logo
Heriot-Watt announces scholarship winners from Faces to Watch 2025

Heriot-Watt announces scholarship winners from Faces to Watch 2025

Campaign ME15-04-2025
Campaign Middle East's annual Agency Faces to Watch is the region's most sought-after recognition in the creative world. For young professionals, this recognition is a great way to showcase their creative excellence, build their industry reputation and help them progress in their careers. This also helps employers identify the brightest upcoming talent.
PROGRAMME AND COURSES
Digital skills are recognised as being critical by employers, and Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University Dubai is well positioned to develop learners for practice through its transformative education. Students benefit from real life case studies and challenges, which leave them perfectly placed to make a difference in their future careers. In the business school, nothing is more important than translating knowledge into practice. In addition to being taught by an outstanding academic team of global thought leaders in marketing and digital marketing, students at the business school also are offered the opportunity to engage with industry experts to help them to develop skills.
The school's commitment to the important positioning of digital marketing is reflected in the development of its specialist postgraduate degree – MSc in Digital Marketing. Through this innovative degree, students build upon the fundamentals of marketing to study courses such as digital customer experience and international strategic marketing before selecting their pathway of optional courses – to reflect their career goals. For example, the Digital Marketing Skills options include digital marketing analytics, social media marketing and e-commerce technology.
By bridging the gap in the use and application of digital technologies in marketing, the programme reflects the school's commitment to promoting leadership in the marketing field and preparing the next generation of leaders with the combination of skills to succeed in their marketing careers. Through accreditation by the Chartered Institute of Marketing, graduates receive prior recognition on some progressional qualification modules, thus expediting their career.
COLLABORATION WITH CAMPAIGN
Professor Fiona Robson, Head of Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University Dubai highlighted the importance of this partnership. She said that working with Campaign Middle East is a great example of working with industry to illuminate the shared vision of the importance of identifying talent who will make a difference. Professor Fiona Robson announced the five winners, including one winner in each of the four categories – creative, digital, media and PR, who will each receive a 30 per cent scholarship. The overall winner will receive a 100 per cent scholarship to pursue an M.Sc. in Digital Marketing degree at Edinburgh Business School, Dubai. Professor Robson said, 'My academic colleagues and I found the applications truly uplifting, there are so many success stories and inspirational career journeys across the agencies in the UAE. It is clear from the testimonials of the nominees' managers that their colleagues are making a real difference and are highly valued. Making our decisions was not easy as there are so many talented 'Faces to Watch'.'
Scholarship Winners
FULL 100 PER CENT SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
Ajo Jose
UX/UI Designer, Crowd
Ajo's application stood out for many reasons. The approach taken to work and decision-making created a powerful first impression, particularly in balancing performance metrics with the need for creativity. The panel admired the fact that Ajo 'gives back' to the global community, allowing the wide transfer of learning and expertise – making a real impact on the lives of other people. Furthermore, Ajo's plans to expand his outreach work using the knowledge and skills gained from our MSc in Digital Marketing is highly commendable.
30 PER CENT SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Dahab Elkady
Creative, DUNE 23 Sports and Entertainment
Within her application, Dahab provided the judges with data that spoke for itself in terms of impact for her organisation as well as their clients in the sports industry. As well as her experience of working with global brands, the judges were impressed by her reflections on developing partnerships and overall career plans.
Janice Dsouza
Account Manager, Tonic Worldwide
The panel were very impressed with Janice's approach of 'Engage, Inspire and Deliver Results' to her work and her passion for data driven decision-making. Janice made a very persuasive argument for how our MSc in Digital Marketing will take her career to the next level and how her inputs will enrich the experience of her University peers.
Ahmad Soubra
Senior Media Executive, Zenith
Ahmad's submission showed he had undertaken extensive research on our postgraduate degree programme. He made a strong and convincing argument about how our MSc can bridge a gap for him and take his career to the next level. The panel were also impressed by the way that he supports and shares his knowledge within his organisation.
Sarah Kanji
Senior Account Executive, Atteline
Sarah's application was truly inspiring, reflecting some of the challenges she has faced and how she has used them to influence the way that she works and create brilliant outputs. Sarah's commitment to doing good and making an impact also were highly commended by the judging panel, who are looking forward to her creative contributions to our MSc in Digital Marketing.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Jameel Motorsport on bridging racing and gaming at EWC 2025
Jameel Motorsport on bridging racing and gaming at EWC 2025

Campaign ME

time3 days ago

  • Campaign ME

Jameel Motorsport on bridging racing and gaming at EWC 2025

When Munir Khoja, the Managing Director of Marketing Communications at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, and the lead behind its Jameel Motorsport initiative, talks about the brand's presence at the Esports World Cup (EWC), he doesn't focus on products or race cars. He talks about building a bridge – a connection between the two racing worlds: the real and the digital. The EWC, currently taking place in Riyadh's Boulevard City, is the world's largest esports tournament, drawing global attention and local footfall as Saudi Arabia positions itself as a future hub for gaming and interactive entertainment. Within that context, Jameel Motorsport isn't just joining the party – it's helping define the experience. 'We are trying to be the bridge between the physical world and the digital world,' Khoja shares with Campaign Middle East. That bridge takes literal form at Jameel Motorsport Park, the brand's activation space at Riyadh's Boulevard City, where karting circuits sit next to gaming simulators and a new generation of Saudis are invited to connect with the thrill of motorsports – whether on the track or behind a screen. Jameel Motorsport's presence isn't just about tapping into gaming culture – it's about embedding the brand into Saudi Arabia's broader transformation. 'With the presence of Vision 2030 and all its strategic objectives and the programmes and opportunities that it has created gave us the better opportunity to engage with the youth and to find out the targeted audience throughout doing all of that,' says Khoja. His view is clear: motorsport is one of the most dynamic tools to reach, engage, and empower young Saudis. Jameel Motorsport's role, particularly at EWC, is to make that connection feel tangible. The brand isn't entering esports through a sponsorship badge – it's building an entire physical and digital environment that audiences can explore. From full-scale simulators to live karting, from remote-controlled cars to a full Toyota GR vehicle display, the activation is designed to meet fans at every level of interaction. 'We have remote-controlled cars, which are great for the youngest in the family. Then there's karting for anyone who is older enough to go on those karting,' he explains. In other words, the experience is designed to feel inclusive. 'It's a family-friendly environment where we're bringing everyone together.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Campaign Middle East (@campaignmiddleeast) That inclusivity is a continuation of the brand's decades-long efforts. Though Jameel Motorsport is a new division, it stems from Abdul Latif Jameel Motors' 28-year legacy in motorsport and youth development. 'We started supporting Saudi youth in motorsports more than 28 years ago, beginning with Abdullah Bakhashab, who used to race in rallies,' says Khoja, referring to Saudi Arabian World Rally Championship driver from the 90's. 'After that, we moved into racing schools, youth programmes, and domestic rallies across Saudi Arabia.' Over the years, this translated into more than just cars. Abdul Latif Jameel Motors became a regular presence in professional football through partnerships with the Saudi League. The cumulative effect of these efforts – from rally racing to grassroots initiatives – laid the groundwork for the brand's current esports engagement. According to Khoja, Jameel Motorsport's continued partnership with the Esports World Cup Foundation reflects a deeper ambition to support Saudi's growing interactive entertainment sector. He sees the initiative as aligned with the country's broader goals of becoming a global hub for esports while giving local talent new platforms to express themselves. The brand's storytelling also reaches beyond the walls of the main activation at the Riyadh Boulevard. Earlier this summer, Jameel Motorsport staged a late-night cinematic stunt at Riyadh Boulevard, transforming the symbolic heart of the EWC into a drift circuit. The film – which featured two Toyota Supras drifting through the empty venue in a video game-style sequence –blurred the line between simulation and reality, nodding to the exact crossover that defines the brand's current esports approach. Back on site, the activation includes merchandising, character appearances, and entertainment for all ages. 'People will see the brand present in all our activities,' says Khoja. 'We have a merchandise corner where fans can pick up branded t-shirts.' That also includes a partnership with Sega, which adds a touch of nostalgia and younger appeal. 'This year, we have partnered with Sega – so Sonic the Hedgehog is part of the booth experience. That brings in a completely new element.' The brand set up a Sonic Racing CrossWorlds-inspired karting track that lets visitors race in karts themed around Sonic, Tails and Knuckles. But ultimately, Khoja's focus isn't on nostalgia – it's on relevance. By merging real racing with interactive play, he sees Jameel Motorsport as not just showing up where young people are but shaping how they engage.

Standard Deadline for Agency of the Year Middle East Awards revealed
Standard Deadline for Agency of the Year Middle East Awards revealed

Campaign ME

time4 days ago

  • 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

Geography categories at Agency of The Year Middle East 2025 explained
Geography categories at Agency of The Year Middle East 2025 explained

Campaign ME

time31-07-2025

  • Campaign ME

Geography categories at Agency of The Year Middle East 2025 explained

The 2025 Agency of The Year Middle East awards is set to spotlight the brightest stars in advertising across the region, from creative and digital to media, PR, production and social media, with a specialised Geography Category. Open to both independent and network agencies across the region, the Awards include a section to recognise the best agencies in specific markets in the Middle East. The Geography Category includes Best Agency awards for seven markets: Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The section aims to highlight the strategic achievements and financial performance across creative, digital, media, PR, production and beyond. Furthermore, lead by Chair Judge Emma Campbell, Sector Marketing Director – Strategic Marketing & Communications at DCT Abu Dhabi, the jury includes senior brand marketers from a diverse range of markets such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and more. Therefore, submitting to this category offers your agency the chance to have its success be recognised by potential clients. Submission criteria In order to create a successful entry for the Best Agency under the Geographic category, agencies must include: Achievements against objectives Scope of operation Business growth Client profile and disciplines New business wins, client retention and relationships Awards and recognition within the eligibility period Staff retention and development initiatives Creative output where applicable How the agency has played a positive role in the advancement and reputation of the industry during the review period, including examples of work, promotions and initiatives that lead the industry – including DE&I and sustainability initiatives How the agency provides an exceptional place to work for staff and has built a strong positive culture How the agency has evolved its workplace to support the business internally and externally Judges will also consider factors such as the expansion of integrated offerings, leadership and innovation, demonstrable investment in R&D, influence within the industry, and commitment to talent and culture as they evaluate entries. All submitted information must fit within the eligibility period of 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025. Entries must follow the overall submission guidelines as per the Agency of The Year Middle East 2025 entry kit. To download the kit, click here. To assist with your submission, Campaign Middle East in partnership with Haymarket hosted a FAQ webinar to further explain the submission process. To watch a recorded session of the awards clinic, click here. Last year's Geography Category winners Winning a geography category at the Agency of The Year Middle East 2025 awards showcases your agency as the best in the country. The win not only highlights your agency as the most successful to potential clients, but also allows it to gain access at being showcased as the best on Campaign Middle East's esteemed platform. Last year, top agencies from across the region were honoured based on business outcomes and financial success of their agencies during 2024. The list includes: Best Agency – Egypt: Impact BBDO Cairo Impact BBDO Cairo was recognised as the Best Agency of the Year – Egypt with a trophy presented by Anthony Milne, Chief Commercial Officer, Motivate Media Group. Best Agency – Iraq: Brodmann Brodmann was named Best Agency of the Year – Iraq and received the trophy from one of the awards judges, Siddharth Sivaprakash, Head of Brand and Marketing at Home Centre under the Landmark Group. Best Agency – Jordan: Adpro& Adpro& was handed the Best Agency of the Year – Jordan award by one of the awards judges, Siddharth Sivaprakash, Head of Brand and Marketing at Home Centre under the Landmark Group. Best Agency – Oman: Kenshō Mindful Communications A judge at the Agency of the Year Middle East awards, Sahar Khan, Director of Marketing at Bayut and Dubizzle, awarded Kenshō Mindful Communications as Best Agency of the Year – Oman Best Agency – Qatar: UM Qatar UM Qatar was recognised as Best Agency of the Year – Qatar by one of the awards judges, Sahar Khan, Director of Marketing at Bayut and Dubizzle. Best Agency – Saudi Arabia: Zenith KSA from Publicis Groupe Publicis Groupe – Zenith KSA was awarded the Best Agency of the Year – Saudi Arabia by award sponsor Hicham Fakhoury, Content Solutions Lead at MBC Media Solutions. Best Agency – UAE: Action Global Communications – UAE Neel Pandya, former CEO – EMEA and APAC for Pixis, one of the awards sponsors, presented Action Global Communications – UAE with the Best Agency of the Year –UAE award. Enter now and save AED 500 Enter now for a chance to be recognised as the best in your geography, and even the entire region. Entries can be made at a discounted rate for the early bird deadline of August 7, 2025. To download the full entry kit, click here. For more information on judges, categories and the awards, click here. Campaign Middle East will announce the winners at the Agency of The Year Middle East 2025 awards ceremony in December.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store