Rolling Stone to expand MENA footprint with new collaboration

Cult music and culture magazine Rolling Stone is set to broaden its footprint in the Middle East and North Africa region with a new collaboration alongside investment fund Global Venture Partners.

The partnership aims to enhance the brand’s regional presence by attracting new readers and engaging with the diverse cultural landscape of the region.

“This partnership will bring Rolling Stone’s iconic brand and unparalleled coverage of music, entertainment and culture to a new audience, while also providing valuable insights and perspectives on the region’s vibrant creative, cultural and political scene,” said Aliaune Thiam, chairman of Global Venture Partners.

Rolling Stone will work closely with GVP to expand its reach through strategic collaborations, content creation and development initiatives tailored to the MENA market.

The partnership’s initial phase will focus on bolstering Rolling Stone MENA’s presence within the publishing sector through strategic partnerships and the development of original content tailored to regional tastes and interests.

Gus Wenner, CEO of Rolling Stone, said: “We’ve long held ambitions to grow our brand into the MENA region. We’re thrilled to partner with GVP and celebrate the region’s rich cultural vibrancy and legacy.”

He said that the collaboration was committed to making a positive impact on communities across the region by implementing projects aligned with local priorities, including the creation of job opportunities and the improvement of lifestyle.

The move represents a comeback for the magazine, having first launched in the region in 2010 with the aim of “shedding light on the independent music scene that needed a platform in the Middle East.”

The magazine’s return signifies a resurgence after its initial launch, during which it covered significant events such as the Arab Spring protests, uprisings and armed rebellions.

In a milestone moment in 2014, Rolling Stone Middle East featured the first Arab artists on its cover, showcasing Lebanese indie band Mashrou’ Leila.

Produced by HGW Media in Dubai under license from the US-based publisher Wenner Media, Rolling Stone’s stakes were subsequently sold to Penske Media in 2017.