Independent creative studio Heckler has expanded into the Middle East, appointing John Hassan as managing director to lead operations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the wider region. The expansion builds on Heckler’s presence across Sydney, Singapore, Shanghai, and Europe.
Hassan brings more than a decade of experience producing campaigns and content across the Gulf. His work includes campaigns for global brands adapted for regional audiences, Expo activations, international sporting events, and national storytelling initiatives led by government clients.
“Taking on this role is both a personal milestone and an exciting opportunity,” said John Hassan, Managing Director, Heckler.
“The Middle East is a region I know deeply, and being able to lead an established independent studio like Heckler here is something I’m incredibly proud of. What we’re building isn’t just a local presence, it’s a powerful combination of regional understanding backed by world-class creative talent across our global studios. That gives us the confidence to deliver ambitious, high-impact work for clients across the region.”
Heckler has previously delivered projects in the Middle East including campaigns for Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism featuring Chris Hemsworth, work for Qatar National Bank, and destination and cultural films tied to Saudi Arabia’s evolving global profile.
The company said the expansion will provide clients in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC access to its production model combining AI-driven workflows with VFX, design and post-production.
Heckler co-founder Will Alexander said the move strengthens the studio’s global offering and reflects growing demand from the region.
“The Middle East is an incredibly dynamic and important market for our clients,” said Alexander. “Expanding into the region is a natural step in Heckler’s evolution, allowing us to better support partners with both local leadership and seamless access to our international studio network. Our global footprint means we can collaborate across time zones and deliver complex, high-quality work with efficiency and consistency.”
Operating across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia, Heckler’s Middle East presence will focus on supporting agencies, brands and government partners with end-to-end creative production, from concept development through to final delivery.
