Arabian Automobiles offer students cost-free master’s degree with ‘Nissan KICKS Starters’

Arabian Automobiles Company (AAC) has launched the ‘Nissan KICKS Starters’ competition during the Holy Month in an effort to offer Gen Z marketing students an opportunity to have their work recognised by Nissan and shape the future of marketing.

AW Rostamani Group the exclusive dealer for Nissan in Dubai, Sharjah and the northern emirates, invites students to take the lead in crafting marketing campaigns tailored to their generation while gaining hands-on experience and expert mentorship. At the end of the Holy Month, the winning team will be awarded a fully funded master’s degree scholarship at Ajman University.

The initiative reinforces AAC’s commitment to nurturing future marketing leaders through education and real-world opportunities, equipping them with the skills, insights, and creative freedom to shape the future of brand storytelling.

“We believe the future of brand communication belongs to the next generation, those who live and breathe digital culture,” said Hussam Baghdadi, Senior Director at Arabian Automobiles Company. “With the Nissan KICKS Starters competition, we are giving students the platform to take charge, be heard, and gain real-world industry experience that sets them apart.”

Interested students are encouraged to apply via kicksstarters-aac.com. Applications are open till Friday, 7 March.

Nine finalists will then be divided into three teams and will be invited for an exclusive interview and briefing session before participating in a workshop series led by industry experts.

The first one will be conducted by Amir De Leon, a Dubai-based content creator and photographer, who is renowned for his compelling automotive content and visual storytelling. With over 1.3 million followers on TikTok, his expertise in crafting engaging narratives and branding strategies made him the ideal choice to become the official mentor for the competition. Throughout the competition, Amir will guide participants in refining their ideas, helping them translate concepts into high-quality, market-ready campaigns.

Arya Chitra, General Manager of the Nikon Youth Program will also deliver a workshop on ‘Mirrorless Videography’, and will be sharing tips on how to master the Nikon cameras that will be loaned to the teams to use for the shoot.

Bethoven M. Filomeno, Faculty for Media and Communications of Westford University and Head of Tribe Creatives and Comms Collective will also be tackling the 3Es of Digital Content Creation. And finally, TBWA\RAAD, will introduce students to the power of social media, creative thinking and equipping them with the skills to harness these platforms for authentic brand storytelling and impactful marketing campaigns.

Each of the team will be receiving a Nissan KICKS for three days to bring their creative vision to life. They will be immersed in the production process, while incorporating De Leon’s expertise to shape their approach. After a week of post-production, the final videos will be unveiled on social media, where public voting will determine the winning submission, adding an interactive element to the competition and amplifying engagement.

AAC is also introducing a fresh and interactive approach by bringing AI-driven personas to life by connecting students with digital characters designed to engage in a way that feels natural and relatable to their interests.

Acting as mentors and ambassadors, these AI-powered guides help participants navigate their journey, offer support, motivation and insights along the way. This innovative method reflects how brands are evolving in the digital era, using technology to create more meaningful connections beyond traditional social media interactions.

To further enhance collaboration, AAC is leveraging Discord as a dynamic platform where students can connect, exchange ideas, and streamline communication in real time. This unique approach mirrors how Gen Z naturally interacts in digital spaces, fostering a more immersive, engaging, and community-driven competition experience.

Baghdadi added: “This initiative reflects our commitment to innovation, education, and fostering authentic connections with our local communities, including Gen Zs, in a way that resonates with their creativity and aspirations.”

Applications are now open at kicksstarters-aac.com for university students across the UAE to join this transformative experience. Applicants are advised to submit by 7 March to secure their spot early.