Born in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Khamis studied business management at the Gulf Technical College after his education at St. Xavier’s College in India. In 1974 he founded Gulf Public Relations Group, now known as Gulf Marcom Group (GMG), one of the leading advertising and marketing communications groups in Bahrain.
Over its history the group has been a true leader of the industry not only in the country but in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as well. Khamis is also the driving force behind such industry leaders as Eventscom, Gulf Translations, Hill+Knowlton Strategies and other related companies.
A true visionary, Khamis is highly respected for being a pioneer in the development of the region’s media and marcom industry and has received citations from many industry organizations including the Middle East Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Gulf Chapter to name a few. He is frequently asked to contribute articles in local and regional media on important issues facing the industry.
A recipient of the Proficiency Medal First Class, awarded to him by His Majesty the King of Bahrain, Khamis was honored for his outstanding contribution to the advertising industry. In 2009 he was voted one of Bahrain’s 50 more influential people by Arabian Business Magazine. Most recently he has been selected by them as one of the top ‘500 Most Powerful Arabs for 2012’.
Khamis also takes great personal interest in encouraging young talent and enjoys working with young professionals on achieving their potential. He serves on the board of the NY Institute of Technology as well as Bahrain Polytechnic.
An extensive traveler, he is well versed in current media trends. He takes a keen interest in the sport of professional tennis.
An active IAA member since 1978, he attended his first Congress in Denmark held that year. A founding member of the Bahrain Chapter, he was awarded the IAA Medal for Merit in 2010.
IAA Bahrain Chapter History and Accomplishments
Chapter established in 1993.
Chapter played an active role in the Hopenhagen campaign with extensive coverage in print and outdoor media.
Chapter holds regular programmes that include forecasts and state-of-the industry discussions that are widely respected and well attended.
Has developed and held training programs in cooperation with local universities.
Bahrain is a member state of the six-country Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The total 2011 ad spend for the GCC reached $12.79billion, an increase of 10% over 2010.
Pan Arab ad spend is mainly TV satellite channels which showed an increase from $7billion in 2010 to $8billion in 2011.
Newspapers took a major share of 66%, followed by magazines 16%, TV 12% and outdoor 6%.
Bahrain is one of the most active countries using social media networks.
As of December 2011 there were +316,000 Facebook users in Bahrain. 62% were between the ages of 18 and 34.
As of April 2011 (the height of the Arab spring), Facebook users in MENA region doubled to 27,711,503 compared to the same month in 2010.
As of December 2011 there are +40,000 Twitter users in Bahrain. It has the highest penetration rate in the GCC.
As of December 2011, LinkedIn has +79,000 users in Bahrain.