‏Ali Sabkar

Ali Ahmed Sabkar is a highly accomplished digital marketing and social media expert, serving as the Chairman of the Global Social Media Club in the Middle East. With over 24 years of experience, he has continuously driven innovation and excellence in digital marketing, advertising, public relations, and branding.

Professional Background and Achievements:

• Launched a specialized marketing agency in the 1990s and later founded a leading e-commerce company, developing over 300 websites for companies in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
• Established a digital marketing agency offering services across the Gulf region.
• Appointed Digital Marketing Project Manager at Zain Bahrain (2007-2017), leading digital marketing initiatives, managing campaigns for Apple, Samsung, and Huawei smartphones, and overseeing multi-channel advertising including digital media, social media, print, and mobile platforms.
• Recognized as a prominent speaker locally and regionally, participating in conferences attended by over 10,000 participants.
• Authored the book “Why Marketing” alongside international digital marketing experts Reggie Goldzberg (USA) and Ernesto Verdugo (Netherlands).

Awards and Recognition:

• Bahraini Youth Marketing Award, 2010.
• Best Social Media User in the Middle East, 2011.
• Named Most Influential Young Person in Bahrain by Bahrain Youth Magazine, 2012.
• Gold Stevie Award, Best Social Media PR Campaign, Paris, 2014 (representing Zain Bahrain).
• Social Media Knight Award, Bahrain, 2015.
• Ranked among Asia’s Top 50 Influential Digital Marketing Professionals by the Global Marketing Council, 2015.

Leadership and Community Involvement:

• Founder and Chairman of the Global Social Media Club in Bahrain, the first of its kind in the Kingdom, establishing a leading platform for social media professionals.
• Board member of the Global Social Media Club in the USA, overseeing the expansion of international branches.
• Collaborated with elite social media experts globally, bringing international expertise to Bahrain and the Middle East.
• Partnered with the Irish Digital Marketing Institute to introduce the first professional digital marketing diploma in Bahrain (2013).
• Brought the International Social Media Strategy Certification program to the Middle East from the USA.
• Worked with public and private institutions in the GCC to develop social media strategies, train teams, and lead digital communications initiatives.

Expertise:

• Digital Marketing & Strategy.
• Social Media Management & Analytics.
• Public Relations & Branding.
• Training & Mentorship.
• Event Management & International Collaboration.

Ali Sabkar has played a pioneering role in shaping social media education and practice in Bahrain and across the Gulf, making him a leading authority in digital marketing and social media strategy.