Here’s the list of the best Independent agencies in the region for 2024, as judged by the Campaign Middle East Agency of the Year jury.
The list below is not an endorsement. Its intention is to highlight the agencies that were shortlisted for the creative agency of the year award category by a jury of 29 client-side marketers who judged the Campaign Agency of the Year Middle East awards in partnership with Haymarket in the UK and audited by PwC, under MediaSense.
Unlike other awards in the region that are based on the agencies’ work and creative effectiveness, Campaign Middle East’s Agency of the Year Middle East Awards honour those who have raised the bar within the industry in terms of business growth, workplace culture, leadership, as well as diversity and inclusion.
Reviewed by the panel of judges, here are the best independent agencies in the Middle East for 2024:
Tactical
Named as the winner of the category for 2024, Tactical formed the region’s first all-female innovation team, using XR technology to create impactful campaigns while championing diversity and inclusion through thought leadership.
In 2023–2024, Tactical strengthened partnerships with global brands such as Snap, Spotify, Amazon, and Dubai’s Department of Economy & Tourism. The agency delivered AR-driven experiences with Snap and culturally resonant content for Spotify and Amazon. Tactical also launched the region’s first Apple Vision Pro tourism experience for Dubai’s Economy & Tourism Board.
With a team of more than 90 individuals from 12 markets, Tactical achieved a 13.47 per cent revenue growth in the past year.
One judge noted that this was a strong submission with well-executed projects, a visible agency culture, and impressive partnerships with key media players.
Acquisit
Acquisit is a growth marketing agency, fully independent and co-founded with offices in Dubai, Riyadh, and Beirut. The agency’s key achievements include launching Calvin Klein’s first D2C website in the UAE and expanding L’Oréal Middle East’s D2C efforts, surpassing growth benchmarks during Ramadan. The agency also partnered with Tamara, Clarins, and the World Trade Center to drive multi-channel campaigns that boosted revenue and attendance.
The agency’s Saudi division experienced growth across different aspects of its business, including 60 per cent growth in terms of new clients, 60 per cent year-on-year revenue increase and team growth of 42 per cent. IT also retained 74 per cent of its clients. Acquisit was also named the “Best Agency in EMEA for Workplace Excellence” by Google.
Judges described Acquisit as a strong, data-driven digital marketing agency with a clear understanding of how to grow brands and businesses online.
BUREAU BÉATRICE
Bureau Béatrice is a luxury multimedia and creative technology agency known for designing campaigns for prestigious global brands such as Adidas, Bulgari, Chaumet, and Tiffany & Co. The agency delivered the projection-mapping experience for the One Za’abeel launch, which achieved three Guinness World Records.
It was recognised as “a high-tech experiential agency at the cutting edge of immersive experiences and technology” by one of the judges.
In 2024, the agency experienced notable growth in both revenue and team size and was acquired by The Independents, an international communications group specialising in luxury, fashion, and lifestyle. Bureau Béatrice was also named Campaign Middle East Brand Experience Agency of the Year.
Create. Group
In the past year, Create. Group focused on growth, increasing revenues from key relationships, onboarding new clients, and exploring podcasting and AI services. The growth enabled the agency to promote talent internally and attract top-tier professionals regionally and internationally. The agency built partnerships across tourism, culture, government, and automotive sectors to support Vision 2030, the D33 Plan, and the UAE Strategy.
The agency was also named the Independent and Digital Agency of the Year at the Campaign Agency of the Year Awards 2023. The agency then went on to receive multiple shortlists at the Campaign Global Agency of The Year awards.
Judges highlighted Create.’s strong people-approach and its strong culture and initiatives like Create.Bravery, which support skill growth for their talent and enhance the agency’s prowess.
Seven Media
Seven Media delivered impactful campaigns through PR, digital and social media, creative, and video production. The agency combined engaging activations with strong media relations to drive conversations and improve the organisations they worked with. With more than a decade of experience, Seven Media led integrated traditional and digital campaigns for clients across government, corporate, tourism, hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors.
Judges described Seven Media as having a solid submission, a strong client base, and a clear people-first approach.
Team Red Dot
Team Red Dot delivered innovative campaigns rooted in deep market research, CX strategy, and data insights. The agency’s expertise spanned digital and offline channels, enabling them to anticipate market shifts and consumer trends. From tailored media buying to innovative campaigns, Team Red Dot partnered with regional giants like Etihad, Careem, and Insurance Market. Their approach earned multiple industry awards and solidified their reputation for exceptional performance.
Judges highlighted the agency for its values, mission, and effectiveness.
