Campaign Middle East’s June issue places the spotlight on the region’s most promising young brand-side professionals, with its annual Brand Faces to Watch feature. The special list recognises marketing, communications, digital and social media professionals aged 30 and under who have been recognised by their managers and departments heads for their contribution to their brands.
This year’s selection highlights individuals driving innovation and delivering results for both global and regional brands. From FMCG to automotive and tech to government, the list acknowledges and reflects a new generation of marketers that will shape the future of the brand.
Seasoned marketer also have their share of the spotlight in this issue with brand focus, where they share their approach to talent and transformation. Bayut’s Sahar Khan discusses how supporting high-performing team members helped shift category behaviours, while Hyundai and Genesis UAE’s Wassim Derbi outlines how marketers can stay ahead in a fast-moving landscape.
Future of media and marketing: from data strategy to AI storytelling
The issue also offers insight into how brands are navigating the shift toward intelligent, integrated media, as part of its future of media and marketing coverage. Samsung MENA’s Omar Saheb makes the case for rethinking visibility in an AI-powered world, while Property Finder’s Sevgi Gur highlights the importance of human-centric strategy and leadership values.
HAVAS Red’s Palak Mehta discusses how AI is giving PR a more strategic, creative role, while contributors from AiOO, Fusion5, and KINESSO share practical perspectives on emerging technologies, data strategy, and the importance of cultural intelligence.
In line with the overarching theme, the June issue cover story brings together brand and agency leaders to discuss how the evolution of search and media measurement is shaping marketing strategy.
With inputs from The Trade Desk’s Terry Kane, Google’s Najeeb Jarrar, OMD’s Terry Mo, Keyade Middle East’s Laura Gleadhill, Expo City Dubai’s Sholto Douglas-Home, UM MENAT’s James Dutton and others, the piece explores the intersection of AI, automation and human decision-making.
Audio and radio at the centre
As part of its annual Audio and Radio Guide, the issue offers a snapshot of the region’s audio landscape from insights to listings.
From MBC Media Solutions’ Fouad Debouk on radio’s role in digital-first storytelling to Channel 4’s Ravi Muni and Mohammad Jundi unveiling the UAE’s first AI radio host, the guide reflects a medium is in the middle of a transformation.
Team Red Dot’s Aseem Bhandari explores podcast trends, while Luca Allam highlights the overlooked potential of podcasts in the media mix. The section also includes a regional directory of radio networks, sonic branding studios and streaming platforms.
Other features: DOOH expansion, influencer AI and data monetisation
The issue also covers the newly announced partnership between Saudi Signs Media and Rotana Signs, unlocking over 2,600 digital screens across the Riyadh Metro network – a major boost for digital out-of-home in the Kingdom. Annalect UAE’s Dr Hoda Daou analyses the growing interest in data monetisation, while Jennifer Fischer of Publicis Groupe ME presents a strong case for unlocking AI potential across agency teams.
A special feature by Campaign reporter Hiba Faisal asks whether AI-powered influencers are reshaping brand engagement, with perspectives from leaders at Arabian Automobiles, Petromin Corporation, TBWA\RAAD, We Are Social, and Cicero & Bernay.
The issue also recaps highlights from Campaign’s recent Breakfast Briefing: Marketing Strategies 2025, including conversations around the evolving role of audio, AI and audience segmentation.
Read more in the full issue below or click here.
