Top Outsourced CMO Agencies in the UAE in 2025

Best Fractional & Part-time CMO Services in the UAE

As the Middle East's business epicenter, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to attract startups, scale-ups, and global enterprises. With this growth comes a critical need for strategic marketing leadership—but not every business is ready to hire a full-time Chief Marketing Officer. Enter the rise of fractional and part-time CMOs: seasoned marketing executives offering flexible, high-impact guidance without the long-term commitment.

At Digital Reference, our mission is to build a more efficient and transparent talent ecosystem. We’ve curated a list of the top outsourced CMO providers in the UAE, each offering marketing strategy, leadership, and execution support tailored to the region’s diverse business environment.

Our Methodology

This list was compiled using a combination of:

• Independent research and provider outreach
• Review of public-facing case studies, testimonials, and client engagements
• Confirmation that services are actively offered within the UAE
• Evaluation of each provider’s specialization, strategic impact, and leadership model

Below is our handpicked selection of top-performing fractional CMO services available in the UAE today.

1. Nexa

Website: https://www.digitalnexa.com/en-au/cmo-services

Based in Dubai, Nexa is a full-service digital growth agency offering fractional CMO services as part of its broader marketing and sales enablement offerings. Nexa’s fractional CMO model is ideal for companies that need strategic marketing leadership aligned with execution-ready teams.

Why They Stand Out:

• Deep expertise in digital marketing, HubSpot, and performance media
• Strong regional presence with global agency experience
• Combines CMO oversight with full digital execution support

Whether you're a local business expanding across the GCC or an international brand entering the UAE market, Nexa offers a scalable solution backed by data and technology.

2. Manesh Palli

Website: https://www.maneshpalli.com/

Manesh Palli is a Dubai-based fractional CMO and marketing transformation leader with over 20 years of experience in scaling brands across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

Why He Stands Out:

• Proven track record in enterprise marketing transformation and digital acceleration
• Hands-on experience across FMCG, automotive, healthcare, and B2B industries
• Offers CMO advisory, marketing audits, team coaching, and interim leadership

Manesh brings a practical, outcome-focused mindset that makes him a trusted advisor for companies undergoing rapid change or market entry.

3. Namrata Balwani

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/namratabalwani/

Namrata Balwani is a UAE-based marketing strategist and fractional CMO with over 20 years of experience in digital transformation, brand strategy, and customer experience.

Why She Stands Out:

• Former CEO and senior executive with deep leadership experience
• Expertise in consumer insights, digital marketing, and business growth
• Trusted advisor for startups, corporates, and executive teams

Namrata’s fractional CMO engagements are tailored to the unique needs of scaling businesses, with a sharp focus on aligning brand with business outcomes.

Why Businesses in the UAE Are Turning to Fractional CMOs

The UAE is home to a thriving startup scene, multinational corporations, and a growing number of digital-first enterprises. In such a dynamic environment, fractional CMOs provide speed, flexibility, and proven leadership without the overhead of full-time executive hiring.

Key benefits include:

• Access to global-caliber marketing strategy
• Flexible engagements based on project scope or growth phase
• Faster onboarding compared to full-time executives
• Expertise in scaling across diverse regional and international markets

When to Hire a Fractional CMO in the UAE

Your business may benefit from a fractional CMO if:

• You're entering the UAE or GCC market and need local marketing expertise
• Your internal marketing team lacks strategic direction
• You're launching a product or expanding into a new segment
• You're preparing for investment or acquisition and need a clear marketing roadmap

Fractional CMOs can also help you build or restructure your internal team, develop KPIs, and ensure marketing is fully aligned with revenue goals.

Choosing the Right Fit

Here’s how to ensure you’re selecting the right fractional CMO partner:

1. Define your goals: Are you focused on revenue growth, brand awareness, or operational efficiency?
2. Check for regional experience: Familiarity with UAE business culture and consumer behavior is essential.
3. Look for versatility: The best fractional CMOs can flex between strategy and execution.
4. Start with a pilot: Consider beginning with a short-term engagement to establish fit and impact.

Final Thoughts

Fractional and part-time CMOs are transforming the way companies in the UAE think about marketing leadership. Whether you're a founder, CEO, or marketing lead looking to scale, the right outsourced CMO can bring clarity, cohesion, and growth to your organization.

At Digital Reference, we’re proud to spotlight professionals and agencies that are reshaping marketing leadership across the globe. These three leaders offer trusted, strategic guidance rooted in regional expertise and global thinking.

Explore their offerings, ask smart questions, and unlock the next level of your marketing journey.

— The Digital Reference Team

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