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 media agencies in the Middle East for 2024:
Wavemaker MENA
Wavemaker MENA took home the Media Agency of the Year award, reflecting its success in 2024. The agency leveraged new technologies to redefine its approach to media-led campaigns. Through the power of teamwork and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Wavemaker MENA delivered standout campaigns like AI-driven solutions for clients such as Perfetti Van Melle; commerce strategies for L’Oréal; and esports for Mentos. “All the while strengthening client trust,” said Marc Ghosn, CEO at Wavemaker MENA, in a conversation with Campaign Middle East reflected the agency’s win.
This was duly noted by the 2024 jury of the Campaign Agency of the Year Middle East awards. One juror went as far as saying, “Their growth numbers are impressive, particularly in terms of billings and organic growth. They’ve also been able to tackle new areas like gaming and e-commerce with great success, demonstrating their agility in a fast-changing market.”
Publicis Groupe – Spark Foundry Middle East
Through cultural leadership, DE&I, a blend of global and local success, and tech-powered frameworks that optimise campaigns, Publicis Groupe’s Spark Foundry has positioned itself as a leading media agency that provides clients with cohesive, well-rounded work.
“Their ability to merge creative with performance, particularly for leading brands in the region, shows their strength in the competitive landscape,” said a juror reviewing Spark Foundry’s performance and output.
Jurors also noted the agency’s ‘commendable DE&I and sustainability initiatives along with solid business results’ as part of its success.
Publicis Groupe – Starcom Middle East
Starcom, with a legacy spanning over 80 years, stands as a prominent force in the communications and media planning industry. The agency’s remarkable 21 per cent growth in 2023 underscores its continued relevance and adaptability in an ever-evolving landscape. Anchored by its Power of One model, which harmonizes data, technology, and creativity, Starcom has secured high-profile partnerships with global brands including P&G, Samsung, and Visa.
Starcom’s commitment extends beyond business growth. With sustainability as a cornerstone, the agency is on track to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. An emphasis on fostering an inclusive workplace culture has contributed to an impressive 87 per cent employee retention rate, reflecting its dedication to employee satisfaction and engagement.
A member of the jury deemed the agency to be a ‘global powerhouse that knows how to lead in the MENA region.’
Publicis Groupe – Zenith MENA
Since 2005, Zenith has positioned itself as ‘The ROI Agency,’ a claim it continues to embody and evolve. In a rapidly shifting communications landscape, the agency has sought to redefine what ROI means—broadening the concept to reflect internal investment and strategic innovation.
This year, Zenith has anchored its growth strategy in three core pillars: great people, great thinking, and great work. The agency claims a strong 63 per cent year-on-year boost in marketing efforts. Zenith’s commitment to excellence has led to long-standing client partnerships and numerous accolades, including being named Agency of the Year at the Smarties MMA Awards. Notably, the agency secured the top spot for new business growth in H1 2024, according to COMvergence.
“Zenith has made bold moves in reimagining ROI, and their focus on their people, creativity, and thought leadership is clear,” said a juror from the Campaign Agency of the Year Middle East awards. These achievements underscore the agency’s ability to deliver consistently high-quality work that meets—and often exceeds—client expectations.
