We had a chance to interview Areej Masri, Marketing Executive, Porsche Centre Bahrain to know all about her life in Bahrain, and her journey in the marketing field working with some of the popular global brands! Read all about it in our latest Bahrain Bios!
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your Bahrain story?
I’m Egyptian-Palestinian, and my family moved to Bahrain from the States when I was four years old, so I grew up here. Having been brought up in Bahrain, it’s home to me in every way.
Being a hybrid, you tend to feel connections to every part of you, and while I’m proud to be Egyptian-Palestinian, Bahrain is just as big of a part of me. I started working as a teenager in a family-owned business that provided staffing for events, conferences, etc., and while it was a part-time job, it was an experience that shaped me – to meet people from all walks of life and being able to really see what goes into the different fields in Bahrain.
What led you to a career in marketing in Bahrain?
I fell in love with marketing when I discovered just how many different things can affect a person’s perception of a product or service. It also fascinates me how there are so many forms of marketing – both direct and indirect. Having worked as part-time staff at events, and promotions, as well as with the Redbull team, I learned that marketing is a layered, multi-faceted field that’s a very important part of making a product or service successful. Marketing isn’t just about promoting or advertising something – it’s about creating experiences and connections to the public.
“Nobody counts the number of ads you run; they just remember the impression you make.” — Bill Bernbach
What have been some of your highlights working in this field?
Having worked with Redbull while I was in university, I had the opportunity to drive the Redbull Mini Cooper and to also explore how, as a Wings Team member, the marketing aspect, while indirect, was still very much prevalent. The objective was to provide information on the product while also providing the public with an experience. It led to many inspiring interactions with local artists and athletes, which really enlightened me on just how diverse and multicultural the people of Bahrain are.
Fast-forward to the present, where I’ve been given the opportunity with not only one amazing luxury brand but three. Working with Porsche, as well as Bentley and Lamborghini, comes with many highlights and surreal experiences. The ability to dive deep into what makes the brands and the products so special, and to take that and present it to the public is a big part of why I love marketing. With brands such as Porsche, marketing isn’t just about informing people of the quality of the product, it’s about showing them and making them become part of an experience. I have the opportunity to experience the products and what the brands have to offer first-hand, and being able to market them is a privilege I’m forever grateful for.
What do you love most about Bahrain?
Bahrain is a place filled with such a mixture of cultures and traditions, one always feels like they belong. There’s something for everyone here, opportunities and experiences around every corner – Bahrain is the definition of home is where the heart is. I can’t pinpoint only one thing that I love about Bahrain because it’s that combination of modernity, traditionalism, diversity and that overall cozy feeling I love about Bahrain. It’s home, always has been.
What do you do and where do you go to relax in Bahrain?
That really depends on my mood – I enjoy activities like bowling, billiards, and recently, padel. But I also love to try new food and we’re fortunately blessed with an abundance of restaurants and different cuisines. One of my favorite places on the island is Bahrain Bay. When the weather is nice, being able to rent an electric scooter and explore the bay, or even walking along the water or sitting at one of the cafes overlooking the skyline is a centering experience.