Dubai Lynx, the MENA region’s premier platform for celebrating creative excellence and innovation, has announced the return of its Young Lynx Academies in 2025. This marks the third consecutive year of its partnership with Publicis Groupe Middle East.
The Young Lynx Academies (YLA) have established themselves as an essential platform for collaboration, learning, and skill-building. The initiative has successfully graduated more than 80 participants, shaping the careers of the region’s future leaders over the years.
The 2024 Young Lynx Academy featured an impressive lineup of speakers from both brands and agencies. This included Pizza Hut – Yum! Brands, LIONS, Unilever, Unitedmasters + Translation, Pixis, and TishTash, offering participants invaluable insights from industry leaders.
Bassel Kakish, Groupe CEO, Publicis Groupe Middle East & Turkey, said, “Investing in young talent is part of our long-term commitment to nurturing a vibrant and sustainable creative industry across the region. The Young Lynx Academy has grown into a highly anticipated initiative, empowering the next generation through mentorship, collaboration, and skill-building.
Kakish added, “Supporting the Academy for the third year, now with an expanded edition in Saudi Arabia, underscores the Kingdom’s growing role as a creative and cultural powerhouse.”
This year, the Academy will expand to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the first time. Here are five things you need to know about the Young Lynx Academies’ Riyadh debut.
1. Young Lynx Academies: Key Dates
The first-ever Riyadh edition of the Young Lynx Academies will be held on 18-19 February 2025.
This will be followed by the highly anticipated edition in Dubai on 7-8 April 2025, as the initiative continues to empower emerging creatives under the guidance and support of Publicis Groupe Middle East.
For the first time participants from each Academy will be celebrated on-stage at the Dubai Lynx Awards Show on 9 April 2025.
2. What to expect
The Riyadh edition will offer young professionals the chance to participate in a 24-hour hack challenge, hone their skills under the mentorship of industry leaders, and spark innovative thinking.
Similarly, the Dubai Academy will continue its mission to provide opportunities for emerging talent to thrive in the dynamic advertising and marketing landscape of MENA.
Adel Baraja, CEO, Publicis Communications KSA, said, “Saudi Arabia’s creative economy is expanding at an incredible pace, and it’s encouraging to see initiatives such as the Young Lynx Academy providing a platform for young professionals to thrive.”
Baraja added, “By bringing this programme to The Kingdom, we’re helping to cultivate a new generation of creative thinkers who understand the local market and can contribute to its growing influence across the region. I look forward to meeting the first ever cohort of Academy participants, Saudi edition.”
3. Application details for the Young Lynx Academies
Both editions are open to young professionals aged 30 or under with a minimum of three years of experience.
- Riyadh Edition: Open to participants based in Saudi Arabia, including brands, agencies, and freelancers.
- Dubai Edition: Open to participants from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, or the UAE.
Aspiring creative minds are encouraged to seize this opportunity to gain invaluable industry insights, refine their skills, and connect with like-minded peers.
Applications are now open, for more information on how to apply can be found at www.dubailynx.com/talent-and-training.
New era of creative innovation in Saudi Arabia
The launch of the Riyadh edition signals the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence in the global creative arena.
Recent achievements such as HungerStation’s Grand Prix-winning campaign at Cannes Lions and Saudia’s ‘ProtecTasbih’ campaign’s wins at both Dubai Lynx and Lions have spotlighted Saudi Arabia’s innovative spirit and creative prowess.
By introducing the Academy to Riyadh, the programme aims to cultivate the Kingdom’s burgeoning creative talent pool, further strengthening its influence on MENA’s creative marketing landscape.
Kamille Marchant, Director, Dubai Lynx, said, “The Young Lynx Academies are at the heart of our mission to inspire and empower the next generation of creative talent in the MENA region. Our partnership with Publicis Groupe Middle East, now in its third year, has had a profound impact on nurturing young professionals and elevating creative potential across the region.
Marchant added, “Expanding into Riyadh is a milestone that reflects the incredible momentum and innovation coming out of Saudi Arabia’s creative community. We’re thrilled to continue providing young professionals with a platform to grow, collaborate, and shape the future of the industry, with the support of such a dedicated partner.”
