Mastering The Future of User Acquisition: Apptrove & Adgully’s Closed-Loop Roundtable in Dubai

The rules of user acquisition are changing faster than ever—and 2026 is set to be a defining year. As privacy regulations tighten, user expectations rise, and channels fragment, marketers can no longer rely on old playbooks. Recognizing this shift, Apptrove, in collaboration with Adgully, brought industry leaders together for an exclusive closed-loop roundtable titled “Master the Future of User Acquisition in 2026.” Held on 3rd February 2026 at The Westin Mina Seyahi, Dubai, the event created a space for honest conversations, shared learning, and forward-looking strategies.

The session was led by the strategic duo from Apptrove: Udit Verma (CMO & Co-founder) and Mukul Kaushik (CRO). Together, they steered a conversation that moved beyond surface-level metrics, diving deep into the heart of what it takes to grow a brand in an era of data privacy, AI, and hyper-competition.

Here’s a look at the “boots-on-the-ground” strategies that are shaping the future of digital growth.

1. Beyond the Click: Trust and Personalization

In an age of endless digital noise, trust is the new currency. For Eman Qadeer (Cusp Wealth), the challenge is balancing scale with sincerity. In wealth management, you aren’t just selling a service; you’re managing dreams. Her strategy? Hyper-personalization that doesn’t feel “creepy,” but rather supportive.

Similarly, Salman Noor (Xare) emphasized that staying ahead in the UAE’s competitive digital payments market means moving faster than the trends. Xare is focusing on adapting UA strategies that prioritize the specific cultural nuances of the region, ensuring that the first touchpoint feels local and reliable.

2. The Power of “Retail Media” and ROI

Retail is seeing a massive shift. Dhanasekaran Krishnamoorthy (MAF Carrefour) highlighted the rise of programmatic retail media. It’s no longer just about getting people into the store; it’s about optimizing every cent of ad spend across multiple channels to ensure the highest possible Return on Investment (ROI).

Aditya Kumar (Sharaf DG) echoed this sentiment, noting that the retail sector must align its acquisition strategies with how consumers actually behave today—which is often non-linear and highly influenced by digital touchpoints before they ever hit the “buy” button.

3. Staying Fresh in a Saturated World

How do you stand out when everyone is shouting? Sobin Daniel (Blink Group) keeps it simple: keep the creative fresh and watch the metrics that actually matter. It’s easy to get distracted by “vanity metrics,” but for high-growth teams, the focus is on long-term engagement.

Varun Suri (PivotRoots) shared a similar philosophy on scaling. The secret to PivotRoots’ quick growth? Staying laser-focused on long-term goals even while chasing short-term wins. It’s about building a brand that lasts, not just a campaign that pops.

4. Navigating Diverse Regions

Growth looks different in Mumbai than it does in Dubai. Pradeep Mohan (Tonic Worldwide) discussed the unique challenges of navigating both the Indian and Middle Eastern markets. The most effective strategy? Regional customization. What works in one territory might flop in another, so “regional success” depends on localizing the approach.

5. Leveraging Large-Scale Events

For Aditya Mujumdar (DWTC), user acquisition is about driving registrations for massive events. In a competitive market, he leverages digital marketing to create a “must-attend” aura, using targeted data to find the right professionals and get them through the doors.

6. Spotting the Next Big Thing

Finally, how do we know what’s coming next? Tyson Thomas (LS Digital) plays the role of a trend-spotter. By identifying emerging digital marketing shifts early—whether it’s AI-driven search or new social platforms—he integrates them into campaigns before they become “standard,” giving his clients a first-mover advantage.

The Road to 2026: The “Single Most Important Factor”

As the discussion wound down, a consensus emerged. The “Holy Grail” of 2026 won’t be a specific tool or a secret algorithm. It will be Identity and Intent. The organizations that win will be those that can accurately identify a user across fragmented platforms while respecting their privacy. They are preparing by moving away from third-party data and building robust “first-party” relationships—essentially, talking to their customers rather than at them.

Conclusion

The Apptrove and Adgully roundtable made one thing clear: the future of user acquisition is human-centric. Whether you are in retail, fintech, or events, the winners of 2026 will be the ones who treat data like a conversation and users like people.

What was the Apptrove & Adgully Roundtable in Dubai about?

The Apptrove & Adgully Roundtable focused on how user acquisition is evolving ahead of 2026, bringing industry leaders together to discuss privacy, personalization, attribution, and sustainable growth strategies.

Why was this Roundtable important for marketers planning for 2026?

This Roundtable addressed the real challenges marketers face as third-party data declines, user expectations increase, and digital channels fragment—helping brands prepare for a more privacy-first, intent-driven future.

Who participated in the Apptrove & Adgully Roundtable?

The Roundtable featured senior leaders from fintech, retail, wealth management, agencies, and events, including representatives from Xare, Cusp Wealth, MAF Carrefour, Sharaf DG, PivotRoots, Blink Group, DWTC, LS Digital, and Tonic Worldwide.



from Apptrove https://apptrove.com/apptrove-adgullys-closed-loop-roundtable-in-dubai/
via Apptrove

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