One of Campaign Middle East’s most anticipated issues is out now – The Annual 2024. The issue takes a comprehensive look back at the key developments that shaped the regional advertising, media, marketing, and PR landscape over the past year.
Inside, readers will find insights into the top news stories, major pitches, movers and shakers, media milestones, standout cinema ads, and the most impactful integrated and film campaigns of 2024.
Year in review
The issue’s highlight is the Year in Review, an in-depth six-page feature examining the moments, both global and regional, that left a lasting impression. From Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer sweeping seven Oscars to Trump’s second term as US president, UAE’s heaviest rainfall on record, and the rise of the first-ever AI influencer, the feature recaps 2024’s defining events.
The review also explores the major themes that took centre stage, such as the growing influence of AI, the expansion of gaming and esports sector, widespread lay-offs, and boycotts.
Industry reflections and insights
Leaders from the region’s top brands and agencies also share their perspectives on the year. Contributors include Sahar Khan, Vice President of Marketing at Bayut; Amer El Hajj, CEO of GroupM; and Mazen Jawad, CEO of Horizon Holdings.
Major platforms like Spotify, YouTube, Snapchat, and Pinterest offered a deep dive into the region’s digital habits, Spotify’s Wrapped revealed the top trending artists in Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Egypt, as well as the top Arabic songs and podcasts of the year. YouTube showcased its Top 10, featuring the most popular songs, creators, and trending topics across the region. Snapchat highlighted its most-followed stars, while Pinterest predicted consumer behaviour trends for 2025, based on the patterns observed this year.
The Annual also covered the third edition of the Campaign Agency of the Year Middle East Awards that took place on the 12th December 2024, celebrating the winners and what set them apart.
This iteration of the awards witnessed a record participation of more than 91 unique agencies from across the region, marking a 75 per cent year-on-year increase compared with entries received in the previous edition of the awards. Out of these 91 participating agencies, 75 unique agencies were shortlisted for awards, with winners announced across 36 different categories.
Ending on a light-hearted note, the issue includes the Top 10 Spin, a collection of the year’s funniest marketing and advertising mishaps.
Read the entire issue below or click here.
