Independent communications, public affairs and research group, The Sandpiper Group (Sandpiper), has opened its first Middle East office in Dubai. The office is led by Bahjat Homsi (pictured, left), who has joined Sandpiper as General Manager, Dubai, and Unice Liu (pictured, right), who has joined as an Associate Director. 

Bahjat brings more than 20 years of comms experience to the table. Prior to this appointment, he held senior positions at agencies, including most recently as Director at Edelman Dubai. Throughout his career, Bahjat has spearheaded and handled multi-stakeholder projects such as the Emirates Mars Mission, the UAE Papal Visit and COP28 UAE. He had also advised strategic clients such as the UAE Prime Minister’s Office, the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology as well as Majid Al Futtaim.

With a career spanning Asia Pacific and Greater China, Unice possesses experience in the financial, professional services, food and agribusiness, government, education and healthcare sectors. Before joining Sandpiper, she led the Chinese operations at a communications consultancy, with a focus on helping multinational firms navigate the market's media, digital and stakeholder landscape.

Sandpiper's Chief Executive Officer, Emma Smith, said that this expansion coincides with the growing trade and investment ties between the Middle East and Asia, especially with the Chinese market.

"As a result, we have seen more requests for client support in the region and for specialist services in areas such as ESG communications, international media, integrated communications and policy advisory, and research," Emma said. "We are thrilled to welcome Bahjat and Unice to our team to lead this exciting expansion for our company.”