The Royal Commission for AlUla’s Melanie de Souza has been named Chair of judges for the 2026 edition of the Campaign Agency of The Year Middle East (AOTYME) awards.
With an extensive career in marketing leadership, de Souza currently serves as Executive Director for Destination Marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, where she leads a team of specialists across customer insights and research, brand, digital experience, trade and consumer marketing, public relations, partnerships and airline attraction.
“I am pleased to have been invited to serve as Chair Judge for Campaign Middle East’s 2026 Agency of the Year Awards,” said de Souza.
As Chair judge, she says the true strength of the AOTYME awards lies in celebrating exceptional talent across the region and recognising leadership in creativity, innovation and culture, as well as commercial success grounded in sustainable principles.
“These awards play an important role in strengthening our industry and shining a spotlight on the people, agencies and achievements that continue to raise the bar across the Middle East,” she said.
“Together with my fellow jurors, I look forward to reviewing the submissions and recognising the work shaping the future of the region’s creative and marketing landscape,” she added.
What’s new for AOTYME 2026
This year, the Agency of The Year Middle East awards host a refreshed list of categories as well as category-specific judging criteria.
Judges will consider factors such as business growth, client retention, expansion of integrated offerings, leadership and innovation, demonstrable investment in R&D, influence within the industry, and commitment to talent and culture as they evaluate entries.
The 2026 edition has a grand total of 39 categories, with 12 new awards introduced and a completely refreshed geographic segment. The updates aim to shine a spotlight on every corner of the region’s marketing, creative, advertising, digital, PR, media and production agencies.
This year’s awards also introduce brand new categories for gaming, esports and sports marketing.
To find out more about the updates, download the entry kit here.
Awards clinic: Crafting a stand-out entry
Submissions to the Campaign Agency of The Year Middle East are now open at early bird rates till August 6, 2026.
Campaign Middle East, in partnership with Haymarket, will host a free awards clinic explaining every step of the submission process in detail.
The webinar will outline:
- How to shape a winning entry
- Share tips on presenting your supporting material and
- Explain how to showcase your outcomes clearly: from new business wins to client retention and raised revenues.
The session will take place online on Thursday, 9 July from 1 pm to 2 pm. To register for the clinic, click here.
View all 2026 categories here
