Campaign Middle East - May 2024

Cannes Lions announces 2024 Awarding Jury members from UAE

Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan, the official representatives of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in the UAE, have announced that 13 esteemed jurors will represent the UAE on the awarding panel at the 71st edition of the Cannes Lions Festival this June.

The 71st edition of Cannes Lions will witness Leo Burnett’s Kalpesh Patankar serving as the first Jury President for Industry Craft Lions,

marking the second consecutive jury representation in two years for the MENA region.

Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, said: “We’re delighted to have a balance and breadth of expertise and global representation across our juries.

“The Awarding Juries represent the global industry’s leading talent from a diverse range of disciplines, and we welcome the unique perspectives they bring. We thank them for their time, dedication and

care in setting the global creative benchmark for our industry.”

In reference to the Cannes Lions jury panel from the UAE, Ian Fairservice – Managing Partner of Motivate Media Group, said: “We are excited to see the continuous increase in the UAE’s footprint at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity.

“Kalpesh Patankar’s appointment as the second consecutive jury president in two years serves as a clear indication of the creative

industry’s development here, steered by a diverse and talented group of experts.

“This reflects the UAE’s steadfast dedication to upholding standards of excellence and innovation in advertising, marketing, and communications. With a further twelve talented jury members, each bringing their own unique perspectives to the judging process, this is a great representation of our region at the international level.”

The 2024 Awarding Jury Members from the UAE have been named as: Brand Experience & Activation: Nayaab Rais, Senior Creative Director, FP7 McCann Dubai; Creative Commerce: Sebastien Boutebel, Chief Creative Officer, Saatchi & Saatchi ME; Creative Effectiveness: Islam Eldessouky, Global VP, Creative & Strategy, Coca-Cola; Digital Craft: Stacy Andersen, Head of Digital Transformation & Innovation, Merkle MENAT; Direct: Saymon Medeiros, Creative Director, and us; Entertainment Lions For Music: Pierre Carnet, Managing Director, MENA, MassiveMusic; Film: Camila Venegas Gomez, Associate Creative Director, M&C Saatchi; Industry Craft (Jury President): Kalpesh Patankar, Chief Creative Officer, Leo Burnett; Media: Elda Choucair, Chief Executive Officer, Omnicom Media Group (MENA); Pharma: Darius LaBelle, President, BPG Group; PR: Marie Claire Maalouf, Chief Creative Officer, Edelman; Radio & Audio: Federico Fanti, Chief Creative Officer, FP7 McCann Dubai; Titanium: Ali Rez, Chief Creative Officer, Impact BBDO.

Helping make digital ads sustainable

A new business aimed at helping brands to sustainably increase digital advertising performance has launched in Dubai.

Conscious Media positions itself as a sustainable digital media partner for brands who want to reach regional and international audiences, via programmatic channels. The media partner will focus on helping brands increase their return on ad spend while decreasing their digital advertising carbon emissions.

The company is founded by Andy Powell, who previously lead InMobi in the EMEA region as VP and MD.

He said: “We have worked tirelessly to bring forth a sustainable offering to brands that not only helps to lower emissions in our industry, but also increases performance across attention, viewability, view-through rate and more.”

Conscious Media works across multiple formats such as CTV, video and display.

Produced by VML Germany and UK, Beko’s latest ad spot transports viewers into a classic murder mystery scenario featuring performances by A-list British television actors. The story began with a family dispute over a presumed heirloom. As tensions rose, the mystery heirloom was revealed to be a Beko fridge, symbolising the enduring quality and longevity of Beko appliances. The film was accompanied by a Beko Inheritance Addendum, a physical document that

The Awarding Juries represent the global industry’s leading talent from a diverse range of disciplines.

Second edition of Athar Festival to showcase AI-driven creativity

spark the passion and potential of the Kingdom’s creative community.

The second edition of Athar Festival will take place on 5-6 November 2024 in Riyadh. It will celebrate the influence of creativity and inspire a new generation of creative-first Saudi marketers. Bringing together talent and leaders from the Kingdom and beyond, the festival will feature two content stages, four young talent academies, bespoke accelerator programmes, exclusive roundtables, and the Athar Awards.

Athar – Saudi Festival of Creativity, the Kingdom’s largest gathering of the creative marketing industry, will explore the game-changing impact of creativity, powered by the confluence of human and

artificial intelligence.

Presented by Motivate Media Group, the region’s leading multi-platform content producer, and TRACCS, the largest independent, homegrown regional communications consultancy, headquartered in Saudi Arabia, this year’s festival will again serve as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and skills development, propelling the Kingdom’s creative landscape to new heights.

Building on the success of the inaugural edition that hosted over 1,400 attendees, including more than a hundred speakers, this year’s festival will

A new regional campaign for Heinz breaks down how much people wait for the product to come out of the bo le throughout their lives. The brand divulged just how much time people spend with it. According to a Heinz study, ketchup takes 5.7 seconds to come out of its trademark bo le. This data, combined with the results of a survey indicated that the average consumer enjoys Heinz ketchup three times a week, multiplied by the years of life of each person, can give us a surprising result of hours and even days. The project ran with print ads featuring shots by renowned photographer Ale Burset, as well as short format videos for social media.

It will feature various programmes, including expert sessions led by accomplished regional and global speakers, industry roundtables, exclusive C-suite sessions, accelerator programmes, a 24-hour hack competition and Academies for Young Talent, exclusively for industry professionals under 30 and university students.

Ian Fairservice, Chairman of Athar Festival and Managing Partner of Motivate Media Group, said: “Building on the immense success of the inaugural Athar Festival, the second edition will capitalise on the Kingdom’s conducive environment for creativity and innovation to foster deeper exchanges between the Saudi creative industry and its global counterparts.

“Key on the agenda will be to better understand how technology, and AI specifically, will contribute to the growth and impact of the creative sector. We are confident that the festival will strengthen the collaborative spirit within the creative industry and push the boundaries of creativity through the diverse avenues for expression, learning, and training.”

Mohamed Al Ayed, Vice Chairman of Athar Festival and CEO of TRACCS, said: “As the Kingdom intensifies efforts to position itself as the regional hub for creative innovation, it will explore the transformative influences of technology in today’s constantly evolving world, which continue to proliferate and deeply impact a broad spectrum of industries. The power of AI has unprecedented potential with infinite possibilities.”

This year, student academies and Young Athar academies will cover topics in the fields of marketing and advertising, demonstrating the festival’s commitment to supporting young talent.

The series of events will then culminate in a grand finale with the prestigious Athar Awards ceremony, on the evening of 6 November.

The festival’s “Call for Content,” inviting proposals from across the Kingdom and beyond to ensure broad coverage of relevant topics and voices at the event, will close on 24 May 2024.

DHL’s latest campaign shined a light on some of its unexpected delivery methods to reach even the world’s most remote spots. Recognising that nearly half of the global population resides in remote areas, DHL put a spotlight on the extraordinary lengths it goes to deliver, no ma er where they are. The campaign took a different approach to the industry communications, which are dominated by the pursuit of “faster, be er and first”. DHL revealed its diverse and unexpected fleet of delivery methods. DHL’s unique fleet ranges from a mountain bike, a tricycle, a boat, a camel, a canoe to a runner. The campaign visuals showed real ID trackers of actual deliveries reaching the world’s most secluded spots.

HEINZ HEINZ HOURZ

This year’s festival will serve as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration and skills development.

MCN launches influencer practice as demand increases

MCN has announced the launch of its influencer practice, designed to deliver connected creators’ strategy and execution for clients.

As the demand for influencer marketing continues to increase, MCN decided to scale its influencer capability to all of its agencies and clients across the MENAT region.

In close collaboration with content creators, MCN’s Influencer practice facilitates an integrated approach that elevates the effectiveness and impact of the client campaigns.

From ideas to execution, clients are placed at the centre of the model to facilitate authentic connections between influencer and brand, ensuring strategic business growth in today’s dynamic digital landscape.

Rami Gholmieh joins in the role of Regional Director – Influencer Marketing and will report to MCN CEO – Ghassan Harfouche.

“Driven by innovation, Rami has helped successfully lead major brands through their digital transformations and previously led the launch of a data-driven influencer practice that created impactful content with regional and international influencers, fostering vibrant online communities and creating powerful engagement across diverse industries,” MCN said in a statement.

Also joining the team is Razan Zahra, Director of Influencer. Razan is a strategic, analytical and resultsdriven communications specialist with experience in content development, building digital presence, holistic brand management and influencer marketing at companies including Rotana Media Services, Impact Porter Novelli and Yaap Digital.

Ghassan Harfouche, CEO of MCN, said: “Influencer marketing is a key capability that we have

The campaign aimed to transform pain relief advertising by deviating from the conventional portrayal of exaggerated pain experiences. These include overly exaggerated images of people holding the back of their heads, wincing, with a red dot marking the spot where they feel pain. Instead, the campaign adopted a more relatable approach.It took a look at the little pains in life such as bumping into sharp corners, stepping on stuff or

toes.

Audi picks chef as brand ambassador

Upmarket car brand Audi has unveiled celebrity chef Izu Ani as its first ever brand ambassador for the Middle East.

The German luxury carmaker revealed to Campaign Middle East that it had chosen Dubai-based Chef Izu Ani. He is the creative genius behind a number of gastronomic landmarks in the UAE.

Elmir Arnautovic, Marketing and Communications Director at Audi Middle East, said: “Aligning with Chef Izu as our ambassador in the region is a lot more than simply choosing a cool guy to associate ourselves with. It’s a strategic move that aligns with both brands’ philosophies of innovation and excellence.”

seamlessly integrated across MCN agencies to deliver richer, more impactful campaigns for our clients that foster genuine and long-lasting connections with their consumers.”

Rami Gholmieh, Regional Director of Influencer Marketing at MCN, added: “Authenticity is the ultimate influencer currency. Brands that forge genuine partnerships with culturally-attuned creators will unlock a treasure trove of long-term trust and engagement.”

He added: “His story and achievements, not just in the culinary world, mirror the attributes we cherish at Audi – creativity, dedication and the pursuit of constantly exceeding boundaries.

“The partnership goes beyond conventional brand-ambassador alignments. As a marketer, I viewed this partnership not just as a strategic move but as a deeply personal endorsement of our brand’s core identity,” Arnautovic added.

“It’s a testament to Audi’s unwavering commitment to delivering unique experiences and forging meaningful connections with our valued customers across the region.”

Billboard Arabia introduced Sounds of the Land, a music initiative that transforms the iconic landscapes of the Arab world into “unique and mesmerising” sounds. To bring this “first-of-its-kind” project to life, Billboard Arabia collaborated with scientists and sound engineers to analyse maps and use topographic techniques to extract data from five locations in MENA. This data was then transformed into unique sounds, mirroring the distinct patterns of the landscapes onto vinyl recordings, allowing each location to be heard as an artistic expression.

stubbing

PANADOL PAIN IS EVERYWHERE

BILLBOARD ARABIA SOUNDS OF THE LAND

Rami Gholmieh (left) joins as regional director and Razan Zahra will be director at Influencer

HungerStation and Fananees team up in Ramadan

Hungerstation’s new brand mascot and Fananees build strong emotional connections in Ramadan

The onset of Ramadan saw Saudi Arabia’s first delivery app

HungerStation’s brand new mascot teaming up with MBC’s beloved characters, Fananees World.

Through a series of engaging videos, HungerStation’s new brand character ventured into the 3D world of Fananees, using his superpowers to solve everyday challenges faced by the characters.

These challenges, such as getting delicious food for futoor table gatherings or finding the perfect gift, mirrored the real-life scenarios that consumers encounter during the festive season.

The character showcased superpowers that echoed HungerStation’s brand attributes, from sonic speed reflecting the speed of delivery to conjuring all types of food and items that reflected the brand’s various offerings on the app.

Mohammed Jifri, CMO of HungerStation, highlighted the importance of the campaign in helping to achieve marketing goals.

He stated, “Our new brand character, has brought us closer to our customers than ever before, leading to fantastic collaborations such as Fananees World.”

“This collaboration allowed us to seamlessly enter a beloved fantasy world, appealing to a wide range of age groups in Saudi Arabia. Through this initiative, we were able to communicate our brand offerings in a fun and relatable manner, leaving a lasting impression on our audience.”

The campaign ran across various platforms such as OOH, TV, Shahid, social media ( Instagram, X and TikTok) and the platform’s own app.

Integrating the campaign into the app, Hungerstation visually revamped its app communication and experience to reflect the campaign.

Users could also play an in-app game where they could search for the beloved Fananees characters within the app to win prizes.

BEHIND THE CAMPAIGN

Earlier this year, HungerStation unveiled a fresh brand identity along with a new mascot, signalling a strategic move to resonate and build meaningful connections with its young target audience.

With this new strategy, HungerStation tapped into the occasion of Ramadan to communicate its values to the Saudi youth, specifically those between the ages of 18 and 35.

“Ramadan is a special occasion filled with warmth and emotions. Our collaboration with MBC Fananees has capitalised on this emotional atmosphere, creating relevant content that evokes feelings of joy and happiness, portraying the significance of the occasion,” shared Ahmad Chatila, the Director of Brand and Communication at HungerStation.

The brand leveraged the Fananees, who are beloved characters associated with Ramadan in Saudi, to communicate their offers in Ramadan.

By tapping into the nostalgia and popularity of Fananees,

HungerStation engaged with Saudi youth on an emotional level, delivering content that was not only entertaining but also relatable.

The videos with Fananees also created a strong platform for the new brand character to come to life, showcasing the mascot’s emotional appeal from its reactions, feelings to personality traits.

One of the challenges of the campaign was to translate HungerStation’s mascot from 2D into the 3D world of Fananees. The team successfully animated the mascot without compromising its characteristics and while keeping it recognisable for consumers.

HungerStation also used this opportunity to highlight the brand’s benefits and services through the mascot’s superpowers.

“It was a great opportunity for us at HungerStation to communicate our brand attributes, introduce our new character, and further connect with our audience,” added Chatila. The videos positioned the mascot as the main star of the films, allowing it to shine and be recognised as a strong brand symbol for HungerStation.

THE RESULTS

The videos and the new character were met with positive responses from the audience. Many people raved about the character and its interactions.

The success of the campaign also reflected the success of the partnership between HungerStation and MBC.

“This strategic alliance has truly left its mark across Saudi Arabia for this Ramadan. The success of this partnership is truly an example of smart advertising,” said, Ahmad Haidar, Managing Director – Dentsu KSA.

“I am honored to have been part of orchestrating a comprehensive full fledged campaign alongside Hungerstation and MBC, that deeply resonates with our audience. This partnership showcases the effectiveness of merging imaginative storytelling with strategic alliances to create unforgettable experiences.”

Bassel Ghoussainy, Head of Business Development and Licensing at MBC Group, stated: “This collaboration with HungerStation exemplifies the power of creativity and innovation, seamlessly integrating our Fananees vibrant universe with HungerStation’s commitment to exceptional service.

“Together, we’ve not only met consumer demands but also created an immersive experience that resonates with audiences far and wide. This partnership reinforces our dedication to bringing joyful moments to families and creating memorable stories, both during the festive season and beyond,” adds Ghoussainy.

The collaboration showcases the power of creative storytelling and strategic alliances. By integrating brand messaging with beloved characters and cultural moments, HungerStation has created an immersive experience that resonates with consumers and reinforces its position as a leader in the delivery app market.

INDUSTRY VIEW:

What’s the last ad you watched without skipping?

Home Centre – Ramadan Collection

Where: YouTube

Why: The Home Centre video ad humorously fosters togetherness beyond furniture promotion, tapping into Ramadan’s essence of hospitality and community. It maintains warmth, capturing the light-hearted joy of festivities while balancing humour with heartfelt portrayals of iftar preparation. Home Centre encourages viewers to embrace gathering and sharing, revelling in the familial feeling despite the chaos and ‘oops’ moments. Aligning with Ramadan’s cultural significance, the ad positions Home Centre not just as a retailer but as a facilitator of cherished traditions. Cleverly combining humour with emotional resonance, it creates a memorable portrayal of Ramadan’s spirit.

– Aalishaan Mahboob, Associate Business Director – Innovation & Growth, Publicis Groupe ME

KFC – Kentucky Fried Turkey for Christmas?

Where: YouTube

Why: KFC once again nailed it for Christmas 2023 with their Kentucky Fried Turkey Campaign. Pushing the boundaries to grip viewers to really see if KFC would define the odds and create a turkey burger. But in true KFC humour, they kept the audience guessing till the end where they revealed ‘we ignored you’. It definitely kept me hooked, despite no turkey burger – what a great ad!

– Jemma Starzecki, Senior Vice President - Marketing, Al Ghurair Properties

IKEA – Proudly Second Best

Where: YouTube

Why: I couldn’t skip IKEA’s “Proudly Second Best” ad, it’s a stroke of genius for many reasons. The most important part of the ad is its subtlety and intelligence. The campaign includes three brief video clips showcasing a scene with a parent and their child, with the words “Proudly Second Best.” Frankly, the ad caught my attention because it’s so brave. Consider it: when was the last time you saw an advertisement for a product that a company was trying to sell, which was lying on a table and not being used while people did something else entirely? The ad isn’t about the products; it’s about IKEA’s brand’s values.

– Karen Barboza, Senior Marketing Executive, BackLite Media

Prime Video India – Jaggu Dada Mode

Where: Instagram

Why: With a stream of April Fool’s Day jokes, what truly tickled my funny bone was a collaboration between veteran Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff and Amazon Prime Video India. Jackie Shroff, also known as Jaggu Dada, performs an epic Mumbai dialect as subtitles to over 350 shows, and did it deliver a peal of power-packed laughter from my desk - absolutely. We have curtailed the joy of dialects with our submersive subtitle-viewing culture. Jackie Shroff’s comedic mastery (and also kudos to the guy playing the part from Amazon) brought not only laughter but also nostalgia for the days of deciphering dialects, making this ad truly unskippable!

– Raksha Uttamchandani, Founder, CommSense PR

WoMen’s Football –Orange France

Where: YouTube

Why: If I say I don’t skip ads, I will lie to all of you. And if there’s one thing worse than a bad ad, it is an ad you cannot skip. The frustration of being held captive by an ad, unable to move on to the content you actually want to see, is a feeling we can all relate to.

Unless this ad is so great that you stick to it instead of seeing a cute husky enjoying snow for the first time or even that unnecessary tutorial you will never use in your daily routine.

We all know the theory: the best unskippable ads are those that don’t look like ads and have entertainment as the core of the idea.

The hard part? See one of those out there. Considering all this, I can’t name another campaign besides WoMen’s Football, by Orange France. It’s football. It is 2 minutes long (!). It’s a powerful message. Most importantly, it is an advertising class on supporting, engaging, and creatively retaining attention in the digital era. When you see (and I really recommend you do so), it will be too late to skip.

– Saymon Medeiros, Creative Director, And Us

The Best Obsess – WHOOP

Where: YouTube

Why: I recently saw the WHOOP ad on YouTube – the campaign was called ‘The Best Obsess,’ and I absolutely loved it. What made this unskippable was three components. The first part was that it was tied to the fitness affinity which I often search for, so the media moment was spot on. The second part was that unlike a lot of tech brands, it blended the functional, personalised data, with the emotional, lifestyle activities, hitting that midpoint in a dynamic video. Lastly, WHOOP leveraged its A-list celebrities in different fields to create a sense of aspiration and intrigue for different audiences throughout the entire film.

– Elias Karam, Strategy Director, Grey Dubai

The Chase for Carrera Film –TAG Heuer

Where: TV

Why: In this ad, Tag Heuer celebrates the Carrera’s 60 year-anniversary by emphasising that the race never stops with an epic chase. Even though it’s a 5-minute ad within an ad within an ad, it’s a lot more interesting than a lot of 60-seconder TVCs. It’s a short movie with blockbuster actors, fusing comedy with action while being very on-brand. And the hero? Not Ryan Gosling but the iconic watch. Using actors is an almost foolproof way to get views, but it’s so expensive that it needs to create brand love, sales and engagement too. This one definitely paid off.

– Rémy Abouchakra, Founder & CEO, OUI agency

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VICE MEDIA – ALIVE AND WELL IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Despite troubles within the wider group, VICE’s regional operation is expanding, writes

Justin Harper

Vice Media Group has been in the headlines with bankruptcy talk, fears that it is laying off hundreds of workers and no longer publishing journalism on its website. Many of these reports are “misleading”, according to Tarek Khalil, Managing Director of MEA for VICE.

In an exclusive interview with Campaign Middle East, he sought to set the record straight and highlight the healthy state of its Middle East division.

“Contrary I think to what the (news) outlets have said, our website is not shutting down. We are just restrategising our content approach.”

Khalil explained the background behind the VICE Group’s troubles, and how it is in a restructuring phase. “It’s no longer cost effective for us and the industry as a whole to distribute content the way we have done previously.

“Moving forward, our publishing arm is transitioning into more of a studio model and as part of this shift we’re putting more emphasis on our social channels because that’s where people engage with our content the most.

“Obviously with every restructure there’s the very unfortunate and heartbreaking part where we lose great people and obviously with this restructure we have lost some great people. We haven’t been too affected in the region here. VICE as a brand isn’t going anywhere,” he proclaimed.

VICE Group MEA has around 7 million monthly users in the Middle East engaged across its platforms. Saudi is its highest audience size of around 5.5 million. Its editorial platform is called VICE Arabia.

As it continues to grow, it has reinforced its team this year. Rafael Lavor joined as Head of Strategy for the Middle East and Africa, while John Davenport joined as a regional ECD.

The new business model being adopted by the Group was rolled out two years ago in the Middle East as the forerunner.

“It was easier for us to implement this new approach because of our size. We’re almost

‘‘WE HAVEN’T BEEN TOO AFFECTED IN THE REGION HERE. VICE AS A BRAND ISN’T GOING ANYWHERE”

40 people between our UAE offices and our KSA offices.” This compares to more than 1,000 U.S- based employees fragmented across the country.

NO LABEL

But how does VICE Media describe itself, given it is a publisher, creates film, and regularly partners with brands?

“You can’t really label us. We’re not really an agency. We’re not really a publisher. We’re maybe a creative publisher.

We really see ourselves as like navigators of culture because we’re very in tune to the pulse of culture and because we are publisher-born and because we have the editorial side of our business.”

Khalil talked proudly of VICE Arabia’s work for Adidas Originals, a successful global campaign, that VICE led regionally.

Last year, Adidas launched its global Originals campaign, paying homage to the legacy of the three-stripes. “We gave the world an Original. You gave us a thousand back,” reads the campaign title – articulating the brand’s strong focus on authenticity.

As part of localising the campaign for the Middle East, Adidas MENA joined forces with VICE Arabia. The campaign kicked off featuring stories of 17 regional artists based out of the UAE and KSA. Through these narratives, the artists delved into their professional journeys and their connection with the brand’s values.

“The campaign was a massive success for Adidas because they really forged a deeper connection with their audiences. It really served as a platform for sharing original stories from the region and people really got engaged with that and started sharing their own stories as well.”

“Our campaign was centered around their authenticity, their spontaneity. We wanted to shed a light on the journey that each of them had in life, embracing things like their successes, their setbacks and the paths that they took.”

VICE Media is focused on Gen Z, an audience that craves authenticity. It has partnered with Sole DXB, a popular youth festival and sponsored the skate park at the venue in December.

This Gen Z expertise positions VICE Media well to tap into the Saudi youth culture.

It has helped launch two new brands in the Kingdom aimed at young peoplefor a dates company (Nua) and coffee manufacturer (Jazeen). So how do you go about making dates cool, when they resonate more with the older generation?

“There’s obviously a massive drive for you getting people to be more healthy in the Kingdom.

“And that was one of the angles that we considered, putting a big spotlight on the health benefits of dates. We created a brand that actually connects with the youth.”

APRIL

CAMPAIGN BREAKFAST BRIEFING (DUBAI, UAE)

Marketing Strategies 2024: Gaming, Audio, Video and more

NOV

CAMPAIGN BREAKFAST BRIEFING (DUBAI, UAE) Out of Home 2024

OCT

MAY

CAMPAIGN

SAUDI BRIEFING (RIYADH, KSA) Talent & Technology 2024

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BRIEFING (RIYADH, KSA) Media & Marketing 2024 For

NOV ATHAR SAUDI FESTIVAL OF CREATIVITY 2024 (RIYADH, KSA)

DEC

SEPT

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CAMPAIGN MEDIA NETWORKING NIGHT (DUBAI, UAE)

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The Future is Now: AI, VR, AR, Performance Marketing

CAMPAIGN AGENCY OF THE YEAR MIDDLE EAST AWARDS (DUBAI, UAE)

CELEBRATING ‘ROCK STARS’

Heriot Watt University Dubai’s Edinburgh

Business School announces scholarship winners from Campaign’s Faces To Watch 2024

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

The Agency Faces to Watch awards by Campaign Middle East are highly coveted by the region’s creative industry, providing an excellent opportunity for young professionals to exhibit their creative abilities, demonstrate their passion, enhance their professional image, and advance their careers. These awards also assist employers in identifying the most talented rising stars.

PROGRAMME AND COURSES

Employers in the Middle East highly value in-depth knowledge of digital marketing. A critical understanding of relevant theory and a capacity to master contemporary digital marketing skills can enhance future employability prospects in this dynamic and fast-moving field.

Target Internet’s 2023 Digital Skills Benchmark report, published in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), underscores the importance of continually investing in digital marketing skills. Heriot-Watt University Dubai’s Edinburgh Business School (EBS) offers a master’s degree in digital marketing, a key to unlocking your potential as a marketing professional. The programme, designed with a focus on market relevance and concentration on concepts and techniques, is accredited by the CIM, providing graduates with prior recognition on some progressional qualification modules.

The programme incorporates collaborative projects with industry partners, giving them real-world experience. Students also have the flexibility to choose from course semester options, aligning their studies with their interests and career goals. These courses cover a wide range of digital marketing skills and management competencies, equipping them with the tools to excel in their careers. By bridging the gap in the use and application of digital technologies in marketing, the programme reflects the university’s commitment to promoting leadership in the marketing field and preparing the next generation of leaders with the combination of skills to succeed in their marketing careers.

COLLABORATION WITH CAMPAIGN

As a notable voice for the marketing and communications industry in the region, Campaign Middle East aligns with the goals of Heriot-Watt University Dubai’s programmes, which are to be practice-led and support young professionals in advancing their careers.

Professor Fiona Robson, Head of Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, said: “I am delighted that our relationship with Campaign Middle East continues to flourish, and this is the fourth year of our successful collaboration. It reflects the positive impact that this campaign has had for our organisations, as well as all the companies and talented professionals in this region.”

Professor Robson announced the winners across creative, digital, media, and PR. Each winner will receive a 30 percent scholarship, and the overall winner will receive a 100 percent scholarship to pursue the MSc in Digital Marketing at Edinburgh Business School, Dubai.

“It has been really inspiring to read the nominations; there are so many talented people working in this region. Reviewing the applications was genuinely a challenging process due to the high quality of the submissions we received”. After careful consideration, we can confirm the winners are:

FULL 100 PER CENT SCHOLARSHIP WINNER SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

RANEEM ALSAYED

PR Account Executive, Viola Communications

Raneem’s submission showed that her personal values are very much aligned to those of the University. Her application was very detailed, and she demonstrated a clear passion for PR which is reflected in her achievements to date. The strong desire to study for a Master’s degree at Heriot Wa University Dubai was illuminated throughout.

Raneem’s submission focused specifically on PR before a useful mapping articulating the synergy and relationships with digital marketing helped her stand out. It is clear that Raneem had done her research and dived into the content of the MSc programme to reflect upon how the theory, knowledge and skills will be developed through completing the relevant courses. She also very clearly identifies the importance of soft skills and her commitment to enhancing them in the spirit of continuous improvement. A further strength was the longer-term view of what this qualification will mean and how this could shape her future career.

Professor Fiona Robson, Head of Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Wa University Dubai

CREATIVE CATEGORY

CELINE ABBOUD

Manager - Strategy & Insights, Leo Burne

It was striking to review Celine’s submission and read about how she was able to pivot her work and expertise during the pandemic to support organisations. This positive and creative approach is woven throughout her application. Celine provided a compelling case to represent the creative category by exploring the anticipated personal and professional growth that can be a ained from a Master’s programme.

30 PER CENT SCHOLARSHIPS WINNERS

DIGITAL CATEGORY

RACHEL ANN

BRAGANZA

Social Media Account Director ,TishTash Communications

It is clear from her submission that Rachel is passionate about the work that she does and has channelled this passion into everything that she has achieved. There were some really interesting reflections about the regional context and how this may impact digital media, and this will certainly be a useful mindset when studying for her Master’s degree. The application also stood out through clear metrics and data analytics links.

MEDIA CATEGORY PR CATEGORY

MAYA ALSHEAKH

Senior Executive

–

Planning, UM UAE

Maya’s supporting statement from her line manager was compelling and highlighted the impact she has already made in a short time. This ability to hit the ground running will also serve her well as a Master’s student. Maya’s passion shines through and she was very thoughtful about how studying different perspectives (e.g. psychology and consumer behaviour) could be brought together and applied in the workplace.

REBECCA REGO

Account Manager, Edelman Middle East

Rebecca ‘s submission stood out because of her reflections on her career to date and how she presents the benefits of studying for a Master’s degree.

Rebecca’s line manager submi ed an exceptional supporting statement, identifying the impact she has had. It is clear that Rebecca is already very successful, so her aspiration for deeper learning is impressive. She has also thought about the soft skills she will enhance as well as her theoretical knowledge of the degree.

ABDALLAH SALM, 26

Toni Raad, Senior Manager - Communications, Publicis GroupeOne Energy Lebanon: Adham is a force to be reckoned with and surely one of the faces to watch. Not only is he a great person but also the ideal individual to work with. He’s passionate, dedicated, and always gets things done no matter the complexity; and mind you, we’ve worked on complex projects. A great writer, planner, project manager, and the perfect client companion, Adham is an inspiration to all those who work with him. He is a superstar in the making. C R E A T I V E F A C E S T O W A T C H C R E A T I V E F A C E S T O W A T C H

ABDELRAHMAN GAD, 28

Account Manager, Brodmann10

Noor Shihab, Managing Director, Brodmann10:

If I were to rename Abdallah, he’d be “WIP”. He embodies it, starting his journey preindustry in Iraq, swiftly adapting to its demands. What sets him apart? His hunger for learning and adaptability. Abdallah’s tale with Brodmann is striking. From startup to agency of the year for two years running, he’s the team’s cornerstone. Trusted by all –team, management, vendors, clients – his mark is on every successful campaign we launch.

ABDULLAH

ALMUDAYFIR, 25

Copywriter, VML Riyadh

Firas Ghannam, Creative Director, VML Riyadh: Abdullah is one of the great creative talents at our agency. He has proven his remarkable ability to craft narratives that not only engage but also resonate with audiences across various platforms. His skill in weaving profound cultural insights into brand messaging distinguishes his work, making it not just effective but memorable. Abdullah’s versatility shines in his work, as he transforms his writing style to meet the unique demands of each project, consistently delivering fresh and unexpected perspectives.

ADHAM AL SAABI, 29

Content Manager, Publicis Groupe - One Energy Lebanon

Art Director, Leo Burnett UAE

Muhammad Ali, Executive Creative Director, Leo Burnett UAE: Abdelrahman, or Abdo, is an art director/designer by day, artist by night, and a font fanatic all the time. When he isn’t dreaming up new things to do with typography, Abdo runs workshops for the region’s design community at Al Serkal or in his hometown of Cairo. Putting his passion for type and social impact to good use, Abdo lit up the stage at Dubai Lynx with powerful entries like Zael and Maqroo that helped bring home a Grand Prix.

AHMAD ALAMRI,

29

Associate Design Director, Publicis Groupe - One Energy KSA

Marc Maftoum, Creative Director, Publicis Groupe - One Energy KSA: Ahmad’s journey embodies the power of passion. Leveraging his engineering background, he’s become a highly skilled Associate Design Director, constantly pushing boundaries. Ahmad consistently generates award-winning ideas, inspiring his team and leading by example. His dedication to lifelong learning is unmatched. He stays ahead of trends, readily shares knowledge, and keeps his team at the forefront. Ahmad is a true asset, fostering a dynamic and innovative team culture.

ADRIAN IBASCO, 27

Creative Video Editor, Action Global Communications

Rayan Ahmed, Director - Action Studios & Digital Creative Lead, Action Global Communications:

Adrian is is a standout talent at our agency. With a passion for storytelling and an impeccable eye for detail, he brings narratives to life with finesse and his innovative approach and creativity to video editing consistently exceeds expectations. Furthermore, his innate understanding of what’s happening around him and his technical prowess to deliver impactful video content empowers him to craft outstanding ideas.

AHMAD NOOR, 28 Account Manager, TBWA\RAAD

Wassim Abi Salloum, Managing Director – Nissan United, TBWA\RAAD: Ahmad is a driving force within our Nissan United operations at TBWA\ RAAD. Cherishingly nicknamed by everyone in the team as ‘The Academic’ for his extremely clear and enlightening points-of-view. Ahmad possesses the perfect blend of business trustworthiness and love for the creative work. With a knack for understanding client needs, he ensures seamless communication and execution from conception to completion. Whether it’s orchestrating multi-platform campaigns or navigating complex project timelines, Ahmad has quickly become a pillar within the clientservices team.

ALLI ASIF, 30

Copywriter, Brand New Galaxy MEA

Katherine Ka Wai Ho, Creative Lead, Brand New Galaxy MEA: Ali charged into the role with high energy and genuine passion! His clear communication skills have been instrumental in deciphering complex market dynamics, and consistently unearthing valuable insights. Ali’s adept writing style brings fresh perspectives into our discussions, fueling innovation and driving tangible results. He’s an indispensable asset to our team, and I have full confidence in his continued success.

AMAKA ZULU, 28

Jr. PR Manager, Umami Comms

Marjorie Chapas, Head of PR, Umami Comms:

I’ve had the privilege of working with Amaka for nearly two years now, and she has consistently impressed me with her adaptability in working with various clients and her extensive connections in the market. Amaka is not only an excellent PR and project manager but also consistently goes above and beyond to deliver outstanding results. It’s evident that when Amaka is involved in a project, significant media coverage follows. Her true professionalism allows her to build deep connections with both clients and the media.

ALI AL MUBARAK, 30

Senior Content Creator & Film Creative, Hill and Knowlton

Farah El Sayegh, Production Lead, Hill and Knowlton: Ali consistently exceeds expectations, demonstrates exceptional creativity and problem-solving skills across multiple projects, and actively seeks opportunities to contribute and learn within the agency. His dedication and proactive approach make him a valuable asset who has proven himself to be deserving of the recognition.

AMALEE BEVAN, 29

Marcom Manager, C2 Communications

Layal Elsayed, Business Director, C2 Communications: Amalee is a young, vibrant soul, deeply dedicated to her work. Day in and day out, she’s fully immersed in her craft, demonstrating an unwavering commitment that’s truly admirable. Despite her different background, she’s seamlessly integrated into our team, swiftly mastering every aspect of her role and leaving a lasting impression on everyone she meets. Amalee’s got that youthful spark and drive that’s going to shake things up big time.

AMINE OUAHBI, 30

Communications Manager, Zia Creative Network

Waseem Yakdi, CEO, Zia Creative Network: Amine has been an exceptional asset to our team, demonstrating unparalleled dedication and expertise in communications and marketing. His strategic vision, combined with a profound understanding of our clients’ needs, has significantly propelled our brand forward. Amine’s ability to seamlessly manage complex projects while fostering strong client relationships is truly remarkable. His innovative strategies and meticulous attention to detail have not only enhanced our brand visibility but also substantially increased client satisfaction.

ANA JULIA DE OLIVEIRA, 26

Manager - Strategy & Insights, Publicis Groupe

Tahaab Rais, Group Chief Strategy Officer, Publicis Groupe ME&T:

I met Ana Julia at a conference last year where she was a panelist. Watching her, at that young age, with the intelligence, confidence and attitude she had, I knew we had to have her on our team. She plays a crucial role at Publicis Groupe, looking after key clients across our agencies, and also drives two very exciting and creatively-stimulating initiatives. She demonstrates a balance between a creative and strategic mind which makes her a gifted talent.

AVA MAUREEN PACLIBAR, 30 Art Director, Quill Communication

Pavishia Nair, COO, Quill Communication:

Ava is a standout in our creative team, turning every project she works on into something special. She has a unique way of making everything she touches better, thanks to her amazing skill in making visuals tell stories.

Ava puts her heart into every job, adding a touch of magic that really shows her love for design.

BRENTON BURNS, 30

Senior English Copywriter, BPG

Darius LaBelle, President, BPG: Brenton is not only an excellent copywriter, versatile for his years, but also a key lynchpin in the culture of our agency. This is evidenced by his ability to build relationships with our most senior clients, and be the go-to-person for the voice of their brands. I have no doubt that Brenton will be running a department soon. He displays an understanding of the ‘business of advertising’ that is rare to find.

BRAEDEN BIHAG, 23

Senior Creative, Almost Impossible Agency

Amit Kapoor, Head of Creative, Almost Impossible Agency: Writing a recommendation for Braeden is probably the easiest gig in the world. One of the sharpest knives in the kitchen, the lad can do it all. He designs. He designs products. He writes. He photographs. All, quite brilliantly, if I might add. His Gold at the recent Young Lions is just going to be one of the obscene number he will win in his lifetime.

ANTHONY FEGHALY, 24

Graphic Designer, AGA ADK

Dany Azzi, Executive Creative Director, AGA ADK:

Anthony is a combination of a curious mind, an artistic spirit and a joyful heart. When he joined the agency, he brought an immense value with his design skills, his creative mind, and an unmatched eagerness in pursuing perfection. Anthony is a talented calligrapher and illustrator. What makes him special is his continuous striving to sharpen his skills in the ever changing communication and digital spaces. A raw artist like Anthony is a great addition to any team.

CARL KHOURY, 28

Senior Copywriter, Memac Ogilvy Dubai

Steve de Lange, Executive Creative Director, Memac Ogilvy Dubai:

Our industry is built on the backs of two kinds of people – those with the creative vision to dream up new ideas and those who through sheer grit and determination help see those ideas come to life. Carl is that rarest of things – a serendipitous combination of both. His talent, imagination and inexhaustible work ethic are not just an asset but a beacon that inspires and energises those around him.

CARIKE DE JAGER, 27

Graphic Designer, BPG

Darius LaBelle, President, BPG:

With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of visual storytelling, Carike has consistently delivered innovative designs that not only capture the essence of our brand but also resonate deeply with our audience. Their creativity, coupled with a strong technical skill set, has been instrumental in the success of our campaigns. Her ability to transform ideas into compelling visual narratives is truly remarkable, making them a standout talent deserving of recognition in this prestigious nomination.

CELINE ABBOUD, 26

Manager - Strategy & Insights, Leo Burnett Lebanon

Tahab Rais, Chief Strategy Officer, Publicis Groupe ME&T:

Celine is one of our most creatively-driven strategists in our regional hub. She has an energy and drive that is second-to-none. From proactive briefs for brands and causes, to new models of thinking and ideation, to research and knowledgesharing with her entire strategy community, she’s a gem. She has earned respect and trust in a very short period of time with us. She’s well on her way to becoming one of our pillars and is a star worth watching.

CYNTHIA GEORGES, 25

Art Director, Publicis Groupe - Creativity at Scale

DALAL KAREEM, 28

Senior Manager - Strategy & Insights, Publicis Middle East

Tahaab Rais, Group Chief Strategy Officer, Publicis Groupe ME&T: Dalal joined as a bright Saudi talent with immense potential. Over the past year at Publicis ME, she brought that spark on many facets of her role as a Senior Manager. She’s extremely insightful on major briefs on our biggest brands she has been entrusted with. Her can-do spirit has led her to winning awards for us at Jay Chiat Awards and Effies. I’m proud and happy to see her succeeding, as she keeps uncovering her potential on what will be a very meaningful journey.

DANA CHARAF, 30

Social Media Manager, Around The Clock

Farid Matta, Executive Creative Director, Around The Clock:

Dana stands out as an exceptional talent in the creative domain, notably excelling as a social media manager. Her innate creativity, coupled with an unwavering work ethic, sets her apart. Dana’s proactive approach ensures that innovative and engaging content is consistently delivered, maintaining the highest standards of quality and creativity. Her ability to understand and anticipate client needs is unparalleled, leading to highly effective campaigns. Clients consistently praise her work, highlighting her unique blend of creativity, dedication, and clientfocused service.

Diana Saleh, Senior Creative Director, Publicis Groupe - Creativity at Scale: Cynthia, an exceptional art director, embodies collaboration, open-mindedness, and dedication. Her technical prowess, coupled with strong values, sets her apart. Dedicated to excellence, she communicates effectively, fostering teamwork and achieving common goals. Her positivity and commitment enrich our team. Cynthia’s technical proficiency in art direction is remarkable. With mastery of design principles and a keen eye for detail, she creates visually stunning work. From ideation to execution, she navigates the creative process adeptly, exceeding expectations. Her skills in conceptualisation,

CHRISTINE KUBAHJI, 27

Designer, Seven Studios ME

Sara Raffaghello, Creative Managing Director, Seven Studios ME:

Christine is a multidisciplined creative with a wealth of experience working for large clients, including the likes of BNET and Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. Her unique artistic flair and creative social media designs set her apart as a valuable asset to any team, while her background in science means that she is adept at analysing strategies and identifying innovative solutions to challenges. She has also pioneered storyboarding within the agency, so much so that clients are making direct requests for her support.

DAI ALMOKADEM, 27

Account Manager, Serviceplan Experience

Khaled Hakim, Business Director, Serviceplan Experience: Dai joined us recently and has become a source of energy and excitement to our team. With a distinguished level of passion, professionalism, coupled with excellent project management skills, Dai has already made remarkable impact. With diligence, and a dedicated approach, she consistently ensures to exceeds expectations, showcasing a strong work ethic and exceptional commitment. Her charming personality not only brightens the workplace but also fosters positive relationships with colleagues and clients alike.

DEMI NIJJAR, 30

Account Manager, MCH Global

Saheba Sodhi, Head of Strategy & Region – Middle East, MCH Global: I am so excited for Demi’s growth in the agency. Her attention to detail, and client-centric approach ensure seamless project execution and a reapeatable success formula. With the balance of awarness and a high EQ, she is able to anticipate client needs, and adapt acoordingly. Always curious, naturally proactive, with a great degree of motivation, Demi has become a valued member of the team. She brings both eagerness to learn and a lightness towards the process of it.

HALA GHAZAL, 26

Senior Account Executive, Leo Burnett UAE

Vicky Kripalani, Business Lead, Leo Burnett UAE:

Her unwavering dedication to her work and commitment to achieving team goals make her a true asset. Hala consistently demonstrates her ability to collaborate effectively with others, fostering a positive and productive team environment. Her enthusiasm and diligence have made a significant impact on numerous occasions, notably during the successful execution of various marketing campaigns where her proactive approach and tireless work ethic were instrumental.

FATIMA TALAAT, 25

Manager - Strategy & Insight, Saatchi & Saatchi UAE

Tahaab Rais, Group Chief Strategy Officer, Publicis Groupe ME&T: Fatima has been one of the most impressive hires we have made in our strategy community. Her journey began with a significant win for Pepsi, while managing challenges for our megamoth tech client e&. Currently, she’s elevating creativity for brands like Visa, Nana, and Oreo, while supporting Groupe agencies on other brands. She’s very hard working and passionate. Her work on Dosy that won Gold Effies and was the third most awarded campaign at Dubai Lynx, including a Glass Lynx win, was integral to the success.

FATEMA MOHAMMED, 23

Senior Account Executive, Brodmann10

Noor Shihab, Managing Director, Brodmann10: Fatema’s journey at Brodmann has been remarkable. Joining at 21 with no prior experience, she quickly became a learning magnet. Demonstrating a senior attitude towards clients, showcasing innate understanding. Her effort in reworking a major product launch just 7 days before its scheduled date with a new campaign showcased her remarkable sense of time shaping her step into the role of Senior Account Executive. It comes as no surprise that Fatema’s outstanding performance earned her the Brodmind Award for exceptional top-tier performance within her team.

FARAH BEAINI, 29

Art Director, Quill Communications

Pavishia Nair, COO, Quill Communications:

Discovering a talent who, despite their young age, not only understands the core of creating impactful campaigns but also manifests this understanding through art of remarkable clarity and precision is truly exceptional. This individual showcases an extraordinary knack for merging imaginative creativity with strategic depth across a diverse range of industries. Her approach not only showcases her innovative spirit but also her mature interaction with clients, offering topnotch service.

HAMZA SHEIKH, 27

Head of Production, LPS

Aasim Shaik, Managing Director, LPS: Hamza leads the production department at LPS, contributing to the agency winning production team of the year in 2023. Hamza has consistently shown remarkable maturity and astute people management skills to build an A team for content creation and production. He is someone who is willing to go beyond conventional and is passionate to build for new age platforms. He has led brand engagements ranging from social 1.0 productions, short form video campaigns to gaming content with streamers.

HASSAN ELTABBAKH, 27

Account Executive, FP7/McCann Cairo

Nahla Hendy, Head of Business Leadership, FP7/McCann Cairo:

Hassan stands out with his teamwork, eagerness to learn and readiness to take on new responsibilities. It’s not just about Hassan’s technical skills that impress me, but also his football passion which he brings it effectively to work. Working with Hassan has been a pleasure, he’s of great support to his team; jumping in to support at all times. I’m confident that Hassan will be an excellent fit for this scholarship which will add to his career development.

GUILHERME CHIARELI SILVA, 30

Art Director, Oui Agency

Remy Ramy Abouchakra, CEO & Founder, Oui Agency: His transition from architecture to creative design and branding has been truly remarkable. As Art Director at Oui, Gui has consistently demonstrated unparalleled talent and dedication. His innate aesthetic sense, coupled with a passion for pushing the boundaries of graphic design and exploring the potential of AI, has significantly enhanced our projects. Gui’s leadership fosters a culture of innovation and creativity within our team, making him an invaluable asset to our organization. I have every confidence in Gui’s abilities.

HIND REMY, 24

Junior Art Director, TBWA\RAAD

Santiago Cuesta, Executive Creative Director, TBWA\RAAD:

Hind shines as a beacon of creativity and craftsmanship in visual storytelling. With an impressive understanding of design principles and cutting-edge tools, she turns concepts into captivating visuals that leave a lasting impression. Her body of work showcases a diverse range of projects executed with finesse and originality. Whether it’s crafting sleek branding assets, eye-catching campaign comms or stunning presentations, Hind consistently exceeds expectations. A team player and always keen to learn more, Hind is always pushing the boundaries of design thinking.

HIMANSHI KASHYAP, 30

Account Manager, Memac Ogilvy Dubai

Kevin Kurian, Business Director, Memac Ogilvy Dubai: In your professional journey, you’ll encounter individuals whose potential is evident to you from the outset, even if they don’t recognise it themselves. Himanshi exemplifies perseverance, diligence, business savvy, and a keen advertising intellect. Clients trust her insights, relying on her to shape their brands and campaigns, big or small. Witnessing her realise her potential is truly gratifying, and there’s no doubt she’ll continue to excel in the years ahead.

JOE ZAKKOUR, 25

Executive - Communications Consultancy, Digitas UAE

Chenine Groenewald, Business Director - Communications Consultancy, Digitas UAE: I nominate Joe for his stellar work and infectious positivity. His communication skills are top-notch, and he’s always going above and beyond. Joe’s knack for creating a collaborative and enjoyable atmosphere sparks creativity and delivers results. His commitment to excellence in client relations and team dynamics truly sets him apart. Joe’s energy and dedication make him an invaluable team member, and he’s more than deserving of this recognition.

JAMIE RALLOS, 26

Motion Graphics Artist, C2 Communications

Zahir Mirza, Executive Creative Director, C2 Communications: Jamie puts the motion in graphics. She is so ahead of the curve when it comes to edits, transitions and templates, it’s pretty head spinning. The truth is Jamie gets how social works and is always trying new things and formats in the service of the brand and what it should do on different platforms. Never losing sight of the core idea, she always finds an exciting and novel way to execute it.

HESAH ALTHUBAITI, 28

Senior Executive - Strategy & Insights, Leo Burnett KSA

Tahaab Rais, Group Chief Strategy Officer, Publicis Groupe ME&T:

As a young Saudi, she has been one of our most promising growth stories. She has made an immeasurable impact on our culture in the Saudi strategy team, and on our product. Her insights are always on point. Her creativity and flair is distinctive. Her hunger to learn and ambition to succeed are exciting. And her personality and spirit are delightful. She has excelled on all briefs, on all pitches and on all award opportunities she has touched. She’s a joy to work with.

JOANNA ALFATTANI, 25

Animator, Multimedia Designer, Serviceplan Experience

Saleh Elghatit, Executive Creative Director, Serviceplan Experience:

Joanna is incredibly talented and has an unwavering passion for expanding the animation and arts scene. Joanna’s diverse cultural background is evident in the way she thinks, as she creates characters and stories that are rich with humanistic values. She’s the President of the Cinematic Arts Council and Art Director of the International Showreel Film Festival, and her passion for her craft is truly inspiring for the whole team. She’s a rising star without a doubt.

JOLANDA VAN ROOYEN, 29

Senior Designer, Publicis Middle East

Aunindo Sen, Executive Creative Director, Publicis Middle East: Jolanda has stood out as an outstanding performer over the last couple of years. She won the Young Lynx Gold in 2023 and the Young Lion Silver in 2024. Jolanda is the perfect balance of youthful energy with old-school accountability. A superstar creative, she is not only a benchmark for the agency today, but sets the standard for what our success looks like tomorrow. What’s more, Jo has the charisma to back her brilliant work and razor-sharp eye for design.

KAAT GRIET NAESSENS,

29

Digital Designer, C2 Communications

Zahir Mirza, Executive Creative Director, C2 Communications:

Kaat is one of those rare breed of designers who has a knack of melding design and conceptual thinking into everything she does. And it’s all so seamless and effortless when she goes about her work. The thinking is sound and her sense of style and design is so unique, the work just stands out. I can’t wait to see her work being recognized at the biggest and best design and advertising award show festivals.

KARIM EL HABRE, 26

Account Executive, Saatchi & Saatchi – One Team Stellantis

Stuart Randall, Business Director, Saatchi & Saatchi – One Team Stellantis: Karim has consistently proven to be an outstanding Account Executive. His positivity, commitment to excellence, innovative solutions, and exceptional communication skills have resulted in measurable improvements in client satisfaction and account growth. He’s not only an inspiring team player, but consistently goes above and beyond to ensure success for our clients and our team. Karim’s passion for continuous learning and embracing new challenges make him an ideal candidate for Faces to Watch.

JULIA DOS SANTOS, 29

Director of Partnerships, MENA, MassiveMusic Dubai

Pierre Carnet, Managing Director, MassiveMusic Dubai: Julia is a superstar talent within our team at MassiveMusic Dubai. She has been instrumental in building out the MENA region’s leading music agency thanks to her undeniable drive, talent, ambition and professionalism. She consistently demonstrates creativity and inspiration in pitching to clients, growing the business and building successful projects, while applying a strong focus to her work, with a thorough understanding of the music and marketing industries. She’s a fantastic colleague and I believe that her future is truly bright.

JOYCE CHAMMAS, 29

Senior Multimedia Graphic Designer, Quill Communications

Pavishia Nair, COO, Quill Communications: It has just been three months and she is everyone’s go-to person in our office in Lebanon. Joyce has demonstrated exceptional creativity, significantly contributing to both client retention and acquisition. Venturing beyond her role, she explores new creative disciplines, supporting her team with unwavering dedication and honesty, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to excellence.

Remy Ramy Abou

Oui

CEO &

Julien’s journey from intern to Growth and Strategy Executive showcases exceptional talent and dedication. With a profound understanding of business operations and human psychology, he stands out. Julien’s methodical problem-solving approach, driven by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, ensures innovative strategies. His commitment to uncovering decision-making rationales is exemplary. I confidently endorse Julien for his outstanding contributions and unwavering pursuit of excellence, making him a valuable asset embodying strategic thinking in our organisation.

JULIEN ALBENQUE, 22 Planner Executive, Oui Agency

Chakra,

Founder,

Agency:

KATERINA ISMAIL, 30

Production Manager, Umami Comms

Bianca Diaz Bates, Creative Director, Umami Comms: Kat embodies the essence of Umami Comms, showcasing exceptional organisational skills, effective communication, and forward-thinking creativity that consistently surpass expectations, distinguishing her as a remarkable talent in the industry. I enthusiastically nominate Kat, with full confidence in her ability to continually innovate, challenge norms, and make a lasting impact in the field.

LINA IBRAHIM, 27

Strategy Manager, Leo Burnett UAE

Tahaab Rais, Group Chief Strategy Officer, Publicis Groupe ME&T:

Lina, or as we call her, “Baby G”, is someone I’ve had the joy to see grow, from her AUD days as one of the sharpest creative minds on the block to her initial days in the industry here, and now at Leo Burnett Dubai. She has made an impact from the time she stepped in - winning Puma business, a host of Effies, and the Grand Prix for Effectiveness at Lynx. She’s a star and is destined to shine brighter.

LOUIS BORNICHE, 26

Motion Graphics Artist, Publicis Middle East

Anton Marais, Creative Director, Publicis Middle East: Louis embodies the epitome of a dynamic, forward-thinking creative force. Hailing from Paris, his journey into the advertising world began with an early hustle, showcasing a relentless drive and passion for his craft. What sets Louis apart is his insatiable curiosity and refusal to accept limitations. His strategic mindset and willingness to push boundaries have already led to notable achievements, including victories at Dubai Lynx. Louis is not just a rising talent; he’s a visionary whose innovative approach is already enriching our industry.

LARA MEDANAT, 29

Associate Account Director, VML Dubai

Irmak Aktas, Client Services Director, VML Dubai:

Lara joined the VML family as an account executive and quickly became one of our most talented and successful members. She currently manages multiple brands under her portfolio alongside her team. Lara’s intelligence and passion for her work shine through in every account and project she undertakes. Lara is a member of the EMEA Young Council, representing the MENA region in our global network. Her dedication to excellence is evident in her ability to handle challenging situations with a positive attitude, consistently delivering innovative solutions.

LEA KHALIFE, 27

Senior Designer, Publicis Groupe - One Energy Lebanon

Marc Maftoum, Creative Director, Publicis GroupeOne Energy Lebanon: Lea’s talent and dedication are a powerful combination that makes her a rising star. She’s not content with simply meeting expectations; she actively pushes creative boundaries, which has demonstrably helped us win several awards. Her positive and collaborative spirit is infectious, energizing her peers and fostering a thriving team environment. She’s a learner, constantly upskilling herself with the latest advertising trends to keep our design edge sharp. Lea’s exceptional contributions are a clear testament to her potential for continued success.

MARIA HELENA ZAKARIA, 29

Manager - Content, Publicis Groupe - One Energy Lebanon

George Batrouni, Associate Business Director, Publicis GroupeOne Energy Lebanon: Maria is a rising star you’ll want to keep an eye on. She goes above and beyond in everything she takes on, whether in her regular account management work or when pitching in to help with strategic planning or new business initiatives. She approaches each challenge with real optimism and dedication to learning and results. She is always looking to expand her knowledge and take on more responsibility. Her flexible can-do attitude is invaluable.

LAUREN ABRAHAMIAN, 28

Manager – Communications Consultancy, Publicis GroupeCreativity at Scale

Wael El Husseini, Head of Publicis Groupe – Creativity at Scale: Lauren has been an exceptional Manager - at Publicis Groupe, consistently demonstrating leadership, creativity, project management and planning abilities. Her strong attention to details and effective problemsolving, have helped to deliver highly effective work processes and systems that enhanced the operational efficiencies as well as empowered the business partnership with regional and international brands. With Lauren’s exceptional Account Management skills, I cannot but highly endorse and recommend Lauren as she is dedicated, passionate, resultsdriven, with high work ethics.

MIRA MAJED, 23

Art Director, Publicis Levant

Raneem Sakr, Associate Creative Director, Publicis Levant: Mira brings a refreshing perspective to our creative endeavours, infusing campaigns with an imaginative flair that resonates with audiences. Her willingness to explore new ideas demonstrates a promising talent in the realm of advertising. Mira’s dedication and passion for the brands she represents shine through in every project she undertakes. Her commitment to excellence ensures that each campaign receives the attention to detail it deserves, setting a solid foundation for future growth. I confidently confirm that Mira will surely make an impact.

MARIE SOPHIE MATAR, 26

Multimedia Designer, AGA ADK

Dany Azzi, Executive Creative Director, AGA ADK:

Although Sophie only joined us three months ago, it feels as though she’s been around for a long time. Friendly, ambitious and one to embrace challenges, Sophie quickly became an indispensable team player, and a great addition to the agency pool of talents. She is a top notch Multimedia Designer with exceptional animation and editing skills topped with an eye for details. Sophie’s contribution into the work goes beyond her direct role, as she always brings a fresh perspective to the creative process.

MARIEBELLE ABDALLAH, 25

Senior Copywriter, FP7 McCann

Alaa Ghazzi, Creative Director, FP7 McCann:

As a copywriter within our agency, she has consistently displayed an exceptional ability to generate innovative and impactful concepts. Her work is not only creative but also strategic, demonstrating a rare blend of artistic flair and business acumen. With her dedication, professionalism, and evident potential, I have no doubt she will continue to shine brightly in her career, bringing fresh perspectives and driving success to any team she joins.

MEGAN FOWKES, 30

Senior Art Director, Livingroom Dubai

Seyoan Vela, CCO, Livingroom Dubai: Meghan came from working on Etisalat at BBDO, so we always knew she was a fast learner and hard worker. In two years at Livingroom ,Meghan has won the Outdoor Grand Prix at Dubai Lynx and become a thought leader on AI – having been one of the few creatives in 2023 to produce a whole campaign using Ai for our client,Expo City Dubai. As well as being the most awarded designer in the region at the Loeries.

MAZEN AL NAQIB,

28

Senior ManagerCommunications Consultancy, Leo Burnett – Studio M

Nadim Ghrayeb, Business Lead, Leo Burnett – Studio M:

A true tactician, Mazen exemplifies a rare breed of ‘suits’ in modern day marketing. His strong business acumen clubbed with strategic and creative ability allow him to take key decisions with clients and colleagues effectively. His focus on the integrated agency product and his clients’ business functions enable him to put together big picture puzzles and offer comprehensive solutions; setting him apart as one of the most promising rising talents.

MERICK SAFRED, 28

Senior Multimedia Designer, Seven Studios ME

Sara Raffaghello, Creative Managing Director, Seven Studios ME:

Merick can bring a creative and strategic outlook to his work, enabling him to approach a brief with a holistic view of all the elements involved. His deep understanding of design, client relations, and workplace empathy have seen him emerge as a leader in his field, with specialised experience in hospitality and the ability to transition to B2B. Always expressive, consistently resourceful, and admirably original, he has spearheaded accounts with incredible success.

MEHER VALECHHA, 25

Social Media & Events Executive, Nuja Inc.

Manuja Sharma, Founder & Creative Director, Nuja Inc:

Meher has been an integral (and fun) part of the Nuja Inc team for almost a year now, and her growth has been amazing! From being a temporary resource to a capable and confident executive, I am so proud of her. She is one of the most collaborative members in the studio and never backs down from a challenge. Meher receives feedback positively and is fearless in sharing it - something her colleagues and clients collectively appreciate. She is undoubtedly a face to watch.

MOHAMED HUSSEIN KHALIL, 30

Senior Videographer, Umami Comms

Bianca Diaz Bates, Creative Director, Umami Comms:

Moe isn’t just a professional; he’s a master storyteller whose passion for his craft is visible in every project. His dedication, forward-thinking mindset, and willingness to challenge conventions make him a true innovator in his field. As I witness Moe’s narrative unfold within this industry, I can’t help but feel excited about the stories and creations he’s yet to share.

MOHAMMED SAMY, 29

Art Director, Hill & Knowlton

Mirna Eskarous, Creative Director, Hill & Knowlton:

Samy’s love and knowledge of AI technology are unparalleled. Samy uses his passion for everything tech to create campaigns that are not only cutting-edge but also insightful, developing creative solutions that push the boundaries of what’s possible. He combines his exceptional craft with an eye for detail to deliver highquality campaigns. With his finger on the pulse of the latest technological advancements, Samy is undoubtedly a rising star in the industry, with a bright future ahead.

MOSTAFA FAYED, 30

Art Director, Viola Communications

Amr Ismail, Digital Creative Director, Viola Communications:

Mostafa is showing great creative potential and personal growth in his career, breaking through complex briefs while crafting and juggling projects for existing accounts, acquiring a strong presence of his creative flair in submissions. His performance has skyrocketed since last year and continues to prove ongoing growth through this year as well, showing great ownership and exceeding all expectations, making him a role model. He continuously invests in himself and self-learns art direction techniques, industry trends, and AI.

MOHAMMED SHAROOKH, 25

Videographer / Editor, Nuja Inc.

Manuja Sharma, Founder, Nuja Inc:

Sharookh is our young, aspiring videographer with a soft, cinematic eye. His creative perspective has been a lovely addition to the storytelling we undertake for our clients and partners. A young face to watch for, Sharookh’s love for videos as a medium will take him places!

OMAR ELGAMAL, 30

Arabic Copywriter, VML Dubai

Fernando Miranda, Executive Creative Director, VML Dubai: What makes Omar special is his proactive spirit. Always going beyond scheduled tasks to think of fresh ways to surprise and delight clients.

NAYAN GANEGODA, 29

Art Director, Almost Impossible Agency

Amit Kapoor, Head of Creative, Almost Impossible Agency: Nayan joined us two years ago and has made a remarkable difference to our agency. His love for big ideas, advertising craft and condensed fonts is easily recognisable. One of the joys of working with him is his ability to find newer ways of tackling similar briefs. Plus he’s an excellent photographer. A wellrounded creative really.

NAYERA YASSER, 30

PR & Communications Consultant, Ethara

Mouna Ajam, Marketing and Communications Director, Ethara: I have had the pleasure of working with Nayera on multiple projects and events spanning sport, culture and entertainment sectors. Nayera has the ability to be able to swap her various different hats and manage her responsibilities efficiently, all the while with a smile on her face. If Nayera continues to develop in her professional capacity while maintaining the personal traits she shows on a daily basis, she is destined for great things in the industry.

PATSON WILSON, 30

Senior Video Producer, Action Global Communications

Rayan Ahmed, Director – Action Studios & Digital Creative Lead, Action Global Communications:

Patson is a maestro in the making. With a natural talent for storytelling, a keen eye for detail and a passion for filmmaking, Patson consistently pushes the boundaries of videography. Patson’s commitment to storytelling isn’t just professional; it’s personal, infusing soul into every frame he captures. His mastery of the entire video production process, from meticulous preproduction planning to flawless execution behind the camera, is unmatched. With his pursuit of perfection, Patson is undeniably destined for greatness.

RACHELLE AGHA, 29

Art Director, Publicis Levant

Jean Paul Moubarak, Business DirectorCommunications Consultancy, Publicis Levant: Rachel is a creative force to be reckoned with, breathing life into campaigns with an unparalleled artistic flair. Her boundless creativity and fresh ideas have consistently elevated our projects, leaving a lasting impression on clients and audiences alike. Beyond her artistic talent, Rachel’s unwavering dedication and passion for the brands she works on shine through in every endeavour. Her commitment to going the extra mile ensures that each campaign surpasses expectations, making her an indispensable asset to any team.

PESHANG AHMED, 27

Industrial Design Lead, Brodmann10

Noor Shihab, Managing Director, Brodmann10:

Peshang isn’t merely a team member; he’s our hidden gem, affectionately dubbed ‘the scientist’. With an unparalleled ability to tackle any project challenge and navigate lastminute campaigns effortlessly, he possesses a remarkable talent for previsualising diverse concepts, from commercials to events, spaces, and products, leaving no room for guessing. He is our innovative arm, always a step ahead, shaping how we envision the future.

RAWAN GHANNAM, 28

Senior Account Manager, Socialize Agency

Ahmed Adly, Head of Client Servicing, Socialize Agency: Rawan is the heart and soul of our team. With her knack for turning challenges into triumphs and her genuine care for both clients and colleagues, she’s more than just a manager. Her creativity isn’t just in campaigns but in the way she brings us together, making work feel less like a job and more like a shared mission. Rawan’s blend of professionalism and warmth not only drives our success but makes our agency a brighter place.

POUYAN RAHIMI, 30

Art Director, MCH Global

Saheba Sodhi, Head of Strategy & Region – Middle East, MCH Global:

Every team has that one team member who can absorb the stress and yet keep the momentum going, Pouyan definitely is that member. He has an exceptional eye for detail and understands the power of storytelling, through design. His creativity, professionalism, and experimentation consistently result in visually compelling pieces, for experiential campaigns. As an Art Director and empathy at heart, his desire for proactive ideas that create change in the world is something we want to foster at the agency.

REBECCA ABOU ASSALY, 24

Social Media Specialist, AGA ADK

Hamza Sabeh, Social Media Manager, AGA ADK: In my collaboration with Rebecca, her prowess as a content queen shines brightly. She approaches projects with fresh perspectives, consistently thinking outside the box. With her leadership skills, she adeptly guides teams towards creative excellence. Rebecca possesses a remarkable knack for dissecting social media analytics, unraveling insights that drive impactful strategies. Her commitment to collaboration ensures cohesive messaging across all channels, fostering synergy within our teams.

RACHA AL ABDALLAH, 26

Senior Executive, Leo Burnett KSA

Makram Khatib, Business Director, Leo Burnett KSA: Racha lights up the path of success with her stellar performance. Her blend of skills and passion positions her as a potential standout in our industry. With a can-do attitude and continually improving analytical abilities, she handles tasks with precision, even the most complex ones. She has earned the reputation of being a go-to person, endorsed by both clients and internal peers alike. I truly admire her work ethics and excited to witness her reach the highest heights.

RESHMA MARIAM MATHEW, 27 Designer, Saatchi & Saatchi UAE

Bruno Barbosa, Senior Creative Director, Saatchi & Saatchi UAE: Reshma is an immensely talented designer, who’s always on the lookout for new design trends and ideas. Her passion and dedication to the craft is contagious and has raised the bar of the level of design and art direction for our local and global clients. As a result, no project sees the light of day without Reshma’s stamp of approval. Being part of her career growth brings me a lot of pride.

SALMA AMER, 30 Senior Account Manager, BPG

Darius LaBelle, President, BPG:

As an exceptional client services professional on our team, Salma has consistently demonstrated unparalleled dedication to our clients’ success. Her proactive approach, combined with her ability to understand and anticipate client needs, has led to numerous successful campaigns and exceedingly satisfied clients.

Salma’s exceptional interpersonal skills and her commitment to excellence have not only elevated our client service standards but have also inspired our team to strive for greater achievements.

RENA KOBEISSI, 24

REBEKAH WESTBERRY, 28

Senior Manager - Communications Consultancy, Leo Burnett – Studio M

Nadim Ghrayeb, Business Lead - Communications Consultancy, Leo Burnett – Studio M:

Rebekah has outstanding leadership qualities and a commitment to client success that distinguishes her in the industry. With an impressive track record of delivering integrated campaigns at regional and global levels and nurturing strong client connections, she exemplifies the qualities of a potential industry leader. Her creative problem-solving and dedication to quality make her stand out. I believe that Rebekah embodies the skills and motivation that characterise the upcoming generation of advertising and marketing experts.

Senior Executive- Communications & Project Management, Publicis Levant

Jean-Paul Mubarak, Managing Director, Publicis Levant: Rena is an invaluable asset to our team, seamlessly navigating through challenges since day one to secure and grow our business. Within a short span, she ascended as a guiding star, spearheading vital projects for two key clients at Publicis Groupe in the region. Rena’s rapid adaptability, unwavering dedication, and consistently exceptional performance have consistently surpassed expectations. Her adept communication skills coupled with clever management and organizational abilities mark her as a standout professional meant for success.

RIZEK JILDEH, 29

Strategy Director, Adpro Communications

Sian Abu Sharar, Business Growth Director, Adpro Communications:

Rizek has become one of the most sought-after strategists in the Kingdom and a key growth driver for the agency, landing a series of consecutive local, regional, and, most recently, a global win. A multi-taster at heart, Rizek easily leads on strategy, creative, copy, and even production when needed; for him, it’s always been about the work and end result. He leads by example and has a contagious energy, a winning drive, and a belief that he can and will.

RHEA JHAVERI, 30

Senior Art Director, Create

Group

Kim Jerbo, Executive Creative Director, Create Group: Even though I’ve only been on the team with her for a short while, Rhea is a real standout in the team. Right from the get-go, her energy and proactive attitude have been super impressive. She dives into projects with full force, showing off her hard work and dedication. She’s proven her talent as a manager through some intense moments that would normally knock others to the ground. I enjoy the projects we are working on as she brings fresh and confident ideas.

SANDY HANNA, 30

Associate Design Director - Innovation and Growth, Publicis Groupe

Jennifer Fischer, Chief Innovation & Growth Officer, Publicis Groupe ME:

Sandy has been in the team less than a year and already, she has made a huge difference. Her craft is precise and intelligent, her ideas insightful, her attitude open and positive. She’s made design an asset for us all. It’s an absolute pleasure to work with her daily and she couldn’t be more deserving to be recognised on this list. She’s without a doubt a rising creative leader.

SEIF ASHRAF, 28

Senior Copywriter, FP7 McCann

Mostafa Sherif, Senior Creative Director, FP7 McCann:

What truly sets Seif apart is his unwavering consistency in performance and quality of work, even under the most demanding circumstances. he thrives under pressure, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and excellence. He is a force to be reckoned with, displaying a proactive approach that is nothing short of inspiring. His passion for their craft shines through their dedication and commitment to success.

RITA RAMI SCANDAR, 26

Account/Content Manager, FP7/McCann Cairo

Farah Mansour, Head of Social Media and Digital Department, FP7/McCann Cairo: I wholeheartedly recommend Rita, an exceptional member of our social media department at FP7 McCann Cairo. Rita consistently proves herself as one of the top performers in our department, showcasing profound understanding and insightful recommendations that yield positive results for her clients. Rita’s unique strength lies in her exceptional commitment to the quality of creative output. Her ability to infuse creativity into every aspect of her work sets her apart.

SHAIKHAH SAUD ALOTAIBI, 26

Creative Copywriter, Leo Burnett KSA

Yasmin Sindi, Creative Director, Leo Burnett KSA:

Shaikhah is among the most positive, hardworking, and responsible individuals I’ve known. Passionate about her job, Shaikhah excels in teamwork and has quickly become an integral part of our team. Her leadership qualities are evident, and I trust her intelligence, trustworthiness, and approachability.

Shaikhah’s exceptional communication skills and creativity make her an ideal

YALDA TASRINI, 27

Art Director, Publicis groupe - Creativity at Scale

Sary Najjar, Creative Director, Publicis groupe - Creativity at Scale: Yalda’s art direction expertise transforms our creative landscape, consistently delivering exceptional work. Her ability to craft visually compelling narratives sets her apart in our industry. Yalda’s commitment to excellence shines through each project, navigating complexities to unveil innovative solutions. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for pushing boundaries, she creates experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. Yalda’s dedication to her craft makes her an invaluable asset to our team, inspiring admiration and driving us toward success.

SAUD HASANAIN, 29

Associate Creative Director, Sifr Studio

Hana Al Otaibi, Marketing and Public Relation Director, Sifr Studio: I enthusiastically nominate Saud for his exceptional skills, visionary thinking, and outstanding contributions to creative direction. With unwavering commitment, he has significantly impacted Sifr. Saud excels in inspiring and leading teams, fostering creativity, and effectively communicating complex ideas. His integrity, strong work ethic, and resilience make him invaluable.

SARAH ALAYADHI, 26

Senior Executive - Strategy & Insights, Saatchi & Saatchi KSA

Tahaab Rais, Group Chief Strategy Officer, Publicis Groupe ME&T:

Sarah is one of our bright and upcoming young Saudi talents in Publicis Communications in Saudi. She has impressed with her depth of insightful thinking, her positive attitude to her work and her aspiration to keep pushing herself to being an accomplished strategist. She’s a new-age thinker who thinks social, digital and mobile first, and her hard work have been a pleasure to watch. She represents the new wave of young talents in the country who are out here to make a change.

candidate for Campaign ME’s Agency Faces to Watch 2024

YASEEN MOHIELDIN, 28

Content Maker, FP7 McCann

Ibrahim Hasan, Regional Head of Digital, FP7 McCann: Since joining us, Yaseen consistently impresses with his drive to push creative boundaries. Yaseen’s diverse experience across agencies and content forms enables him to craft high-end cinematic ads for clients like Sobha Realty, while excelling in social-friendly content for General Motors. His commitment to skill refinement and exploration makes him an invaluable asset in the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing and media production.

YEHIA EL JOUEIDI, 30

Account Director, Serviceplan Middle East

Rawida Saadé Maksoudian, Client Servicing Director, Serviceplan Middle East: Yehia is effortlessly thriving in high-pressure situations that intimidate many. His ability to navigate the complexities of a demanding account with a rare ease that’s essential in our fast-paced work environment. His tenacity and positive, cando attitude are admirable and infectious, setting a solid example for his peers. He’s a beast at tackling the demands of the job, never shying away from obstacles and always ready to support his team. Yehia’s work ethic and supportive nature are the bedrock of his success.

LAILA ZAQOUT, 24

Graphic Designer/Visual Animator, Radix Media MENA

Ahmad Hussain, Head Of Creative, Radix Media MENA: Laila is one of the most responsible professionals I’ve worked with. Her drive for improvement fuels her innovative thinking. She knows a lot about creative tools and understands how to match creativity with business goals and key performance indicators. Laila’s excitement and continuous search for knowledge are impressive; they keep her from getting stuck in a rut and help her grow. On a personal note, she has been an invaluable team player and a supportive pillar for my creative work.

YASSIN HASSAN, 24

Account Executive, FP7/ McCann Cairo

Nahla Hendy, Head of Business Leadership, FP7/ McCann Cairo: Yassin stands out with his dedication, meticulousness, eagerness to learn and readiness to take on new responsibilities. It’s not just about Yassin’s technical skills that impress me, but also his positive attitude towards any situation he’s faced with. Working with Yassin has been a pleasure, he’s on top of his work, passionately asking questions for better understanding yet finding his way to get

YASMIN KOJAK, 27

Social Media Manager, Memac Ogilvy Dubai

Karl El Hitti, Head of Social, Memac Ogilvy Dubai: Yasmin exemplifies the pinnacle of digital prowess, having tripled our Masdar City’s social media presence and engagement under her guidance. With an innovative approach that blends technical acumen and a keen sense for the pulse of social media, she has masterfully navigated both B2B and B2C landscapes, making complex tech relatable and engaging. Her work serves as a stellar case study, demonstrating that with the right blend of creativity and strategy, achieving remarkable social-first successes is possible in any arena.

D I G I T A L F A C E S T O W A T C H D I G I T A L F A C E S T O W A T C H

ABDUL GAMIELDIEN, 29

Senior Account Executive, Seven Media

Sharan Sunner, Managing Director, Seven Media: Abdul has worked on some of our biggest clients since joining the agency. His resilience and dedication quickly built a sense of trust amongst the team – we always know he will respond to something urgent, whenever needed, and he holds a wealth of knowledge across his client work. He’s a rare talent who will knuckle down to get the job done, no matter how hard the task, with a solutions-first approach whilst always having a smile on his face.

ABIR ZAHREDDINE, 28

Senior Executive - Integrated Planning, Initiative

Shoaib Ahmed, Digital Director, Initiative: Abir embodies a dynamic spirit, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her hunger for knowledge is matched only by her passion to deliver exceptional results and innovate at every turn. She is an invaluable asset to our team, and Initiative takes pride in nurturing her talent at this pivotal stage of her career. Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate Abir’s continued growth with us.

AYA TAHER, 30

Senior Art Director, Dentsu Creative

Bianca Geater, Design Director – MENA, Dentsu Creative: In our industry, creatives must embody versatility and multidisciplinary skills, coupled with organisational finesse to navigate the demands of their craft. Aya stands out as the epitome of this. Her unique blend of creativity and systematic logic creates an environment conducive to exceptional work. As a mentor on our team, Aya generously shares her expertise, empowering fellow creatives to refine their skills. Aya’s unparalleled ability to stay ahead across diverse client portfolios while delivering passionately crafted work sets her apart.

ABDUL BASIT MALIK, 28

Performance Marketing Manager, Q Communications

Victoria Machin, Head Of Digital, Q Communications:

Abdul has a track record of exceptional results in digital. His strategic skills and knowledge of his field has impressed clients and colleagues across the board, driving engagement, tangible growth, and ROI to new heights. It’s not just his digital acumen that sets him apart; his adept management and ‘can do’ attitude builds a culture of collaboration and support for the wider team. Abdul is a catalyst for success, and destined for success as a future leader.

ANJANA MURALI, 28

Associate Director, Keyade Middle East

Laura Gleadhill, Head of Performance, Keyade Middle East:

Having worked with Anjana for the best part of four years, her ambition, drive and curiosity make her a great candidate for an Agency Face to Watch. Anjana’s passion for solving complex problems and going the extra mile for her clients has allowed her to grow quickly in her career, handling some of the most sophisticated accounts in the agency. Along with her strong client-servicing, she is an excellent people manager, building trusting relationships that foster openness and transparency.

EKATERINA BUDARAGINA, 30

Business Partner Middle East & Africa, Yandex Ads

Evgenii Pavlov, General Manager, Yandex Ads MEA: I highly recommend Ekaterina for her outstanding performance as a Key Account Manager, with a strong focus on performance. Ekaterina has a remarkable ability to build and maintain key client relationships, driving revenue and exceeding targets. Her strategic thinking and attention to detail have been instrumental in achieving exceptional results. Her recent promotion to the role of Business Partner MEA is a testament to her exemplary leadership and dedication to excellence.

FARAH ELSHAFEY, 27

Account Manager - Content & Publishing, Hill & Knowlton

Kirsty O’Connor, Regional Director - Innovation, Hill & Knowlton:

Farah is inherently creative - it’s just the foundation of who she is. She brings her skills as a fashion designer

and stylist into digital communications for our clients in a way which is applicable to any sector. She thrives in a new brief environment and that’s proven by her back-to-back shortlists for PRCA’s Young Lions. In her two years at H&K, she’s grown to confidently challenge ideas and fight for her point of view as a digital and creative expert.

AYAH AL JABER, 25

Account Executive, APCO Worldwide

Aaron Hamilton, Head of Digital – Saudi Arabia, APCO Worldwide: Managing projects for global clients, Ayah thrives in a fast-paced environment and seeks to learn from industry leaders. Ayah’s diverse background positions her perfectly to develop impactful 360° digital communication campaigns. With her talent and dedication, Ayah is undoubtedly an Agency Face to Watch.

DANA ABDELHADI, 30

Social Media Specialist, Boopin

Reine Hammoud, General Manager - KSA, Boopin: She is the smooth operator. She has few words but with lots of effect. She takes any responsibility very seriously and diligently follows through until the end. Her creative side to solution is remarkable at such a young age. She is a person who everyone in the team can rely on 100 per cent.

CHRIS MERCER, 27

Social Media Manager, DUNE | 23

Cass Hosie, Senior Marketing & Communications Director, DUNE | 23: Chris joined at the start of a very busy event season. Since doing so he has hit the ground running in both delivering high quality social media strategies across a vast portfolio of clients, has shown he is extremely knowledgeable in his area of expertise, and strong leadership skills in spearheading the social department. There has been growth and a positive impact across all client channels, benchmarks have been exceeded and the output has levelled up in both creativity and diversity.

FAISAL BARGHOUTHI, 30

DARREN

DAVEY, 29

Senior Paid Media Executive, Artefact MENA

James Kaye, VP Digital Activation, Artefact MENA:

In the three years Darren has been with our team, his growth in terms of capability, confidence and teamwork has been immense. Darren leads one of our key clients, delivering strong results and earning their complete trust through a combination of digital expertise, proactivity and strong work ethic. Always willing to help others in the team and at Artefact, his openness to share his experience and expertise has helped the more junior team members develop their knowledge further.

Senior Account Executive, APCO

Mona El Mekawy, Associate Account Director, APCO: Faisal possesses a strong background in managing the digital presence of prominent government and international entities within the UAE. While at APCO, his expertise in digital media led him to oversee key regional events. He significantly contributed to the extensive coverage and increased exposure of our clients at prestigious events including COP27, COP28, World Government Summit, and Dubai Airshow. Faisal demonstrates versatility and proficiency across various domains, excelling not only in digital media but also in overall communications, PR, and media relations.

KENAN BAKI, 28

SEO Manager, Serviceplan

Middle East

Mahmoud Alhamed, Head of Performance, Serviceplan Middle East:

Kenan possesses an innate talent for strategic and analytical thinking. He consistently delivers innovative initiatives that exceed expectations and drive significant results. His ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with clients and colleagues is truly commendable. He demonstrates a deep understanding of consumer behaviour and trends, making him an invaluable asset to any team. I am confident that he will leverage his skills and knowledge to excel in his academic pursuits and contribute to the field of marketing.

INA PENEFUERTE, 30

Senior Account Executive, Create Group

Account Management, Account Director, Create Group:

I highly recommend Ina for her exceptional work ethic and dedication. Ina consistently goes above and beyond, putting in extra effort to ensure the success of the accounts she manages. Her creativity shines through in her ideations to her clients and her professionalism and great relationship with her clients are excellent. Notably, she is quick to adapt and continuously seeks opportunities for self-improvement, which undoubtedly contributes to her rapid growth within the agency.

HALA AWAIDA, 28

Account Manager, S3cubed Agency

Sawsan Abdillahi, Founder, S3cubed Agency:

With a keen eye for detail and a passion for authenticity, Hala has consistently delivered outstanding results for our clients. Her strategic approach to marketing, demonstrated by her success in high-profile campaigns like realme’s flagship phone launch, showcases her dedication and expertise.

Hala’s commitment to continuous growth, makes her a true asset to our team. I have full confidence that Hala will continue to excel and shine as a face to watch in the industry.

HISHAM BASHEER, 28

Senior Performance Executive, Fusion5

Fadi Sader, Digital Director, Fusion5: Hisham’s contributions have led to remarkable growth in a short period of time, including a 18 per cent increase in client ROAS in a month and boost in website conversion rates. His strategic insights secured and retained high satisfaction of clients. Beyond numbers, his leadership helps the team collaborate effectively, leading to improved performance. Hisham always does an outstanding job consistently delivering exceptional results driving great impact on both clients and the company.

JANA HADDAD, 30

Senior Executive Performance, OMD

Jessica Machalani, Business Unit Director, OMD: Jana has constantly proven how smart and talented she is. She has aced every role, project and training that she was given within and out of her scope, which make her a role model. What stands out in Jana is her curiosity and hunger to learn which give her the fuel she needs to continue growing. Her knowledge and experience alongside her determined character give her the right ammunition she needs to solve the toughest problems and find the solution to move things forward.

HAMZA ABDEEN, 30

SEO Strategist, Acquisit

SEO Manager, Muhaib Abubaker, Acquisit: I highly recommend Hamza for this award, recognising his superb digital marketing skills, teamwork, and innovation. His dedication to SEO excellence and ability to simplify complex strategies for practical use highlight his deserving nature for recognition.

JAMIL ARYJI, 24

Executive - Communications & Project Management, Saatchi & Saatchi UAE

Maria Jabbour, Senior Manager - Communications Consultancy, Saatchi & Saatchi UAE:

Jamil has excelled as an Account Executive at Saatchi & Saatchi, consistently showcasing creativity, a thirst for knowledge, and a track record of exceeding expectations. His passion, growth-oriented mindset, innovative thinking, and meticulous attention to detail have been key in delivering exceptionally effective campaigns for big regional and international brands. Jamil’s outstanding account management abilities have played a crucial role in navigating complex campaigns, ensuring their seamless and timely execution.

JINANE

YOUNES, 27

Senior Influencer Marketing Executive, Starfish

Ana Gixhari, Influencer Marketing Manager, Starfish: Jinane does everything with passion, paying attention to the smallest details which is extremely important in the influencer marketing field. She also has great communication skills both internally and externally with clients and influencers, which contributes significantly to her success. She can manage multiple projects at the same time while remaining calm and focusing on the end goal. The future is bright for Jinane if she keeps doing what she is doing.

FATIMA YAZJI, 26

Senior Consultant – Content Strategy and IPs, Elevate Gaming DMCC

Sreeraj Rajan, COO, Elevate Gaming DMCC:

I highly recommend Fatima for her exceptional potential and significant contributions as a Senior Consultant in Content Strategy and IPs. She has demonstrated outstanding performance and has been instrumental in driving digital marketing initiatives and IP developments within our agency. She consistently delivers highquality work, exhibits strong leadership skills, and effectively collaborates with cross-functional teams. Her dedication and innovative thinking make her an invaluable asset to our organisation.

JHARNA PARWANI, 26

Senior Influencer Marketing & PR Executive, By Niggi Marketing Management

Hind Bitouche, Marketing Director, Swiss Image: Jharna’s leadership contributions are genuinely valued, and it’s been a pleasure watching her grow and excel in her current role. Jharna’s talent and dedication are truly inspiring. Her hard work and determination will undoubtedly lead to success, and I am confident she will shine in anything she endeavours to do.

JINEESH KATTIL, 30

Senior Performance Marketing Executive, Keyade Middle East

Laura Gleadhill, Head of Performance - Keyade, Keyade Middle East: Jineesh is an asset to the Keyade team and I am frequently reminded how lucky we are to have such a talent on our team. Jineesh is tenacious when it comes to automation and transformation. Across a number of accounts within our portfolio, he has dedicated time and effort to build processes to streamline the way we work and drive better results for our clients. There is no challenge or problem to big for Jineesh, as he leans into difficult situations.

KELLY MOKBEL, 30

Manager - Social Media, OMD

Christine Najarian, Head of Engagement, OMD:

In the dynamic world of social media, Kelly has excelled across multiple verticals, demonstrating her ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments and teams. Her journey with us reflects remarkable growth, underscored by her vibrant character and positive attitude, which have helped her nurture strong client relationships and showcase her as a strategic thinker in social and creative fields. She is also fueled by a passion for creating engaging on-ground and virtual activations, showing her dedication to innovation.

KARIM EL KHOURY, 25

Digital Executive, TBWA\RAAD

Rony Skaf, Executive Digital Director, TBWA\RAAD:

Despite his young age, Karim has been a valuable team member for nearly a year, demonstrating remarkable maturity and drive to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. His solution-oriented, proactive approach makes him a key player in driving impactful digital-first thinking and creative work on his accounts. Karim’s exceptional ability to collaborate cross-functionally is instrumental in delivering high-quality, efficient digital solutions that elevate the team’s performance. Karim’s adaptability, coupled with his dedication and team-player mindset, make him a tremendous asset.

MALAK AL HADI, 24

Account and Community Manager, VML Beirut

Raya Rassi, Consumer Experience Lead, VML Beirut: Malak stands out as one of the most dedicated individuals I’ve ever worked with. Despite a demanding role (which she excels at), she approaches each day with unmatched positivity and consistently goes above and beyond to make everyone’s lives easier. We are really lucky to have her on our team!

KIMI MANOSCA, 29 Measurement Analyst, Acquisit

Ahmed Abubaker, Web Analytics & Measurement Director, Acquisit:

I strongly recommend Kimi for this award because of his excellent work, dedication, and positive influence on our team. His amazing ability to analyse data, along with his hard work and willingness to work together, make him incredibly valuable. Kimi’s passion for using data to make decisions and his talent for turning complex plans into executable suggestions make him truly worthy of recognition.

MAHA EL REFAEE, 30

Senior Account Manager, Create Group

Vanessa Miranda, Business Director, Create Group:

Maha has been an invaluable asset to Create Group, showcasing exceptional growth from intern to a pivotal role within the agency. Spearheading social media for the Ma’aden account, she consistently exceeds client expectations with her unwavering dedication to excellence and adaptability to industry trends. Maha’s innovative spirit and passion for staying ahead of the curve and to navigate the dynamic social media landscape with confidence earns admiration from clients and peers.

MARIA AOUAD, 26

Senior Media Executive, Spark Foundry UAE

Sarah Eid, Associate Business Director, Spark Foundry UAE:

Maria is a super dedicated zillennial with a sharp and hard-working spirit who has successfully led many innovative campaigns. Her ‘can-do’ attitude makes her a joy to work with; no project is too big or too small for her. Maria is a true team player and always fuels positive discussions with respective teams. I believe she has a very bright future ahead of her as she has the right skills and personality for it and highly deserves this nomination

MARIA ZIYA, 23

Junior Content Creator, By Niggi Marketing Management

Nikita Phulwani, Managing Director, By Niggi Marketing Management:

Maria is a dynamic addition to our team, excelling in short-form content creation both for By Niggi and our clients. Her fresh and authentic ideas shine, particularly in TikTok strategies. In December, I set a target of 1,000 followers for our agency’s TikTok account. With her honest and humorous approach, which is very native to the platform, we got over half a million views on one of our videos, and she managed to secure 3,500 followers within the month.

MARIANA BAAKLINI, 28

SEO Content Executive, GroupM Nexus Lebanon

MARIA KORBAN, 28

Content Manager, FP7 McCann

Ibrahim Hasan, Social media Director, FP7 McCann: She’s more than a team member; she’s a catalyst for change in our office. Maria’s exceptional skills and collaborative approach have redefined teamwork here. Her leadership in managerial roles has set a new standard, inspiring us all to strive for greatness. She’s a true asset to our team.

Gurdeep Matahru, Head of SEO, GroupM Nexus Lebanon: Mariana has become indispensable to our team. Seamlessly merging content with the intricacies of SEO, she has redefined the landscape of our clients’ organic content strategies. From conceptualisation to execution, ensuring our clients’ websites not only adhere to corporate standards but also thrive in the competitive realm of SEO. Her ability to create meaningful and engaging content has driven organic success for our clients.

MARIAM AFIFY, 29

Social Operations Manager, FP7/McCann Cairo

Farah Mansour, Head of Social Media and Digital Department, FP7/McCann Cairo:

An expert in data analytics and in being the life of the party, Mariam has the perfect understanding of how work and culture go together! Not only does Mariam have a track record in analysing social media data and generating insights that inspire effective marketing strategies for brands, she is the champion of happiness at the office. Because of her passion for digital marketing and never-ending curiosity, Mariam’s role extends far beyond data analytics, she is a jack of all trades.

MARSHALL DANIEL, 26

Program Manager, LPS Brands

MARIANE

EL AM, 26

Senior Media Executive, Spark Foundary KSA

Zain Khan, Associate Business Director, Spark Foundary KSA: Mariane is an exceptional colleague, highly recommended for Campaign ME’s Faces to Watch 2024. Her passion for work is unparalleled, driving her to deliver consistently outstanding results. Mariane’s fast learning ability is commendable, enabling her to quickly adapt to new tools and strategies. Her readiness to tackle any challenge thrown her way is inspiring, making her an invaluable asset to any venture. Her commitment to excellence is sure to propel her to new heights in the digital media landscape.

MARIE-LINE HINDI, 29

Senior Designer, Digitas UAE

Nour Abou Alwan, Business Lead - Experience, Digitas UAE: Marie-Line is an exceptional talent who brings a unique blend of creativity, empathy, and innovation to every project she touches. Her passion for digital design is only matched by her dedication to understanding and connecting with users across generations. With a keen eye for quirky designs and a green thumb for nurturing both pixels and plants, Marie-Line embodies the spirit of creativity and growth. Her ability to craft impactful digital experiences, coupled with her continuous drive for learning, makes her a standout candidate.

Vivek Namboodiri, Program Director, LPS Brands: Marshall has been an invaluable asset to the Program & Account Management team for over 2 years at LPS. He has played a pivotal role in managing and growing key client relationships across categories like Technology, Fashion Retail, Government sector among others. His passion and ability to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape with confidence and creativity make him a key contributor to the growth of the agency.

MARK ANDARY, 28

Senior ExecutiveCommunications & Project Management, Saatchi & Saatchi UAE

Sara Fawzy, ManagerCommunication Consultancy, Saatchi & Saatchi UAE: Mark is a valuable asset to our team, with his passion and ambition consistently impressing us as he progresses. His dedication to maintaining excellent client relationships is just one of the many admirable qualities that Mark possesses. Mark’s vibrant personality and compassionate nature make him a delightful presence to have around.

MEENAL MADISHETTY, 30

Head of Operations, Ad Scholars Marketing Management

Satheesh Kumar, Managing Director, Ad Scholars Marketing Management: Meenal consistently showcases unwavering dedication in all tasks assigned to her. Within Adscholars, she singlehandedly established the highest-performing Ad Operations team, shouldering the majority of the workload herself. Her steadfast commitment to expanding the Adscholars team is truly admirable. We are proud and fortunate to have Meenal leading the charge in advancing the growth of the Ad Operations team.

MOHAMAD KAYED, 25 Project Manager, Boopin

Zeena Kurd, General Manager, Boopin: Mohamad has quickly become the powerhouse behind any social media and content project at Boopin. His reliable and professional characteristics make him the ideal person to oversee projects from start to finish whilst ensuring the delivered quality is always up to par and beyond - not to mention the positive and supportive attitude at an ‘always-on’ rate. I personally admire working with Mohamad and look forward to what he can achieve very soon!

MUHAMMAD SAQIB SAEED, 25

Motion Graphics and Videographer, Hashtag Social Media Agency

Urmila Nandan, Art Director, Hashtag Social Media Agency:

Saqib has shown incredible growth since he joined Hashtag, both from his quality of work and his leadership skills. Working with Saqib is a delight as he is always solution oriented and spreads positive energy around him. We want to see his continued growth and what he is capable of achieving.

NADA ABDULRAHMAN, 25

Senior Account Executive, Viola Communications

MOHAMAD MARDINI, 27

Senior Digital Media Manager, Leadgen Arabia

Rasha Mansour, Head of Strategy & Analytics, Leadgen Arabia: Home grown in Saudi Arabia, Mohamad’s core competency is bridgining the digital performance world to meet the ever-evolving digital landscape in the market. His exceptional digital acumen coupled with his strategic insights enables him to drive remarkable results and act as a consultant to his clients. Moreover, his positivity, commitment and eagerness to continue learning to upscale his competencies serves as a model for a professional growth. This has positioned Mohamad as the star of our digital team.

Fady Karim, Integrated Client Services Director, Viola Communications: Nada’s relentless work ethic, coupled with her innovative approach and outstanding contributions, exemplifies her commitment to excellence. Her remarkable adaptability and immediate impact on the team set her apart as an exceptional team member who has consistently exceeded all expectations. Additionally, her ability to inspire others with her dedication and creativity makes her a valuable asset to any project or endeavor.

MOHAMMED

AL NASHASH, 28

Social Media Executive, FP7 McCann

Ibrahim Hasan, Social Media Director, FP7 McCann: Mohammed has brought a transformative energy to our team, elevating us with his inspiring work ethic and innovative content strategies. His impact extends far beyond KPIs, as his presence infuses the office with positivity. Both as a colleague and a professional, Mohammed’s vibrant personality and exceptional work brighten every room he enters.

MOHAMED KHATIB, 30

Performance Manager, Keyade Middle East

Laura Gleadhill, Head of Performance, Keyade Middle East: Mohamed is an incredibly charismatic and energetic member of the Keyade team, with a talent for bringing people together, either internally or with clients. He is able to build strong rapport with his clients quickly and get deep into understanding their business, and the nuanced challenges they come up against. His people skills have allowed him to take an active role in training junior members of our team on the platforms, approaches and optimisations we do for our clients, building their capabilities.

NANCY EL AZZI, 26

Art Director, VML Riyadh

Firas Ghannam, Creative Director, VML Riyadh: I have witnessed first-hand Nancy’s profound impact on our creative outputs and her rapid professional growth. Nancy is a solid creative; one of the best talents in our office. She combines a fresh and unique artistic vision with a rigorous dedication to craft, which has led her to earn prestigious awards early in her career, including a Grand Prix at Dubai Lynx and a Gold at the Effies.

NADA EL FARNAWANY, 30

Digital Account Director, FP7 McCann

Farah Mansour, Head of Digital & Social Media, FP7 McCann:

No words would do Nada justice for how incredibly talented she is at what she does! Nada is the definition of a true leader. With her strategic mindset and extensive knowledge in communication, Nada is everyone’s go-to person at the office. Not only is she a solid partner to her clients, she is a key player at FP7 McCann. Her contributions to the success of the agency range from constantly creating work with excellence all the way to spearheading whole new functions.

RACHEL ANN BRAGANZA, 26

Social Media Account Director, TishTash Communications

April Kearns, Director of People and Culture, TishTash

Communications:

Rachel is one of the most talented Social Media Account Director’s that I have worked with. She is highly professional, works from the heart and is always looking for new ways to delight clients. Rachel innovates at every opportunity, looking at ways to grow the social media offering and inspires her team of 10 to do the same. We value Rachel as part of our management team and believe she has the ambition and passion to become an iconic leader.

NADINE AHMED RADWAN, 24

Social Media Executive, EssenceMediacom Egypt

Engy Farid, Social Media and Content Director, EssenceMediacom Egypt:

In such a short time, Nadine’s dedication has become an inspiration to us all. It’s clear she possesses a tireless work ethic, fueled by a genuine passion for what she does. But Nadine’s not just hardworking, she’s a multi-talented wonder! Her unique artistic flair injects a spark of creativity into every project, perfectly aligning with the ever-evolving world of social media. In this dynamic space, fresh ideas are king, and Nadine consistently delivers.

NISCHAYA DAWAR, 29

Performance Manager, OMD UAE

Rim Darazi, Senior Director, OMD UAE: Nischaya is one of the most committed and dedicated managers I have worked with. He is solution oriented, strong minded and doesn’t shy away from defending his opinion. He is a creative problem solver and always goes above and beyond to find solutions for complex challenges. His technical expertise along with his attitude have enabled him to build strong equity with clients and within the agency. Nischaya is hungry to learn and advance professionally.

OLA KHALIL, 29

Senior Account Manager, Seven Media

Sharan Sunner, Managing Director, Seven Media: Ola has developed into a seasoned professional, running major government campaigns for the likes of the Crown Prince’s Court and ADIA Lab. She consistently delivers results through proactive storytelling which aligns against a clear strategy and focuses on making impact, whilst also providing in-depth counsel. Her personable nature and dedication make her our go-to whenever we need some added ‘umpf’ on a campaign. Her hunger to grow, bring in new business and develop junior talent have made her an invaluable team member.

OMAR KATBI, 29

Account Executive, APCO

Bedoor Khalil, Director, APCO: Transitioning from a different industry, Omar swiftly grasped our operations, becoming an invaluable asset in major projects spanning digital, traditional media, and crisis communication. Omar’s dedication to excellence is evident through his reliability and consistent delivery beyond client expectations. He embodies adaptability, going above and beyond to ensure project success. His analytical prowess and commitment to our team’s goals make him a standout performer deserving of recognition for his invaluable contributions and stellar work ethic.

RAFIC SROUJI, 26

Data and Analytics Strategy Executive, Merkle

Omar Khan, Head of Data & Analytics, Merkle: Rafic is noted for his data and analytics expertise, particularly in how customers engage with media. He is an expert for transforming complex data into clear, relatable stories. He delves into detailed audience behaviour data, using these insights to help clients shape their strategies and content. Rafic is key in Merkle team who cover data analytics for clients in solutions ranging from audience segmentation to CDP. He also leads his team to experiment with innovative analytical techniques using behavioral analytics data.

RITA EL KHOURY, 29

Senior Media Executive, Zenith UAE

Rita Kteiche, Business Director, Zenith UAE:

Rita is one of the smartest talents in the digital industry. Her insights, innovative approach, and adeptness in leveraging digital platforms make her an invaluable asset. She continuously ensures staying up to date in digital trends and technologies, allowing her to craft effective campaigns that resonate with target audiences. Her ability to analyse data and optimise strategies for maximum impact is truly impressive. Rita consistently demonstrates sharp problem-solving skills and a keen eye for detail, ensuring projects are executed with maximum performance.

SABA ALAMEH, 24

Senior Media Consultant, Artefact MENA

James Kaye, VP Digital Activation, Artefact MENA: Saba is the entrepreneur of the Activation team and leverages this approach to understanding her client’s business and customers to better proactively support them. Whilst Saba has excellent digital marketing knowledge, it is this entrepreneurial spirit that enables her to look past digital marketing to recommend practical and innovative solutions to client needs which in turn builds trust with her key client stakeholders. Saba is always ready to help the wider Activation team, proactively recommending initiatives to share knowledge and improve internal processes.

RAND HILAL, 24

Senior Social Media Executive, TBWA\RAAD

Tony Kayouka, Head of Social and Content, TBWA\RAAD: Rand is exceptionally dedicated with a high level of ownership. This reflects on her work with flawlessly executed campaigns that stay up-to-date with evolving trends. Rand is calm; before, during and after the storm. Her unwavering commitment guarantees staying ahead of the curve.

Saad plays a crucial role in our digital outfit, bringing with him the necessary agility and eagerness that become smart creative solutions.

RAWAN BSAT, 30

Account Manager, Hill & Knowlton

Sanjana Soman, Associate Director Content & Publishing and Creative Strategy, Hill & Knowlton: Rawan is a social media superstar, with her dedication to delivering the highest quality of work for her clients. You’ll always catch her with a smile on her face, even while under pressure, leading the way with her positive energy and infectious creativity. She’s continuously pushing herself to improve, elevating her skillsets and thinking two steps ahead while also juggling tasks and making sure she’s always driving solutions for her clients.

SHRUTHI GODAVARTHI, 29

Digital Performance Manager, MindShare KSA

Yasser Kaskas, Strategy Director, MindShare KSA:

Shruthi has a vast knowledge in all aspects of performance and consistently provides valuable insights and optimisations that contribute to the success of MindShare’s clients. In the ever changing world of digital media Shruthi manages to stay ahead of developing trends ensuring that we are bringing the latest offerings to our partners. She shows conviction in her opinions and recommendations and is able to back them with solid data.

SAAD EL RIFAI, 27

English Content Writer, VML Beirut

Fernando Miranda, Executive Creative Director, VML Beirut:

SHAHZA ALI, 30

Senior Influencer Marketing Executive, By Niggi Marketing Management

Nikita Phulwani, Managing Director, By Niggi Marketing Management: Shahza is the epitome of responsibility and leadership. From managing our F&B portfolio to overseeing influencer campaigns, she ensures excellence in every aspect of her work. Our industry often faces numerous last-minute demands, but Shahza has a knack for swiftly addressing them. Whether through her strong rapport with stakeholders or her adeptness at quickly resolving challenges, Shahza has contributed to the company’s business expansion. Her commitment to team building and reliability exemplifies her unparalleled dedication and team spirit.

TANSIN KAMALDEEN, 23

Digital Media Coordinator, DUNE | 23

Mahmoud Osama, Digital Media Manager, DUNE | 23:

I would love to recommend Tansin as he is one of the best employees I’ve worked with in this career, and he always shows responsibility and works brilliantly and passionately. Always open to learning about the updates, asking questions, and never getting enough.

VLADIMIR ASSALY, 29

Senior Executive, Spark Foundry UAE

TARA DAWOUD, 26

Social Media Manager, Hashtag Social Media Agency

John Karam, Senior Social Media Manager, Hashtag Social Media Agency: Tara is a delight to work with, she always takes accountability of everything that she is involved in and delivers on it. She has a very proactive approach which makes her extra valuable for the agency and her clients. Add to that her passion for Social Media and you get a winning mix.

Javier Bravo, Business Lead, Spark Foundry UAE: Vladimir’s work ethic and commitment is second to none, always delivering with honesty and dedication. Beyond that, he’s the gem of our team, bringing a wealth of technical and non-technical expertise. He is consistently supportive and ever-present. His intelligence and curiosity drives innovation, always pushing boundaries and seeking novel solutions. Vladimir embodies the spirit of a true leader, inspiring others through his actions and unwavering support. With his exceptional qualities, he undoubtedly deserves recognition as one of the industry’s brightest talents.

THEA YAZBEK, 25

Social Media Executive, TBWA\RAAD

Tony Kayouka, Head of Social and Content, TBWA\RAAD:

Thea is the go-getter in our social media team. She jumps right in, leading the charge and finding solutions on the spot. A team player through and through, she effortlessly blends with diverse personalities. Always in tune with the latest trends, she infuses her campaigns with a fresh, innovative edge.

E D I A F A C E S

TO

M E D I A F A C E S T O W A T C H

AHMAD HUSSAIN, 30

Senior Performance Director, Assembly

W A T C H

Tayyab Mahmud, Head of Paid Media, Assembly: Ahmad is a guiding force in performance marketing, instrumental in cultivating trust and delivering exceptional results for clients. With profound industry expertise and strategic acumen, Ahmad consistently spearheads innovative campaigns that yield tangible outcomes. His unwavering commitment to providing strategic counsel and fostering client trust through transparent communication distinguishes him as a respected authority. Ahmad’s dedication to thought leadership and client confidence positions him as a nominee with great potential

ABDELRAHMAN FOUAD, 28

Integrated Media Executive, EssenceMediacom Egypt

Yasmine Mokhtar, Business Unit Director, EssenceMediacom Egypt: Abdelrahman stands out as media expert known for his strategic management of key accounts like Etisalat. He excels in delivering client value through insightful media strategies and transforming data into actionable insights. With expertise spanning the marketing funnel, he devises robust strategies and optimisation tactics for enhanced performance. He’s an energetic contributor who effortlessly integrates with internal teams, always ready to offer support to the wider agency members.

AHMAD FOUAD HARAM, 27

Senior Social Media Account Executive, Radix Media MENA

Fatima Shaikh, Senior Social Media Manager, Radix Media MENA:

Ahmad Haram, formerly known as Ahmad Junior, has outgrown his junior title with remarkable growth. It has been my pleasure to collaborate with Ahmad for over a year, witnessing an impressive learning curve. Passion defines Ahmad’s approach to his work, often seen in his protective stance over his brands, showcasing a profound sense of ownership from start to finish. His curiosity extends beyond the confines of his expertise in the digital realm, reaching into various facets of life.

ABDULLAH HOMSI, 30

Publisher Partner Manager MEA, Yandex Ads

AHMED MURTADHA, 29

Programmatic Manager, Publicis MediaPerformance UAE

Mustafa Temsah, Senior Manager, Publicis MediaPerformance UAE: Our programmatic ace, he adeptly manages a diverse array of accounts spanning Travel & Tourism, Automotive, and Banking sectors. His relentless pursuit of market innovations ensures our clients receive unparalleled service, solidifying his reputation as an industry expert. With a proven track record in both MENA and global markets, Ahmed exemplifies excellence and leadership in programmatic buying.

John Evegeni Pavlov, General Manager MEA, Yandex Ads: Abdullah has been an invaluable member of our team here at Yandex. Abdullah has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism, and expertise in his field. He has been instrumental in seeking new partnerships with clients and publishers, leveraging his extensive network and market knowledge to great effect. Abdullah’s ability to connect with people and the positive regard in which he is held within the region speaks volumes about his character and capabilities.

ALI NESSER, 27

Senior Performance Executive, UM Lebanon

Dina El Houssainy, Business Director, UM Lebanon: Ali has always demonstrated outstanding performance in his role at UM, while also actively contributing to our company culture. He has done great work especially during peak periods like Black Friday and Ramadan, always delivering exceptional results. Ali is the perfect example of a dedicated and loyal UMer while also actively participating in our company culture and events. With his attitude, the sky is the limit!

AMANDA OSSAMA, 25

Media Planning Executive, UM Egypt

Sally Shaaban, Senior Business Partner, UM Egypt:

Since joining UM Egypt, Amanda has consistently exhibited rapid acumen in media matters and has displayed an unparalleled level of compassion. Her meticulous attention to detail consistently impresses her managers as she excels in all assigned tasks.

ANDY HANNA, 25

Senior Executive – Precision Marketing & Media, TBWA\RAAD

Wassim Abi Salloum, Managing Director - Nissan United: Andy consistently goes above and beyond in his role, taking on additional responsibilities and volunteering to assist colleagues whenever needed. One of Andy’s greatest strengths is his ability to effectively collaborate with colleagues from different departments. His strong communication skills and willingness to learn and grow makes him a valuable asset to the team.

AMR NASR, 26

Senior Media Executive, Zenith Egypt

Hedi Hemaya, Head of Zenith Egypt:

Amr is an extremely committed worker. He began his journey in a business unit handling two clients within the agency. He swiftly established solid relationships with his clients, demonstrating exceptional client management skills. Beyond this, he was able to expand and develop his current business organically in a brief period, and he also contributed to creating new business. Amr is a quick study and always keen to gain more knowledge in digital media and share his insights with his team.

AMJAD AL RASHED, 30

Performance Marketing Manager, Assembly

Naguib Toihiri, Country Director KSA, Assembly: Amjad Al Rashed has invested herself with great professionalism in all the missions entrusted to her. Curious, responsible, very involved and naturally endowed with a critical and synthetic spirit, Amjad is a driving force who loves challenges and getting involved in new projects. She maintains a professional approach to every task, creating an inviting and positive environment for her team. Her developed ability of understanding the needs of clients and commitment to exceeding expectations allows her to execute well-thought-out plans.

ALI SOUKARIEH, 28

Programmatic Senior Executive, Publicis Media - Performance Lebanon

Tony Abou Samra, Precision Manager, Publicis MediaPerformance Lebanon: Ali consistently demonstrates a proactive, innovation-driven mindset, recognising the value of calculated risks in achieving rewards. His colleagues commend his solutions-oriented approach and enthusiasm for overcoming challenges, making collaboration with him both engaging and productive. Ali is poised for a highly promising future ahead of him.

BRYONY CARPENTER, 26

Strategy & Planning Director, Assembly

James Jarrett, Senior Strategy & Partnerships Director, Assembly:

Bryony has been instrumental in fueling Assembly’s recent growth, as a key cog within the Strategy and Planning Team.

Over the past few years, she has spearheaded strategies pivotal to securing major clients like Virgin Mobile, Ceer Motors and DP World. Bryony has been a catalyst for agency innovation, pioneering advancements in awareness measurement and custom brand health trackers utilising our proprietary data management tool, Stage. Her tireless dedication and remarkable contributions have garnered acclaim both internally and from clients.

CAMILLE PANZER, 28 Digital Strategist, Acquisit

Monika Formanowicz, Digital Marketing Manager, Acquisit: I highly recommend Camille for the award. Her track record of delivering exceptional results for L’Oréal brands, combined with her drive for growth, positive influence on the team, passion for data and commitment to finding out-of-the-box solutions, exemplifies the qualities this award seeks to honour.

AYA HALAWANI, 27 Manager - Strategic Marketing Investments, OMD

Jessica Machalani, Business Unit Director,

OMD:

Aya is one of the strongest managers that I have had the pleasure of having on my team. She is dedicated and passionate. She truly understands the essence of the agency world and her purpose. She invests her time in making sure she knows the businesses she works on down to the core and because of that can act like a true consultant to the client. She is a creative problem solver and has done an amazing job.

AYESHA FATIMA, 30

Account Manager, Wavemaker

Lea Farah, Account Director, Wavemaker:

Ayesha is dedicated, sharp, and has a hard-working spirit, successfully leading challenging brands and projects. She is an excellent team role model, setting an example of persistence and goal orientation. Ayesha is always willing to go the extra mile, which is well appreciated, and her work ethic is what makes her a valuable addition to our team. She has developed great chemistry with her peers and clients from the get-go, demonstrating a high level of ownership and proactivity.

DALIA DARWISH, 27

Senior Media Executive, EssenceMediacom Egypt

Isis Naguib, Digital Media Director, EssenceMediacom Egypt:

AYA MARIA WAKIM, 24

Executive – Precision, Publicis MediaPerformance UAE

Abhishek Hunderkari, Programmatic Manager, Publicis Media - Performance UAE:

With a passion for new trends and technologies, Aya exhibits a unique skill of identifying business opportunities and driving growth in the realm of programmatic advertising. Her drive to achieve goals coupled by her vision for ensuring a purist data-driven approach towards operating campaigns has helped her, far exceed the client expectations. She possesses the rare combination of understanding business and technology within AdTech and has created incremental opportunities.

With 3 years of media experience, Dalia brings a unique blend of technical and planning expertise across all media channels. This empowers her to develop strategic omnichannel campaigns that achieve maximum media impact. Her dedication and discipline are evident in her strong relationships with clients, peers, and managers.

ASSAAD CHEHAB, 29

Senior Integrated Media Planner, Spark Foundry UAE

Hera Albarian, Senior Manager - Media, Spark Foundry UAE:

Within his four months at Spark Foundry, Assaad’s exceptional analytical skills and curiosity to push boundaries have shone through in his work. He is always eager to jump on any project with enthusiasm and a thirst for learning and exploration. Assaad is consistently willing to lend a helping hand to others, going above and beyond his job description. This makes him a rising talent within our group, and it’s a pleasure to have him as part of the team.

COLINE CHIHAN, 29

Senior Producer, Seven Media

Amina Chowdhury, Managing Director, Seven Studios, Seven Media:

Coline’s journey at Seven Studios began as a young intern full of ideas and enthusiasm. Her talent stood out, as she climbed the ranks while growing her skills and creating lasting relationships with global brands. Now, after seven years, she’s evolved into an exceptional senior film and video producer. Coline’s story inspires young women in a predominantly male industry that, with hard work, anything is possible. Coline is respected by her peers for her creativity, friendliness, and high quality of work.

CYNTHIA EL HALABI, 25

Digital Executive, Mediaplus Middle East

Charbel Jreijiri, General Manager, Mediaplus Middle East:

CELINE FATTAL, 29

DAREEN AYOUB, 29

Executive – Integrated Planning, UM Kuwait

Yasmeen Dahleh, Media Director, UM Kuwait:

Dareen shows excellent potential for career growth, and with the right education and training, she is poised to achieve remarkable results.

CARLA GHRAIZI, 30

Media Manager, Spark Foundry KSA

Sala Salameh, Associate Business Director, Spark Foundry KSA:

Carla shines as a rising star in the realm of media, driven by a passion for her craft. A talented professional, she possesses an innate knack for detail and an unyielding dedication to delivering excellence. Her wealth of expertise and innovative flair consistently yield invaluable contributions and solutions that propel the growth and success of her clients. Beyond her exceptional professional abilities, Carla’s radiant positivity infuses our team with energy and camaraderie, making her an indispensable asset to our workplace.

Senior Media Executive, Starcom KSA

Mohamad Tabch, Business Director, Starcom KSA:

Celine possesses a rare blend of creativity and professionalism, allowing her to navigate complex challenges with finesse and precision. Her ability to develop innovative solutions tailored to our clients’ needs has been instrumental in driving the success of numerous campaigns, garnering acclaim from both clients and colleagues alike. Exceptional qualities extend beyond her individual achievements, as she is also an invaluable team player. Her collaborative nature and willingness to share insights and ideas with her colleagues enrich our collective knowledge.

AYA EL SABBAGH, 27

Media Manager, Spark Foundry KSA

Cynthia’s actions are far louder than her words. During the first few month we were able to see a great potential of someone who has an eye for details and can grow into a much bigger role in the world of digital media.

Imran Khalid, Business Director, Spark Foundry KSA: Aya has consistently proven herself as the superstar of our team. She has seamlessly transitioned from traditional media to implementing adtech and martech solutions, demonstrating exceptional ability to keep pace with rapid market transformations. Her forward-thinking approach has accelerated her client’s adaptability to new technologies, driving unparalleled success in a competitive industry. Her strategic mindset, coupled with deep understanding of the media landscape, has enabled her to deliver solutions that consistently exceed expectations.

HAYFA ACCARY, 30

Integrated Media & Communication Team Lead, Veyron Marketing

Sami Moubayed, Media Director, Veyron Marketing:

As a newcomer, she brings a refreshing enthusiasm and dedication to the table. Hayfa’s strong interpersonal skills make her a valuable team player, always eager to contribute and learn. She embodies the guiding principles of embracing teamwork and continuous learning, aiming high, and prioritising attention to detail. Hayfa’s commitment to excellence and her focus on mastering media strategy and campaign execution make her a reliable and proactive asset. I have no doubt that she will excel in the dynamic media agency landscape.

ELHAM FANOUS, 30

Senior Media Executive, Spark Foundry KSA

Zain Khan, Associate Business Director, Spark Foundry KSA: Elham’s presence in our team is nothing short of essential. Her commitment, dependability, intelligence, and work ethic are truly noteworthy. Elham’s digital marketing mastery and ability to craft award winning socialfirst strategies is a considerable boon to our team. Alongside her skills, Elham’s positive personality makes working with her a pleasure. A genuine team player, she effectively encourages productive conversations and brings out the best in others.

EVA AMER, 25

Digital Media Executive, Mediaplus Middle East

Charbel Jreijiri, General Manager, Mediaplus Middle East: Eva joined our team as an executive and quickly showed that she is capable of doing much more than just setting up campaigns and get into working on developing insightful reports to clients and lead on many projects with minor assistance, all signs of a great career ahead of her.

HADI EL SHEIKH, 28

Manager Integrated Planning, UM Qatar

Hanan Tabsh, Managing Director - Lower Gulf, UM:

DINA FAHMY, 30

Senior Media Manager, Spark Foundry Egypt

Nadine Helal, General Manager, Spark Foundry Egypt:

Since Dina joined the group, she has shown an exceptional performance of every single account/ project she manages. She has great leadership skills with a high sense of ownership and resourcefulness like no other. She has flexibility and the ability to adapt depending on the nature of the clients she handles, whether mulit-nationals or the local brands that need focused brand building strategies and consistency in order to establish themselves.

DEEPIKA AMAR, 30

Ecommerce Manager, GroupM Nexus UAE

Haneen Aburrubb, E-commerce Director, GroupM Nexus UAE: Deepika possesses a rare combination of strategic vision and hands-on leadership. She consistently demonstrates an ability to identify key opportunities and develop effective strategies to capitalise on them. One aspect that sets Deepika apart is her unwavering commitment to problemsolving. In the face of challenges, she remains calm, composed, and focused on finding solutions. Her ability to think critically and adapt quickly has been instrumental in overcoming obstacles and achieving our goals.

Hadi El Sheikh is indeed one of our exceptional team members at UM Qatar. He joined as UM’s Integrated Media Manager and has demonstrated outstanding performance in handling a key telco account. Hadi has consistently showcased remarkable proficiency in managing various stakeholders while maintaining positive relationships with clients and partners. His ability to navigate complex situations with finesse and professionalism is truly commendable. Hadi demonstrates exceptional aptitude in strategising and executing integrated media campaigns, effectively driving results and exceeding expectations.

FADY ASSAF, 30

Senior Media Account Executive, Radix Media MENA

Siddhi Dalal, Media Account Director, Radix Media MENA:

Fady is a highly valued asset on our team, consistently demonstrating a strong drive to learn and contribute towards our collective goals. His proficiency as a team player, coupled with his exceptional client interaction and media delivery skills, has garnered widespread recognition and numerous recommendations. Recognising his outstanding communication and dedication, Fadi was swiftly promoted to Account Manager. He is a standout figure in the media landscape, poised to make significant contributions in future campaigns in the MENA region.

HANA RADY, 25

Executive - Media, Starcom Egypt

Ahd Talaat, General Manager, Starcom Egypt: Even though Hana is only one year into her role, her achievements in this short time frame deserves recognition. She has shown a high level of motivation and eagerness to learn, quickly gotten into the routine of our work, allowing her to start carrying out independent communication with the client along with seamlessly presenting her work. She has a go-getter attitude, taking on the ecommerce scope, expanding her learning curve, and passing on her knowledge to other team members.

HESHAM AIMAN FATHY ABEL LATIF, 25

Senior Executive - Planning, Hearts & Science MENA, Dubai

Ribal El Halabi, Associate Director, Hearts & Science MENA, Dubai:

Over the last year, Hesham has been a key component in activating Jaguar Land Rover MENA’ Modern Luxury Principles through data driven planning, performance analytics and performance innovations. This has led to phenomenal results for our client across always-on and ATL campaigns. Hesham has also demonstrated strong capabilities in building client relationships based on trust and results, a key skill for any marketing professional. He continuously learns and adapts to our everchanging industry.

HASSAN HACHICHO, 28

Media Manager, Starcom KSA

Mohamad Tabch, Business Director, Starcom KSA: Hassan’s strategic vision and unparalleled ability to blend creativity with analytical precision have consistently delivered results-driven media strategies that captivate audiences and exceed client expectations. His leadership inspires collaboration and excellence within our team, setting a standard of excellence in the advertising industry. Through his remarkable journey, Hassan represents the transformative power of passion and creativity, making him a true trailblazer deserving of recognition.

HASSAN HATOUM, 28

Digital Strategist, Acquisit

Digital Marketing Manager, Kareem Hachem, Acquisit: I strongly recommend Hassan for this award because of the exceptional work he’s delivered at Acquisit. Hassan’s impact has been instrumental to the growth of clients such Invygo, Almatar and many more. Hassan is an essential part of any marketing team, bringing forth a strong understanding of client needs and an ability to translate them into measurable results. Hassan is a valuable asset for any organisation looking to grow and scale their business through impactful marketing strategies

HAZIQ IMRAN, 25 Media Manager, Mindshare KSA

Rawan Yaqub, Business Unit Director, Mindshare KSA: I have had the privilege of observing Haziq’s exceptional dedication, resultsoriented approach, and unwavering commitment to excellence. He is a highly skilled media manager with a specialisation in government clients, where he has consistently delivered outstanding results. His ability to navigate the unique challenges and requirements of government projects demonstrates his exceptional competence and adaptability in the field. Haziq has a proven track record of achieving measurable outcomes for our government clients, demonstrating his unparalleled effectiveness in this area.

ILGAZ YAKAR, 26

Programmatic Executive, Publicis MediaPerformance Turkey

Violetta Tohme, Programmatic Manager, Publicis Media: Ilgaz has shown outstanding contributions to the LVMH programmatic team. Her rapid learning capabilities have positioned her as a standout performer in developing strategic initiatives, flawless execution, and conducting insightful reporting. She has contributed to pioneering campaigns, marking a significant milestone as the first of their kind in the region. Her exceptional skills have been instrumental in fostering strong partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders. Ilgaz undeniably stands out as a rising star in the media space.

DONNA

MAGED, 28

Senior Integrated Media Planner, UM Egypt

Aya Moneb, Deputy General Manager, UM Egypt: Donna is a hard worker who has been working for the last three years on Egypt Tourism, one of the biggest accounts in Egypt. She has managed to do amazing achievements and to produce award winning campaigns that have generated great results for the tourism sector in Egypt

JOEY FEGHALY, 28

Shahid Growth Manger, MBC Media Solutions

Jad Saab, Shahid Growth Lead, MBC Media Solutions: Joey is an exceptional professional, blending a strong foundation in performance media with extensive ad technology experience. His journey through media agencies, tech providers, and publishers equips him with a unique perspective on the digital advertising landscape. Enthusiastic and passionate about his work, Joey is dedicated and incredibly hard-working, swiftly propelling Shahid’s ad tech and development forward. Under his guidance, we’ve expanded our operation, offering clients innovative advertising solutions.

JOY CHOUCAIR, 29

Senior Account Manager, Quill Communications

Pavishia Nair, COO, Quill Communications:

In a remarkably brief period, Joy has showcased her exceptional talents and valuable contributions to our team. Her knack for catching the smallest details, her amazing dedication, and her always-upbeat attitude really make her shine and earn everyone’s trust. She is always ready to help and guide the team and grabs every chance to learn something new. I’m really proud of how far she’s come and I’m excited to see her grow and lead her team in her own special way.

JANA NASSAR, 24

Senior Performance Executive, Magna Global

Karim Masri, Head of Digital, Magna Global: Jana’s unparalleled dedication, creativity, and expertise significantly contribute to our field, making her an indispensable team and organisational asset. Notably, her technical skills and remarkable attitude stand out. Jana excels across various industries, including e-commerce, banking, automotive, and quick-service restaurants, adeptly tailoring social media strategies that produce significant outcomes. Her eagerness to enhance her knowledge and determination to attain new achievements is commendable.

JAAFAR HAMDAN, 27

Senior Executive - Data Analytics, Magna Global

Karim Masri, Head of Digital, Magna Global: Jaafar embodies innovation, driving tangible results. A true ‘tech whisperer’ he adeptly translates data into actionable strategies, optimising ad delivery, boosting revenue, and building a robust ad tracking system that strengthens our client’s trust. His unwavering commitment to collaboration ensures projects run seamlessly, and his passion for mentorship shines through as he guides aspiring talent in the field. He’s a true asset to any team seeking a results-driven leader with his exceptional technical expertise and collaborative approach.

IMEN ABIDI, 30 Media Manager, EssenceMediacom UAE

Mehak Iftikhar, Associate Director, EssenceMediacom UAE: Imen is a perfectionist and a consummate professional. Since joining us, she has not only become a valuable team member but also a leader when the situation demands. Her presence has infused the team with a sense of unity, enabling us to exceed expectations and set new standards. Imen’s recent contributions have fostered a more cohesive and comprehensive approach. We admire her personal growth and appreciate how she supports the growth of others.

JITHIN JACOB, 30

Senior Commercial Executive, Augustus Media

Michael Smith, Group Commercial Director, Augustus Media: Jithin joined the team and moved to Dubai during the challenging period of Covid. This did not hinder his determination to immerse himself in the role and understand market dynamics and the brand’s objective and how to implement them within our production offer. His positive attitude has enabled him to build an ever-growing network of loyal clients who enjoy working with him daily. In his role, he is a team leader and someone that the team can look up to.

KAREN MALLAK, 27

Senior Performance Executive, Initiative MENA

Jennifer Wartabedian, Digital Director, Initiative MENA: Karen has swiftly become an integral asset to our team, demonstrating remarkable value in a brief timeframe. Upon joining our team, her positive contributions were immediately evident. She consistently exhibits eagerness for growth and learning and works very hard to achieve KPIs. Karen is someone who is dedicated, respectful, kind, and always ready to collaborate which makes her a pleasure to work with.

KAREN SAMAD, 27

Senior Media Executive, Radix Media

Rand Manasra, Group Account Manager, Radix Media:

Karen is an excellent team player who has shown great dedication in delivering exceptional support to our clients at Radix and facing any challenge given to her. With her keen eye for detail, she ensures that projects are completed promptly. She’s a true asset to the team, providing reliability and inspiration to her colleagues. I have no doubt that Karen will continue to achieve great things in the future, and we’re all excited to see what she will accomplish.

KAREN ADEL ABD ELMASEH, 24

Media Executive, EssenceMediacom Egypt

Salma Elkarabigy, Strategy & Business Unit Director, EssenceMediacom Egypt: Karen has exceptional skills, collaborative spirit, and positive attitude that make her standout. With a keen understanding of industry trends and dedication to client satisfaction, she consistently exceeds expectations. Her ability to innovate and adapt ensures she’ll excel in the media landscape. Embracing challenges with enthusiasm, she fosters a supportive team environment, driving success for both our team and clients. Karen is truly a rising star in the media industry, deserving of recognition for her outstanding contributions.

KHALIL IBRAHIM ZEIDAN, 28

Senior Digital Executive, Fusion Five Advertising

Abdur Rehman Tahir, Performance Director, Fusion Five Advertising: Since joining us, Khalil has seamlessly transitioned from a media planning background to excelling in campaign management across all digital media platforms. His profound passion for data and keen interest in automation have been pivotal in the development of industry-leading tools, enhancing our service delivery across the board. Khalil’s rapid growth, innovative approach, and dedication to leveraging analytics for operational advancements make him an exceptional asset to our team and the advertising industry at large.

KAYSSAR YAACOUB, 29

Associate Account Director, Quill Communications

Pavishia Nair, COO, Quill Communications:

Kayssar is part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre social media team at Quill where part of the work is to transform how the Arabicspeaking world engages with space science. His ingenious approach involved coining Arabic terminology for complex space concepts, making the vast universe accessible and understandable. From the UAE’s ambitious Moon mission to its groundbreaking astronaut endeavors, he has been an indispensable member of the team.

KAREN WINOLA BARBOZA, 28

Senior Marketing Executive, BackLite Media

James Harrison, Chief Operating Officer, BackLite Media: Since joining BackLite Media in 2023, Karen has consistently surpassed expectations as a Senior Marketing Executive. Her innovative approach has elevated our brand visibility, showcasing her creative prowess and strategic insight. Karen seamlessly collaborates with cross-functional teams, bridging gaps between sales, operations, and design for cohesive initiatives. Her adaptability shines through in navigating market dynamics and mentoring junior team members, reflecting her natural leadership qualities. In just 12 months, Karen has proven to be an invaluable asset, driving tangible results.

KARIM HALABI,

28

Media Manager, Dentsu

Julie Larguier, Business Director, Dentsu:

From Beirut to Riyadh, Karim embodies unwavering determination since joining Dentsu. With a competitive mindset like an NBA player on court, he tackles projects meticulously. Just as in sports, each move in advertising counts. Karim consistently surpasses expectations, leveraging his skills and strategic thinking. His proactive approach and eagerness to tackle challenges set him apart, ensuring our team leads in innovation. With Karim on board, we’re propelled toward our mantra: “Success isn’t just a goal; it’s a guarantee.”

LANA SLEIMAN, 28

Associate Account Director, Quill Communications

Pavishia Nair, COO, Quill Communications: Lana shines for her versatility and relentless curiosity. In the past three years with Quill, Lana has worked in three sectors and brilliantly adapted to each with successful campaigns across all sectors. Lana’s innate ability to plunge into unfamiliar territories with eagerness and emerge with expertise underscores her as not just a quick learner, but a master of reinvention. And that is her strength!

LYNN SALHA, 27

Media Manager, Starcom UAE

Eli Gebrael, Associate Business Director, Starcom UAE: Lynn is a showstopper on the P&G account. She is hardworking, detailed, diligent, and empathetic. She has been leading the measurement vertical for P&G with different projects falling under her flag getting recognised regionally and globally. Lynn’s analytical side has allowed her to be a jack of all trades across different environments and touchpoints which make her a valuable asset for the company.

LEA EL JALKH, 28

Senior

Manager, OMD

Zaid Soukkarie, Managing Director, OMD KSA: Lea shows exceptional leadership qualities and expertise in managing teams and projects. She demonstrates a deep understanding of the media landscape, staying abreast of industry trends. Her communication skills are top-notch, enabling her to effectively convey goals and expectations to her colleagues while fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. She adepts at problem solving, able to navigate complex challenges with ease and creativity. Her dedication and high sense of responsibility motivates her team to deliver high-quality work consistently.

LYNN CHMAITELLY, 22

Media Planner, Wavemaker Lebanon

Rana Zeidan, Regional Media Director, Wavemaker Lebanon: Lynn has stood out with her dedication and ongoing contribution to support team members. Her commitment has significantly improved teams’ efficiency and fostered a collaborative relationship with the client. Her enthusiasm and ambition to always take a challenge has truly set her apart, making her deserving recipient of this nomination.

LARA SAFA, 29

Senior Executive, OMD

Malek Morjan, Business Unit Director, OMD: Lara is someone who you can depend on blindly to complete any job perfectly. She’s dedicated to her work and has truly elevated her game which in parallel helped with the client’s satisfaction. Consistency is key in any work and she’s a great example in this area

LEA NAJM, 26

Senior Media Executive, Zenith Oman

Ibrahim Kalash, Head of Zenith Oman: Lea’s intelligence, dedication, and efficiency impress our team, agency and clients. She’s proactive, with a delightful character that shines in all interactions. A fast learner, she quickly grasps concepts and rose to lead a team within two years, managing them adeptly despite her young age. Lea’s leadership, clear thinking, and solution-oriented approach consistently astounds us. We believe she’s destined for great success in marketing and media, a testament to our team’s capabilities and commitment to excellence.

LEA TANNOUS, 28

Media Planner, Fusion Five Advertising

Ghida Ismail, Media Director, Fusion Five Advertising: Lea has been a key part of our team for a year now and has proven to be a truly valuable asset. She has shown real dedication and potential, handling operations and clients with a positive attitude and persistence. Lea’s growth and success make her a standout ‘Face to Watch in Media”, and her ability to work under pressure with ultimate calmness and positivity is impressive. She’s someone worth recognising for her hard work, talent & ultimate dedication.

LINA ABDELAZIZ, 25

Senior Commercial Executive, Augustus Media

Mayowa Tola Voss, Commercial Director, Augustus Media: Lina has been a great addition to the team with strengths in cultivating strong client and agency relationships. Lina consistently goes above and beyond, ensuring projects are executed to a high standard. Her attention to detail is a key asset, particularly when working on creative campaigns that captivate audiences.

Lina’s dedication, combined with her knack for building meaningful connections and delivering the best results, makes her a rising star in the industry.

LEILA YAMAN, 25

Senior Executive - Integrated Planning, UM Qatar

Hanan El Tabch, MD - Lower Gulf, UM: Leila Yaman, one of our new youth team members, demonstrated a dynamic and passionate mindset, coupled with full commitment and eagerness to excel as an integrated media specialist. Throughout her tenure, she has exhibited outstanding competence in media planning and buying. Her meticulous attention to detail, analytical acumen, planning skills, and teamwork spirit have been instrumental in executing successful campaigns at UM.

MARIAM BITAR, 27

Executive - Integrated Planning, UM Lebanon

Maya Bou Ajram, Media Director, UM Lebanon:

Mariam is a very bright talent who is not just a fast learner but also has an appetite to learn and grow. She showcases immense accountability in her day to day life both professionally and personally. She is a great example of smart and hard work which is a rare quality to find.

MANAR EL SAMAD, 30

Integrated Media Manager, Dentsu

Julie Larguier, Business Director, Dentsu:

After years in Dubai, Manar bravely left his company and for Saudi Arabia. His adept management of advertising accounts showcases deep media understanding and strategic prowess. What distinguishes Manar is not only his professional expertise but also his friendly and approachable nature. He is reliable, dedicated, and always ready to lend a hand. Manar, just like his skills, is a 360 full fledge addition to our team, consistently delivering top-notch results and fostering a positive work environment

MARIAM HASSAN TARAR, 28

Senior Media Planner, EssenceMediacom UAE

Mehak Iftikhar Khan, Associate Director, EssenceMediacom UAE:

Mariam is an outstanding professional with a wealth of experience in two markets. She is the heart of our team, bringing everyone together and joyfully celebrating the achievements of our team members, big and small. Mariam is incredibly reliable, taking on special tasks and programmes each month and delivering on them without fail. Her unwavering determination and refusal to give up are evidence of her bright future ahead.

MARIA BITAR, 22

Media Executive, UM Kuwait

Nay Akl, Media Director, UM Kuwait:

Maria aims on building her skills and working absolutely hard. She started her career with UM as a media executive on stc, one of the largest accounts. She has shown to be an absolute asset to the company, her dedication to learn, gain industry trainings and experience has positively impacted her performance. She’s committed on delivering exceptional support, ensuring to apply her learnings and delivering deadlines in a timely manner. Maria is diligent about her work and has a positive attitude.

MARIAM ABDO, 24

Senior Integrated Media Planner, Initiative

MARIA KASHOUH, 26

Senior Executive Integrated Planner, Initiative MENA

Yasmine Hussein, General Manager, Initiative MENA: Commitment, dedication, and accountability are qualities that make

Maria an invaluable asset to our team. Her unwavering drive to learn, grow, and excel in the dynamic field of media and digital marketing sets her apart. With an artistic perspective, she approaches challenges with an open mind and innovative solutions. Her exceptional leadership skills have been instrumental in guiding her extended team, and her potential for continued success is evident. Maria displays business acumen, coupled with a trustworthy and reassuring personality.

Yasmine Hussein, General Manager, Initiative: Mariam has showcased exceptional dedication, professionalism, and commendable work ethic in her early career stages. She is a great support to her team and partners and is always willing to go the extra mile. Her positive attitude and willingness to take on challenges make her a true asset to the organisation. I have no doubt that she will continue to excel in her career and make significant contributions to our team.

MARIO BREIDY, 26

MARWA ALOKALIY, 30

Account Manager, Augustus Media

Mayowa Tola Voss, Commercial Director, Augustus Media:

Marwa has grown into a high-level account manager at Augustus Media. Her dedication to high client service standards and strategic consultancy is impressive to watch. Instrumental in the growth and success of the ODEUM brand, she leads a wide variety of projects such as social media management, website builds, and white-label production. Marwa’s commitment, strategic acumen, and impactful contributions make her a rising star in the industry, deserving of recognition.

Digital Performance Executive, Carat

Alexandra de Smet, Business Director, Carat: Mario has tirelessly cultivated his expertise and knowledge of performance media over the years, but skills aside, he also has a passion and dedication that drive him to excel everyday, both on a personal and professional level. He has become a cornerstone of the team and I really look forward to see him further flourish in the years to come.

MAYSI DEAIBES, 28

Client Partner, Evolution Group

Revenue & Client service, Managing Partner, Evolution Group: I have the privilege of working with Maysi in Dubai. She continues to show tenacity and has a strong work ethic, underpinned by a curious nature and an eagerness to learn from others. Maysi is always looking for opportunities to improve and grow which embodies the spirit of ambition and dedication. She does this both in her current role and in addition she is developing her own e-comm brand.

MAYLINE EID, 29

Senior Media Planner, Spark Foundry UAE

Javier Bravo, Business Lead, Spark Foundry UAE:

Mayline is someone with an unwavering passion for media innovation. Her commitment to push boundaries and explore new avenues in the ever-evolving landscape of media sets her apart. Mayline is a solutiondriven individual who thrives on tackling challenges. Her ability to think outside the box and deliver innovative solutions makes her an invaluable asset to any team or project she undertakes. Mayline’s dedication to driving results and her relentless pursuit of excellence truly embody the spirit of a true media innovator.

MAYA ALSHEAKH, 26

Senior Executive- Planning, UM UAE

Hamza Madi, Business Unit Director, UM UAE: I haven’t seen someone in my career who understood the ins and outs of this industry, manage client, partners, and team members in just four months after she starts, that’s just incredible honestly. Positive attitude, ambitious. Always Eager to learn something new. She gets it from the first time and acts immediately. Full ownership and accountability. Emotional intelligence and book intelligence. Built relationships with clients, media vendors, and colleagues. The list can go on.

MIA HADDAD, 27

Senior Executive - Performance, UM MENA

MARWAN ABDO, 27

Account Executive – Social Media, Dentsu Creative

Rawad Hussein, Senior Account Manager –Social Media, Dentsu Creative: Marwan’s unwavering dedication and enthusiasm have truly set him apart, making him a valuable member of our team. With his adept communication skills and keen insight, Marwan consistently delivers tailored recommendations that resonate with his clients and audiences, ensuring their social presence remains both impactful and relevant. In the everevolving realm of digital marketing, Marwan’s ability to adapt and innovate shines through, ensuring that his content strategies not only stay consistent but also remain at the forefront of industry trends.

MERILL SAMMOUR, 30

Senior Social Media Manager, Assembly

Mariam Abouseif, Social Media Director, Assembly: Merill’s remarkable ability to take ownership of her tasks and responsibilities, coupled with a remarkable degree of autonomy, sets her apart as a true standout performer. Her solution-driven approach ensures that challenges are met with creativity and efficiency, consistently delivering high-quality work within established timelines for important clients like Taraf Holding, Virgin Mobile and Jotun.

Jad Daou, Business Director, UM MENA: Mia has shown exceptional growth and contributions over the past two years. She consistently extends support beyond her role, exhibiting a thirst for knowledge while diversifying her skill set. She excels in campaign activations and consistently finds innovative solutions to challenges. Her sense of responsibility and confidence empower her to propose unconventional yet effective strategies, driving client success and continuously elevating our team’s performance. She embodies excellence and is truly deserving of being recognised.

NADA IBRAHIM, 24

Media Executive, Spark Foundry Egypt

Nadine Helal, GM, Spark Foundry Egypt: Nada is a young, energetic and passionate talent with incredible potential, and has demonstrated a high level of dedication and ownership. In a very short period of time, she was able to shine beyond her scope of work. She is an invaluable asset to the team.

MOHAMAD HAMMOUD, 29

Investment Senior Executive, Publicis Media - APEX

MOHAB MOHAMED, 28 Media Manager, Zenith UAE

Rita Kteiche, Business Director, Zenith UAE: Mohab’s unwavering dedication, tireless work ethic and determination in excelling his career makes him a second-to-none talent. His ability to effectively coordinate media campaigns, navigate challenging situations and ensure exceptional results is truly commendable. Mohab consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that he is always on top of all market trends, has the right knowledge and indulges in the detailed qualityoriented output of the work. He continuously tries to challenge himself and his skills while continuously supporting his team.

MUNEEB AHMED KHAN, 26

Media Executive, EssenceMediacom UAE

Waseem AlDada, Senior Media Manager, EssenceMediacom UAE: Muneeb demonstrates exceptional strategic thinking and data acumen in media. His creative problem-solving and unwavering work ethic consistently impress. A passionate learner deeply committed to the industry, Muneeb embodies the ideal candidate for this recognition and academic advancement.

MOHAMMED NAEEM,

25

Performance Executive, Initiative

Rayan Malek, Senior Performance Manager, Initiative: I can confidently say he’s earned the title of the team’s GOAT. Over my three years working with Naeem, I’ve observed his exceptional dedication and ownership. His ability to grasp complex strategies has given him extensive insight into the business. With his diverse talents, I’m certain Naeem will continue to excel and reach new career heights.

Farah Salameh, Senior Manager, Publicis Media - APEX: Mohamad is a dynamic force in the media industry, driving success through strategic initiatives and unwavering dedication. His instrumental role in increasing billings and revenues for programmatic and now in Apex speaks volume on his ability to educate agency teams with the latest industry offerings. Mohamad’s commitment to excellence is evident in his pursuit of optimal campaign performance through strategic planning and execution, and consistently delivering best-inclass results.

MUHAMMAD AMMAR SADIQ, 26

Integrated Media Manager, Mindshare KSA

Tarek Sharafeddine, Client Leadership Director, Mindshare KSA: Ammar is one of the most exceptional talents I’ve had the pleasure to work with. His quick adaptation to the Saudi market was truly remarkable, leveraging his extensive global expertise. He consistently demonstrates a positive attitude towards feedback, taking it very serious. Moreover, he actively contributes to the growth of his colleagues by readily sharing his wealth of knowledge. His fully integrated knowledge and the comprehensive understanding of the full system grant him a distinct advantage.

MONA ELROUBY, 28

Media Manager, UM Egypt

Sarah Ashor, Media Director, UM Egypt: Mona is one of the great talents we have. She shows great passion and incredible dedication and efforts. Her work and effort go beyond her job description, she is always keen on taking new ventures and explore creative ideas. Mona manages to create opportunities to orchestrate wellintegrated campaigns that has an impact. Giving Mona a chance to take part of that scholarship will definitely add value to her skills.

NAJOUA SARRIKHI, 29

Performance Director, Assembly

Tayyab Mahmud, Head of Paid Media, Assembly: Najoua is dedicated to testing and learning, always at the forefront of innovation. She actively explores new approaches and technologies to improve client results. Najoua’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve makes her a leader in the industry, setting new standards of excellence.

NOUR CHERIF, 28

Digital Media Manager, Veyron Marketing

Sami Moubayed, Media Director, Veyron Marketing: With over 8 years of experience, Nour has consistently guided clients in the GCC region towards unparalleled success. Her expertise spans multiple industries, including Automotive, Banking, Telecom, Pharmaceuticals, Entertainment, and Government sectors, showcasing her ability to deliver impactful results and foster enduring partnerships. Nour specialises in performance marketing, empowering businesses to surpass their objectives and drive growth.

NOVA RAHMAN, 30

NIKILA ZACHARIAH, 25

Senior Account Executive, Aurora The Agency

Sharrah Khilawala, Senior Communications Manager, Aurora The Agency:

Nikila demonstrates exceptional organisational skills, making her a valuable asset to any team. Her proactive approach and willingness to take on tasks highlight her strong team-player mentality. Even in high-pressure situations, Nikila thrives and showcases commendable organisational and project management abilities, especially considering her age. She consistently delivers tasks promptly, adhering to given deadlines with precision. Nikila’s ability to swiftly find solutions to challenges and her prompt responsiveness further enhance her value, making her a standout contributor to any team.

Business Analyst Executive, Publicis Media - Performance UAE

Elie Milan, Chief Performance Officer ME, Publicis Media - Performance: Nova has proven herself fairly quickly within the analytics space. Her passion and dedication to delivering accurate insights and guiding retail media planning and optimisation has helped the entire team deliver e-commerce growth across our client portfolio. Nova has showcased true dedication to improving and automating many processes that delivered significant efficiencies to our day-to-day business benefiting the entire practice and facilitating success for herself and her colleagues.

NOUR MORTADA, 26

Media Planner, Mindshare UAE

Scott Spurgeon, Client Leadership Director, Mindshare UAE: Nour has been on an accelerated journey picking up media knowledge across offline and digital channels in her time with us. Her positive attitude coupled with effective collaborative and communication skills enable her to build rapport and trust both internally and externally. We are proud to have Nour within our team and we look forward to seeing her continued growth in the future.

QAMAR ALKHATIB, 29

Media Manager, UM UAE

Lea Koyess, Business Director, UM UAE: Qamar consistently demonstrates exceptional professionalism and commitment to her job. Her media knowledge combined with a deep understanding of market dynamics have consistently delivered excellent results for our client. She approaches every project with dedication, innovation, and a commitment to excellence that inspires her colleagues. Her contributions not only drive success but also elevate the standards of the team.

NOUR AL SHEIKH, 26

Senior Executive - Media, Starcom UAE

Christina Choucair, Manager - Media, Starcom UAE: Nour is a one-of-a-kind talent - responsible, positive, and a natural go-getter are only a few of her characteristics, but the list can go on and on! I have had the privilege to work with Nour and have enjoyed watching her become a major asset to our team. She continues to raise the bar in developing relationships with her team and earning her client’s trust. Nour will definitely play a big role in the industry in the years to come.

OUSSAMA MOUSLIMANI, 28

Executive - Planning, Hearts & Science MENA, Dubai

Ibrahim Arulogun, Senior Planning Manager, Hearts & Science MENA, Dubai: I am recommending Oussama Mouslimani for his exceptional contribution to the enhancement of performance marketing standards on Atlantis Aquaventure. He has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of performance marketing principles and a proactive approach to implementing always-on optimisations which played a pivotal role in achieving record breaking results in 2023 Oussama’s has an adaptive attitude with a solution-driven mindset that is fueled by his constant thirst for deeper knowledge in media and his clients’ business operations.

TAMARA TEMSAH, 26

Digital Sales Manager, Teads

Wael Zeidan, Deputy MD KSA, Teads: Tamara, your dedication and positive energy are truly remarkable. I have full confidence in your ability to achieve your goals and exceed expectations. Your potential for growth is evident, and I’m excited to see you continue to thrive. Keep up the excellent work and maintain your positive attitude—it will take you far.

RAMI MAALOUF, 30

Senior Performance Manager, EssenceMediacom UAE

Ala’ Hijazi, Regional Media Director, EssenceMediacom UAE:

Rami is an exceptional, well-rounded performance media talent. He is always on the lookout for solutions that convert clients’ business goals into effective strategic media solutions. He can breakdown complex situations and lay out a step-by-step process to achieve desired results. Hardworking and persistent, as he tackles any challenge with a ‘can-do’ mindset. His ambition for growth fuels his curiosity to expand his horizons into different media disciplines. Eager to learn and always ready to mentor his peers on all performance marketing aspects.

RAMI RIMAN, 24

Senior Programmatic and Social Media Buyer, Publicis MediaPerformance Lebanon

Violetta Tohme, Programmatic Manager – Publicis Media: Rami’s eagerness to broaden his knowledge on new topics is truly commendable. His diligent work ethic enables him to effectively manage his accounts and keeps him up-to-date on the latest solutions in the field. Rami’s commitment to excellence is exemplified through his undertaking of multiple case studies accompanied by awards recognising the outstanding performance of these campaigns. His dedication to staying informed and achieving notable success in his tasks is a testament to his professional commitment to continuous improvement.

ROBINA EL DANDACHLI, 26

Senior Media Executive, Wavemaker

Ferne Boaden, Associate Director, Wavemaker: Robina is a standout talent at Wavemaker, with contagious energy and enthusiasm. Robina has an unwavering commitment to excellence and has a great ability to deliver client needs, while maintaining a proactive and creative approach. This nomination is a testament to her passionate personality and a promising future in the industry.

RAMZI RAMADAN, 29

Media Manager, Mindshare UAE

Muzammil Hamza, Client Leadership Director, Mindshare UAE: With six years of experience in the media industry, Ramzi demonstrates exceptional skills in strategic planning, collaboration, and campaign execution across various sectors. Beyond his professional achievements, Ramzi’s diverse interests in technology, music, and gaming highlight his adaptability and passion for continuous learning. His dedication to excellence, both in and out of the workplace, makes him a standout candidate deserving recognition.

RAND EL GHOUSSAINI, 27

Senior Media Executive, Spark Foundry UAE

Nasreen Taki, Associate Business Director, Spark Foundry UAE: Rand has a remarkable grasp on how to utilise media to gain maximum benefits for her clients. Her dedication and passion when working on any project resonates through her work and interactions with colleagues and clients alike. She constantly strives to push boundaries through her creativity and is always up for new challenges to foster growth. Though she is early in her career, Rand has proven to have the potential to become a true leader in this field.

REEM HASSAN, 25

Media Executive, EssenceMediacom Egypt

Salma Gohary, Media Director, EssenceMediacom Egypt:

We commend Reem for her outstanding growth a dedication. She consistently displays a willingness to learn and takes initiative to handle tasks independently. Her adept problem-solving skills have proven invaluable in resolving issues. Reem’s sense of responsibility and dedication shone through when she went above and beyond to assist her team in understanding our work processes. Her exceptional performance has not only enhanced team productivity but also inspired her colleagues. We are privileged to have Reem, and we anticipate her continued positive impact on our organisation.

RAYAN ABI MOSLEH, 30

Senior Media Manager, Mindshare KSA

REEM LIZZAIK, 30

RAYAN RAJEH, 30

Media Manager - Media Planning, Zenith UAE

Hanin Rwaished, Associate Business Director - Media Planning, Zenith UAE: With six years of expertise in the media industry, Rayan Rajeh has distinguished himself as a leader in client servicing, orchestrating successful campaigns for top-tier brands across diverse sectors.His adeptness in leading projects has been pivotal in elevating renowned brands such as STC, where they played a pivotal role in commemorating the -10year milestone while orchestrating a successful rebranding initiative. He also left an indelible mark with Himalaya Wellness, contributing to its recognition as an award-winning brand in the prestigious Effies.

Senior Media Manager, Publicis Groupe - One Energy UAE

Harvey Benett, Business Director – Media, Publicis Groupe - One Energy UAE: Reem’s LVMH experience transformed her into a data-driven strategist, crafting impactful pitches backed by insights. Her media and marketing mastery fueled her growth in crafting, executing, and scaling successful campaigns. A digital Midas, her touch guarantees a performance boost.

ROHINEE ROY, 26

Senior UX/UI Designer, Assembly

Zoya Shahid, Director – Insights and Innovation, Assembly: Rohinee has been instrumental in re-shaping UX journeys for some of the biggest names in the market like AlFuttaim Auto and Binghatti. She can take basic designs of a user journey and amplify them with design thinking to create measurable business impact while retaining the aesthetic brand elements. She has turned around UX designs that were causing leakages to the business to aesthetic designs that give double digit ROI growth which makes here a unique asset.

Rawan Yaqub, Client Lead Director, Mindshare KSA: I have had the pleasure of witnessing Rayan’s exceptional talent, dedication, and innovation firsthand. He is a dynamic and versatile senior media manager, with a unique ability to seamlessly navigate both digital and traditional media landscapes. His expertise spans across various platforms and markets. He has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled understanding of emerging trends and technologies. Notably, Rayan played a pivotal role in pioneering innovative approaches within our team, such as being the first to explore CTV with LinkedIn and leveraging super audiences on X.

RASHA AL KOUSSA, 26

Rasha Al Koussa, GroupM Nexus UAE

Haneen Aburrubb, Ecommerce Director, GroupM Nexus UAE: Rasha has showcased exceptional operational skills and a natural ability to scale projects efficiently. Her rapid progression into managerial positions underscores her ambition and dedication. What truly sets her apart is her infectious energy, genuine excitement for her work, and insatiable eagerness to learn. These qualities, combined, make her a dynamic force poised for great success. Watch out for her as she continues to make waves in the industry.

SALMA BENOMAR, 30

SEO Team Lead, Assembly

Mateen Agha, Head of SEO and Content, Assembly: Salma Benomar stands out for her unwavering commitment and exceptional skill set in SEO. She consistently guides her clients toward success by applying effective, innovative, and bespoke strategies to optimise their online visibility in organic search. Alongside her hands-on experience, her expertise across all areas of search is where Salma’s unwavering dedication to her clients and her team shines through. In an ever-evolving industry, Salma’s impactful contributions to the larger agency are why she has been nominated.

SKANDER NAAMAN, 25

Senior Media Executive, Havas Media Middle East

Yara Elsayed, Media Manager, Havas Media Middle East:

Skander proved himself as one of the most dedicated and passionate people on his team. His passion for media shines across his day-to-day work, which he always delivers with exceptional communication skills and remarkable team spirit. There’s no doubt that Skander’s analytical approach and ability to navigate challenging situations make him an upcoming media star.

THEA MACARON, 25

Senior Media Executive, Around the Clock

Hussam ElHage, VP Digital, Around the Clock:

Thea’s resilience, hard work ethic, and unwavering dedication to her responsibilities have catalysed her remarkable growth over the last two years. Her professional demeanour and consistently positive attitude not only make collaborating with her an absolute pleasure but also significantly enhance team dynamics and productivity. Thea’s ability to tackle challenges head-on, coupled with her innovative problem-solving skills, has led to numerous successes in our projects. Her willingness to share knowledge and support her colleagues embodies the spirit of teamwork and mutual growth.

TASNIM THANI AL KHALASI, 25

Social Media Manager, Radix Media

SYED AKMUM, 29 Performance Team Lead, Assembly

Tayyab Mahmud, Head of Paid Media, Assembly: Syed is distinguished by his datadriven approach and insightful strategies across both search and social media platforms. He consistently guides clients towards success by leveraging data-driven insights to craft innovative and tailored campaigns. Syed’s hands-on expertise and commitment to delivering measurable results showcase his dedication to providing valuable insights to both his clients and his team.

WILFRED TOMMY VEMBULLY, 28

Manager - Digital Media, Digitas UAE

Amine Abouajram, Business Lead - Media, Digitas UAE: Wilfred stands out as an exemplary asset to our team, consistently demonstrating a rare blend of technical proficiency and strategic insight across our performance client engagements. With a wealth of experience spanning data analysis, technology implementation, and app marketing within the financial sector. Not only is Wilfred known for his exceptional skills, but he also embodies the spirit of collaboration and support. As he continues to refine his work ethic and remain aligned with the evolving needs of our clients, there’s no doubt that Wilfred’s career trajectory will be remarkable.

Asya Al Lamki, Senior Social Media Manager, Radix Media: Tasnim is a brilliant young Omani, who truly stands out as a Social Media Manager; she is inspiring, dependable, and creative - a unique combination in the fast-paced world of social media. With strong leadership skills and a commitment to learning and growth, she has made a remarkable impact on our clients digital presence with her innovative strategies and creative flair. We can’t wait to see, and for the world to see, what’s next for her.

YASMEEN ALAQEL, 26

Senior Media Executive, Starcom Jordan

Amir Antoun, Head of Starcom Levant: Yasmeen joined us just shy of two years ago, and she’s proven herself dedicated, driven, and highly conscientious. Her colleagues appreciate her diligence, organisational skills and positive attitude, especially under pressure. Her quality work and willingness to take on challenges, not only for personal growth but for the team and clients’ benefit, inspire trust. Yasmeen’s reliability and affability have enabled her to foster intimate relationships with both clients and coworkers. No matter the task, we’ve come to believe she’ll always deliver.

YARA KBAR, 30

Creative Designer, Leo Burnett Lebanon

Sary Najjar, Creative Director, Leo Burnett Lebanon: Yara consistently elevates our creative endeavours with her impeccable design process, infusing each project with a fresh and captivating aesthetic. Her ability to breathe new life into concepts through innovative design solutions is truly remarkable. Yara’s keen eye for detail and unwavering commitment to excellence ensure that every piece of work she produces leaves a lasting impression. She approaches challenges with enthusiasm and determination, continuously pushing boundaries to deliver visually stunning results. Yara is so dedicated to staying abreast of emerging design trends.

AASTHA CHAURASIA, 21

Junior Associate, Current Global

Peter Jacob, Managing Director, Current Global: Aastha represents the best of the future of our industry. Her dedication, passion and commitment to always delivering and going beyond for clients and her team is exceptional. She is hard working and tenacious in securing the right result and always willing to grab every earning opportunity with gusto making her an invaluable asset, and most of all a warm and engaging person to be around.

AAYA ADELA YORDI, 26

Account Executive, Hill & Knowlton

AMAN GURNANI, 24

Senior Account Executive, Seven Media

Sharan Sunner, Managing Director, Seven Media: Since joining the team two years ago, Aman has become one of our go-to people for creative campaign work across lifestyle clients. His confidence, creativity and outof-the-box thinking has seen him singlehandedly successfully take on and run campaigns for major brands such as Fitness First. His proactivity, ability to preempt a client’s needs and know how to go the extra mile to build relationships has been pivotal to his success.

ADITI GILL, 23

Account Executive, Katch International

Alankrita Singh, PR Account Manager, Katch International:

Vinita Bharadwaj, Regional Director - Energy & Industrials, Hill & Knowlton:

Aaya’s integration into our PR team brought a wealth of digital expertise, allowing her to construct and execute growth strategies with precision. Her skill in understanding various digital platforms enhances her ability to evaluate brand growth on different channels, adding value to our accounts. Aaya’s innovative approach has elevated reporting and analysis through data-driven methods, particularly in optimising our owned, earned, and paid campaigns. Her cross-functional background has enhanced client servicing and bridged the gap between digital and PR.

ABBY SLATTERY, 30

Account Executive, Keene PR

Hannah Castleton, Senior Account Manager, Keene PR:

Aditi is a creative and quick learner, bringing valuable skills to our team. What sets her apart is her humility; she acknowledges her strengths and weaknesses openly. Aditi’s willingness to tackle her shortcomings headon, coupled with her proactive approach to growth, is truly admirable. I recommend Aditi wholeheartedly for her commitment to self-improvement, which not only showcases her dedication but also enhances her contributions to our team. Her openness to learning and embracing challenges make her a valuable asset.

ANUGRAHA EMY, 25

Account Executive, POP Communications

Zainab Imichi Alhassan Alli, Co-Founder / Managing Director, POP Communications: In just over one year with the firm, Anugraha has demonstrated her ability to deliver on client work, grasp the intricacies of agencyside operations, and is also a natural with clients. Having been awarded team member of the quarter twice in the past year by her colleagues Anugraha’s professional dedication is exceptional. Adding to this, her ability to lead other team members demonstrates the markings of a great manager, and her authentic approach supports client relations alongside media and influencer connections. P R F A C E S T O W A T C H P R F A C E S T O W A T C H

Since the day Abby joined Keene PR, she has seamlessly fitted into the team like she was always meant to be here! Her key observation skills and natural curiosity make her a quick learner, always willing to tackle new challenges. Abby’s professionalism is admirable - I can always count on her to handle whatever tasks come her way with a positive approach. I have full confidence in Abby’s ability to grow within the company, evolving into a confident and dynamic PR Manager. Her enthusiasm and dedication are truly commendable, and I look forward to her continued success at Keene PR.

BASMA KHALIFA, 29

Senior Communications Executive, DUNE | 23

Mark Conlon, Communications Director, DUNE | 23:

Basma is a driven professional who boasts a passion for the role which ensures she is always willing to go the extra mile, both internally and with clients. Having led high-profile accounts such as Ed Sheeran’s Dubai concerts and multiple Tough Mudder events across the region, Basma has already showcased her ability to deliver first-class results in pressurised environments. This nomination is well deserved and an indication of how highly regarded Basma is at Dune 23

DISHA DADLANI, 29

Account Manager, APCO

Mathilda Saad, Director, APCO: I wholeheartedly recommend Disha Dadlani for this award. She has had a remarkable journey from journalism to communications and public affairs. Her unique ability to identify and explore the synergies between these fields showcases her deep understanding and innovative approach. She has adeptly integrated digital tools to enhance storytelling and engage audiences. Her transition has enriched her capability to build strong client relationships, making her the preferred point of contact.

DEVI PRAKASH, 27

PR Account Executive, Brazen MENA

Louise Jacobson, Managing Partner, Brazen MENA: Devi’s diligence has seen her garner outstanding results for clients no matter the challenge, she has stellar feedback across the board from clients and peers and is incredibly competent. A steadfast and trusted member of each team she isabsolutely integral to the deliverables to clients over and over again. Devi is one to watch in the PR space as she grows in the industry, I have no doubt that her reputation will precede her.

DOYIN ODULANA, 26

Senior PR Manager, Seven Media

Sharan Sunner, Managing Director, Seven Media: Doyin joined us as an intern in 2019, and we were immediately blown away by her writing skills, creativity, and diligence. Since then, she has quickly progressed to Senior Account Manager and now runs some of our biggest government campaigns. She has successfully run major regional work for international brands, including WWE in KSA, leading on-ground event management and operations in a complex and nuanced market. Her ability to provide client counsel is key to running successful client campaigns.

HADI CHAMSEDDINE, 28

Associate Marketing Manager, The Qode

FAIROOS PEEDIKAKANDY, 27

Multimedia Designer, Hill & Knowlton

Youssef Yammine, Associate Creative Director, Hill & Knowlton:

Upon joining, Fairoos showcased abilities that exceeded conventional design and animation. He consistently delivered exceptional value, offering bold ideas that resonated with clients and solving complex briefs under tight deadlines. His presence in the studio elevated the standard of craft, inspiring collaboration from everyone. His strategic thinking and deep understanding of social media helped him effectively bring concepts to life. Fairoos’s ability to translate insights into action, coupled with his confidence, enabled him to win the Young Lynx competition this year.

Louise Thomas, Vice President - Business Development, The Qode: Since Hadi joined as a Senior Executive, his exceptional performance and holistic approach to work have led to a well-deserved promotion to associate manager within just six months and also paved the way for the creation of a new role tailored for him. His contributions extend far beyond his direct responsibilities, embodying a genuine commitment to the agency’s growth. Hadi’s expertise spans across social media, digital marketing, PR, content creation, and influencer marketing management, demonstrating his capabilities in all marketing aspects.

HARIPRIYA KHANDELWAL, 25

Senior Account Executive, TBWA\RAAD

Reem Shamoun, Account Director, TBWA\RAAD: Haripriya’s dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to achieve remarkable outcomes makes her an invaluable asset. Her grit, humbleness, self-driven motivation to do her very best is incredible. In every project, Haripriya brings forth not just her skills but also her passion. Her ability to collaborate swiftly and her creativity elevate our collective efforts to new heights. Her determination to always present the best of her work coupled with her pursuit of excellence and attention to detail, ensures that she consistently exceeds expectations.

JUMAN ALDABBAGH, 28

Communications Executive, Action Global Communications

Emma Patterson, Associate Communications Director, Action Global Communications: Since joining our team, Juman’s development has been second to none. In 18 months, Juman has become one of our go-to people for Arabic media relations. Her attitude to support the team is always incredibly positive. Her progression has been entirely driven by herself and her desire to grow and work independently while continuing to contribute to the teams’ efforts. Loved by the media, clients and her colleagues, Juman truly embodies the definition of being a ‘face to watch’.

HAYA SULEIMAN, 24

IMAN DAWOOD, 29

Senior Account Manager, BPG

Darius LaBelle, President, BPG: Iman’s unparalleled dedication, strategic insight, and leadership have significantly contributed to our team’s success. With a forward-thinking approach and exceptional relationshipbuilding skills, Iman has not only deepened our client relationships but also pioneered innovative campaign strategies that drive our business forward. Her ability to navigate complex challenges with grace and determination exemplifies her future role as a leader in our industry. She is the real deal.

Senior Campaign Executive, Tales & Heads

Joanna Agnew, General Manager, Tales & Heads:

A PR all-rounder, Haya’s core strengths are great client servicing skills, superb media relations and exceptional written Arabic.

She is one of the best Senior Account Executives I have had the pleasure of working with since moving to the region in 2008

Her key differentiator is her can-do attitude; she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every project is executed brilliantly. She is always willing to support her colleagues to ensure the overall success of the agency.

JUMANA BATAINEH, 24

Account Manager, Q Communications

Sarah Downes, Head of Consumer – PR, Q Communications:

Jumana is an outstanding candidate for Campaign Middle East’s Faces to Watch. As a PR Account Manager, her extensive network across diverse industries serves as a catalyst for impressive client collaborations. Jumana’s exceptional writing skills consistently captivate audiences, driving impactful campaigns forward. Serving as a mentor to her junior team members, she cultivates talent with grace and dedication, nurturing the next generation of PR professionals. Jumana’s multifaceted talents, from forging strategic partnerships to nurturing budding talent,markher asapivotalfigure inthe industry.

IBRAHIM AL TAWIL, 27

PR

Senior Account Executive, NNC

Maha Abou Rich, PR Account Director, NNC: Ibrahim, exemplifies dedication and perseverance, showcasing an impeccable eye for communication and account management. He consistently goes above and beyond, demonstrating excellence in execution and also a deep understanding for clients. His analytical thinking and unique approach adds value to our portfolio of clients. Ibrahim possesses the potential to make significant advancements in the PR industry.

IMNAH VARGHESE, 23

Campaign Executive, Tales & Heads

Margaret Flanagan, Co-Founder, Tales & Heads: Imnah is a force to be reckoned with. As one of our first hires at Tales & Heads, she has been a critical part of our growth, and we can’t imagine the agency without her. Not only is Imnah smart and savvy, but she also has an incredible attitude. She is always willing to support her colleagues and clients and is confident enough to question and to challenge when she feels things could be done differently.

KARISHMA HINGORANI, 29

Account Manager, Weber Shandwick MENAT

Katie Plant, Director, Weber

Shandwick MENAT:

Karishma perfectly blends her experience as a journalist, content creator and PR professional to ensure that the story remains at the heart of her practice. This is backed up by her well-developed strategy skillsets. She understands the nuances of angles and is able to revert back to the bigger picture to ensure that every narrative we disseminate is rich, relevant and impactful. She has been able to build outstanding media relationships and place compelling coverage across multiple channels.

KRISTINA FERNANDES, 27

Senior Account Executive, Brazen MENA

Louise Jacobson, Managing Partner, Brazen MENA:

Kristina is incredibly calm under pressure. She is diligent, passionate, dedicated and approaches everything with passion. She has honed her media skills professionally, over-delivering for her clients month on month. Kristina has made an incredible impact on the business, dedicating herself whole heartedly into every project she is given. She has driven projects independently and is a natural people person, fast becoming her clients favourite as she always ‘goes the extra mile’.

LUAI OBAIDAT, 24

Senior PR Account Executive, NNC

Abeer Al Mouaqqet, PR Director, NNC:

Luai’s innovative approach to the PR and Communications field is exceptional. His discipline and drive to come up with fresh perspectives and ideas as well as solutions is gratifying. Luai’s curiosity keeps him abreast with the latest trends and he applies all his learnings on daily basis. Luai’s pivotal role in managing some of our most demanding campaigns at NNC highlights his exceptional and unique client management abilities. Luai’s future promises remarkable achievements and I have no doubt of that.

KELLY LAWLESS, 26

Senior PR Account Executive, Umami Comms

Marjorie Chapas, Head of PR, Umami Comms: Kelly is a natural in the field of PR. Her radiant energy, genuine personality, and unwavering determination make her a standout professional. Kelly consistently goes above and beyond to deliver impactful results for her clients. She possesses a remarkable talent for storytelling, crafting narratives that resonate deeply. With Kelly on board, success is practically guaranteed, as she excels in both her written communication skills and her ability to captivate audiences.

KARTIK SURESH, 25

Senior Account Executive, APCO Worldwide

Angela Borkoche, Chief of Staff, APCO Worldwide:

In a little more than a year, Kartik has made a significant impact with some of our largest clients including PureHealth and G42 Healthcare, and now leads on another. Kartik’s hunger for knowledge is evident in his pursuit of the CAPM certification and desire to bridge PR and social media expertise. A valuable colleague and future leader, Kartik embodies the spirit of Campaign’s Faces to Watch.

LILLIAN HANBALI, 28

Communications Manager, Havas Red Middle East

Reem Sabobeh, Senior Communications Manager, Havas Red Middle East: Lillian and I have consistently collaborated and crossed paths, even while working at separate companies, allowing me to witness her remarkable growth into an outstanding PR professional. Lillian possesses an exceptional blend of agility and positivity, tackling challenges with ease and inspiring those around her. Her quick thinking and adaptability in dynamic environments have led to the success of our joint projects and have truly set her apart!

MAAHI PATEL, 24

PR Account Executive, Katch International

Natasha Norton, PR Account Manager, Katch International:

Maahi has a skill for developing innovative PR ideas to engage our clients target audience. Her creative thinking and outside-the-box approach has led to successful campaigns that have garnered positive attention and increased brand visibility for clients such as Wagamama, Address Hotels, Vida Hotels & Resorts among many more. Maahi has also consistently built strong relationships with key stakeholders.

RAWAN MAHMOUD, 30

MAHIR MELWANI, 24

Senior Account Executive, Seven Media

Sharan Sunner, Managing Director, Seven Media:

Mahir joined us just 18 months ago as an Account Executive and has shown a level of passion, curiosity and creativity that is rare to come across. No matter how heavy his workload may be, he is always willing to step in and support any team member on any task. He is someone every account lead wants on their campaign team, because they know he’ll deliver results and inject consistent creative thinking.

RAKAN ALOWAIS, 28

Operations Director, Jummar PR

Ibrahim Almutawa, Managing Partner, Jummar PR: I highly recommend Rakan as a highly capable PR Face as he has showed great performance and mastery in managing his duties and delivering tangible results for Jummar and its clients. Being part of Jummar’s team, Rakan always plays an integral role in expanding its business portfolio, proving himself as a great PR talent to Jummar’s human assets.

Senior Account Manager, PR, Memac Ogilvy

Saad Abu Touq, Managing Director – PR, Memac Ogilvy: Rawan is an exceptional candidate who embodies loyalty, dedication, and relentlessness. Her patience and willingness to invest in her team set her apart. She consistently gives her all, reflecting her outstanding character.

MALIHA SHAIKH, 24

Corporate Communications Consultant, Instinctif Partners MENA

Amel Osman, Head of Corporate Communications, Instinctif Partners MENA:

Maliha, a tenacious thinker, adeptly articulates her viewpoints, fostering conviction amidst resistance. She seamlessly integrates emotion with evidence, fearlessly embracing calculated risks to foster client support and team morale. Effective public relations demand methodical consistency intertwined with regularly kindled creativity. Maliha embodies this ethos genuinely, complemented by her acute business acumen and growth-oriented mindset.

NITHIN NARAYANAN, 26

Senior Account Executive, Cosmopole Communications

Hannah Lifford, Head of PR, Cosmopole Communications: Always smiling and filled with energy, Nithin immediately impressed us with his positive attitude and natural aptitude for communications. A hard worker and a real people person, he can always be relied upon. He is brimming with ideas and an unbeatable team spirit. He has already played a major part in the success of some of Cosmopole’s most prestigious projects to date. It’s an honour to guide him as he starts his hugely successful career.

OMAR SADEK, 25

PR Senior Account Executive, NNC

Huda Ismail, Head of Public Relations, NNC: Omar’s rapid grasp of the communications practice is truly remarkable. His attention to detail coupled with his curiosity to absorb new knowledge daily and apply it to benefit his clients is commendable. He has been instrumental in a number of NNC’s most challenging projects and assignments demonstrating commendable leadership, adept client handling skills and an unwavering commitment to delivering results regardless.

SARA FARRAH, 30

PR Senior Associate, Weber Shandwick MENAT

Mariaan Valero, Head of Marketing & English Content Team • Public Relations, Weber Shandwick MENAT:

Sara’s exceptional contributions are pivotal to our team’s success. Her creativity, dedication and can-do-will-do attitude are what make her stand out in a competitive industry such as Communications and Marketing. Her proactive approach, professionalism and disciplined work ethics enabled her to establish a trusted relationship with team members and clients. I have full confidence in her capabilities and potential and believe that her name will echo loud across the PR industry as a leader figure in the future.

ROLANDE EL GHUSAYNI, 27

Senior Account Manager, Memac Ogilvy

Ashraf Shakah, President – PR, MENA, Memac Ogilvy:

If I think of dynamic and smart young communicators who represents well Memac Ogilvy’s connected culture and borderless creativity, then definitely Rolande stands out. Through the years, Rolande have always stood tall for the occasion. Either rallying our network in MENA and beyond to answer a global brief, or the rollout of a multimarket campaign or exploring every possible avenue to provide true strategic and creative value to our clients. I am always honored and pleased to work closely with Rolande.

REBECCA REGO, 27

Account

Manager, Edelman Middle East

Simon Hailes, Managing Director, Edelman Middle East:

Rebecca is a dedicated and astute manager at Edelman and her leadership on developing our influencer expertise has taken us to new heights. Her unwavering commitment, coupled with her meticulous work ethic, distinguishes her as a cornerstone of our team. Particularly, her remarkable contributions across the brand practice highlight her ability to take on significant responsibilities and excel under pressure. Rebecca’s exceptional interpersonal skills and deep understanding of regional nuances have earned her the trust and admiration of colleagues and clients alike.

SAI KEMKAR, 24

Junior Account Executive, Shamal Communications

James Lakie, General Manager, Shamal Communications: Since joining Shamal Communications in the summer of 2023, Sai has become an integral part of the team. Sai has shown a real thirst for learning. She is eager to understand the processes of managing accounts and the value the agency adds to their success. She endears herself to the clients while also being a reliable resource for the agency’s senior management team. She works across a range of accounts covering a variety of sectors and delivers excellent work.

RANEEM ALSAYED, 24

PR Account Executive, Viola Communications

Tala Abu Taha, Director of Public Relations, Viola Communications:

Raneem is a vibrant and ambitious individual, driven by a genuine passion for mastering the core principles of public relations and media engagement. Her dedication has consistently yielded numerous successful projects, where she rapidly jumps in to provide invaluable support. Recognised as a proactive team player, she brings a positive, can-do attitude to every endeavor. Her intelligence and unwavering determination are evident in her relentless pursuit of growth and excellence.

RITIKA BHANUSHALI, 28

Communications

Executive, Catch Communications

Injeel Moti, CEO, Catch Communications: Ritika has been with us since 2023 and consistently delivers as per role expectations, demonstrating good work ethic. Her creativity plays a huge role across our client portfolio and collaborative spirit inspires colleagues, fostering a healthy and a positive work environment. Beyond professional achievements, Ritika embodies integrity and character. In summary, she is a deserving candidate for Faces to Watch due to her exceptional performance and character.

SANA BAHL, 24

Communications Executive, Action Global Communications

Diksha Chadha, Associate Communications Director, Action Global Communications:

Sana has grown so much over a short period of time since she joined us as an intern. She’s truly a core part of our team, shows up daily with a positive attitude, and adds to the office culture by always lending a hand to her colleagues across the team. She’s so passionate about doing good work for clients, who absolutely love her, and pushes herself to exceed her own expectations.

SUNNA GULOYEVA, 25

Account Executive, APCO

Mohamed Bahaa, CEO, NGC

International Advisory, an APCO Company, and Managing Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, MENA:

In two years at APCO, Sunna has evolved into a key team member, overseeing accounts and campaigns for major multinational corporations across diverse sectors. Her strategic approach allows her to craft tailored communication strategies that effectively guide clients through the ever-evolving global business environment. She approaches each project with a blend of analytical rigor and creative thinking. It’s this combination of professional acumen and the ability to forge meaningful connections that truly sets Sunna apart.

SHANNA UY, 29

PR Account Manager, Q Communications

Sarah Downes, Head of Consumer PR, Q Communications:

With her exemplary skills in media and influencer relations, and her creative ideas, Shanna consistently elevates campaigns to new heights. Shanna’s unwavering determination and positive can-do attitude ensure success in every project she undertakes. Beyond her professional achievements, Shanna’s role as a mentor is equally commendable. Her juniors benefit greatly from her guidance and expertise, learning invaluable lessons under her management.

THEODORA SOLDATOU, 26

Senior PR Account Manager, Umami Comms

Marjorie Chapas, Head of PR, Umami Comms:

Theda is a dedicated professional who approaches every project with the precision and determination of an athlete. Since joining, Theda has been actively involved in fostering creativity and providing valuable support to the team. In her role managing the largest client of the agency, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, nurturing her team members to become more creative and proficient, resulting in the development of creative and strategic ideas for our clients. Theda is an excellent mentor and a rising star.

SHEERINE MAGDY, 29

Associate Director, POD Egypt

Mai Mohsen, Deputy General Manager, POD Egypt: As Sheerine’s manager, I have witnessed her exceptional talent and dedication firsthand. Sheerine consistently goes above and beyond, delivering outstanding results and demonstrating a remarkable ability to navigate complex PR landscapes. Her strategic thinking, creativity, and strong leadership have been instrumental in driving successful campaigns and nurturing valuable relationships. I have no doubt she will continue to make significant contributions to the industry and emerge as a leader to watch.

SHREYA PRADEEP, 24

Account Executive, Cheil MEA

Adeline Chew, Head of Brand Experiences, Cheil MEA:

Shreya isn’t just a rising star; she’s a force to be reckoned with in advertising. Don’t be fooled by her title - her dedication and relentless work ethic have produced consistently stellar work. She possesses the talent and drive to be a frontrunner, and her contributions are already undeniable. Beyond exceptional skills, Shreya is a team player cherished by colleagues and clients. Her infectious positivity and collaborative spirit elevate every project. In a short time, she’s become a rock star for both the team and our clients.

TANYA BHOLA, 26

Executive - Communications & Project Management, Saatchi & Saatchi UAE

Nour Awad, Associate Business Director - Communications Consultancy, Saatchi & Saatchi UAE:

Tanya consistently delivers exceptional results. Her leadership on a revolutionary brand campaign for e& enterprise (B2B digital transformation client) was nothing short of remarkable. She orchestrated major events such as GITEX and IDC events in the UAE, as well as a LEAP side event in KSA. Tanya’s impact extends to our fintech client, e& money, where she spearheaded over 20 successful campaigns, driving app downloads and usage. Tanya is truly a superstar in the making, and a pleasure to work with.

SOUNDARYA RAMKUMAR, 24

Account Executive, Katch International

Alankrita Singh, PR Account Manager, Katch International:

Having closely observed Soundarya’s work, I can attest to her exceptional performance at Katch PR Agency. Clients consistently praise her reliability and ability to swiftly execute tasks. Personally, I find that Soundarya requires minimal overseeing due to her keen eye for detail and proactive nature. She consistently exceeds expectations, often surpassing tasks independently with remarkable efficiency. Soundarya’s proactive approach and remarkable attention to detail make her an invaluable asset to our team.

ZAHRA ZAKRIYA, 25

Senior Associate, Weber Shandwick MENAT

Tania Kteily, Account Director at Weber Shandwick MENAT & Vice President –MEPRA Youth Board:

Zahra is a growth-oriented and ambitious professional with an exceptional sense of accountability. She has built strong connections with media, influencers and colleagues across functions, through her mature soft skills, which she continues to develop by listening, absorbing and applying. She depicts a can-do attitude and is always looking to learn and improve, which allowed her to win over her clients across diverse industries. She is a motivated, creative, responsible professional, who I’m confident will contribute to elevating the industry.

VINITA

KULLAI, 27

Account Manager, Golin MENA

Stephen Worsley, Regional Managing Director, Golin MENA:

Vinita has boundless energy, genuine creative flair and admirable resilience when the going gets tough. Her ability to swiftly understand complex industries and adapt to the frantic rhythm of our largest clients inspires her colleagues. She has taken on new and sometimes unfamiliar assignments with relish, demonstrating intellect, empathy and resolve. Vinita is admired for her positivity and good character. Kindness is a precious commodity in all walks of life. It is particularly valuable in the hurly burly of agency public relations.

YOSR HASSAN, 29

Senior Account Executive, Q Communications

Sarah Downes, Head of Consumer PR, Q Communications: Yosr is an exceptional Senior Account Executive with a strong blend of PR and Social Media skillsets. Yosr excels in media and influencer relations, whilst consistently delivering results for her clients with her creative touch. Her unfailing calmness and stress-free demeanor make her a true asset in any high-pressure environment, and a fantastic role model for her junior team members. Yosr’s dedication to her accounts and her results-driven attitude set her apart as a rising star in the PR industry.

TALA MARINI, 28

Associate Account Manager, Weber Shandwick KSA

Wael Abdelsamad, Deputy Managing Director, Weber Shandwick KSA: Tala has demonstrated exceptional prowess in her work throughout 2023. Tala’s ability to connect with clients and foster a vibrant relationship with them is truly remarkable. Her exceptional efforts in building proposals and brainstorming sessions, in addition to her forward-thinking mentality, has showcased her expertise and active personality. Her participation in numerous events has further solidified her reputation as a skilled professional in managing media relations. Tala’s dedication, hard work, knowledge and collaborative spirit make her a strong asset to any organisation.

ZEINA AL HASAN, 29

Account Director, Performance Communications

Amanda Fox-Pryke, Deputy Managing Director, Performance Communications: I recommend Zeina because I don’t know anyone who is more passionate about a certain industry and everything she does. Her love for the automotive world comes from deep within and projects across all she touches. As a strong, young female leader and professional PR communicator, she radiates positivity. Her approachable nature fosters strong bonds with clients, media, and team members, highlighting her potential as a future leader. Zeina’s energy and curious personality cultivate a culture of collaboration and drive crucial in today’s workplaces.

TV STATIONS

Abu Dhabi Channel

PARENT COMPANY: Abu Dhabi Media Network

HEAD OFFICE: Abu Dhabi

FOUNDED: 1969

BASED IN: UAE

LANGUAGE: Arabic

CONTENT: A diverse selection of series including drama, entertainment and premiere TV shows that address different tastes in an innovative, interactive, family safe and reliable manner along with a wide range of programmes that tackle women’s interests and lifestyle trends.

REACH: GCC and MENA and Europe

AVAILABILITY: Nile Sat 7 West, Hot bird, Du and Etisalat

VIEWERSHIP AND DEMOGRAPHICS NUMBERS: UAE- ADTV(GenreEntertainment; Genre Viewership - 60%; Viewership-28%; Core Market -UAE-KSA; Market- Pan Arab; Core Age - 24-44) KSA-ADTV ( Genre- Entertainment; Genre Viewership-75%; Viewership-16%; Core Market-UAE-KSA; Market- Pan Arab; Core Age - 24-44)

FLAGSHIP SHOW: Ahlam, Al Mamar, The Box, Taabeer Abu Dhabi, Sha’er Al Million, Bladna Amana

MEDIA REP: ADMN Commercial Team

WEBSITE: www.adtv.ae

CONTACT: 02-4145666; commercial@admn.ae

Abu Dhabi TV, one of Abu Dhabi Media Network’s leading television channels, is a public entertainment channel that appeals to the preferences of Arab youth and families in the MENA region.

Abu Dhabi Sports Channels

PARENT COMPANY: Abu Dhabi Media Network

HEAD OFFICE: Abu Dhabi

FOUNDED: 1998

BASED IN: Abu Dhabi

LANGUAGE: Arabic & English

CONTENT: The channel plays a pivotal role in promoting the following sporting events; UAE League - ADNOC Pro League; UAE President Cup; Calcio Serie A

REACH: MENA

SATELLITES: Arab Sat and Nile Sat, STARZPLAY, Elife, Etisalat and du FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Man to Man, Share’ Al Riyadi, Riyada alyom

MEDIA REP: ADM commercial Team

WEBSITE: https://www.adsports.ae/

CONTACT: 02-4145666, commercial@admn.ae

VIEWERSHIP AND DEMOGRAPHICS NUMBERS: AD SPORT1 (Genre viewership – 21%; Core market - UAE; Market - all Arab countries; Core age -15-40 GENRE: Sport/FTA

Abu Dhabi Sports is one of the most-watched sports channels in the Arab world, covering world-class sport and competition across its four-channel network.Established in 1998, and characterised by its innovative and high-quality coverage, Abu Dhabi Sports covers international sport and events to the highest standards and has embraced digital content through live streaming on its website, on the ADSPORTS application (available on Apple Store and Google Play) and through social media, IPTV services and Apple TV.

Al Arabiya News Channel

PARENT COMPANY: Al Arabiya Network

HEAD OFFICE: Riyadh

FOUNDED: 2003

BASED IN: Riyadh

LANGUAGE: Arabic

GENRE: Politics, business, sports, current affairs and lifestyle shows

REACH: Worldwide

AVAILABLE ON: Arabsat, Nilesat, OSN, Shahid, Etisalat, Du, GOBX, JAWWY

FLAGSHIP SHOWS: Tafa3olcom, Fil Marma, Future of Energy & Closing bell, Mahal Niqash, Poilitical Memory

MEDIA REP: MBC Media Solutions – hello@mms.net

WEBSITE: www.mms.net

ADDRESS: Riyadh, Dubai & Egypt

In an age where information is being delivered at an ever-increasing pace and where the need to form an opinion is becoming more challenging; Al Arabiya Network remains the Arab world’s leading source of news. With round-the-clock core news bulletins complemented by a dynamic mix of the latest business, sports current affairs and lifestyle shows. Al Arabiya network is where globally minded viewers tune in for the latest from within and beyond their national borders.

Baynounah TV

PARENT COMPANY: Abu Dhabi Media Network

HEAD OFFICE: Abu Dhabi

FOUNDED: 2013

BASED IN: UAE

LANGUAGE: Arabic

VIEWERSHIP AND DEMOGRAPHICS NUMBERS: Genre-Entertainment; Viewership- 65%; Market- UAE; Core age-16-50

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Ferasat Al Sahra, Jozr (islands)

MEDIA REP: ADMN commercial team

WEBSITE: https://baynounah.ae/ CONTACT: 02-4145666, commercial@admn.ae

Baynounah TV is a free-to-air Emirati TV channel with a mission to reflect the daily lives of the Emirati community. A pioneer in broadcasting national and local heritage, the channel’s diverse programming touches on social awareness, health, estate, and cultural topics.Baynounah TV believes that there is much to be learned from our ancestors. The channel covers UAE’s key cultural events and festivals as a media partner for many leading organisations and institutions in society. Baynounah channel targets the audience of the United Arab Emirates.

Emarat TV

PARENT COMPANY: Abu Dhabi Media Network

HEAD OFFICE: Abu Dhabi

FOUNDED: 1974

BASED IN: UAE

LANGUAGE: Arabic

REACH: GCC and MENA

CABLE SERVICES: Du and Etisalat

VIEWERSHIP NUMBERS AND DEMOGRAPHICS: Genre-Entertainment; Genre Viewership-65%; Viewership -21% ;Core Age -16-50

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Sabah Al Emarat, Sawalif Yaddo, Omor Jadeed, Qesat Makan

MEDIA REP: ADMN commercial team

CONTACT NUMBER: Contact 02-4145666, email commercial@admn.ae

WEBSITE: www.adtv.ae

Al Emarat TV serves as the United Arab Emirates state channel, through a wide variety of programs that appeal to viewers of all ages in the UAE and GCC region. Al Emarat encourages family enrichment and the development of national talents in the media industry. In addition, Al Emarat focuses on promoting the Emirati national identity in order to ensure the actual application of the national concept within the diverse and multi-ethnic Emirati community.

EVOLVING CONTENT FOR CHANGING TIMES

CNN International Commercial’s Sanad Kassem has seen a lot of change in his 10 years with the company

When you reach a particular career or personal milestone, it can often result in a moment of reflection. This happened to me recently as I marked ten years of working for CNN. Looking back over this last decade led me to think about the locations I worked from (first London, then Dubai), the incredible places I’ve visited, and of course the colleagues and partners I’ve met and worked with during this time.

Beyond this, what really struck me was thinking back to the seismic change that has taken place in terms of the way we work and how we deliver campaigns and content.

At the heart of it, the ethos remains the same – when working on our campaigns we still focus on telling a compelling story, produced to high production values and delivered to relevant audiences in a premium environment. However, even in the last ten years, the way that we devise, create and distribute engaging content has changed beyond all recognition.

A major reason driving this change is the continued growth in the platforms where people are consuming content, with particular expansion in audio, newsletters, streaming and newer social media platforms. Some of these platforms have grown exponentially and others such as TikTok simply did not exist a decade ago. As a forward-facing media company, it’s vital that we follow the audience – an approach that has seen us launch or grow our content offerings in all these areas and ensure that our partners can connect with our audiences in these environments as well as the tried and trusted platforms such as TV, mobile and digital.

With over 75 per cent of the campaigns we develop for clients spanning multiple platforms, it’s now become the norm that we are creating content and distribution strategies for several different formats and environment within a single campaign. While a campaign will have a central theme and purpose, its execution will differ by platform both in terms of format and creative. What’s for sure is

that a ‘one size fits all’ approach does not work. Our brand content studio Create has many years of experience in this field and has developed our commercial content offering in line with the different platforms we are producing content for.

This team of expert content strategists and producers know that we shouldn’t be producing a single piece of content and putting it in as many places as possible. Rather we are cognisant of the restrictions (and opportunities) of a particular medium, and therefore adapt our content to best suit the environment it is consumed in and the expectations of the audience. In addition to media executions, our campaigns are also increasingly involving other innovative solutions as we work with partners in new ways to expand presence to events and other formats.

Another aspect driving the evolution of content is the use of data. While we have had an industry-leading data strategy throughout my time at CNN, the complexity of data’s role in content development and campaign delivery, optimisation and evaluation has changed exponentially. The data we are able to draw upon in terms of audience insight as well as campaign and content

‘‘AS A FORWARDFACING MEDIA COMPANY, IT’S VITAL THAT WE FOLLOW THE AUDIENCE”

performance across multiple touchpoints is incredibly powerful. It enables us to plan, optimise and evaluate campaigns and creative executions with true insight and maximum impact.

The campaigns we are now working on are also being supercharged with the accelerated use of AI. At CNN International Commercial we are using AI and machine learning in many ways – from powering decision-making in advertising delivery platforms to using AI tools that make our studio more efficient and free up our creators to spend more time making great content. From a content perspective this means using generative AI to help automate some operational and previously time consuming tasks such as transcriptions and translations from our filmed interviews or helping with auto colour correction or object removal within filmed shots. Whilst this realises efficiencies and optimises what we can achieve with our partners, our usage of AI doesn’t detract from the fact that both

our campaign planning and our content creation is very much human. It has been a decade of change in many regards and on the surface many aspects of what we do and how we do it have changed immeasurably. However, an enduring commitment to working with partners, telling stories and reaching engaged audiences remains so intrinsic that I remain confident to still be focusing on these core attributes if I am invited back by Campaign Middle East to write a piece in 2034 about what makes for a successful content and campaign strategy.

By Sanad Kassem, Sales Director, CNN International Commercial

Al Hadath News Channel

PARENT COMPANY: Al Arabiya Network

HEAD OFFICE: Riyadh

FOUNDED: 2012

BASED: Riyadh

LANGUAGE: Arabic

GENRE: Politics & breaking news

REACH: Worldwide

AVAILABLE ON: Arabsat, Nilesat, OSN, Shahid, Etisalat, Du, GOBX

FLAGSHIP SHOWS: 19 GMT bulletin, Studio Al Hadath & Al Akhbar Al Layla

MEDIA REP: MBC Media Solutions – hello@mms.net

WEBSITE: www.mms.net

ADDRESS: Riyadh, Dubai & Egypt

Al Hadath is a free-to-air news and current affairs satellite channel, which operates as an extension of the long-standing Al Arabiya news channel. From an editorial perspective, Al Hadath focuses on extensive live coverage of events as they happen from across the Arab world and beyond.

Al Resalah

OWNERSHIP: Rotana Media Group

HEAD OFFICE: Al Ryadh Kingdom Tower of Saudi Arabia.

FOUNDED: 01 Mar ,2006.

COUNTRY: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

LANGUAGE: Arabic.

CONTENT: Al Resala provided over 4,000 hours of continuous live broadcasting to promote peaceful and reassuring content that filled a cultural void and influenced minds with positive intellectual and spiritual messages. Their programming aimed to close the space of extremism and elevate pure and balanced thoughts that illuminate noble values and ideals. In doing so, Al Resala became the voice of supreme cultural value.

Al Sumaria TV

PARENT COMPANY: Al Sumaria Group

LAUNCHED: 2004

BASED IN: Iraq & Lebanon

LANGUAGE: Arabic

WEBSITE: https://www.alsumaria.tv/

REACH: Iraq, Lebanon, UAE, Jordan, GCC, Egypt and more

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: Worldwide via Internet and satellite

MEDIA REP: (+ contact details) DigiNet Arabia: +971 44545454

VIEWERSHIP NUMBERS: 2.2 million

VIEWER DEMOGRAPHICS: Arabs, 60% Males, 73% Age 15-44

Alsumaria adopts a liberal perspective whilst maintaining religious faith and strongly refuting repression and autocracy. Alsumaria produces almost all of its 24/7 programs in-house. It broadcasts live entertainment, social, political, and game shows hosted by young Iraqis, and drama and comedy series starred, directed, and produced by Iraqis

GENRE: Movies; Documentaries; Musicals; Sports Shows; Entertainment

ARY Digital

PARENT COMPANY: ARY Group

HEADQUARTERED: Pakistan

FOUNDED: 2000

LANGUAGE: Urdu

GENRE: Family entertainment shows

MEDIA REP: IAS Media: +971 4 447 5760

EMAIL: prasad@iasmedia.com, sajeev@iasmedia.com, rajesh@iasmedia.com

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Jeeto Pakistan, Good Morning Pakistan

VIEWERSHIP: Pakistani expats living in the Middle East

REACH: MENA

SATELLITES/ CABLE SERVICES: Etisalat, DU, Ooredoo

ARY News

PARENT COMPANY: ARY Group

HEADQUARTERED: Pakistan

FOUNDED: 2004

LANGUAGE: Urdu

GENRE: News

MEDIA REP: IAS Media: +971 4 447 5760

EMAIL: prasad@iasmedia.com, sajeev@iasmedia.com, rajesh@iasmedia.com

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Breaking News, The Reporter

VIEWERSHIP - Pakistani expats living in the Middle East

REACH: MENA

SATELLITES/ CABLE SERVICES: Etisalat, DU, Ooredoo

ASIANET MIDDLE EAST

GENRE: Malayalam general Entertainment channel featuring the best of series, movies, reality shows and locally created content

PARENT COMPANY: STAR India (subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company)

HEAD OFFICE: Dubai Media City, Dubai

LANGUAGE: Malayalam

GEOGRAPHICAL REACH: Middle East, East Africa, Seychelles & Singapore

MEDIA REP: Anjali Desai - anjali.desai@disney.com

ASIANET MOVIES

GENRE: World’s favourite Malayalam movie channel featuring the biggest blockbusters and biggest stars

PARENT COMPANY: STAR India (subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company)

HEAD OFFICE: Dubai Media City, Dubai

LANGUAGE: Malayalam

GEOGRAPHICAL REACH: Middle East, Kenya, Singapore, ROW & USA

MEDIA REP: Anjali Desai - anjali.desai@disney.com

ASIANET PLUS

GENRE: Series, movies and locally created content

PARENT COMPANY: STAR India (subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company)

HEAD OFFICE: Dubai Media City, Dubai

LANGUAGE: Malayalam

GEOGRAPHICAL REACH: Middle East, ROW & USA

MEDIA REP: Anjali Desai - anjali.desai@disney.com

B4U Music

PARENT COMPANY: B4U Entertainment

FOUNDED: 2012

LANGUAGE: Hindi

GENRE: Bollywood Music

REACH: UAE & Qatar

SATELLITES/ CABLE SERVICE: E-Life, Du and Ooreedo

B4U Plus

PARENT COMPANY: B4U Entertainment

HEADQUARTERED: Dubai

LANGUAGE: Hindi

GENRE: General entertainment

SATELLITES/ CABLE SERVICE: Eutelsat 7 West A, E-Life, Du and Ooreedo

UNLEASHING INFLUENCERS INTO THE REALM OF CONNECTED TV

GOAT MENA’s Vivian Subrata explains what a natural place CTV is for influencer content to shine

Influencers have become pivotal assets in digital marketing by shaping trends and consumer behaviour through their genuine and relatable content. Increasingly, we’re seeing influencer content expand beyond the realms of social and across a wider range of channels and media, like TV.

Connected TV (CTV) has provided a new playground for influencers to roam and make their own. The success of this synergy is thanks to many shared attributes between influencers and CTV, including its storytelling prowess, authenticity, interactivity, and datadriven approaches. This is what makes

CTV and influencers an exciting match for marketers looking to capture attention and prompt meaningful actions from viewers.

Whether that’s through CTV ad campaigns featuring prominent influencers, repurposing, and extending the reach of existing influencer content and campaigns across CTV, or even creating bespoke content and programmes for CTV by influencers themselves. CTV can be a powerful channel for influencer marketing to grow.

STORYTELLING

Influencers are valuable partners for brands. Their strength lies in storytelling, as they have a knack for engaging their audience on a personal level, generating content that resonates with their values and experiences.

And now with CTV and modern smart TVs improving in size and quality, influencers can magnify their storytelling impact. Take for example prominent YouTube influencer Mr. Beast who creates high-budget content for his audience of over 244 million, which is often viewed via CTV. Such videos include some amazing, sponsored content we collaborated with Mr. Beast on, like the Crash Bandicoot: On The Run campaign which generated 56 million views on YouTube and drove incredible results for the client.

Closer to home, the popular celebrity host known for his inspiring voice of the Modern Arab World, Anas Bukhash, streams his YouTube channel #ABtalks - which has more than 223 million views - on Netflix. This kind of content demands to be seen on the biggest screen in the home, and thanks to smart TVs and CTV, we’re seeing more influencer content being viewed this way.

AUTHENTICITY AND CREDIBILITY

Influencer content is also becoming higher quality, contributing to its positive perception and adding to its credibility, especially when it’s distributed on channels outside of social, such as CTV. When the power of TV is paired with authentic influencer content, you have an environment for positive actions to occur.

INTERACTIVITY

Influencers are the connectors between audiences and the brands they love. They’re experts at understanding how to foster a sense of community and interaction with their audience, building trust and loyalty and laying the groundwork for long-term brand advocacy.

Social media is innately interactive, hence why it’s the predominant home of influencers. But that doesn’t mean they can’t fly the nest and bring this interactivity to new places.

Our TVs can do so much more for us now than just show us what programmes are currently being broadcast. Thanks to CTV we can download apps, access the internet, and even purchase things directly from our remotes.

‘‘INFLUENCERS ARE THE CONNECTORS BETWEEN AUDIENCES AND THE BRANDS THEY LOVE”

This is a natural place for influencer content to shine. And thanks to CTV’s tech capabilities, campaigns can feature clickable overlays, QR codes, or custom URLs, prompting viewers to take specific actions such as visiting a website or making a purchase.

DATA-LED

One of CTV’s strengths over its predecessor (terrestrial, linear TV) is its data capabilities, making attribution for campaigns easier to trace and measure. Data is CTV’s powerhouse, and we can use it to deliver highly personalised content to viewers based on their demographics, interests, and viewing habits.

Influencer marketing is increasingly data-led in its approach, too. This means that it’s no longer a guessing game of what might resonate with audiences or what influencers to use for certain campaigns, or even how to measure the effectiveness of influencers. Data plays a huge role in advancing and legitimising influencer marketing, helping boost its credibility and earn a place on the media plan.

And against the backdrop of the deprecation of cookies, where first-party data is even more valuable, CTV and influencers are also set up for success, both being cookie-less environments. Influencers’ unique ability to engage niche audiences acts as an effective substitute for the third-party cookie, especially when coupled with the interactivity of CTV options.

TUNING IN TO INFLUENCERS

By harnessing authentic storytelling, data-driven insights, and strategic collaboration, influencers can unlock CTV’s full potential to captivate audiences, drive meaningful actions, and inspire positive change.

As CTV continues to evolve, influencers are becoming indispensable allies for brands navigating this dynamic platform. With their ability to engage audiences, build trust and target niche segments, influencers can bridge the gap between brands and audiences in the CTV era, unlocking new opportunities for engagement and tangible business results.

By Vivian Subrata, Lead at GOAT MENA, part of GroupM MENA

BBC World News

PARENT COMPANY: BBC

HEADQUARTERED: London

FOUNDED: 1995

LANGUAGE: English

MEDIA REP: Ali Taher, vice-president, advertising & partnership sales MENA, Turkey and Mediterranean: +971 4 367 8090; +971 55 8014 000

WEBSITE: bbcglobalnews.com

CN Arabic

PARENT COMPANY: Warner Brothers Discovery

HEADQUARTERED: MENA Operations: Dubai, Turkiye, London and Amsterdam

NUMBER OF STAFF: 25

FOUNDED: 2010 (MENA)

BASED: MENAT & EMEA

LANGUAGE: ARABIC

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Teen Titans, GO!, We Baby Bears, The Amazing World of Gumball, Ben 10, Powerpuff Girls and more.

REACH: MENA-wide

SATELLITES/ CABLE SERVICE: Du, Ooredoo, beIN, Intigral/STC, Etisalat

Cartoon Network

OWNERSHIP / PARENT COMPANY: WBD

HEAD OFFICE FOR CN ARABIC: Dubai

NUMBER OF STAFF: 10 located in Dubai, London and Istanbul

FOUNDED: 2010 (CN Arabic)

LANGUAGE: Arabic on FTA, CN HD (pay channel) is in Arabic and English audio selection

GENRE: Kids’ animation series and movies

REACH: MENA wide

SATELLITES/ CABLE: beIN, Etisalat, Du, Ooredoo, Intigral, Shahid, Netflix.

CNBC Arabia

PARENT COMPANY: Middle East Business News

HEAD OFFICE: Dubai, UAE

YEAR FOUNDED: 2003

AVAILABLE: Free-to-air in Nilesat and Arabsat

CNBC Arabia is the Arab World’s preeminent and first 24-hour Arabic-language financial and business information channel, presenting in-depth and up-to-the-minute coverage of regional and international affairs from an Arab economic perspective. CNBC Arabia brings real-time information to the most influential, powerful and affluent audience in the Middle East and Northern Africa.

CNN

PARENT COMPANY: Warner Bros. Discovery

CN HD

PARENT COMPANY: Warner Brothers Discovery

HEADQUARTERED: MENA Operations: Dubai, Turkiye, London and Amsterdam

NUMBER OF STAFF: 25

FOUNDED: 2016 (MENA)

BASED: MENAT & EMEA

LANGUAGE: ARABIC & ENGLISH

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Teen Titans, GO! , We Baby Bears, The Amazing World of Gumball, Ben 10, Powerpuff Girls and more.

REACH: MENA-wide

SATELLITES/ CABLE SERVICE: beIN, Ooredoo, OSN, Du, Intigral/STC, Etisalat

CN Hindi

PARENT COMPANY: Warner Brothers Discovery

HEADQUARTERED: MENA Operations: Dubai, Turkiye, London and Amsterdam

NUMBER OF STAFF: 25

FOUNDED: 2016 (MENA)

BASED: MENAT & EMEA

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Teen Titans, GO! , We Baby Bears, The Amazing World of Gumball, Ben 10, Powerpuff Girls and more

REACH: MENA-wide

SATELLITES/ CABLE SERVICE: Du, Ooredoo, Etisalat

Cartoonito

PARENT COMPANY: Warner Brothers Discovery

HEADQUARTERED: MENA Operations: Dubai, Turkiye, London and Amsterdam

NUMBER OF STAFF: 25

FOUNDED: 2023 (MENA)

BASED: MENAT & EMEA

LANGUAGE: Arabic & English

CONTENT: Pre-school channel

HEADQUARTERED: Atlanta, USA

HEAD OFFICE: MENA Operations: Dubai, Turkiye, London and Amesterdam

FOUNDED: 1980

LANGUAGE: English

NUMBER OF STAFF: 15 FOUNDED: 2002 (MENA)

BASED: MENAT & EMEA

VIEWERSHIP: CNN International, the most widely distributed news channel reaches over 348 million households and hotel rooms globally.

DEMOGRAPHICS: CNN attracts high numbers of influential and business audiences globally.

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Newsroom, Connect the World with the Becky Anderson, Quest Means Business, First Move, Amanpour, Isa Soares Tonight.

MEDIA REP: Media International Services (MIS Gulf – Marwan Kai, CEO): www.misgulf.com; +971 4 321 2003

Colors TV:

PARENT COMPANY: Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd.

FOUNDED: 2010 in Middle East and 2012 in Africa

BASED: India

LANGUAGE: Hindi

CONTENT: Hindi General Entertainment Channel with various fiction and reality shows produced in India and shows produced locally in the UAE

REACH: UAE, Qatar and GCC countries, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mauritius, Madagascar & Indian Ocean islands, Angola, Mozambique, and almost across the ME&A region with our OTT partnership.

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: Middle East: elife TV, du, Oreedoo, Yupp TV & Commercial Properties. Africa and Indian ocean: DStv, GoTV, StarTimes, Azam TV, Parabole, Mauritius Telecom, Canal+, TopStar, StarSat, Zap TV, Zuku TV and multiple cable operators in east Africa

WEBSITE: www.colorstv.com

ADDRESS: Office No. 530, Building 8, Dubai Media City, Dubai

CONTACT NUMBER: +971 04 367 9890

EMAIL: Business Head MEA and Global Content Sales Head: sheetal. mehra@indiacast.com; marketing & content sales – sudeep.nair@ indiacast.com; affiliate sales: vikrant.tayade@indiacast.com; ad sales: sandeep.rao@indiacast.com

The Evolution of Connected TV in the MENA region

Joey Feghaly explains how Connected TV is driving growth and innovation in the MENA region

In today’s digital age, the landscape of television viewing has undergone a dramatic transformation, where Connected TV (CTV) has become a cornerstone of entertainment consumption for audiences worldwide. From streaming videos and music to browsing the web, CTV offers an array of possibilities that redefine the traditional television experience. Let’s explore the factors driving its growth, how streaming platforms are adapting to diverse audience preferences, recent innovations in advertising, and the role of data in measuring marketing campaign performance.

CTV is a subset of Over-The-Top (OTT) media, delivering digital video content via the internet. Its popularity has surged globally and regionally, driven by several key factors. Firstly, increased internet penetration has been a significant driver. In the MENA region, countries like the UAE and KSA boast impressive internet user statistics, with both reaching a staggering 99 per cent penetration rate, according to Statista. Secondly, the growing affordability of smart TVs has made CTV more accessible to a broader audience. There’s also been a noticeable shift in consumer behaviour, with viewers gravitating towards on-demand content. This transition is evidenced by households subscribing to an average of three streaming platforms, as reported by Oliver Wyman. Lastly, the rise of local streaming platforms like Shahid has catered to regional content preferences, further propelling CTV adoption in MENA.

DIVERSE PREFERENCES

Streaming platforms have adapted to cater to the diverse preferences of the regional audience in both content and business strategies. On the viewer side, platforms offer a mix of global and Arabic content, accompanied by multilingual support through subtitles, dubbing options, and even adaptations. Personalised recommendations powered by algorithms enhance the viewing experience, leading to an average CTV viewer in MENA consuming over three hours of content daily. From a business perspective, the influx of advertising revenue is undeniable. Marketing professionals across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa anticipate a significant shift in ad spend towards CTV, prompting new players to enter the video-on-demand (VOD) landscape in the region. Even social media giants like X are expressing an interest in launching video-focused Smart TV apps, highlighting the lucrative opportunities presented by CTV advertising.

INNOVATIONS IN ADVERTISING

Advertising in the CTV space has witnessed notable innovations aimed at enhancing viewer engagement and brand integration. QR code formats embedded in display banners facilitate tracking and bridging the gap between mobile and CTV devices. Brand product placements seamlessly integrate ads into streaming content using AI in post-production. Additionally, platforms leverage organic features like live streaming for events. Examples include Netflix’s venture into live sports globally and Shahid’s support for content casting, allowing users and brands like

Samsung to stream product launches locally via the platform, offering branded activation opportunities. Integrating within the platform user interface for thematic bundles, like Galaxy Chocolate’s integration into romantic drama title posters on Shahid’s Valentine’s Day carousel, provides targeted advertising solutions that resonate with viewers.

DATA AND METRICS

These play a crucial role in measuring the performance of marketing campaigns in the streaming space. At MMS, we’ve enhanced Shahid’s data-driven capabilities and leading video measurement metrics to better fine-tune their ability to unlock audience growth through targeted content and technology. The wide range of targeting options available allows for precise audience mapping, driving data-driven optimisation of campaigns in real-time. Advertisers leverage data beyond traditional metrics like impressions, views, click-through rate, completion rate, and reach to gauge factors such as audience attention and ad recall. Shahid has achieved notable results on this front, with video ads achieving over 95 per cent viewability, 97 per cent attention quality score, 92 per cent audio on, according to our official measurement partner Oracle MOAT. These metrics allow advertisers to measure campaign effectiveness more accurately than ever before, ensuring their ads are seen, heard, and retained.

ENHANCING VIEWER ENGAGEMENT

CTV enables the seamless integration of advertising formats into streaming content, offering viewers an uninterrupted experience while providing brands with valuable exposure. At MMS, we have developed an In-Content Integration (ICI) solution, enabling us to seamlessly integrate brands into highly popular shows post-production through AI frame-by-frame analysis and inclusion via CGI. Through these organic digital insertions, ICIs are evergreen on Shahid, always present in episodes regardless of when or where they are watched. This ensures that advertisements blend flawlessly with the content, elevating viewer engagement and brand recall.

The evolution of CTV in the region signifies a fundamental shift in entertainment consumption and advertising methodologies. As streaming platforms continue to adapt to diverse audience preferences and innovate in advertising, the horizon of CTV presents unparalleled opportunities for advertisers to connect with their target audience dynamically and quantifiably.

By Joey Feghaly, Shahid Growth Manager at MBC Media Solutions

Colors Rishtey Asia

PARENT COMPANY: Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd

LANGUAGE: Hindi

CONTENT: Entertainment shows and movies

REACH: UAE, Qatar, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mauritius, and MEA

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: Middle East: elife TV, Ooredoo, YuppTV, du WEBSITE: www.indiacast.com

CONTACT NUMBER: +971 43679890

EMAIL: Business Head MEA and Global Content Sales Head: sheetal.mehra@indiacast.com; marketing & content sales: sudeep.nair@ indiacast.com; affiliate sales: vikrant.tayade@indiacast.com; ad sales: sandeep.rao@indiacast.com

Colors Cineplex

PARENT COMPANY: Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd.

BASED: India

LANGUAGE: Hindi

CONTENT: Blockbuster Hindi Movies

REACH: UAE, Mozambique

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: Middle East: du Africa: Zap TV

WEBSITE: www.indiacast.com

CONTACT NUMBER: +971 43679890

EMAIL: Business Head MEA and Global Content Sales Head: sheetal. mehra@indiacast.com; marketing & content sales – sudeep.nair@ indiacast.com; affiliate sales: vikrant.tayade@indiacast.com; ad sales: sandeep.rao@indiacast.com

Cox Media Group

PARENT COMPANY: Cox Enterprises

HEADQUARTERED: Atlanta, USA

FOUNDED: 2008

LANGUAGE: English

GENRE: 24/7 News, Business, Sport and Lifestyle

REACH: USA

MEDIA REP: The MediaVantage: +9714 425 3300

Dubai Sports

PARENT COMPANY: DMI(Dubai Media Incorporated)

LAUNCHED: 2003

BASED IN: UAE 5

LANGUAGE: Arabic

WEBSITE: Dmi.ae

REACH: Global Through Satellite

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: Arab Sat Badr, Hot Bird and Nile Sat

MEDIA REP: MEMS: +971 44545454

VIEWERSHIP NUMBERS: 55,000 (GCC Adults15+) 70% between 15-40 yrs

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Gulf Cup, UAE National Soccer League, WASL Basketball League, Golf World Cup Tournament

GENRE: Sports

Dubai Racing

PARENT COMPANY: DMI(Dubai Media Incorporated)

LAUNCHED: 2008

BASED IN: UAE

LANGUAGE: Arabic

WEBSITE: Dmi.ae

REACH: Global Through Satellite

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: Arab Sat Badr, Hot Bird and Nile Sat

MEDIA REP: MEMS: +971 4 4 54 54 54

VIEWERSHIP NUMBERS: 30,000 (GCC Adults 15+) 70% between 15-40 yrs

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Horse and Camel Racing

GENRE: Sports/racing

Dubai One

PARENT COMPANY; DMI(Dubai Media Incorporated)

LAUNCHED: 2004

BASED IN: UAE

LANGUAGE: English

WEBSITE: Dmi.ae

REACH: Global through satelite

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: Arab Sat Badr, Hot Bird and Nile Sat

MEDIA REP: MEMS: +971 44545454

VIEWERSHIP NUMBERS: 700,000 (GCC Adults 15+) 70% between 15-40 yrs

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: BlockBuster Movies, American Series, Dubai Today, Dubbed series

GENRE: Entertainment, Family, Drama, Romance, Comedy, Action, Animation

DStv

PARENT COMPANY: Multichoice

HEADQUARTERED: Johannesburg, South Africa

FOUNDED: 1975

LANGUAGE: Afrikaans, Arabic, Swahili and English

GENRE: 24/7 News, Business, Sport, Reality, Documentary and Lifestyle

REACH: South Africa, Nigeria and Zimbabwe

MEDIA REP: The MediaVantage: +9714 425 3300

Dijlah TV

BASED IN: Iraq and Jordan

LANGUAGE: English, Arabic

WEBSITE: www.dijlah.tv

REACH: Iraq, Lebanon, UAE, Jordan, GCC, Egypt and more

GENRE: Entertainment; Political; Educational; Sports; Social

MEDIA REP: DigiNet Arabia: +971 44545454

VIEWERSHIP NUMBERS: 1 Million

VIEWER DEMOGRAPHICS: Arabs, 56% Males, 69% Age 15-44

Discovery

PARENT COMPANY: Warner Brothers Discovery

HEAD OFFICE: MENA Operations: Dubai, Turkiye, London and Amesterdam

NUMBER OF STAFF: 25

YEAR FOUNDED: 1996 (MENA)

BASED: MENAT & EMEA

LANGUAGE: English

CONTENT: Science, natural history, anthropology, survival, geography, and engineering.

REACH: MENA-wide

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: OSN, Shahid, Starzplay, BeIN, STC

Dubai TV

PARENT COMPANY: DMI (Dubai Media Incorporated)

LAUNCHED: 2004

BASED IN: UAE

LANGUAGE: Arabic

WEBSITE: Dmi.ae

REACH: Global Through Satellite

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: Arab Sat Badr, Hot Bird and Nile Sat

MEDIA REP: MEMS: +971 4 4 54 54 54

VIEWERSHIP NUMBERS: 3.1 million (GCC Adults 15+) 70% between 15-40 yrs

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Shark Tank, Carpool Karaoke, X Factor, The Doctors, Mashaheer

RAMADAN SPECIALS FOR 2024: Egyptian series – Farawla, Atabat Al Bahja; Turkish series – Salah Al Deen Al Ayyubi; Gulf series – Mant Rayeg, Al Khon, Yasin Abdul Malik; Others – Nokta’ W Entaha,Al Rawi, Duroob, Akher Kalam (Game Show)

GENRE: Entertainment, Family, Drama, Romance, Comedy

Euronews

PARENT COMPANY: Euronews SA

HEADQUARTERED: Lyon

NUMBER OF STAFF: 650

FOUNDED: 1993

LANGUAGE: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish

SALES: Christian Kachacha, regional head, Middle East: christian.kachacha@euronews.com +971 4 4313302; +971 50 7143436

WEBSITE: www.euronews.com

Euronews is Europe’s leading international news channel. Euronews is unapologetically impartial and seeks to offer a diversity of viewpoints. Euronews is broadcast 24/7 and boasts 15 distinct language editions. Euronews delivers impartial news trusted by audiences across the world, available in 440 million homes across 160 countries, including 68 per cent of households in the European Union.

Fatafeat

PARENT COMPANY: Warner Brothers Discovery

HEADQUARTERED: MENA Operations: Dubai, Turkiye, London and Amsterdam

NUMBER OF STAFF: 25

FOUNDED: 2006 (MENA)

BASED: MENAT & EMEA

LANGUAGE: Arabic

CONTENT: COOKING SHOWS

REACH: MENA-wide

SATELLITES/ CABLE SERVICES: OSN tv & OSN+, Starzplay, BeIN, STC

Food Network

PARENT COMPANY: Warner Brothers Discovery

HEAD OFFICE: MENA Operations: Dubai, Turkiye, London and Amesterdam

NUMBER OF STAFF: 25

FOUNDED: 2010 (MENA)

BASED: MENAT & EMEA

LANGUAGE: English

CONTENT: Recipes, all-star chefs, must-visit restaurants, tried-and-tested product reviews, and cooking competitions

REACH: MENA-wide

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: BeIN, STC

Fox News

PARENT COMPANY: News Corp

HEADQUARTERED: New York, USA

FOUNDED: 1996

LANGUAGE: English

GENRE: 24/7 News, Business, Reality and Lifestyle

REACH: USA

VIEWERSHIP: 200 million each month

MEDIA REP: The MediaVantage: +9714 425 3300

Fox Family Movies

PARENT COMPANY: 21st Century Fox

HEADQUARTERED: USA

FOUNDED: 2010

MEDIA REP: IAS Media: +971 4 447 5760

GENRE: Family oriented movie channel

LANGUAGE: English with Arabic subtitles

REACH: MENA

SATELLITES, CABLE SERVICES: Etisalat, BeIN, Ooredoo, My HD, DU, STC, OSN, Mobily

Fox Life

PARENT COMPANY: 21st Century Fox

HEADQUARTERED: USA

FOUNDED: 2004

MEDIA REP: IAS Media: +971 4 447 5760

GENRE: Female-skewed entertainment

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: The Taste, Jamie’s Quick & easy food, Home Team

LANGUAGE: English with Arabic subtitles

REACH: MENA

SATELLITES/ CABLE SERVICES: Etisalat, BeIN, Ooredoo, My HD, DU, STC, OSN, Mobily

Fox Movies

PARENT COMPANY: 21st Century Fox

HEADQUARTERED: USA

FOUNDED: 2008

MEDIA REP: IAS Media: +971 4 447 5760

GENRE: Family movie channel

LANGUAGE: English with Arabic subtitles

REACH: MENA

SATELLITES/ CABLE SERVICES: Etisalat, BeIN, Ooredoo, My HD, DU, STC, OSN, Mobily

HGTV

PARENT COMPANY: Warner Brothers Discovery

HEAD OFFICE: MENA Operations: Dubai, Turkiye, London and Amesterdam

NUMBER OF STAFF: 25

FOUNDED: 2016 (MENA)

BASED: MENAT & EMEA

LANGUAGE: English

CONTENT: Reality programming related to home improvement and real estate.

REACH: MENA-wide

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: BeIN & STC

Hum Masala (Masala TV)

WEBSITE: www.masala.tv

PARENT COMPANY: Hum Network Limited Pakistan

LAUNCHED: November 2006

BASED: Dubai

CONTACT PERSON: Mehtab Shaikh: mehtab.shaikh@axle-communications. com; 0525436361

LANGUAGE: Urdu

Hum MENA

WEBSITE: www.hum.tv/hum-mena

PARENT COMPANY: Hum Network Limited Pakistan

LAUNCHED: July 2014

BASED: Dubai

CONTACT PERSON: Mehtab Shaikh: mehtab.shaikh@axle-communications. com; 0525436361

LANGUAGE: Urdu

Hum News

WEBSITE: www.humnews.pk

PARENT COMPANY: Hum Network Limited Pakistan

LAUNCHED: May 2018

BASED: Dubai

CONTACT PERSON: Mehtab Shaikh: mehtab.shaikh@axle-communications. com; 0525436361

LANGUAGE: Urdu

By

Wael Kantar, Associate Business Director, Zenith

IS LINEAR TV 0N ITS WAY OUT?

Zenith’s Wael Kantar explains how resilient the format is, even in the face of Video on Demand (VOD)

In one of the most digitally connected regions, questions are being asked about the future of linear television and what will it hold, considering the continuous changes in media consumption.

You would expect that with the roaring success of Video on Demand (VOD) streaming, we would gradually see the demise of linear TV. In fact, analysts started talking about it since the VOD services has accelerated in the region - and yet a few years later, the linear TV impact remains remarkably high.

There is no doubt that with a digital penetration close to 100 per cent in the GCC markets, and an internet speed ranking among the top 10 globally in our key markets, VOD services are booming driven by a high convenience and Linear TV is gradually losing viewership.

Today, we are witnessing a drop in linear TV viewership by 20 per cent compared to 5 years ago, the highest amongst the younger age bracket of 18 to 30 years old. We are seeing more advertisers coping with the behavioural changes, gradually and carefully shifting efforts to digital. In fact, TV advertising investments dropped by 11 per cent compared to 5 years ago.

However:

TV advertising still drives a high impact on brand health metrics

Despite the behavioural shift, today’s research still accentuating the power of TV and its high impact across the consumer journey with uplifts of 10 per cent to 15 per cent on awareness, consideration, and favourability.

TV remains one of the most cost-efficient platforms to reach the mass

Advertising on TV remains among the most cost-efficient even compared to digital, driven by a superior frequency and a spillover of the main satellite channels on the entire GCC and levant markets.

Attention to TV ads remains at all time high

“Huge efforts are being made in the VOD industry to win the TV screen war and one of the key drivers is local content ”

In a mobile driven era where the average human is getting bombarded by more than 8,000 ads a day and an attention span dropping to less than 8 seconds, attention to TV ads remains at an all-time high exceeding digital platforms by 30 per cent according to a lumen study.

Linear TV is not dead yet as it keeps finding ways to reinvent itself. From global big formats adapted locally such as Top Chef or Shark Tank to live events such as Riyadh Season. From programmes featuring well-known digital

influencers to exclusive drama series featuring top Arab celebrities, all avant premiering on Linear TV before being available on AVOD.

Adapting to change

Today, with the rise of video on demand and its convenience, there is no doubt that the TV screen is no longer a linear TV alone. Audiences who do not stream online TV dropped by 46 per cent in 2023 vs. 2019 and time spent on VOD streaming grew by 70 per cent. Subscription video on demand is expected to grow by 71 per cent in 2027 vs. 2022 and watch time on YouTube connected TV grew by 77 per cent this year in KSA

2022 was like no other in the Video on Demand category in MENA: Disney+ launched in the region, OSN rebranded to OSN+ and positioned itself as the exclusive home of HBO, Prime Video was advertising its content for the first time, BeIn Sports launched its streaming platform TOD TV, and Shahid made its premium content available on the free video on demand platform to grow its inventory.

Today we are also seeing major TV networks with exclusive sports rights dropping their partnerships with telecom operators in the GCC markets to boost their VOD subscriptions.

Huge efforts are being made in the VOD industry to win the TV screen war and one of the key drivers is local content, especially in KSA. Netflix and Prime Video have both heavily invested behind local productions. Disney+ is putting efforts behind dubbing their classics and Turkish drama portfolios to Arabic. Starzplay is partnering with Watch it, the Leading Egyptian streaming player to bring the best in class local content. All efforts are aiming to fight the monopoly of Shahid, the all-time king of local productions.

Advertising opportunities across VOD are growing - Shahid, VIU, Weyyak and many more are open to advertisers, Netflix & Disney+ launched their ad tier plan in Europe and might be available soon in the region.

VOD is growing massively with all players fighting for more share of a market with endless potential, and it is gradually affecting the linear TV viewership who may be on its way out one day, but not today.

From an advertisers perspective, it is not one way or the other. Both TV and VOD can work synergistically to complement each other to reach a broader spectrum of viewers and enhance the overall campaign impact.

Hum Sitaray

PARENT COMPANY: Hum Network Limited Pakistan

LAUNCHED: December 2013

BASED: Dubai

CONTACT PERSON: Mehtab Shaikh: mehtab.shaikh@axle-communications. com; 0525436361

LANGUAGE: Urdu

WEBSITE: www.humsitaray.tv

ID

PARENT COMPANY: Warner Brothers Discovery

HEAD OFFICE: MENA Operations: Dubai, Turkiye, London and Amesterdam

NUMBER OF STAFF: 25

BASED: MENAT & EMEA

LANGUAGE: English

CONTENT: Hollywood crimes, murder, & forensic investigations. ID gives you insight into true stories that piece together puzzles of human nature.

REACH: MENA-wide

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: OSN, STC

LA7

PARENT COMPANY: Cairo Communication Group

HEADQUARTERED: Rome Italy

FOUNDED: 2001

LANGUAGE: Italian

GENRE: News, Current Affairs, Entertainment Programming, Talk Shows, Documentaries

REACH: Italy

MEDIA REP: The MediaVantage: +9714 425 3300

Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International LBCI

WEBSITE: https://www.lbcgroup.tv/about-lbci/en

PARENT COMPANY: Pierre El Daher, Chairman & CEO of LBCI Head office Lebanon

NUMBER OF STAFF: Around 350

FOUNDED: 1992

BASED IN: Lebanon

LANGUAGE: Arabic

REACH: Arab countries, Europe, America, Canada, & Australia.

LBC Sat

PARENT COMPANY: Rotana Media Group

LAUNCHED: 1994

BASED: Lebanon

LANGUAGE: Arabic

REACH: GCC, Levant, North Africa, Europe, and USA

AVAILABILITY: Arabsat, Nilesat

GENRE: General entertainment, social talk shows. Shows catered to Arab female audiences as it airs a wide variety of shows with a Levant flair, including some of the latest Egyptian and Pan-Arab productions.

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Be My Guest, Under Control (ta7t el saytara)

MEDIA REP: RMS: www.rotana.net; +971 4 567 4380; +971 52 538 8889; rms@rotana.net

LBC

OWNERSHIP: Rotana Media Group

HEAD OFFICE: Al Ryadh Kingdom Tower of Saudi Arabia

FOUNDED: 1996

LANGUAGE: Arabic

CONTENT: Shows including lifestyle, cooking, fashion, health, and finance programmes and latest Egyptian & pan-Arab series.

M+HD.

OWNERSHIP: Rotana Media Group

HEAD OFFICE: Al Ryadh Kingdom Tower of Saudi Arabia

FOUNDED: 2013

COUNTRY: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

LANGUAGE: Arabic

CONTENT: UNCUT Music hits from all over the planet for the viewers to enjoy in high definition format.r4-hours a day, a wide selection of the latest and most appealing Arabic video clips, from all over the Arab world for all subscribers to enjoy hours of Arabic tunes in high definition format

Majid

PARENT COMPANY: Abu Dhabi Media Network

HEAD OFFICE: Abu Dhabi

FOUNDED: 2015

BASED IN: UAE

LANGUAGE: Arabic

REACH: All Arab countries

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: Arab Sat and Nile Sat

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Amoona, Fateen, Zakia AlThakia, Gadha, Mustakshif

MAJID, Fodholi, Qala Al Shear, LOUMI

VIEWERSHIP AND DEMOGRAPHICS: UAE- Majid TV; Genre - Kids; Genre viewership - 80%; Station Viewership - 16%; Core Market -UAE; Market

-UAE/KSA; Core Age-4-14

MEDIA REP: ADMN commercial team

CONTACT: 02-4145666, email: commercial@admn.ae

WEBSITE: www.majid.ae

Majid TV was established in 2015 with the task of not only continuing the Majid legacy, but also extending the appeal and benefits to its target audience that stretched far beyond a weekly print edition. Riding on the success and legacy of the famous Majid Magazine that has been providing entertainment to the region’s children for 37 years, the idea to launch Majid TV channel germinated from the visionary desire of Abu Dhabi Media Network’s to take Majid into the digital age with its own broadcast channel and website, to further capture the attention of the newer generation of children.

Manorama News

PARENT COMPANY: Malayala Manorama Group

HEADQUARTERED: India

FOUNDED: 2006

LANGUAGE: Malayalam

GENRE: News

DEMOGRAPHICS: Indian expats in MENA

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Counter Point, Gulf This Week

MEDIA REP: IAS Media: +971 4 447 5760

EMAIL: prasad@iasmedia.com, sajeev@iasmedia.com, rajesh@iasmedia.com

REACH: MENA

SATELLITES, CABLE SERVICES: Etisalat, Ooredoo, DU, STC, Mobily, Qatar Cable vision

TARIQ JASER

Co-Founder & Head of Marketing, myco

HOW IS TECHNOLOGY AFFECTING THE OTT ADVERTISING LANDSCAPE?

Technology is significantly transforming OTT advertising by leveraging advanced analytics, targeted advertising, and blockchain for transparency and data security. As a Web3focused platform, we incorporate decentralised protocols to ensure that advertisers can verify where their ads are being placed and how they are being engaged with.

This technology also enables a more personalised advertising experience, allowing brands to reach their desired audiences more effectively. From a user point of view, users are more inclined to engage and convert with the ads as they are also partners in benefiting from the ad revenue thanks to the innovative business models such as ‘Watch & Earn’, which ultimately helps fuel an active and engaging community who values and connects with brands.

HOW

ARE YOU

RESPONDING TO THE CONSTANT CHANGES IN CONSUMER CONTENT TASTES?

Staying agile is key. We use a combination of AI and community feedback to quickly adapt to changing content preferences. In a combination of entertainment and live sports like the ICC Cricket tournament, MMA, Football, etc.

Providing an engaged audience to our advertisers. Our platform allows viewers to vote on content they enjoy, which not only engages them but also gives us direct insights into their preferences. ‘mycolab’ - one of our flagship products - is a true example of this where filmmakers can submit their film ideas for community voting and to potentially secure funding for their dream projects. This data drives our content curation, ensuring we’re not just reacting to trends but anticipating them.

HOW HAS YOUR OFFERING TO ADVERTISERS EVOLVED IN THE PAST YEAR OR SO?

In the past year, we’ve expanded our offerings to include more integrated, holistic and immersive ad experiences and introduced a more user-

friendly format. Advertisers can now create deeper, more engaging content that resonates with the audience in a memorable way. We’ve also enhanced our analytics reporting to provide deeper insights into campaign performance and viewer engagement, helping advertisers optimise their strategies in real time, working closely with brands to reach both their marketing and business KPIs.

An example is our latest collaboration with Dove on an original documentary ‘Her Right To Play’ that celebrates women in sports and follows the journey of the Pakistan women football team. We started working with the brand in the early stages to better integrate their values while also shedding light at such a powerful story.

WHAT CHANGES ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN THE NEAR FUTURE?

I’m particularly excited about the potential of AI-driven content personalisation and predictive analytics in enhancing viewer engagement. By predicting what users might like to watch next and personalising content recommendations, we can not only improve user experience but also offer advertisers more precise targeting options. Above all, I am excited about enhancing the empowerment and ownership we can provide to our users through the ‘Watch & Earn’ model but also through voting and other community engagement activities. Finally, the evolution of blockchain technology promises even greater transparency and efficiency in how ads are delivered and measured, which could revolutionise OTT advertising further.

Manorama Max

PARENT COMPANY: Malayala Manorama Group

HEADQUARTERED: India

FOUNDED: 2011

LANGUAGE: Malayalam

GENRE: Malayalam general entertainment, News & Movies

DEMOGRAPHICS: Indian expats in MENA

MEDIA REP: IAS Media: +971 4 447 5760

EMAIL: prasad@iasmedia.com, sajeev@iasmedia.com, rajesh@iasmedia.com

REACH: MENA

Mazhavil Manorama

PARENT COMPANY: Malayala Manorama Group

LANGUAGE: Malayalam

GENRE: Malayalam general entertainment

DEMOGRAPHICS: Indian expats in MENA FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Super 4, Udan Panam, Marimayam, Panam Tharum Padam

MEDIA REP: IAS Media: +971 4 447 5760; prasad@iasmedia.com, sajeev@iasmedia.com, rajesh@iasmedia.com

SATELLITES/CABLE: Etisalat, Ooredoo, DU, STC, Mobily, Qatar Cable Vision

MBC ACTION

PARENT COMPANY: MBC GROUP

HEAD OFFICE: Riyadh

FOUNDED: 2007

BASED: Riyadh

LANGUAGE: English (with Arabic subtitles) and Arabic

GENRE: Western entertainment, Arabic reality shows & sports shows. REACH: MENA

AVAILABILITY: Arabsat, Nilesat, OSN, Etisalat, Du, GOBX, Shahid FLAGSHIP PROGRAMME: Action Ma3 Waleed, WWE, Japanese Anime, Hollywood action movies.

MEDIA REP: MBC Media Solutions – hello@mms.net

WEBSITE: www.mms.net

ADDRESS: Riyadh, Dubai & Egypt

Catering to the lifestyle of young Arab viewers who are passionate about all things extreme sports, motoring, and other adrenaline-fuelled content, MBC ACTION showcases the latest in high-octane international programmes, sports segments, car shows and action-packed movies. The channel was launched in 2007. In 2019, MBC GROUP won the exclusive rights to broadcast the FIA Formula One World Championship until the year 2023. It marked the return of the world’s biggest motorsport event to a free-to-air network in the MENA region, following years of being available on subscription-only networks.

MBC BOLLYWOOD

PARENT COMPANY: MBC GROUP

HEAD OFFICE: Riyadh

FOUNDED: 2013

BASED: Riyadh

LANGUAGE: Arabic dubbed; Hindi (Arabic Subtitles)

GENRE: Bollywood

AVAILABLE IN: Arabsat, Nilesat, beIN, Etisalat, Du, Shahid, OSN, GOBX

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Monday Star of the Month Theme Night, Tuesday Premiere Movie Night, Arabic dubbed Indian drama series.

MEDIA REP: MBC Media Solutions – hello@mms.net

WEBSITE: www.mms.net

ADDRESS: Riyadh, Dubai & Egyptv

MBC BOLLYWOOD brings a fresh and culturally relevant approach to Bollywood entertainment, combining the latest Bollywood film releases with daily drama series and premium celebrity magazine shows from the Indian subcontinent. Launched in 2013, MBC BOLLYWOOD caters to viewers in the MENA region by dubbing or subtitling all content into Arabic.

MBC DRAMA

PARENT COMPANY: MBC GROUP

HEAD OFFICE: Riyadh

FOUNDED: 2010

BASED: Riyadh

LANGUAGE: Arabic

GENRE: Arabic Series

REACH: MENA

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Drama series

MEDIA REP: MBC Media Solutions – hello@mms.net

WEBSITE: www.mms.net

ADDRESS: Riyadh, Dubai & Egypt

AVAILABLE ON: Arabsat, Nilesat, OSN, Shahid, Etisalat, Du, GOBX

Arriving in 2010 to coincide with the 20th anniversary of MBC GROUP, MBC DRAMA is the tenth channel in the Group’s ever-expanding portfolio. Offering round-the-clock Arabic drama series, the leading family entertainment channel broadcasts a distinct selection of top-rated Egyptian and Syrian series, amongst others. A family entertainment channel dedicated to Arabic drama series 24/7. Offering round-the-clock Arabic drama series, the leading family entertainment channel broadcasts a distinct selection of top-rated Egyptian and Syrian series, amongst others.

MBC IRAQ

PARENT COMPANY: MBC GROUP

HEAD OFFICE: Iraq

FOUNDED: 2019

BASED: Iraq

LANGUAGE: Arabic

GENRE: General Entertainment

REACH: MENA

AVAILABLE ON: Arabsat, Nilesat, OSN, Shahid, Etisalat, Du, GOBX

FLAGSHIP SHOWS: Hamed Helou, Bayn Ahlena, Irbah Al Malayine, Iraq Idol.

MEDIA REP: MBC Media Solutions – hello@mms.net

WEBSITE: www.mms.net

ADDRESS: Riyadh, Dubai & Egypt

MBC IRAQ provides premium content tailored to the entire Iraqi family, featuring both local and regional productions. Launched in 2019, MBC IRAQ rose to the top of the country’s TV rankings within a year, establishing itself as Iraq’s leading satellite TV channel. Debut programmes on launch included “Koma D”, “Sahraya”, “Al-Nahr Al-Thalath”, and “Al-Laylah Wayah Da’adoush”

MBC MASR

PARENT COMPANY: MBC GROUP

HEAD OFFICE: Egypt

FOUNDED: 2012

BASED IN: Egypt

LANGUAGE: Arabic

GENRE: General Entertainment

REACH: MENA

AVAILABLE ON: Arabsat, Nilesat, OSN, Shahid

MEDIA REP: MBC Media Solutions – hello-egypt@mms.n

WEBSITE: www.mms.net

ADDRESS: 7 Gizert Al Arab st. Mohandessin, Giza. Governorate, Egypt

FLAGSHIP SHOWS: Al Hekaya – Yahdoth Fi Masr – Masrah Masr and more

CONTACT NUMBER: +20221254800

Catering to Egyptian viewers, MBC MASR focuses on providing refined entertainment that includes leading and popular talk shows, drama series, series, Egyptian films, and documentaries. Debuting in 2012, MBC MASR understands the diverse concerns and tastes of its audience and carefully selects content that resonates with their preferences.

Attractions

Activities

Dining

Health

Education

Entertainment

Real

Hotels

The

MBC MAX

PARENT COMPANY: MBC GROUP

HEAD OFFICE: Riyadh

FOUNDED: 2008

BASED: Riyadh

LANGUAGE: English (Arabic Subtitled)

GENRE: Western movies

REACH: MENA

AVAILABLE ON: Arabsat, Nilesat, OSN, Etisalat, Du, GOBX

MEDIA REP: MBC Media Solutions – hello@mms.net

WEBSITE: www.mms.net

ADDRESS: Riyadh, Dubai & Egypt

MBC GROUP’s second dedicated movie channel, MBC MAX was introduced in 2008 to deliver a remarkable 24-hour movie channel that caters to a variety of audiences, offering an alternative movie viewing option for viewers.

MBC1

PARENT COMPANY: MBC GROUP

HEAD OFFICE: Riyadh

FOUNDED: 1991

BASED: Riyadh

LANGUAGE: Arabic

GENRE: General Family Entertainment REACH: MENA

AVAILABLE ON: Arabsat, Nilesat, OSN, Shahid, Etisalat, Du, GOBX

FLAGSHIP SHOWS: “Kalam Nawaem”, “Sada Al Malaeb”, “Arab Idol”, “The Voice Arabia”, “Arabs Got Talent”, and “Top Chef Middle East”.

MEDIA REP: MBC Media Solutions – hello@mms.net

WEBSITE: www.mms.net

ADDRESS: Riyadh, Dubai & Egypt

MBC1 has been at the forefront of delivering fresh and contemporary entertainment programming to Arab audiences worldwide.Today, MBC1 continues to hold the top spot for family entertainment in the region, offering a diverse range of compelling content, such as talk shows, reality TV competitions, and drama series. In recent times, MBC1 has made significant further investments in Turkish adaptations, showcasing popular shows like “Althaman” and “Crystal”.

MBC2

PARENT COMPANY: MBC GROUP

HEAD OFFICE: Riyadh

FOUNDED: 2003

BASED IN: Riyadh

LANGUAGE: English (Arabic subtitled)

GENRE: Western Movies

REACH: MENA

AVAILABLE ON: Arabsat, Nilesat, OSN, Etisalat, Du, GOBX

MEDIA REP: MBC Media Solutions – hello@mms.net

WEBSITE: www.mms.net

ADDRESS: Riyadh, Dubai & Egypt

MBC2 is a premier destination for fans of Hollywood movies. With an extensive collection of blockbuster hits, timeless classics, and thrilling new releases, MBC2 offers a delightful cinematic experience for fans of everything from action-packed adventures to gripping suspense, and award- winning dramas to heart-warming romcoms. MBC2 is also the home of “Scoop with Raya”, with renowned host Raya Abi Rachid regularly taking viewers on a captivating journey into the world of Hollywood and the Arab cinema scene.

MBC3

PARENT COMPANY: MBC GROUP

HEAD OFFICE: Riyadh

FOUNDED: 2004

BASED IN: Riyadh

LANGUAGE: Arabic & English

GENRE: Kids edutainment

REACH: MENA, USA and Europe

AVAILABLE ON: Arabsat, Nilesat, OSN, Shahid, Etisalat, Du, GOBX

TV CHANNEL BIO: MBC3 is the leading kids’ edutainment channel in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

FLAGSHIP SHOWS: A mix of the biggest kid’s blockbuster titles.

MEDIA REP: MBC Media Solutions – hello@mms.net

WEBSITE: www.mms.net

ADDRESS: Riyadh, Dubai & Egypt

MBC4

PARENT COMPANY: MBC GROUP

HEAD OFFICE: Riyadh

FOUNDED: 2005

BASED IN: Riyadh

LANGUAGE: Arabic, English (Arabic subtitled)

GENRE: General entertainment with a focus on women

REACH: MENA

AVAILABLE ON: Arabsat, Nilesat, OSN, Shahid, Etisalat, Du, GOBX

FLAGSHIP SHOWS: Turkish Series

MEDIA REP: MBC Media Solutions – hello@mms.net

WEBSITE: www.mms.net

ADDRESS: Riyadh, Dubai & Egypt

Exclusively tailored for young contemporary Arab women, MBC4 broadcasts a variety of Turkish, Korean, Spanish, and Arabic-language dramas. Launched in 2005, MBC4 also broadcasts compelling adaptations of international series, featuring some of the Arab world’s biggest stars.

MTV India

PARENT COMPANY: Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd.

HEAD OFFICE: Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai, India. MEA – IndiaCast

Media Distribution, Dubai Media City, Dubai.

FOUNDED: 2012 in Middle East & Africa

BASED: India

LANGUAGE: Hindi & English

CONTENT: Music, Reality shows and youth culture programming

REACH: UAE and GCC countries, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mauritius, Madagascar & Indian Ocean islands, and almost across the ME&A region with our OTT partnership.

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: Middle East: elife TV, du, YuppTV & Commercial Properties. Africa and Indian ocean: Mauritius Telecom, Canal+, Parabole, and multiple cable operators in East Africa

WEBSITE: www.indiacast.com

ADDRESS: Office No. 530, Building 8, Dubai Media City, Dubai

CONTACT NUMBER: +971 43679890

EMAIL: Business Head MEA and Global Content Sales Head: sheetal.mehra@indiacast.com; marketing & content sales –sudeep.nair@indiacast.com; affiliate sales: vikrant.tayade@indiacast.com; ad sales: sandeep.rao@indiacast.com

National Geographic Abu Dhabi - NGAD

PARENT COMPANY: Disney Middle East & Abu Dhabi Media Company

BROADCASTING / STREAMING: ADTV - Abu Dhabi Media Network

FOUNDED: 2009

FORMAT: HD signal and Free-to-Air

CONTENT: The best of the international content produced by the partners (Disney International Network) and content translated or dubbed in Arabic language, from different series of programs and films, that address the interests of its broad audiences by distinctive content, such as: nature, environment, animals, inventions, adventures, discoveries, history, antiquities and technology. It also produces and airs special local content for government entities and the private sector in the UAE and some GCC countries.

CONTACT: 02-4145666; email: commercial@admn.ae

WEBSITE: https://www.natgeotv.com/me

VIEWERSHIP AND DEMOGRAPHICS: UAE-NGAD; Genre - Educational and Documentary; Genre viewership-6.5%; Station viewership–93%, Core Market - KSA-UAE; Market- Pan Arab & GCC; Core Age-18-55

AVAILABILE ON: MENA broadcast area, ADTV app, elife app National Geographic Abu Dhabi (NGAD), the first free-to-air Arabic documentary channel, within National Geographic channels around the world. It was established under the partnership between Abu Dhabi Media Co. and the National Geographic Channels International (NGCI).

News 18

PARENT COMPANY: Network 18 Group FOUNDED: 2014 in Middle East and 2019 in Africa

LANGUAGE: English

CONTENT: News

REACH: UAE, Qatar, Mauritius, Madagascar, Reunion & Indian Ocean islands, and most countries across ME&A region with our OTT partnership

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: Middle East: eLife TV , du & Oreedoo. Africa/ Indian Ocean: Parabole, Azam TV, YuppTV

WEBSITE: www.indiacast.com

CONTACT NUMBER: +971 43679890

EMAIL: Business Head MEA and Global Content Sales Head: sheetal.mehra@indiacast.com; marketing & content sales –sudeep.nair@indiacast.com; affiliate sales: vikrant.tayade@indiacast.com; ad sales: sandeep.rao@indiacast.com

Noor Dubai

PARENT COMPANY: Dubai Media Incorporated LAUNCHED: 2009

BASED IN: UAE

LANGUAGE: Arabic

WEBSITE: www.dmi.ae

REACH: GCC

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: Arabsat, Nilesat, Etisalat, DU MEDIA REP: MEMS (P.O.Box 21816 Dubai, UAE). Tel: 9714 454 54 54. E-mail: mems@choueirigroup.com

VIEWERSHIP NUMBERS: 9K (GCC Adults 15+)

VIEWER DEMOGRAPHICS: 60% Male

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Balsam (Health program), Al Bath al Moubasher (Live Program), Al Salifa Wa ma Fiha ( Social Program), Rouhak Riyadiya RAMADAN SPECIALS FOR 2024: Ramadan related programmes and Canon prayers

GENRE: General/Cultural

Proseiben

PARENT COMPANY: Goldbach Group

HEADQUARTERED: Unterföhring, Germany

FOUNDED: 1983

LANGUAGE: German

GENRE: News, Business, Reality, Sport and Lifestyle

REACH: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Poland

MEDIA REP: The MediaVantage: +971 04 425 3300

Rotana+HD

OWNERSHIP: Rotana Media Group

HEAD OFFICE: Al Ryadh Kingdom Tower of Saudi Arabia

FOUNDED: 2014

COUNTRY: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

LANGUAGE: Arabic

CONTENT: Rotana+ HD broadcasts movies, series, and lifestyle programs in HD format to provide its viewers with a crisper picture and an immersive experience

Rotana Aflam+HD

OWNERSHIP: Rotana Media Group

HEAD OFFICE: Al Ryadh Kingdom Tower of Saudi Arabia.

FOUNDED: 2013.

COUNTRY: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

LANGUAGE: Arabic

CONTENT: Known as Rotana’s most popular movie channel in the region, Rotana Aflam+ HD encrypted channel offers early access to its subscribers by broadcasting all of Rotana cinema’s monthly movie premieres one week before their release, all in high definition Encrypted Cable Services channel

Rotana Cinema KSA

OWNERSHIP: Rotana Media Group

HEAD OFFICE: Al Ryadh Kingdom Tower of Saudi Arabia.

FOUNDED: 31 December 2004

COUNTRY: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

LANGUAGE: Arabic.

CONTENT: Rotana Cinema KSA broadcasts bespoke blockbusters and classic Arabic movies carefully selected for the Saudi community in particular and the Khaliji audience in general

Rotana Cinema Egypt

OWNERSHIP: Rotana Media Group

HEAD OFFICE: Al Ryadh Kingdom Tower of Saudi Arabia

FOUNDED: 2014

COUNTRY: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

LANGUAGE: Arabic

CONTENT: Rotana Cinema Egypt is one of the most prominent Arab channels, being the exclusive home to some of the biggest Egyptian superstars. Rotana cinema EGY broadcasts a myriad of premium production films ranging from classic oldies of the golden age to the latest blockbusters. With the airing of assorted movies from different genres like action, tragedy, thriller, romance, and comedy, Rotana Cinema EGY appeals to all types of Arab movie viewers

Rotana Classic

OWNERSHIP: Rotana Media Group

HEAD OFFICE: Al Ryadh Kingdom Tower of Saudi Arabia.

FOUNDED: 2005

COUNTRY: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

LANGUAGE: Arabic.

CONTENT: The channel’s slogan, “Immortal jewels,” truly says it all! Rotana Classic features classical movies, music, and theatrical plays that transport viewers back in time to celebrate the golden and magical era of platonic love stories, idealistic values, and resonant soundtracks

Rotana Comedy

OWNERSHIP: Rotana Media Group

HEAD OFFICE: Al Ryadh Kingdom Tower of Saudi Arabia.

FOUNDED: 2020

COUNTRY: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

LANGUAGE: Arabic

CONTENT: The newly launched channel is bound to attract all Arab spectators from different age groups bringing Arab viewers world-class comedy content, all handpicked from Rotana TV library

Rotana Drama

OWNERSHIP: Rotana Media Group

HEAD OFFICE: Al Ryadh Kingdom Tower of Saudi Arabia

FOUNDED: 2017

COUNTRY: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

LANGUAGE: Native and Dubbed Arabic

CONTENT: The favorite stop for all drama series lovers, Rotana Drama hosts the largest collection of TV drama series in the region with different languages

Rotana Khalijiah

OWNERSHIP: Rotana Media Group

HEAD OFFICE: Al Ryadh Kingdom Tower of Saudi Arabia.

FOUNDED: 05 May 2005

COUNTRY: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

LANGUAGE: Arabic

CONTENT: The channel of choice for Saudi and GCC viewers. With its Khaliji flavor that celebrates the region’s rich culture, this channel caters to Gulf viewers by broadcasting a wide range of diverse and interest-oriented programs that attracts more audience

Rotana Kids

OWNERSHIP: Rotana Media Group

HEAD OFFICE: Al Ryadh Kingdom Tower of Saudi Arabia.

FOUNDED: 2020

COUNTRY: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

LANGUAGE: Arabic

CONTENT: Kids entertainment

Rotana Mousica

OWNERSHIP: Rotana Media Group

HEAD OFFICE: Al Ryadh Kingdom Tower of Saudi Arabia

FOUNDED: 2003

COUNTRY: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

LANGUAGE: Arabic

CONTENT: Rotana Mousica, Arabs’ favorite music channel, caters to connoisseurs of Arabic music by bringing live broadcasts of Grade A concerts from KSA and the gulf to Arab homes. Rotana Mousica is also home to the latest artistic productions like music videos, single releases, special superstars interviews, behind-the-scenes segments, etc

Rotana Clip

OWNERSHIP: Rotana Media Group

HEAD OFFICE: Al Ryadh Kingdom Tower of Saudi Arabia.

FOUNDED: 2003

COUNTRY: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

LANGUAGE: Arabic.

CONTENT: Rotana Clip broadcasts 24 hours a day a selection of the latest Arabic video clips

Rotana Cinema+France.

OWNERSHIP: Rotana Media Group

HEAD OFFICE: Al Ryadh Kingdom Tower of Saudi Arabia

FOUNDED: 2022

COUNTRY: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

LANGUAGE: Arabic+French subtitled

CONTENT: Rotana Cinema+FR, the new home of Arabic cinema offering French subscribers an unprecedented movie experience, uncut, ad free, French subtitled & broadcasted in native HD

Rotana Cinema+US

OWNERSHIP: Rotana Media Group

HEAD OFFICE: Al Ryadh Kingdom Tower of Saudi Arabia

FOUNDED: 2023

COUNTRY: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

LANGUAGE: Arabic+English subtitled

CONTENT: Rotana America aims to reach a population of more than 3,665,789 Arabs living in North America. By providing selective localised Arabic Films into English subtitled for the Arab diaspora, Rotana Cinema USA brings home a little closer.

Sama Dubai

PARENT COMPANY: DMI(Dubai Media Incorporated)

LAUNCHED: 2005

BASED IN: UAE

LANGUAGE: Arabic

WEBSITE: Dmi.ae

REACH: Global Through Satelite

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: Arab Sat Badr, Hot Bird and Nile Sat

MEDIA REP: MEMS: +971 4 4 54 54 54

VIEWERSHIP NUMBERS: 370,000 (GCC Adults15+) 70% between 15-40 yrs

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Hob fi al Radio, Sama Al Emarat, Fat Al Fawt, Sama Avenue, Sama Podcast, Sports news

RAMADAN SPECIALS FOR 2024: Haleema w Deema, Thakerat El Kalb, Shaabiyat Cartoon, Keyam, Al Senyar, Al Mofattesh Faseeh It

GENRE: Entertainment, Family, Drama, Romance, Comedy

Sony Entertainment Television

PARENT COMPANY: Sony Pictures Networks India

LANGUAGE: Hindi

GENRE: General entertainment

MEDIA REP: IAS Media: +971 4 447 5760; prasad@iasmedia.com, sajeev@iasmedia.com, rajesh@iasmedia.com

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: The Kapil Sharma Show, Kaun Banega Crorepati, Shark Tank India, MasterChef India, Flavours of Ramadan, Indian Idol, India’s Got Talent,

DEMOGRAPHICS: 6.5 million+ South Asian expats in the Middle East

REACH: MENA

SATELLITES, CABLE SERVICES: Etisalat, DU, Ooredoo

GLOBAL POWERHOUSE DISNEY STAMPING ITS LOCAL FOOTPRINT

The ‘House of Mouse’ has many platforms that appeal to a wide audience in the region, writes Justin Harper

Ruben Lawrence, Director, Marketing, Communications, Ad Sales and Production at The Walt Disney Company Middle East, spoke to Campaign Middle East about its ‘authentically Disney, distinctively local’ approach.

TELL US ABOUT DISNEY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

The Walt Disney Company has a longstanding history in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). We’ve had a regional presence for decades, with a full team based in the UAE. MENA is a very important market for Disney, so having a team on the ground has always been crucial – people who know the region, are from the region, and understand its many nuances.

We have an extensive presence including our thriving Studios business – the many blockbusters and award winners we release in cinemas. We also have our TV Channels business, spanning the beloved Disney Junior, our recently re-launched Star Channels, and the hugely popular National Geographic channels. This also includes our Arabic free-to-air channel, National Geographic Abu Dhabi (NGAD), in partnership with Abu Dhabi Media (ADM).

Then of course, we have Disney+. Our streaming service launched across MENA in 2022 and we’re thrilled with how it’s been received.

SPEAKING OF DISNEY+, YOU RECENTLY ADDED A LOCAL ELEMENT TO YOUR LOGO. CAN YOU ELABORATE?

We recently introduced our refined Disney+ MENA logo, which includes Arabic script for the very first time! This was designed by our local creative team and was a regionally led initiative. This evolution blends Hulu’s signature green into the legacy Disney+ blue, creating a premium and elevated feel to welcome Hulu on Disney+ and mark a new chapter in storytelling for the streaming service.

HOW ELSE IS DISNEY+ ‘LOCALISING’ FOR THE REGION?

When we launched Disney+ nearly two years ago, we had one major objective: launch the global streaming service, but it had to be relevant and resonate with our local audience. To paraphrase our CEO Bob Iger, it’s what we call ‘authentically Disney, distinctively local’. This continues to be a priority for us, both on the marketing and operational side.

Last year, we launched our first local TVC – ‘This is Disney+’. This was the brainchild of our MENA creative and marketing teams and was completely shot and produced here, featuring an entirely local cast and starring four prominent content creators from Saudi Arabia. This helped us connect our messages with our audiences and be more relevant.

On the operational side, we know many people grew up watching our beloved Disney Animated content in Egyptian Arabic specifically, so we were thrilled to bring this back with Disney+.

Most of our animated content is available in the dialect.

YOU ALSO RECENTLY REBRANDED THE TV CHANNELS SIDE OF YOUR BUSINESS?

It was incredible to re-launch our Star channels last month. Previously under the ‘Fox’ brand, the new Star channels have the same amazing content, with a new bold look and feel. Each of the six TV channels have their own fanbase - with an epic lineup of the very best in lifestyle, action, comedy and drama series, and blockbuster films.

MANY PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IS ALSO A DISNEY BRAND. DO YOU SEE AN APPETITE FOR THE BRAND IN THE REGION?

While it’s true that some global markets have seen a shift towards digital and streaming, MENA is unique in the sense that TV channel viewing remains strong – both paid and free to air. This created a unique opportunity for us, when it came to the powerhouse that is National Geographic.

The brand is extremely popular in the region, with a massive fanbase of loyal viewers – across TV and its many other touchpoints. And, through our partnership with Abu Dhabi Media (ADM), National Geographic Abu Dhabi (NGAD) has been a game changer for the brand in terms of reach and engagement. NGAD has allowed us to further expand the brand’s regional footprint, bringing MENA audiences the esteemed content from National Geographic, all available in Arabic. When we add in the NGAD YouTube channel scale, also in Arabic

‘‘HAVING A TEAM ON THE GROUND HAS ALWAYS BEEN CRUCIAL”

and with over 5m subs, it’s a powerhouse. We also produce local, original content for the channels. A great example of this is The Emirates from Above, part of the highly respected Nat Geo ‘From Above’ series. Centred around the UAE, it was also released in Arabic on NGAD, featuring narration by well-known Emirati actor, producer, and TV presenter, Saoud Al Kaabi. We’re delighted to also have produced a four-part series working with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre to tell the story of the UAE journey to space. A fascinating series to bring to life.

Local productions are always on our radar, and we look forward to telling more of the amazing stories from across the region, as well as having the opportunity to work with local talent.

Sony Max

PARENT COMPANY: Sony Pictures Networks India

HEADQUARTERED: India

LANGUAGE: Hindi

GENRE: Blockbuster movies from Indian Cinema

MEDIA REP: IAS Media: +971 4 447 5760; prasad@iasmedia.com, sajeev@iasmedia.com, rajesh@iasmedia.com

DEMOGRAPHICS: 6.5 million+ South Asian expats in the Middle East

REACH: MENA

SATELLITES, CABLE SERVICES: Etisalat, DU, Ooredoo

Sony SAB

PARENT COMPANY: Sony Pictures Networks India Pvt Ltd

LANGUAGE: Hindi

GENRE: Family oriented comedy shows

MEDIA REP: IAS Media: +971 4 447 5760; prasad@iasmedia.com, sajeev@iasmedia.com, rajesh@iasmedia.com

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Tarak Mehta ka Oolta Chashma, Wagle Ki Duniya, Goodnight India

DEMOGRAPHICS: 6.5 million+ South Asian expats in Middle East

SATELLITES, CABLE SERVICES: Etisalat, DU, Ooredoo

Spacetoon

PARENT COMPANY: GNAM

HEADQUARTERED: Dubai

FOUNDED: 2000

LANGUAGE: Arabic

GENRE: Animation shows (series & movies)

REACH: MENA

Spacetoon TV is the first kids’ and family channel to air in Arabic, targeting MENA countries and reaching over 200 million viewers.

Sport24

PARENT COMPANY: IMG

HEADQUARTERED: London, UK

FOUNDED: 2012

LANGUAGE: English

GENRE: 24/7 Global Sport

REACH: Global

MEDIA REP: The MediaVantage: +9714 425 3300

STAR BHARAT ME

WWW.DISNEYSTAR.COM

GENRE: Series, movies and locally created content

PARENT COMPANY: STAR India (subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company)

BASED: Dubai, UAE

LANGUAGE: Hindi (subtitled in English)

GEOGRAPHICAL REACH: Middle East, East Africa, Seychelles, SEA, Sri Lanka, Maldives & Singapore

MEDIA REP: Anjali Desai - Anjali.Desai@disney.com

STAR Series

PARENT COMPANY: The Walt Disney Company

HEADQUARTERED: Dubai

YEAR FOUNDED: 2009

BASED: UAE

LANGUAGE: English (with Arabic subtitles)

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: The Dropout, Alaska Daily, Will Trent, 9-1-1, How to Get Away with Murder, This is Us, New Amsterdam and more.

REACH: MENA

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: BeIn and TOD TV

STAR World

PARENT COMPANY: The Walt Disney Company

BASED: UAE

LANGUAGE: English (with Arabic subtitles)

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Grey’s Anatomy (S17 onwards), American Housewife, True Lies, The Piano S1, Britain’s Got Talent

REACH: MENA

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: beIN, TOD TV, eLife (Etisalat), Switch TV, Du TV, STC TV and Jawwy TV

STAR Life

PARENT COMPANY: The Walt Disney Company

BASED: UAE

LANGUAGE: English (with Arabic subtitles)

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Evolving Vegan by Mena Massoud, Jamie Oliver Show, MasterChef Australia, Next Level Chef, starring Gordon Ramsay, The Summit Australia and Rush Australia.

REACH: MENA

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: beIN, Du TV, STC TV and Jawwy TV

STAR Films

PARENT COMPANY: The Walt Disney Company

HEADQUARTERED: Dubai

FOUNDED: 2008

BASED: UAE

LANGUAGE: English (with Arabic subtitles)

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Tinseltown, Bohemian Rhapsody, Ad Astra, Free Guy and more

REACH: Algeria, Bahrain, Chad, Djibouti (Republic of), Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: beIN and TOD TV

STAR Movies

PARENT COMPANY: The Walt Disney Company

HEADQUARTERED: Dubai

FOUNDED: 2004

BASED: UAE

LANGUAGE: English (with Arabic subtitles)

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Free Guy, Man on Fire, Wonder & Pretty Woman, The Help

REACH: Algeria, Bahrain, Chad, Djibouti (Republic of), Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: beIN, TOD TV, eLife (Etisalat), Switch TV, Du TV, STC TV and Jawwy TV

STAR Action

PARENT COMPANY: The Walt Disney Company

HEADQUARTERED: Dubai

FOUNDED: 2016

BASED: UAE

LANGUAGE: English (with Arabic subtitles)

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Man on Fire, The Revenant, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, the full Taken, Die Hard collections, and more.

REACH: Algeria, Bahrain, Chad, Djibouti (Republic of), Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: beIN, TOD TV, Du TV, STC TV and Jawwy TV

Sky News Arabia

PARENT COMPANY: Sky Group and International Media Investments (IMI)

HEAD OFFICE: Abu Dhabi, UAE

NUMBER OF STAFF: 500+

FOUNDED: 2012

BASED UAE: with reporters in 25 different globally

LANGUAGE: Arabic

CONTENT: Rolling 24-hour news coverage including live breaking news, in addition to a variety of programs and factual entertainment covering business, sports, and lifestyle, along with award-winning documentaries

REACH: Global

SATELLITES/ CABLE SERVICES: Hot Bird 13G, Badr 8, Nile Sat 201, Astra 2F

STAR GOLD INTERNATIONAL

WWW.DISNEYSTAR.COM

GENRE: World’s favourite Bollywood movie channel featuring the biggest blockbusters and biggest stars

PARENT COMPANY: STAR India (subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company)

BASED: Dubai, UAE

LANGUAGE: Hindi (subtitled in English)

GEOGRAPHICAL REACH: Middle East, Africa, Indian Ocean, SEA, Sri Lanka, Maldives & Singapore

MEDIA REP: Anjali Desai - Anjali.Desai@disney.com

STAR PLUS ME HD

WWW.DISNEYSTAR.COM

GENRE: Hindi general Entertainment channel featuring the best of series, movies, reality shows and locally created content

PARENT COMPANY: STAR Asianet Middle East

BASED: Dubai, UAE

LANGUAGE: Hindi (subtitled in English)

GEOGRAPHICAL REACH: Middle East & East Africa

MEDIA REP: Anjali Desai - Anjali.Desai@disney.com

STAR VIJAY INTERNATIONAL

WWW.DISNEYSTAR.COM

GENRE: Tamil general entertainment channel featuring the best of series, movies, reality shows and locally created content

PARENT COMPANY: STAR Asianet Middle East

BASED: Dubai, UAE

LANGUAGE: Tamil

GEOGRAPHICAL REACH: Middle East, East Africa, Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, Singapore, ROW & USA

MEDIA REP: Anjali Desai - Anjali.Desai@disney.com

TCM

PARENT COMPANY: Warner Brothers Discovery

HEAD OFFICE: MENA Operations: Dubai, Turkiye, London and Amesterdam

NUMBER OF STAFF: 3

FOUNDED: Relaunched in 2018 (MENA)

BASED: MENAT & EMEA

LANGUAGE: English

CONTENT: TCM focuses on reliving the best moments in cinematic history, it’s the destination for timeless films. TCM connects films lovers through inclusive stories told by iconic storytellers.

REACH: MENA-wide

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: Ooredoo, Du, Intigral/STC, Etisalat, Cyta, OTE, Vodafone, Primetel

Telecinco

PARENT COMPANY: Mediaset

HEADQUARTERED: Madrid, Spain

FOUNDED: 1988

LANGUAGE: Spanish

GENRE: News, Business, Sport and Lifestyle

REACH: Spain

MEDIA REP: The MediaVantage: +971 4 425 3300

TF1

PARENT COMPANY: TF1 Group

HEADQUARTERED: Paris, France

FOUNDED: 1975

LANGUAGE: French / Arabic

GENRE: 24/7 News, Business, Reality , Sport and Lifestyle

REACH: France

MEDIA REP: The MediaVantage: +971 4 425 3300

TGCOM24

PARENT COMPANY: Publitalia ’80

HEADQUARTERED: Milan, Italy

FOUNDED: 1979

LANGUAGE: Italian

GENRE: 24/7 News

REACH: Italy

MEDIA REP: The MediaVantage: +971 4 425 3300

TLC

PARENT COMPANY: Warner Brothers Discovery

HEAD OFFICE: MENA Operations: Dubai, Turkiye, London and Amesterdam

NUMBER OF STAFF: 25

FOUNDED: 2014 (MENA)

BASED: MENAT & EMEA

LANGUAGE: English

CONTENT: TLC shares everyday heart, humor, hope and human connection with programming genres that include fascinating families, heartwarming transformations and life’s milestone moments.

REACH: MENA-wide

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: OSN & STC

YAS

PARENT COMPANY: Abu Dhabi Media Network

HEAD OFFICE: Abu Dhabi

FOUNDED: 2015

BASED IN: Abu Dhabi

LANGUAGE: Arabic

REACH: MENA

SATELLITES: Arab Sat and Nile Sat

CABLE SERVICES: Etisalat and Du

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Photo Finish, Al Hadeera, Serdal, Al Merkad

WEBSITE: https://www.yastv.ae/

ADDRESS: P.O. Box: 63, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

CONTACT NUMBER: 02 414 5666

EMAIL: commercial@admn.ae

UAE’s primary Emirati sports channel which specialises in traditional sports such as horse and camel racing, marine sports and falconry. The channel’s name stems from the UAE’s Bani Yas tribe, from which the Al Nahyan and Al Maktoum families originate. It targets Emirati sports enthusiasts passionate about camel racing and falconry by broadcasting their favorite traditional competitions and shows and attracts a large audience of competition enthusiasts with an interest in equestrian and marine sports, allowing them to integrate with the Emirati community.

ZEE AFLAM

PARENT COMPANY: Zee Entertainment Middle East FZ LLC

NUMBER OF STAFF: 80

FOUNDED: June 2008

BASED: Dubai, UAE

LANGUAGE: Arabic

CONTENT: Exclusive Bollywood movie premieres and Turkish movie premieres all dubbed and subtitled in Arabic, awards shows and TV programs including Zee Connect Bil Arabi, Eishiha Bil Arabi and more.

REACH: Middle East and North African countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt & Morocco.

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: Eutelsat, OSN, e-life, Du, STC, Mobily, Etisalat and more

ZEE ALWAN

PARENT COMPANY: Zee Entertainment Middle East FZ LLC

NUMBER OF STAFF: 80

FOUNDED: September 2012

BASED: Dubai, UAE

LANGUAGE: Arabic

CONTENT: Arabic Drama Series & non-fiction TV Programs, best and exclusive Indian drama premieres and Turkish drama series dubbed in Arabic like Sahraneen - Makanak fel Qalb Hwa Alqalb Kolo, Rihlat Laxmi, Hayat Qalbi - Al Tufah Al Haram, Istanbul Al Zalima & Hob Ghayr Mashrou

REACH: Middle East and North African countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt & Morocco.

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: Eutelsat, OSN, e-life, Du, STC, Mobily, Etisalat and more

ZEE CINEMA

PARENT COMPANY: Zee Entertainment Middle East

HEAD OFFICE: Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd

BASED: UAE (parent company in India)

LANGUAGE: Hindi & English

CONTENT: Bollywood Movies; Bollywood Chat Shows; Zee Cine Awards

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: Etisalat, Du, Ooredoo, Yupp TV, Mobily, Oqaab, Zarnigar, Tapmad TV

Zee Keralam

PARENT COMPANY: Zee Entertainment Middle East FZ LLC

HEAD OFFICE: Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd

BASED: UAE (parent company in India)

LANGUAGE: Malayalam

CONTENT: Reality shows: Dance Keralam Dance; Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Keralam; Drama Shows: Kudumbasree Sharada , Mizhi Randilum, Mangalyam.

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: Etisalat, Du, Ooredoo, Yupp TV, Mobily, Oqaab, Zarnigar, Tapmad TV.

Zee TV

PARENT COMPANY: Zee Entertainment Middle East

HEAD OFFICE: Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd

BASED: UAE (parent company in India)

LANGUAGE: Hindi & English

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: Reality Shows: Dance India Dance; Sa Re Ga Ma Pa; Drama Shows: Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gayi, Bhagya Lakshmi, Kundali Bhagya, Rabb Se Hai Dua; Lifestyle: Zee Connect; Awards: Zee Rishtey Awards

SATELLITES/CABLE SERVICES: Etisalat, Du, Ooredoo, Yupp TV, Mobily, Oqaab, Zarnigar, Tapmad TV

STREAMING AND IN-FLIGHT PLATFORMS

Asharq NOW

PARENT COMPANY: Asharq News

HEADQUARTERED: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

SUBSCRIPTION COSTS: Free of charge

GENRE: Live streaming of the TV, and a catch-up service for all programmes

AVAILABILITY: Website & apps

REACH: Worldwide

WEBSITE: https://now.asharq.com/

ARY Zap

PARENT COMPANY: ARY Digital

HEAD OFFICE: Pakistan

GENRE: General entertainment, News, religious, sports, music

AVAILABILITY: App and Website

REACH: MENA

ADtv APP

PARENT COMPANY: Abu Dhabi Media Network

SUBSCRIPTION COSTS: Free

CONTENT: Entertainment Series and shows, Various Arabic Originals, Gulf, Egyptian and Pan Arab content, Turkish, English all for free

AVAILABILITY: Apple TV, Android TV, LG, HUAWEI , Roku TV, Apple and Android App Stores, website: adtv.ae

AVAILABILITY IN: MENA

SERVICE DESCRIPTION: AVOD Platform

NUMBER OF USERS: +22.6M

VIEWER DEMOGRAPHICS: Over 50% of users are millennials and gen Z (50% Female / 50 % Male)

MOST POPULAR SHOWS: Al Raheel, Khattaf, Kaser Adem, Qadayah Min Al Bidayah, Al Boom, Haq Oroub, Ba’ad Ghiyabek A’ni, Qalbi Itma’an

MEDIA REP: Commercial team: 02-4145666; commercial@admn.ae

WEBSITE: www.adtv.ae

ADtv is the AVOD digital media platform launched by Abu Dhabi Media. It provides a free streaming service for the Arab audience. ADM’s brands including catch up service for all of its series and programmes.

Awaan

PARENT COMPANY: DMI(Dubai Media incorporated)

FOUNDED: 2016

SUBSCRIPTION COST: Free

CONTENT: TV shows, format shows, series, dramas, comedies, documentaries, movies, and live channels as well as sports events

AVAILABILITY: Website, mobile app (Apple Store and Google Playstore, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Chrome cast and other channels)

REACH: Global

NUMBER OF SUBSCRIBERS/USERS: 2M

VIEWER DEMOGRAPHICS: All over the world, mainly from KSA UAE

MOST POPULAR SHOWS: X Factor, Carpool Karaoke, Shark Tank, Turkish Series, Mashaheer, Awal Marra, The Wheel, exclusive movies and series

ADVERTISING OPTIONS: Companion banners, pre and mid rolls, special executions

MEDIA REP: MEMS – +971 454 54 54

WEBSITE: www.awaan.ae

AWAAN is the largest VOD digital media library in the Middle East.

Al Aan TV

PARENT COMPANY: Tower Media middle east FZ LLC

HEAD OFFICE: Dubai

FOUNDED: 2006

SUBSCRIPTION COSTS: Free to watch

CONTENT: Entertainment and news

AVAILABILITY: Mobile App, radio and website

REACH: Pan-Arab Region

SERVICE DESCRIPTION: Comprehensive digital TV services

NUMBER OF USERS: 5M/ Monthly

VIEWER DEMOGRAPHICS: Male and female viewers aged 18-24 in Arab region

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES: 3a Rahtak, T7adi Al Abtal, Mazeh Nosso Jad, Talk Time

MEDIA REP: Omar Othman & Alaa Bou Ajram

WEBSITE: Alaan.tv and Akhbaralaan.net

CONTACT: 04-4277888

Discover UAE on Emirates Ice

PARENT COMPANY: Emirates

HEAD OFFICE: Dubai, UAE

BASED IN: Dubai, UAE

LANGUAGE: English

MEDIA REP: Motivate Media Group – +97150 1600301

GENRE: Attractions, Activities, Dining, Entertainment, Hotels & Resorts, Health & Wellness, Education and Real Estate

REACH: Worldwide

Disney+

PARENT COMPANY: The Walt Disney Company

HEAD OFFICE: Regional: Dubai, UAE. Global: Burbank, California, USA

YEAR FOUNDED: Regional: 2022 (Disney+ MENA launch) Global: 2019 (Disney+ global launch)

SUBSCRIPTION COSTS: AED 39.99, EGP 70, and SAR 39.99 per month

CONTENT: Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and general entertainment content brand, Star Originals, feature-length films, live-action, animated TV series, and documentaries, and spanning a wide range of genres, from actionadventure and romance, drama and comedy.

AVAILABILITY: Mobiles, tablets, PCs, Apple TV, Android set top box, Smart TVs, XBOX, PlayStation, website and app

REACH: North America, Europe, Asia/Pacific, Africa, Latin America, MENA

LBCI

OWNERSHIP: Pierre El Daher

HEAD OFFICE: Lebanon

FOUNDED: 1998

CONTENT: LBCI content and special content produced exclusively for the platform.

AVAILABILITY: LBC Group App

AVAILABLE IN: worldwide

Manorama Max

PARENT COMPANY: Malayala Manorama Group

HEAD OFFICE: India

YEAR FOUNDED: 2019

SUBSCRIPTION COSTS: $25 year

GENRE: General entertainment, sports, News

AVAILABILITY: App and Website

REACH: MENA

Switch TV

PARENT COMPANY: e& Etisalat and UAE

HEAD OFFICE: Abu Dhabi

FOUNDED: 2020

SUBSCRIPTION COSTS: AED 0.99 per day

CONTENT: Movies and TV series

REACH: UAE

Shahid

PARENT COMPANY: MBC GROUP

HEAD OFFICE: Riyadh

RELAUNCH: 2020

CONTENT: Premium Arabic content, original series, films, exclusive premiers of different genres including drama, comedy, thriller, action, anime, sports, kids edutainment and more. 54 live channels including 31 FAST channels

SUBSCRIPTION COSTS: https://shahid.mbc.net/en/widgets/subscription

AVAILABILITY: Web, Mobile, IOS, Android, Smart TVs, Apple TV, PlayStation and many other digital platforms and STBs

REACH: Worldwide

SERVICE DESCRIPTION: Video on Demand

VIEWER DEMOGRAPHICS: All Arab Families

MOST POPULAR SHOWS: Thanaweyat Al Naseem, Safah El Giza, Rashash, Jameel Jeddan, Mawdo’o A’eli, Al Thaman, Stiletto, Slave Market

MEDIA REP: MBC Media Solutions – Hello@mms.net

WEBSITE: www.mms.net

Shahid is the first and leading AVOD and SVOD streaming platform in the Arab world by MBC GROUP, offering premium content to Arab families, including binge worthy exclusive Shahid Originals; Shahid Premieres; Arabic movies fresh off the box-office; live TV channels in true HD quality; as well as international offerings, sports, kids offering, and more than 30 FAST channels.

Sony LIV

PARENT COMPANY: Sony Pictures Networks India Pvt Ltd

HEAD OFFICE: Mumbai, India

FOUNDED: 2013

SUBSCRIPTION COSTS : AED 144/ year

GENRE: entertainment, sports, music

AVAILABILITY: App and Website

REACH: MENA

Sky News Arabia

PARENT COMPANY: Sky Group; International Media Investments (IMI)

HEAD OFFICE: Abu Dhabi, UAE

SUBSCRIPTION COST: Free

CONTENT: Rolling 24-hour news coverage, award-winning documentaries

AVAILABILITY: Sky News Arabia Website, Sky News Arabia Android Application, Sky News Arabia iOS application, Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, LG (Web OS), Samsung (Tizen) Galaxy Store, YouTube, Nabd Application

Streaming Page

REACH: Global

Yango Play

PARENT COMPANY: Yango

HEAD OFFICE: Dubai, UAE

FOUNDED: 2024

SUBSCRIPTION COSTS: 29,99 AED

CONTENT: Movies and Series, Music, Mini Games, Live TV Channels, Yasmina AI Voice Assistant and Yango City

AVAILABILITY: Apps, Apple TV, website, Playstation store, Mobile and TV

REACH: GCC, Egypt and more countries

The overflowing talent pool

This month we showcase the bright, young stars of the future already making an impact in the advertising industry. We call it Faces To Watch. It is a labour of love and this year includes more than 300 people, a big increase on last year’s number. It’s so pleasing to see such great talent coming through the ranks. The industry faces many challenges when it comes to staffing, basically the shortage of smart young people joining the industry. So our bumper Faces to Watch section should come as a welcome boost on all fronts. And remember this month’s Faces to Watch is just for agencies. We also expect a similar scenario for brand-side Faces to Watch when we profile them in June. After editing all 315 faces, a few key phrases cropped up regularly. Candidates were often called the ‘go-to’ person, and many were recognised for ‘going above and beyond’. And interestingly, ‘rock star’ is still a popular term.

In between editing Faces to Watch, and this month’s Campaign magazine, I took part in an event called Beyond the Trophy, organised by Dubai Lynx. I moderated a fireside chat with some award-winning creatives - Kalpesh Patankar, Chief Creative Officer of Leo Burnett, Karim Mroueh, Strategy & Innovation Lead at Serviceplan Group Middle East and Sebastian Roland, Strategy Partner at VML Dubai. They all won awards for campaigns at this year’s Dubai Lynx. We talked about lots of topics regarding creativity, and also touched on talent. The panel agreed that it is proving hard to find good talent, including people who had the ‘hunger’ to succeed in the industry. Then there was the issue of AI and how it will change how people work in the future. On the operational and business side, and also the creative front. The elephant in the room is job losses and people are now beginning to accept there will be some streamlining within agencies, and the industry as a whole. The consensus is that it’s still early days but uncertainty is in the air. Given this backdrop, the talent coming through will need to be even more agile and flexible for what may lie ahead.

However, there are so many reasons why young people should consider a career in advertising. As brands strive to connect with audiences in meaningful ways, the demand for fresh and innovative ideas has never been higher. This makes advertising an ideal career path for young professionals eager to make a significant impact.

Advertising is still fundamentally about creativity. It provides a platform for those who can think outside the box. Whether it’s crafting a new campaign, designing digital ads, or developing catchy slogans, the industry thrives on innovation. For young creatives looking to push boundaries and explore their artistic talents, advertising is a fertile ground.

JUSTIN HARPER

Editor

justin.harper@motivate.ae www.linkedin/in/harperjustin

And let’s not forget that adverts play a significant role in shaping society and consumer culture. Young professionals in the industry have the unique opportunity to drive social change through impactful campaigns that make a positive impact. Indeed, we saw plenty of these at this year’s Dubai Lynx. A classic example was an Omantel campaign called Maqroo which introduced the first ever Arabic dyslexic font. Created by Leo Burnett, Dubai the award-winning campaign picked up a Dubai Lynx Grand Prix for Industry Craft. It has already made a social impact, and hopefully it can help improve lives too.

“So, what makes a great strategist?”

in the brief. In an increasingly superficial and fairly repetitive land of briefs, revelatory truths are revolutionary!

2. Loves being an outlaw. A rebel with a cause. Respects the status quo; but doesn’t mind working tangentially to it. Enjoys it.

3. Is still humble in knowing he or she is not the smartest out there. Therefore, tries harder.

4. Acknowledges that he or she is never self-made and is created with the help of others. Remembers that - always.

person’s passion, that person’s unflinching belief in what may be seen as a foolish endeavor. You need to take people with you on the journey; else it’ll be a long, lonely road.

10. Doesn’t just claim to be empathic but actively puts himself or herself in people’s shoes – every single day. People. Neighbours. Consumers. Team mates. Clients. Those suffering around our world. Those creating the suffering.

11. Works speedily. Is very impatient. Makes things happen. Faster than others. Seeks success constantly.

TAHAAB RAIS

Chief Strategy Officer at Publicis Groupe, MENAT PROVOCATIONS

Or what makes a strategist great? Here are the key traits; ones that I remind myself about, every day, too.

1. Is a truth hunter. The Truth Hurts. The Truth Rights. The Truth Defends. The Truth Mends. The Truth Reminds. The Truth Surprises. The Truth Destroys. The Truth Endears. The Truth Screams. The Truth Liberates. The Truth is Revolutionary. And “In times of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” Thus spake George Orwell. Strategists are the ones who tell the truth about the people, or culture, or the brand, or the product

5. Is an inventor. Creates new ways of working. Experiments. Has fun playing with ideas. Very important: Has fun.

6. Doesn’t play politics. Industry politics. Or agency politics. Doesn’t have the time for it. Spends that time on inventing.

7. Thinks big. Believes in big. Big brands. Big problems. Big topics. Big causes. Big ideas. Knows good isn’t good enough.

8. Makes others see the ‘bigness’ too. Is a master conductor. In the agency context, at times, even with the client. Leads in his or her capacity – not just leading other strategists, but even leading people. In the agency context, he or she drives and inspires business teams, creatives, suppliers, clients, media and PR partners.

9. Is unreasonable about and biased to greatness – but rallies people to his or her cause. History is witness to the fact that great things - as unreasonable as they may have seemed - have only been achieved when people have rallied behind someone believing in the fact that something unreasonable can be achieved. They have bought into that person’s aggression, that

12. Is generous. With praise. With positive criticism. With attention. With knowledge. Again, in the agency context, with the agency, its clients and its partners alike.

13. Is a product of his or her environment. And ends up making his/her environment a product of himself or herself.

14. Has passions outside his or her core function as a strategist. Indulges in those passions. Hones them. Works on them. Explores other achievements outside strategy. Because they come back to improve how one looks at strategy.

15. Wants to change the world. Believes he or she can do it through ideas that matter and make a difference.

16. Extends himself or herself to follow the above, even when it comes to everyday life, beyond this industry.

Now, imagine the ones who do all of this. What a great agency that’ll be. What a great industry that’ll help create. It’s time for these ones to step out of their closets.

Close Up..“Simple execution enhances its charm and relatability ” (YB) Riyadh Season...“Big production, big storyline, big event, big idea .” (FR)

McDonald’s …“The return-on-sentiment is surely a successful one.” (FR)

Anchor..“Sleek art direction - now I’ll remember Anchor has good milk.” (FR)

SPHF...“A stroke of genuis. Bold, smart and innovative.” (YB)

Use the QR code to view this work on Campaign’s website.

Private View

FREDERICO ROBERTO

Executive Creative Director, TBWA\RAAD

MCDONALD’S: AFTER-DINNER DINNER (1)

It doesn’t really matter the sales ROI of this one (because frankly, there isn’t one), but the return-on-sentiment is surely a successful one. We’ve all done it – going for some late-night munchies at some fast-food place to fill that hole – which makes this a most human insight, so kudos to McDonald’s for doing something about it.

ANCHOR: GOOD MILK (2)

Sleek art direction and I think I’ll now remember that Anchor has good milk. Which I guess is a job well-done. But part of me thinks that the section in the middle (we could say it, but we’ll not, but we will…”) could have been used to say something more relevant.

SPHF: CLIMATECHANGETOWN.PK (3)

Some ideas – or executions in this case - are just there for the taking. I’m not undermining the logistical nightmare that must have been involved in navigating all the legalities, but simple ideas like this should just happen and move forward. Good stuff.

CLOSE UP: GET CLOSER TO LOVE (4)

Exaggerating a problem or an insight has always been a great way to demonstrate the product’s benefits and brand positioning. It’s not always easy to talk about love and dating in the Middle East, but this was done truthfully and tastefully (no pun intended).

RIYADH SEASON: KNOCKOUT CHAOS (5)

Big production, big storyline, big event, big idea. It’s all there. I just wish I could play that 8-bit game depicted. Ha!

YASMINA BOUSTANI

Creative Director, Edelman

Motivate Media Group

MCDONALD’S: AFTER-DINNER DINNER (1)

The campaign is highly relatable and insightful, showing bravery amid regional challenges. While well-conceived, it could be amplified further to achieve greater reach and impact. It left me wondering about the extent of its implementation.

ANCHOR: GOOD MILK (2)

It cleverly re-defines “good milk” at a perfect time amidst confusion about alternatives. It offers a fresh perspective in milk advertising, although it’s not groundbreaking in the broader context of communications.

SPHF: CLIMATECHANGETOWN.PK (3)

A stroke of genius. Bold, smart, and innovative, it stands out for blending creativity with social impact. This campaign not only captures attention but also generates significant PR buzz. The novelty of a town changing its name for charity irresistibly attracts media outlets, ensuring widespread coverage and amplifying the message far beyond traditional advertising channels.

CLOSE UP: GET CLOSER TO LOVE (4)

The campaign taps into contemporary dating culture, providing a witty take on the romantic narrative we’ve grown accustomed to. Its simple execution enhances its charm and relatability.

RIYADH SEASON: KNOCKOUT CHAOS (5)

This stunning production brought together the worlds of boxing, gaming, and action movies, significantly raising the bar for the region. Although I’m not a boxing fan, I found it very entertaining and wished it wouldn’t end.

Head Office: 34th Floor, Media One Tower, Dubai Media City, Dubai, UAE. Tel: +971 4 427 3000, Fax: +971 4 428 2266. Email: motivate@motivate.ae Dubai Media City: SD 2-94, 2nd Floor, Building 2, Dubai, UAE. Tel: +971 4 390 3550, Fax: +971 4 390 4845 Abu Dhabi: Motivate Advertising, Marketing & Publishing, PO Box 43072, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Tel: +971 2 677 2005, Fax: +97126573401, Email: motivate-adh@motivate.ae Saudi Arabia: Regus Offices No. 455 - 456, 4th Floor, Hamad Tower, King Fahad Road, Al Olaya, Riyadh, KSA. Tel: +966 11 834 3595 / +966 11 834 3596. Email: motivate@motivate.ae

London: Motivate Publishing Ltd, Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER. Email: motivateuk@motivate.ae www.motivatemedia.com

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief Obaid Humaid Al Tayer Managing Partner and Group Editor Ian Fairservice Editor Justin Harper Reporter Ishwari Khatu Junior Reporter Sonia Majumder Junior Reporter Shantelle Nagarajan

DESIGN Art Director Clarkwin Cruz Senior Designer Thokchom Remy

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Chief Commercial Officer Anthony Milne Publisher Nadeem Ahmed Quraishi (nadeem@motivate.ae) Sales Manager Tarun Gangwani (tarun.gangwani@motivate.ae)

PRODUCTION General Manager S. Sunil Kumar Production Manager Binu Purandaran Production Supervisor Venita Pinto

HAYMARKET MEDIA GROUP Chairman Kevin Costello Managing Director Jane Macken

or those of its contributors.

Anchor

Milk

Brand New Galaxy

TARIQ AL SHARABI

Managing Director of Cicero & Bernay A Communication Partner

views & trends from across the

AI EATING ITS OWN WORDS

Who remembers BSE or Mad Cow Disease? It was a 1990s pandemic resulting from too many British cattle being fed other livestock. In a similar vein, in recent months, certain AI discussions have ignited, fueled by rapid tool advancements. There is worry over how AI has infiltrated so much of digital content creation. From SEO-driven blog posts to social media captions and even entire academic papers.

AI's influence is undeniable. However, this shift has often led to a quality decline, a phenomenon known as ‘the AI Collapse’ or ‘AI implosion’. As the tech increasingly trains on its own output, the material standard on the web su ers, degrading user experience globally. Despite ongoing research to address these challenges, the reliance on mass artificial content generation appears unsustainable. High-impact entities like Google have begun to devalue AI-generated content, rea rming that the synthesis of AI and human creativity is essential for producing truly worthwhile content.

Source: WebFX, HubSpot

Appointments

Dentsu Creative MENA has appointed JON HOLLOWAY, as Managing Director, Brand and Experience. In this newly created role, he will lead the brand and experience teams across the region, driving operational excellence to deliver nextgeneration projects and work that fosters brand growth through immersive customer experiences. Holloway has worked with a prestigious roster of clients including Nike, Google, YouTube, Samsung, Toyota, Uber, and Skoda.

UM has appointed HANI DAJANI as General Manager KSA, marking a significant step in advancing the agency’s growth in the Saudi market. Dajani brings a wealth of experience garnered over 24 years in the professional arena, with a notable tenure at OMD MENA. In his role, he will oversee all aspects of agency operations, including team management and service delivery, while collaborating closely with the senior leadership to align business objectives and drive overall performance.

nearly 25 years ago as an Arabic copywriter and evolved his career in advertising working with leading brands like Vodafone, Nestle Ice Cream, Lipton, Shell and CIB, Pepsi, Rotana TV, Barclays and EFG Hermes.

Ogilvy has appointed ANTONIS KOCHEILAS as Global Chief Transformation Officer. Kocheilas will be responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing transformational strategies and systems that help clients adapt to the ever-changing market dynamics of today and in the future. Moving forward Kocheilas will also lead Ogilvy Consulting, the agency’s enterprise level business transformation and brand innovation unit, which is composed of over 225+ consultants around the world.

role, she will lead MBC STUDIOS’ ongoing work in expanding the reach of its content to audiences around the world. Akrouk will be managing the organisations goal to leverage the ongoing trend for non-English-language television content to reach more global markets.

Saatchi & Saatchi has appointed ALI ZEIN as the Executive Creative Director for the e& account. Zein will spearhead the creative efforts of the brand, driving innovation and forward-thinking strategies to push e& as a leading global tech player. Ali Zein has joined from Impact BBDO, where he served as regional executive creative director. He first started his career

Edelman has promoted MARIE-CLAIRE MAALOUF as EMEA Chief Creative Officer and she will retain her current position as Chief Creative Officer for ME. Maalouf will lead creative across 13 markets with the mission to create original, impactful, and effective work across Edelman’s specialisms including brand marketing, digital, influencer and entertainment with clients across a breadth of sectors such as financial services, FMCG, travel, health and technology. She joined Edelman last year as Chief Creative Officer of ME, having spent 17 years at Impact BBDO.

MBC GROUP has appointed SAMAR AKROUK as Managing Director of MBC STUDIOS. A seasoned production veteran, Akrouk has dedicated nearly three decades of service to MBC GROUP and will also retain her position as Group Director of Production. In her new

TBWA\RAAD has appointed CATHERINE BANNISTER as its new Chief Strategy Officer. Bringing a wealth of experience to the role, she will lead the strategic initiatives across TBWA\ RAAD’s diverse client portfolio. Her appointment underscores the agency’s commitment to crafting holistic brand experiences and driving strategic growth opportunities for its clients. In her capacity, Bannister will collaborate closely with the strategy team, overseeing the development of disruptive strategies aimed at fostering growth and creativity.

The MediaVantage has appointed JOSEPH KARAM, as the General Manager –International Media. With his extensive experience, Karam will lead media projects and support strategic growth at The MediaVantage. With over 15 years of experience in leading agencies such as Magna Global and Mindshare working with global clients such as Two Four 54, Atlantis the Palm and Gulf Air, Karam has knowledge of media planning, strategy development, and implementation.

The Spin

When it comes to gamers, you have to be authentic, and talk their language. So it helps if you can get the name of the gaming consoles right. It’s not that hard as there are basically two - the Xbox and the PlayStation. But as this ad on the right shows, it’s harder than you think. Game over guys.

Fans of The Spin will know that we are fond of our furry friends. So imagine our delight when RAK Tourism launched a new ad for the launch of its cat airline (Furline). It

may have been an April Fool’s Day prank but the video is hilarious, and definitely worth a watch, unless you are a dog.

The world is fast-paced these days, and that means news coverage has to be also. As events unfold quickly, news outlets must update viewers and readers as quickly as possible. This is typically the case with natural disasters. But we didn’t expect the world of tariffs to be so fastpaced. No sooner had China lifted a tariff on Australian wine, it quickly drops it, according to the Sydney Morning Herald’s online edition. We didn’t check back in

later to see if they’d been lifted again. Sounds like hard work to us.

After the torrential rain that caused huge disruptions across the UAE, we have all been keeping a closer eye on the weather, for fear of another downpour. This weather forecast for the week ahead is surprisngly accurate, and completely useless. Thanks for telling us there will be ‘weather this week’. We can all relax now.

A lot of people have been jetting off recently, making the most of the Eid break. At European budget airline Ryaniar, it makes things as cheap as

possible. After all, it is the pioneer of no-frills flying. As it scraps reclining seats, toilets and other in-flight comforts, it looks like the humble apostrophe is its latest victim of cost-cutting (see left). Yes it should read The Bar’s Open.

And finally, back to April Fool’s Day prank stories. We loved the Emirates airline branded residences and the RAK cat airline, and spotted them straight away on April 1. But we weren’t sure about the weighted fork (left) and coffee cup from GymNation. Next time we suggest sending out the press release on April 1st, not four days before! They called it a ‘pre-teaser campaign’. That’s a new one for us.

Send us any advertising fails you see to justin.harper@motivate.ae