French creative agency R2 is now in the UAE, after agreeing to a partnership with TTE, a Dubai-based business advisory firm with more than 30 years in the region. The deal was announced on October 27 and places R2 in Dubai. It also opens a route into Saudi Arabia and Egypt through TTE’s offices. The Consul General of France in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, H.E. Jean Christophe Paris, attended the announcement.
TTE already supports companies on market entry, business development, corporate services, compliance and talent. It will now run a fifth business unit for digital marketing and branding. The new unit is called LAUNCH. It sits beside four existing ones, known as ENGAGE, ESTABLISH, OPERATE and BUILD.
A creative agency Dubai clients can reach through one partner
Through the new unit, TTE clients gain access to R2’s brand, creative and digital work. The two firms will cover positioning, corporate identity, communications strategy, advertising, content, digital platforms and social media. TTE brings knowledge of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the wider region. R2 brings teams that have delivered brand and digital projects in several countries.
Richard Rohou, CEO of R2:
“We have always believed that great creative work should travel, but entering a new market requires more than exporting ideas. It requires trust, local understanding and the right people on the ground.”
“This partnership is a genuine two-way commitment. TTE gives R2 a platform to develop in Dubai and, through its regional presence, in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. In return, we bring the strategic and creative expertise that helps companies turn business ambition into strong, distinctive brands.”
“Our shared goal is to build a long-term offering that creates new opportunities for both our businesses and, above all, delivers real value to the clients we serve.”
Why French creative agency R2 is now in the UAE
International work has long been part of R2’s plan. The agency has built brand, strategy and digital projects for global clients, and the region is its next step. The move means R2 enters with a local partner rather than on its own. TTE provides the relationships and reach to support that step. For TTE, the tie-up extends what it can offer clients weighing UAE market entry.
A branding agency Dubai businesses can use across three markets
TTE runs operations in Dubai, Riyadh and Cairo. R2 adds brand positioning, advertising, content production, social media and digital experiences. Hassan Al Redha, Founder and Partner at TTE, said the business has always rested on long-term relationships and a close reading of the region. He described the new business unit as “an important extension of our capabilities.”
Hassan Al Redha, Founder and Partner at TTE:
“Our business has always been built on long-term relationships and a deep understanding of the region. This partnership strengthens what we can offer clients at every stage of their development. We see this new business unit as an important extension of our capabilities.”
What it means that a French creative agency is in the UAE
Search, digital platforms and AI are changing how companies get found and judged. Clear branding and steady communication matter more as a result. The two firms say they will help clients build visibility, credibility and a clear difference from rivals.
For companies planning business expansion in the Middle East, the combined offer links commercial planning with brand delivery. R2 carries international credentials, named Brand Content Agency of the Year in France in 2024 and 2018, and Digital Agency of the Year in 2023. A digital marketing agency UAE capability now sits inside TTE’s own structure rather than through an outside referral. French creative agency R2 is now in the UAE as a standing part of that offer.
About TTE
TTE is a Middle East-based business advisory and growth partner with more than 30 years of regional experience and operations in Dubai, Riyadh and Cairo. Its five business units (ENGAGE, ESTABLISH, OPERATE, BUILD and LAUNCH) support businesses across market entry, operations, talent, growth, branding and digital marketing.
About R2
R2 is an independent, award-winning European strategy, creative and digital agency with an international footprint. Combining strategic thinking, storytelling and production capabilities, R2 partners with leading brands to develop distinctive brand platforms, campaigns, content and digital experiences across markets. Recognised as Brand Content Agency of the Year in France in 2024 and 2018, and Digital Agency of the Year in 2023, R2 continues its international expansion through its strategic partnership with TTE in the Middle East.
Special thanks to our media partner, Business France.
