
AOTY Snapshot: Fusion5 on winning Independent Media Agency of the Year 2024
Fusion5 was awarded the Independent Media Agency of the Year 2024 title at Campaign Middle East's Agency of the Year Middle East Awards.
The judges chose an agency whose philosophy is deeply rooted in data-driven solutions and commitment to exceptional return on investment (ROI) for its clients. With a remarkable 19 per cent revenue increase and a 29 per cent team size expansion, the agency successfully secured several major accounts during the review period.
Elie Haber and Johnn
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Campaign ME
08-08-2025
- Campaign ME
Standard Deadline for Agency of the Year Middle East Awards revealed
Campaign Middle East's Agency of the Year Middle East Awards 2025 has officially closed its early bird offers, calling for all awards submissions to be completed by its standard deadline of 18 September. Unlike other global and regional awards that evaluate the quality of campaigns and the effectiveness of work done by agencies, the Agency of the Year Middle East Awards honour holding companies, networks and agencies based on the performance of their businesses, client wins and retention, their year-on-year growth, workplace culture, industry innovation, and commitment to industry values such as diversity and inclusion. The award categories, include a list of agency speciality awards, independent agency awards, people and teams awards, as well as awards set apart for top performing agencies from different countries in the Middle East region. Celebrated for its credibility, Campaign Middle East's Agency of the Year Awards commemorate the best agencies in the region each year, in partnership with Motivate Media Group and the UK's Haymarket Media Group, which is the parent company of Campaign's global brand. The awards are judged by 35 client-side marketers from the Middle East region through several rounds, and audited by PwC under the MediaSense company. Campaign Middle East, the esteemed regional jury, and the global partners for the Agency of the Year Awards are committed to ensuring that the judging is fair, trustworthy and ethical. MediaSense oversees due process in three stages: the first round of online judging; the second round of online judging; and the collation of jury scores and reporting of results. To assist in confirming due process in the rounds of online judging, judges' feedback on submissions as well as the score sheets are sent directly to MediaSense. This year, Emma Campbell, Sector Marketing Director – Strategic Marketing and Communications at the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is the Chair judge at Campaign's Agency of the Year Middle East awards. As Chair judge, Campbell says the true strength of the AOTYME awards lies in its recognition of regional agencies' hard work – backed by business outcomes. 'I think these awards are really important because they cut through all the noise in a busy market and highlight agencies that are genuinely delivering – both creatively and in terms of business results. Plus, winning these awards is a huge motivator for teams – it recognises their hard work and pushes them to keep raising the bar. It's about celebrating the whole package, not just the final campaign,' she adds. Campaign Middle East will only announce winners for each of the categories at a gala Agency of The Year Middle East 2025 Awards ceremony in December 2025. Enter now for a chance to be recognised as the best in your speciality, geography, and even the entire region. Find out more here. PARTNERS: Bloomberg Media Seedtag The Vantage STRATEGIC PARTNERS: Huda Beauty African+Eastern BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Haymarket Motivate Media Group


Gulf Business
03-07-2025
- Gulf Business
Gulf Business Awards 2025: Celebrating businesses across the region
Attendees at the Gulf Business Awards 2024- File photo The Gulf Business Awards, the region's premier platform for recognising excellence and innovation across industries, is back. Scheduled for September 24, 2025, in Dubai, this prestigious event will once again honour the companies and individuals shaping the Gulf's economic and business landscape. For nominations, click For more information, click Now in its 13th year, the Gulf Business Awards continues to celebrate innovation, resilience, leadership, and impact across sectors ranging from banking and real estate to healthcare, technology, and tourism. File photo Honoring the best and brightest in business The 2025 edition promises an evening of recognition, inspiration, and high-profile networking. Industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region are expected to attend the gala ceremony, where the region's top performers will be recognised for their contributions to economic growth, technological innovation, and leadership. 'This event is more than just a ceremony — it's a celebration of the extraordinary efforts that drive the Gulf's vibrant business ecosystem,' said Ian Fairservice, Managing Partner and Group Editor-in-Chief of Motivate Media Group, the event's organizer. A platform for regional recognition Each year, the Gulf Business Awards shines a spotlight on achievements across both the public and private sectors, offering a rare platform for industry-wide recognition. Whether it's a startup disrupting traditional models or a conglomerate expanding regional influence, the awards represent a comprehensive celebration of business excellence. Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges composed of regional experts, industry veterans, and editorial leadership from Gulf Business . The judging process ensures fairness, transparency, and acknowledgment of real merit. A look back at 2024's milestone event Last year's edition, held on September 24, 2024, at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), was attended by more than 300 prominent business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. The night celebrated outstanding achievements from companies and individuals across key sectors of the economy. The 2024 ceremony also marked a special moment for Motivate Media Group, as it celebrated its 45th anniversary. Among the evening's highlights was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mishal Kanoo, chairman of The Kanoo Group. Recognised for his enduring contributions to the region's commercial and philanthropic landscapes, Kanoo has long been regarded as a pioneering force in the Gulf's business landscape. File photo 2024 winners: A legacy of excellence From innovative startups to established market leaders, the 2024 winners reflected the diversity and strength of the Gulf's economy. Awardees included: EFG Hermes ONE – Online Trading Company of the Year ADCB – Banking Company of the Year AIX Investment Group – Finance Advisory Company of the Year valU – Payment Solutions Company of the Year Amali Island by Amali Properties – Lifestyle Project of the Year TORINO by ORO24 Developments – Best Project Delivery of the Year fäm Properties – Real Estate Agency of the Year Sobha Realty – Developer of the Year Samana Barari Views – Project of the Year PRYPCO – Proptech Company of the Year Saudi Red Sea Authority – Tourism Company of the Year Millennium Hotels and Resorts – Hospitality Company of the Year Alshaya Group – Retail Company of the Year Emirates – Transport and Logistics Company of the Year Mediclinic Middle East – Healthcare Company of the Year GE Vernova – Energy Company of the Year stc Bahrain – Telecom Infrastructure Innovation LEAP 2024 – Technology Event of the Year These recognitions were decided by a distinguished panel that included Gareth van Zyl, Group Editor of Gulf Business ; Helen Barrett, Deputy Chair of the British Business Group Dubai; Robin Joffe, Managing Director of Frost & Sullivan MEASA; and Mahmoud Bartawi, serial entrepreneur and founder. Categories for the 2025 edition The upcoming 2025 Gulf Business Awards will again feature a robust list of categories designed to reflect the evolving regional landscape. This year's classifications include: Overall awards Lifetime Achievement Company of the Year Business Leader of the Year Company awards Banking Company of the Year Real Estate Company of the Year Tourism and Hospitality Company of the Year Retail Company of the Year Transport Company of the Year Healthcare Company of the Year Energy Company of the Year Technology Company of the Year Investment Company of the Year Logistics Company of the Year Leader awards Banking Leader of the Year Real Estate Leader of the Year Tourism & Hospitality Leader of the Year Retail Leader of the Year Transport Leader of the Year Healthcare Leader of the Year Energy Leader of the Year Technology Leader of the Year Investment Leader of the Year Logistics Leader of the Year Editor's choice awards Artificial Intelligence Innovator of the Year Blockchain Innovator of the Year SME of the Year Education Institution of the Year MICE Business of the Year These categories reflect the Gulf's forward-looking, innovation-driven economy and will help honor those pioneering new paths in both traditional and emerging industries. Why should you attend the event? For entrepreneurs, executives, and decision-makers, the Gulf Business Awards offers much more than recognition. The event is a rare opportunity to network with industry peers, share insights, and build connections with regional influencers. It also serves as an excellent platform for businesses seeking to boost their credibility and brand exposure across the GCC. With a legacy of over a decade, the Gulf Business Awards continues to play a vital role in fostering a culture of excellence and resilience among Gulf enterprises. As the region undergoes rapid transformation, events like these ensure that innovation and leadership remain at the forefront of business conversations. Mark your calendar The Gulf Business Awards 2025 will be held in Dubai on September 24. Nominations are open across all categories, and companies and individuals interested in being part of this prestigious recognition are encouraged to apply early. For more information and a full list of categories, visit the Nomination payment options To submit a nomination, all participants must register online. Fees apply per company or individual, per category, and vary depending on the number of nominations submitted: 1–4 categories: Dhs735 per category ($200) 5–9 categories: Dhs643 per category (minimum of 5 nominations required) ($175) 10+ categories: Dhs550 per category (minimum of 10 nominations required) ($150) Each registration includes online entry processing and digital collateral Please note: These fees also apply to all Leader category nominations. Click on the Judges This esteemed panel of judges brings extensive expertise across media, business, technology, and innovation. With decades of leadership experience and significant regional influence, I an F airservice ( Managing Partner and Group Editor-in-Chief, Motivate Media Group ) Ian Fairservice founded Motivate in 1979 with the launch of What's On , the UAE's first independent magazine. With a diverse portfolio of award-winning publications—including Gulf Business , Emirates Woman , and Identity —Motivate's consumer and trade brands reach over 2.5 million users per month. The group's Books division, established in 1986, has published more than 300 titles. In addition to books and magazines, Motivate produces content across video, digital media, exhibitions and events, social media, influencer marketing, out-of-home media, talent management, training, and cinema. M ishal Kanoo ( Chairman, The Kanoo Group ) Mishal Kanoo is Chairman of The Kanoo Group, one of the Gulf region's largest and oldest family-owned conglomerates. Operating across multiple sectors, the group is widely recognized for its longstanding contribution to the region's economic development. A respected business leader and futurist, Mr. Kanoo is known for his strategic foresight and economic commentary. He holds leadership roles in several companies, including Gulf Capital, KHK & Partners, Dalma Capital, Crane Industrial Services, Akzo Nobel UAE Paints, and KAAF Investments. In 2024, he received Gulf Business ' Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his regional impact. Kanoo began his career within the family business before gaining experience as an auditor at Arthur Andersen in Dubai. He holds two MBAs—one in finance from the University of St. Thomas, Texas, and another from the American University of Sharjah. Beyond business, he is a published writer in regional media and business journals, and a motivational speaker passionate about mentoring others. He upholds the Kanoo family's legacy of excellence, integrity, and philanthropy. Jawad Jalal Abbassi ( Head of Middle East and North Africa (MENA), GSMA ) Jawad Jalal Abbassi is Head of the MENA region at the GSMA, overseeing activities across 25 countries. He leads the GSMA's regional advocacy and strategic programs—focusing on 5G, IoT, AI, and digital identity—working with mobile operators, regulators, and policymakers to promote sustainable mobile broadband investment. Jawad's team collaborates with GSMA's global offices, engaging stakeholders to advance the mobile sector's role in economic development. He is a frequent speaker at regional technology and communications forums. He joined the GSMA in 2015 after founding the Arab Advisors Group in 2001, a leading research and consulting firm later partially acquired by the Arab Jordan Investment Bank. Previously, he worked as a telecoms and tech analyst with the Yankee Group and the Economist Intelligence Unit in Boston. Jawad holds a BSc in engineering from the American University in Cairo and an MSc in information systems from the London School of Economics. He has also completed executive programs at Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School. Dr Marwan Al Zarouni ( CEO of Artificial Intelligence, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) ) Dr Marwan Al Zarouni is CEO of Artificial Intelligence at Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), leading the emirate's AI agenda under the 'Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence'. He is also CEO of the Dubai Blockchain Center (DBCC), placing him at the forefront of regional tech strategy. With more than 20 years of experience in technology, digital forensics, cybersecurity, and AI, Dr Al Zarouni works closely with public and private sector stakeholders to shape forward-looking AI and blockchain policies that improve quality of life and visitor experience in Dubai. His leadership at DBCC has accelerated blockchain adoption in the UAE. He is a founding member of both the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) and the Artificial Intelligence Ethical Committee (AIEC), helping guide the ethical use of emerging technologies. In 2022, CoinTelegraph named him among the top 100 influential figures in blockchain and crypto. He also served on the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Cryptocurrencies from 2020 to 2021. GARETH VAN ZYL ( Group Editor, Gulf Business ) Gareth van Zyl is Group Editor of Gulf Business , bringing over 15 years of experience reporting on technology and business in the UAE and South Africa. He has held senior editorial roles, including bureau chief for News24's business section, roles at ITWeb (Africa's largest IT publisher), and deputy editor at Earlier in his career, Gareth lived and worked in Dubai from 2008 to 2012, contributing to Windows Middle East magazine, 7DAYS newspaper, and The National . For further information and assistance, please contact: Manish Chopra: Mario Saaiby: Hitesh Kumar: Or call T +971 4 427 3000 and ask to be connected to the Gulf Business Team.


Campaign ME
26-06-2025
- Campaign ME
Campaign MENA Mixer at Cannes
Campaign Middle East hosted more than 50 marketers and industry leaders at its first ever Cannes MENA Mixer at the 72nd Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity this June. Powered by Motivate Media Group and hosted in partnership with The Vantage and Hearst Global Solutions at the Campaign House at the Hilton Canopy, the casual get-together gave industry leaders a chance to come together and connect during the busy Cannes week. When: 18/06/2025 5:00 PM Where: The Lounge Retreat, Campaign House at Canopy by Hilton Cannes (location link) For sponsorship opportunities and for event tickets details, please email Tarun Gangwani at [email protected] or call 052 1466150