UAE's AlShehhi named first government sector juror in Cannes Lions history
The UAE is making headlines at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
Khaled AlShehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communication at the UAE Government Media Office, has been named as the first-ever government sector representative to join the jury of this prestigious festival, which was established 72 years ago.
He will serve on the jury for the prestigious PR Lions category — a move that highlights the UAE's growing influence in global marketing and communications.
The UAE Government Media Office has earned over 220 international awards, including several Cannes Lions, and ranks 4th globally for marketing effectiveness in the Effie Index.
AlShehhi himself has received numerous industry honours, including Advertising Person of the Year at Dubai Lynx 2023 and the Loeries Marketing Leadership Award 2023 — the first for a Middle Eastern leader in the award's 45-year history.
He also plays a key role in shaping the region's communications landscape, serving on the board of the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) MENA and is a member of the Strategic Council of the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA).
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has announced the selection of Khaled AlShehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communication at the UAE Government Media Office, as the first government sector representative worldwide to join the jury of this prestigious… pic.twitter.com/zr3lMRiXni
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 21, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
'Trust' headlines the 10th Middle East Public Relations Association UAE Leadership Majlis
Khaled Alshehhi and Joseph John Nalloor awarded prestigious MEPRA Fellowship for their contribution to the advancement of the industry in the region Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) hosted its highly anticipated UAE Leadership Majlis 2025, gathering over 100 industry leaders, practitioners, and communications students from across the region. The forum, which celebrated a decade of the Majlis, saw a vibrant exchange of ideas and insights that shared a common thread, which is the role of trust in communications. The Majlis explored how the UAE's strategic focus on global partnerships are fundamentally reshaping the role of communication leaders. A highlight of the discussions was a deep dive into the communications campaign that underpinned the recent monumental Abu Dhabi announcement of Stargate, one of the world's largest computing infrastructure projects and a direct outcome of the UAE-US partnership. Representatives from Mubadala and G42 shared invaluable insights into the intricate strategies employed to effectively communicate this groundbreaking initiative to a global audience. Kate Midttun, Chairperson of MEPRA, commented:"The Middle East is speaking, and the world is listening. In an age of constant change, where the line between internal culture and external perception is porous and crisis is the new normal, communication is no longer a function, it's a force. To thrive, not just survive, we must embrace honest, enterprise-wide storytelling, and lead with clarity, courage, and care. What the world sees, hears and understands about the Middle East is up to us.' During the Majlis, participants engaged in conversations tackling the paramount importance of trust in deploying effective communications, particularly during times of uncertainty. The various sessions of the Forum reinforced that leading with purpose serves as a highly effective long-term strategy for building resilience and maintaining credibility in an ever-evolving landscape. Mazen Nahawi, Group CEO of Carma: 'The Majlis unites the leadership of the PR and communications community in its purpose of bringing people together to create trust and understanding: it is a unique event for senior professionals and future leaders alike and I am grateful to have been part of it once again.' A compelling session on AI and future readiness was delivered by Dr. Selina Neri, Dean & Co-Founder of the Institute for Future Readiness. Neri challenged the audience to fundamentally rethink traditional approaches to talent development and nurturing, emphasizing the critical need to adapt and evolve to remain relevant and motivated in an AI-driven future. During the Majlis, MEPRA proudly presented its prestigious MEPRA Fellowship, which recognizes individuals who have made exceptional and enduring contributions to the communications and public relations industry in the Middle East. This year, the esteemed Fellowship was awarded to Khaled AlShehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at the UAE Government Media Office, and Joseph John Nalloor, Discipline Lead, Media & Communications at Murdoch University Dubai. The awardees were nominated and voted by MEPRA Board for their outstanding and significant contributions to the profession in the Middle East. The MEPRA UAE Leadership Majlis underscores the association's commitment to advancing the public relations profession in the Middle East and fostering a community of innovative and forward-thinking communication leaders. The 2025 UAE Leadership Majlis was supported by Carma, Mubadala, Telum Media, The Conscious Comms Collective, and First and Ten Productions. About MEPRA: The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) is the leading industry body for public relations and communication professionals in the Middle East. MEPRA strives to promote excellence in public relations and communication by providing a platform for knowledge sharing, professional development, and industry advocacy. With a growing membership of agencies, corporations, and individuals, MEPRA is committed to raising standards and building a thriving communication community in the region.
Broadcast Pro
2 days ago
- Broadcast Pro
UAE announces new media law introducing major reforms to digital content sector
The new system aims to unlock potential, stimulate investment, and empower content creators through a flexible environment, streamlined procedures, incentivising exemptions, and strategic partnerships at both local and international levels. The UAE Media Council has launched a comprehensive new system designed to regulate, empower, and drive sustainable growth across the media sector. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the country's efforts to modernise its media landscape and builds upon the foundation established with the Council's formation in February 2023 and the subsequent enactment of the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation. Announced at a press conference held at Creators HQ in Emirates Towers, Dubai, the launch was led by Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, and Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Strategy and Media Policies Sector. Both emphasised that the new framework is in line with the UAE leadership's vision for an innovative, future-ready media environment that not only keeps pace with global developments but also asserts the UAE's leadership on the regional and international stage. Al Shehhi described the new media system as transformative, combining updated legislation with streamlined services and inclusive policies designed to enhance operational efficiency and promote sustainable development. He pointed to the Media Regulation Law—hailed as the first comprehensive media legislation in over four decades—as a turning point for the UAE's media sector. The law addresses modern challenges and opportunities, including digital media, artificial intelligence, on-demand platforms, gaming, and other emerging fields. Developed over two years in collaboration with federal and local entities, media professionals, content creators, and international experts, the system is rooted in a partnership-based approach. Al Shehhi highlighted its flexibility and responsiveness to change, its capacity to empower local talent, and its potential to attract investment and foster innovation. He also underscored the centrality of content to the system, noting the importance of clear standards for responsible and balanced media that reflect Emirati values while encouraging creative impact. The ultimate objective, Al Shehhi said, is to transform the media sector into a powerful contributor to the national economy, capable of boosting GDP and enhancing the UAE's global competitiveness. Through a combination of strategic partnerships, flexible regulations, and incentivised exemptions, the system is designed to create an enabling environment for content creators and media businesses alike. Echoing this vision, Maitha Al Suwaidi said the UAE Media Council is spearheading a comprehensive transformation of the national media framework. She highlighted a legislative roadmap tailored to the evolving needs of the sector, ensuring a dynamic and globally aligned media ecosystem. According to Al Suwaidi, this roadmap extends beyond legal texts to include policies and decisions that respond to the realities of modern media while remaining anchored in national values. Among the notable elements of the new system is a resolution to regulate social media advertising by individuals. Aimed at building trust and elevating content quality, this measure includes a three-year exemption from permit fees for content creators. Another key component is the introduction of a unified age rating system for media content, developed to protect children and adolescents amid the rising consumption of digital content. In addition, Al Suwaidi revealed that the Council is working on a new licensing policy for digital news platforms. The goal is to establish clear standards that enhance journalistic credibility and accountability. Further regulatory advancements include the adoption of Cabinet resolutions on media service fees and administrative penalties, which aim to create a transparent, accessible, and integrated service system aligned with the UAE's digital government vision. She also stressed the importance of the local content empowerment policy, which supports Emirati creatives and prioritises national content. This includes fee exemptions for selected services to encourage local production and storytelling that reflects the country's identity and values. In closing, Al Suwaidi described the new legislative system as a defining moment in the evolution of the UAE's media landscape. By promoting transparency, professionalism, and quality, the framework offers media institutions and content creators a robust platform for production, innovation, and international competitiveness.
Hi Dubai
4 days ago
- Hi Dubai
flydubai Resumes Daily Flights to Damascus, Restoring Air Link After 12 Years
flydubai has officially resumed its operations to Syria with the launch of daily flights to Damascus, re-establishing direct air connectivity between the UAE and Syria for the first time in over a decade. The inaugural flight, FZ 115, landed at Damascus International Airport on 1 June 2025 to a ceremonial water cannon salute, marking a significant milestone in regional aviation ties. The flight was welcomed by senior officials, including UAE Ambassador to Syria, Hassan Ahmed Al Shehhi, alongside Syrian aviation authorities. 'This milestone reflects the deep-rooted and fraternal relations between the United Arab Emirates and Syria,' said Ambassador Al Shehhi. 'It underscores the UAE's continued efforts to enhance air connectivity and strengthen economic and social ties between our nations.' The relaunch of flights signals a step forward in restoring broader air travel operations by UAE carriers to Syria. It also highlights the UAE's continued support for Syria's progress, stability, and reintegration into regional networks. flydubai's Chief Commercial Officer, Hamad Obaidalla, noted the airline's commitment to regional connectivity. 'We are very pleased to offer our passengers the opportunity to fly directly to Syria again. As an important cultural centre in the region, Damascus plays a key role in fostering travel, trade and tourism.' Daily flights will operate from Terminal 2 at Dubai International Airport to Damascus International Airport, offering travellers renewed access to the Syrian capital. News Source: Dubai Media Office
