The number of jurors representing the United Arab Emirates at Cannes next year is set to double.
The move marks a significant milestone in the development of the country’s creative advertising industry and follows recent successes at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
There will now be four UAE judges at the festival – an increase from the two that have participated in recent years.
UAE creatives will be present on the radio and promo & activation juries as well as print and film. The inclusion in the radio and promo & activation juries for the first time is due to the number of Lions won by UAE agencies in these categories over the last three years.
The four judges will be nominated by Cannes Lions’ UAE representative, Motivate and Motivate Val Morgan, which is also the publisher of Campaign. Managing partner, Ian Fairservice, said: “Without doubt, this is a major breakthrough. It is recognition of the untrammelled creativity within the advertising industry here in the UAE. As the national representative of Cannes Lions since 1998, we are proud to play an integral part in this fantastic festival.”
Ramzi Moutran, executive creative director at Memac Ogilvy Dubai, who was a film juror at this year’s festival, said: “Having four judges representing the UAE at Cannes is an amazing achievement. It’s such good news for all of us in advertising and communication and each one of us who strives to create world-changing ideas.
“It also shows the young, up-and-coming creatives the potential and the capability of the industry in our region. Above all, this is proof and a commitment to all our great and brave clients that we have been – and we will keep on – striving for the best”.
Kamal Dimachkie, executive regional managing director at Leo Burnett, added: “The fact that we have four judges from the UAE at Cannes next year is a confirmation that the quality of the creative product keeps on improving and the number of contributors is rising. It clearly signifies that not only is the creative product getting better and better, but that the creative leaders behind such product can enrich the conversation at a global level.”
Cannes Lions is also the organiser of the Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity, which is held annually in association with its regional partner, Motivate.
