
Horizon FCB packages Hardee's new steak sandwich for Gen Z
Hardee's Kuwait has launched its new Frisco Philly Steak Sandwich with a campaign that intends to resonate strongly with Gen Z audiences in the country.
The campaign was brought to life by Horizon FCB in partnership with Sora Films Production and Cloudy Production. Tasked with creating buzz around the launch, Horizon FCB Kuwait developed the Frisco Philly Steak Sandwich film, blending humour, attitude and music to reflect the brand's fearless personality.
The bold campaign was carried across out-of-home (OOH) advertising, digital-out-of-home (DOOH) billboards, at the point of sale (POS), and across below-the-line (BTL) materials provided regionally.
The campaign's hero film was launched across digital and social media platforms, as these channels were found to receive the most Gen Z engagement. The campaign is running through the month of May 2025.
Hardee's tasked each market with creating its own localised content to better connect with the target audience. In Kuwait, Horizon FCB Kuwait developed a dedicated local film to bring the Frisco Philly Steak Sandwich to life.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Hardee's Kuwait (@hardeeskuwait)
Featuring shredded Philly steak and beef patty layered with melted cheese, grilled onions, and a punch of flavour all tucked inside Hardee's iconic square-shaped bun, the campaign delivered a fresh, high-energy piece that captures Hardee's unapologetic tone while resonating with a younger generations.
The campaign film has already gained more than 1 million views on Hardee's Kuwaiti digital platforms.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Hardee's Kuwait (@hardeeskuwait)
CREDITS:
Client: Hardee's Kuwait
Agency: Horizon FCB Kuwait
Horizon FCB Kuwait Managing Director: Elie Farah
Horizon FCB Kuwait Creative Director: Ahmed Zedan
Horizon FCB Kuwait Senior Account Director: Sara Zakhari
Horizon FCB Kuwait Senior Account Executives: Asma Salem, Ahmad Ibrahim
Horizon FCB Kuwait Social Media Account Executive: Reem Al Zaghir
Production House: Sora Films Production and Cloudy Production
Producer: Ahmed Shoaib
Film Director: Mohamed Maged
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arabian Post
12 hours ago
- Arabian Post
UAE and Kuwait Fortify Strategic Ties Across Key Sectors
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have cemented a series of bilateral agreements designed to enhance collaboration across vital sectors such as health, energy, education, and defence. These agreements were formalised during an official visit by UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Bayan Palace, where Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah also presided over the signing ceremony. This diplomatic engagement reflects a shared commitment to deepen economic and political cooperation amid a shifting geopolitical landscape in the Gulf region. Both nations seek to leverage their strategic partnership to accelerate development goals and bolster regional stability. ADVERTISEMENT The agreements encompass a broad spectrum of cooperation frameworks. In healthcare, the MoUs aim to facilitate joint initiatives in medical research, health services, and pandemic preparedness. This builds upon existing efforts to enhance public health infrastructure and improve access to advanced medical technologies within both countries. The collaboration is expected to include exchanges of expertise and the establishment of joint health projects, reinforcing resilience against future health crises. Energy cooperation constitutes a central pillar of the accord, reflecting the growing importance of sustainable development and energy diversification in Gulf policies. Both nations have expressed intent to collaborate on clean energy projects, including renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency programmes. This aligns with wider regional ambitions to reduce carbon footprints and accelerate the energy transition, tapping into solar, wind, and hydrogen potential. The partnership aims to foster knowledge-sharing, joint investments, and innovation in sustainable energy technologies, signalling a clear move away from traditional hydrocarbon dependency. Education and innovation sectors also feature prominently in the agreements. Kuwait and the UAE plan to develop cooperative education programmes, facilitate student and academic exchanges, and promote joint research ventures. These initiatives target strengthening human capital and nurturing a knowledge-based economy, crucial for long-term competitiveness. Special focus is placed on artificial intelligence and digital transformation, areas recognised for their transformative potential across industries. Defence collaboration marks another significant dimension of the bilateral ties, with both countries pledging closer coordination in security and military affairs. This includes enhanced training cooperation, intelligence sharing, and joint exercises aimed at improving operational readiness and countering emerging threats in a volatile regional security environment. Investment and infrastructure development feature heavily within the broader strategic framework. The agreements envisage boosting trade flows, encouraging cross-border investments, and facilitating infrastructure projects. These measures are expected to unlock economic opportunities, create jobs, and support broader Gulf Cooperation Council integration efforts. ADVERTISEMENT Social development has not been overlooked, with the accords setting the stage for cooperative efforts in social welfare, cultural exchange, and community development. This demonstrates a recognition that sustainable progress extends beyond economic growth to encompass social cohesion and quality of life improvements. This series of MoUs signals a concerted effort by the UAE and Kuwait to consolidate their partnership amid evolving regional and global dynamics. Both nations are navigating complex challenges, including economic diversification pressures, climate change imperatives, and shifting geopolitical alliances. The agreements reflect a proactive strategy to leverage bilateral cooperation as a stabilising and growth-enhancing force. The visit by Sheikh Mansour underscores the UAE's broader diplomatic outreach in the Gulf, aimed at strengthening ties with neighbouring states while advancing shared priorities. Kuwait, meanwhile, views this enhanced partnership as vital for reinforcing its role in regional affairs and securing avenues for economic resilience. Experts note that such collaborations between Gulf states are increasingly critical as they face mounting global competition and internal transformation demands. By pooling resources, expertise, and political will, the UAE and Kuwait position themselves to address mutual challenges more effectively and harness new opportunities. This development follows a pattern of intensified Gulf collaboration that has gained momentum following shifts in regional geopolitics. Enhanced bilateral relations are viewed as key to ensuring collective security and economic prosperity, particularly amid external uncertainties and emerging global power dynamics. The agreements also reflect a clear alignment with the strategic visions of both countries, which prioritise innovation, sustainability, and regional integration. As the Gulf states pursue diversification and modernisation agendas, such partnerships become essential tools for advancing these objectives. While the full scope and impact of the signed agreements will unfold over time, the foundations laid in this visit mark a significant milestone. The emphasis on critical sectors such as healthcare, clean energy, education, and defence highlights the comprehensive nature of the partnership.


Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
Streaming trends 2025: Are weekly episodes replacing the binge?
For years, streaming taught us to binge. Entire seasons dropped in one go, the 'Next Episode' button eliminated cliffhanger suspense, and weekend marathons became the norm. But now, something surprising is happening — especially among Gen Z: the weekly drop is back, and it's not just working — it's winning. Take The Last of Us Season 2 on OSN+, a gritty, emotionally devastating post-apocalyptic series that concluded after a seven-week run on May 26 in the UAE, becoming a Monday ritual across the Middle East. The show didn't just dominate timelines — it's dominated time. One episode a week. No skipping ahead. No spoilers unless you dare. What changed? This is the generation long believed to crave instant gratification — the same cohort known for skipping intros, doubling playback speed, and abandoning a series two minutes in. Yet they're showing up week after week for slow-burn television, emotionally raw narratives, and serialised suspense. Why? Because binge culture may have offered control, but the weekly drop delivers community. According to OSN+, Gen Z viewers in MENA (Middle East and North Africa) are choosing weekly drops over binge dumps; 47 of the top 50 most in-demand shows in early 2023 in MENA followed a weekly or staggered release model. TikTok and the rise of episodic attention Ironically, the same Gen Z that's glued to TikTok's short-form content is helping drive this shift. TikTok, once known for its 15-second dopamine hits, has evolved into a platform of mini-episodic storytelling. Viral multi-part sagas like the 'Who Did I Marry?' series or real-life 'Storytime' confessions span five, ten, sometimes twenty clips — and viewers stick around. These aren't just passive watches; they're participatory. Viewers stitch reactions, drop theories, and stay hooked until the final reveal. Sound familiar? It's the same energy fueling weekly appointment TV. In Gen Z's own vernacular, 'it's giving… community.' Weekly drops vs. the binge: What platforms are doing Streaming services have started to take notice and vary their release strategies accordingly: Netflix remains synonymous with binge culture (Bridgerton, Baby Reindeer, Selling Sunset) — often dropping entire seasons at once. But it has flirted with the weekly format for reality shows like The Circle and Love Is Blind, using cliffhangers and staggered episodes to fuel online buzz. It also drops seasons in parts; for instance, makers of Stranger Things released seven episodes of their hit show's fourth season on May 27, 2022, and the remaining two episodes on July 1, 2022. Disney+ almost exclusively releases episodes weekly for major titles like The Mandalorian, Loki, and The Acolyte, leaning into fandom discussion and long-tail engagement. Amazon Prime Video often uses a hybrid model. Shows like The Boys and Invincible premiere with two or three episodes, then shift to weekly drops. HBO/Max (and by extension OSN+ in the Middle East) is a purist in this space, famously championing weekly releases for shows like House of the Dragon, and now The Last of Us. The result? A groundswell of online chatter, theories, and emotional build-up that just doesn't happen with full-season dumps. Each model serves a purpose, but there's a growing appetite for the slow-burn — especially when the story deserves space to breathe. When The Last of Us S2 premiered on OSN+, fans weren't just watching — they were posting, reacting, and predicting. Major character arcs — like the divisive arrival of Abby (played by Kaitlyn Dever), or the emotionally loaded moments with Joel (Pedro Pascal) — became weekly conversation starters. TikTok exploded with edits and think pieces; Reddit threads broke down symbolism, flashbacks, even line delivery. This isn't just consumption — it's participation. Each episode becomes a cultural event, a shared pause in the chaos of content overload. And in a world where everything moves fast, the wait becomes a feature, not a flaw. The return of the weekly drop isn't just a throwback — it's a digital coping mechanism. It builds anticipation. It invites reflection. It lets stories sink in. For a generation bombarded with stimuli, the wait might just be the magic. Binge culture trained us to race. Weekly TV is teaching us to feel. What do you prefer? Binge watching or weekly episode drops.


Campaign ME
a day ago
- Campaign ME
How Roblox is unlocking next-gen commerce for MENA brands
Roblox is redefining e-commerce by integrating physical product sales within its immersive gaming environment. This presents a significant opportunity for brands, especially in MENA, to tap into next-generation commerce and bridge digital and real-world shopping experiences. A look at key numbers and evaluating market potential 97.8 million daily active users globally engage with Roblox, creating a massive audience for brand exposure. 50 per cent of Gen Z respondents are likely to consider a brand in the real world after experiencing it virtually. 90 per cent of total orders for Twin Atlas came from in-game commerce, proving strong demand for physical products linked to digital experiences What's in it for brands in the MENA region? Massive reach : The integration of commerce into gaming allows brands to access younger audiences, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who engage socially and transact digitally. : The integration of commerce into gaming allows brands to access younger audiences, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who engage socially and transact digitally. New revenue streams : Brands can create virtual storefronts where users not only explore and engage but buy physical products linked to exclusive digital rewards. : Brands can create virtual storefronts where users not only explore and engage but buy physical products linked to exclusive digital rewards. Stronger brand engagement: Retailers and manufacturers can leverage gamification to drive repeat purchases and deepen customer loyalty. SWOT Analysis – Should MENA brands move quickly? Strengths High digital penetration and mobile-first economy in MENA. Rising interest in gamified shopping experiences among youth. Established brands like Fenty and The Weeknd already leveraging Roblox commerce. Weaknesses Limited adoption of in-game retail in MENA. Need for regional localisation in language and payment methods. Opportunities First-mover advantage for brands entering metaverse-driven commerce. Ability to integrate regional cultural elements to enhance local engagement. E-commerce meets entertainment, offering immersive brand storytelling. First-mover advantage for brands entering metaverse-driven commerce. Ability to integrate regional cultural elements to enhance local engagement. E-commerce meets entertainment, offering immersive brand storytelling. Threats Brands lagging behind in digital transformation risk missing engagement with Gen Z & Gen Alpha audiences. Regulatory concerns may require careful adaptation of commerce mechanics. What are the next steps for MENA brands? Explore commerce integration on Roblox experiences targeting local users. Partner with gaming studios to create branded activations linked to physical products. Leverage accelerated mobile pages (AMP) to ensure product authenticity and consumer trust. Use AI and personalisation to tailor shopping experiences for regional preferences. Move fast — the space is evolving quickly, and early adopters will reap the benefits. By Ravi Dutt, Managing Partner, AtomX Media