessions, offering insights into AI’s role in digital marketing, ethics, and the future of the industry.