The Marketing + Media Alliance MENA (MMA MENA) has extended key deadlines to the SMARTIES MENA Awards 2026 in light of the evolving situation across the MENA region.
The extension aims to provide brands, agencies, media partners, and marketing leaders with additional time and flexibility to prepare and submit their most impactful work.
Updated submission deadlines:
- On-time deadline: September 4, 2026
- Extended deadline: September 25, 2026
The eligibility period has also been expanded and now includes campaigns executed between November 2024 and July 2026, enabling a broader range of work to be recognised.
“We recognise that this is a challenging and fast-moving time for many teams across the region,” said Linda Kender, Regional Director MMA MENA.
“By extending the deadlines, we want to ensure the industry has the time and space to submit work that truly reflects the impact and innovation shaping marketing across MENA today,” she added.
As part of the 2026 programme, entries will be evaluated through a two-stage jury process, with a Qualifying Jury composed of senior industry experts across brands, agencies, and technology partners, followed by a Grand Jury of senior brand-side marketers, ensuring a balanced and industry-representative evaluation.
In addition to the regional programme, submissions are also open for the SMARTIES KSA Awards 2026, offering further opportunities for recognition of Saudi Arabia-specific campaigns.
The SMARTIES awards scheme aims to recognise excellence in marketing effectiveness and innovation. To see last year’s SMARTIES MENA winners, click here.
