When the UAE summer arrives, life slows down. Offices quieten, inboxes become more manageable, and many of your clients, colleagues, or competitors escape the heat for cooler climates. But while the rest of the region winds down, this quieter season presents the perfect opportunity to dial up your brand. If you’ve been putting off a refresh of your brand, design elements, or customer experience – now’s the time to take action.
We often think of branding as something that lives on a screen or a printed page – logos, colour palettes, websites, packaging. But the spaces people walk through every day? They’re just as important. At Formulate Creative, we believe a brand should live and breathe in the real world, and environmental graphics are one of the most effective (and often overlooked) ways to bring that to life.
Event branding is one of those things that’s often left until the last minute – but it’s one of the most powerful tools you have to shape how people experience your event. Done well, it brings everything together. It makes your event feel organised, professional, and on-brand, and it helps guests know where they are and what’s going on. Here’s a quick look at what we think matters most when it comes to branding your event.
Your brand design is often the first thing people notice. But more importantly, it’s how they remember you. If the design isn’t clear, consistent, or considered, it can quietly hold your business back. Here are a few common issues we often come across – things that can be fixed, but are worth spotting early.
Have you ever picked up a product just because the packaging caught your eye? Maybe it was the colour, the shape, or the texture that grabbed your attention. That’s no accident – that’s good packaging design doing its job. Packaging is often the first point of contact between a brand and its customer. It has the unique job of not only protecting the product but also capturing attention, conveying value, and creating an emotional connection – all before the product is even opened.
Annual reports tend to sneak up on businesses. One minute it’s mid-year, and the next thing you know, you’re juggling final figures, brand guidelines, leadership quotes, and compliance checks – all while staring down a fast-approaching deadline. But here’s the thing: your annual report doesn’t have to be a last-minute scramble. In fact, the best reports – the ones that stand out, feel considered, and tell a compelling story – usually start months in advance.
It’s not unusual for someone to come to a branding agency with a straightforward request. A website. Some packaging. A pitch deck. A set of templates. And on paper, it might seem like a simple, standalone job. But the truth is, no brand touchpoint ever really exists in isolation. That’s why good agencies tend to zoom out before they zoom in. They’ll take a moment to understand the context, ask a few extra questions, and get a feel for the bigger picture – even when the brief is small.
It’s easy to mix them up – branding and marketing often show up side by side in conversation, pitch decks, and strategy sessions. But while they work closely together, they’re not the same thing. In fact, understanding the difference can be the game-changer between just making noise and building something that actually connects.
Businesses today often operate across multiple platforms – websites, social media, emails, print, and more. But many struggle to maintain a consistent identity across these different touchpoints. Inconsistent branding can confuse your audience, dilute your message, and even harm your credibility. So how do you overcome these challenges?
When it comes to hospitality, it’s about more than just offering a bed for the night or a meal for lunch. It’s about creating experiences that people remember. Whether it’s a chic boutique hotel or a family-friendly resort, great hospitality branding is what makes people choose your brand again and again. The question is: how do you make sure your brand is unforgettable?
As companies grow and evolve, their story must change to reflect new goals, values, and market demands. Whether you’re expanding into new territories, launching new products, or undergoing a complete rebrand, the way you tell your story can either propel you forward or leave you stuck in the past. A compelling narrative is key to connecting with your audience, inspiring your team, and positioning your company for success in an ever-changing business landscape.
In an increasingly competitive education landscape, institutions must do more than simply offer quality education. Schools and universities need to stand out with a clear, compelling brand that connects with students, parents, and staff alike. Strategic branding has become essential – not just for increasing enrolment, but for building trust, boosting engagement, and shaping long-term reputation. So, why has branding become such a vital asset for education institutions?
If you’ve never worked with a branding agency before, you might not know what to expect – or maybe you’ve had a bad experience in the past and are hoping for something better. At Formulate Creative, we try to keep things simple and straightforward. We’re here to help you get clear on your brand, bring it to life in a way that feels right for your business, and make sure it actually works in the real world.
You’ve launched your brand – the logo, colours, and messaging all feel spot on. But over time, small inconsistencies start to creep in. A different font here, a slightly off-brand colour there, and messaging that doesn’t quite sound like you. Without a clear structure to guide your brand’s use, it’s easy for things to drift. That’s where brand guidelines make all the difference.
At Formulate Creative, we’re all about using design and storytelling to make a real impact. Recently, we’ve been working on some exciting projects across different industries – from sports to real estate to hospitality. Each one shows how powerful the right design and message can be in connecting brands with the people that matter most.
We were excited to support the launch of the City Cricket Academy Emirates at Dubai International Academy – an inspiring new initiative that brings world-class cricket training to the next generation of talent in the UAE.
It’s tempting to grab a quick logo and call it a brand – especially when you’re just starting out. But over time, many businesses discover that a logo without strategy can lead to confusion, inconsistency, and limited growth. Explore why meaningful branding starts with defining your story, and how a thoughtful approach can set the foundation for long-term success.
In today’s digital world, education is no longer confined to the four walls of a classroom. A school or university’s website has become a vital part of how it connects, communicates, and grows. But what makes an education website so powerful – and why is it essential for the future of learning?
Sports and fitness branding goes beyond just a logo or team colours – it’s about creating a powerful identity that drives passion, builds loyalty, and boosts recognition. Whether you’re launching a fitness club or designing high-performance sportswear, a strong brand is essential for shaping how people connect with and perceive your business.
When you think about food and beverage, what comes to mind? Is it the taste of your favourite dish, the ambiance of a cosy café, or the unforgettable experience of a meal shared with friends? Whatever it is, it’s likely tied to branding. In the competitive and ever-evolving world of F&B, branding is more than just a logo or catchy slogan – it’s the heartbeat of your business. Let’s explore why branding is so critical in this industry and how it’s shaping the future of food.
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