Hot off the press: Campaign Middle East's Cannes Lions 2025 magazine hits stands
This July edition of Campaign Middle East is packed with opinions from key industry leaders on ethical and 'do-good' marketing. The issue also incorporates recaps from some in the region who attended the 72nd Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, who coincidentally, also raise questions on how the industry can strategise and create 'marketing for good'.
Senior-level marketers and advertisers, both brand and agency side, have poured their concerns into the pages of this issue to make the case for better advancements in ethical and sustainable media and marketing practices. Al Masaood's Marwa Kaabour reflects on how ethical leadership weaves sustainability, inclusion and governance into the fabric of business. C2 Comms' Roy Aftimos echoes this and attributes his agency's success to prioritising people and purpose.
Unilever's Manan Gupta adds to the discussions with a take on why the retail shelf is one of the biggest missed opportunities in consumer sustainability, while Warner Bros. Discovery's shares how brands can inspire ec-action in young audiences through kids' media and entertainment.
Contributors to Campaign Middle East's annual 'Do-Good' issue also include Conscious Media's Andy Powell, WonderEight's Karim Abou Rizk, The Vantage's Robin Phillips, and Motivate Val Morgan's Sahal Valliyot.
Also under the spotlight this month is an in-depth look into all the heated debates, interesting insights and top takeaways from Cannes Lions 2025.
In the issue's cover feature, Anup Oommen, Editor at Campaign Middle East, recounts perspectives on this year's Festival of Creativity from Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, Aude Gandon, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Nestlè, Fabio Silveira, Managing Director, Havas Creative Middle East, Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO and Chairman, Vayner Media, Siddarth Sivaprakash, Head of Brand & Marketing, Home Centre, Landmark Group, Josefien Olij, Senior Director Marketing Communications, Phillips, Ali Rez, Chief Creative Officer, Impact BBDO, Melissa Hsieh Nikolic, Director of Product Management, YouTube Ads, Andy Yang, Global Head of Creative and Brand Products, TikTok, Fahd Hamidaddin, Board Member & Founding CEO, Saudi Tourism Authority, Reda Raad, Group CEO, TBWA\Raad, Tarek Miknas, CEO, FP7 McCann MENAT, and Khaled Al Shehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, UAE Government Media Office.
Also contributing their thoughts on the Festival is UK Advertising's Aisling Conlon, DCT Abu Dhabi's Nada Assaf, Déjà Vu's Manasvi Gosalia, Serviceplan Group Middle East's Natalie Shardan and Livingroom Dubai's Seyoan Vela.
This month's Brand Focus section hears from Modon Holding's Dina Jreissati, who writes that brands that nudge societal conversations end up on top.
Amjad Puliyali contributes to the month's Saudi Focus, and explains how Saudi Arabia's investments in artificial intelligence position the Kingdom as a leader in technological advancements.
From recaps from the shores of the south of France to discourse on how the industry can be better and do better, Campaign Middle East's Cannes Lions 2025 and Do-Good magazine holds a mirror to the industry's wins and areas of improvement.
Read more in the full issue below or click here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Campaign ME
18 hours ago
- Campaign ME
WithFeeling named official audio partner for Special Olympics Great Britain
Dubai-based sonic brand agency WithFeeling, which has expanded into the UK and Europe, has been named as the official audio partner for Special Olympics Great Britain. Special Olympics Great Britain is one of the largest providers of year-round sports training and organisers of athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Catering to more than 6,500 athletes, the sports organisation aims to genuinely transform lives. As part of the partnership, WithFeeling will help craft the theme song and sonic identity for Special Olympics Great Britain. 'It's a partnership we're incredibly proud of. As we expand into the UK and Europe, we're keen to make as much noise as possible about this inspiring collaboration – shining a light on the incredible work of the team and athletes, and celebrating the power of music and sound to bring people together,' the WithFeeling team, led by Chief Music Officer and Co-Founder, Joe Dickinson shared in a statement to Campaign Middle East. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Special Olympics Europe Eurasia (@soeuropeeurasia) 'We'll keep everyone posted as things progress, but keep a close eye out for more details down the line,' the statement read. Meanwhile, WithFeeling UK and Ireland are jumping headfirst into some athletic adventures of their own to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics Great Britain. Kicking things off this October, its Head of Music Joe Dickinson and Head of Sonic Branding Keith Gillespie, will be taking part in the Cheltenham 10K Obstacle Race, the agency confirmed on a LinkedIn post. 'If you feel like seeing two extraordinarily unathletic men attempt some pretty extraordinary challenges, we'll be sure to post updates as we go. The work from both the management and the athletes for Team GB is nothing short of amazing, and we could not be more excited and proud to contribute in any way we can,' WithFeeling added in its LinkedIn post. The agency has also launched an official fundraising page on JustGiving, to offer support and add visibility to what Special Olympics Great Britain does.
Campaign ME
2 days ago
- Campaign ME
Private View by UAE-based telecom Brand Director Simon Ornelis
Campaign Middle East features a Private View section with a range of insights and viewpoints from industry experts, revealing the intricate world of marketing and advertising campaigns. Simon Ornelis, a UAE-based Brand Director with expertise across telecom, FMCG, and retail, shares his perspective on selected 'Work' for July's review section. The LEGO Group: Build It With Him A warm, meaningful idea rooted in a powerful truth: dads value time more than things. The emotional clarity is strong. I'd love to see it evolve into build-it-with-him kits or seasonal rituals. There's a great opportunity to turn this into a memory-making platform that families look forward to year after year. Dubizzle: Everyone Is On dubizzle There's boldness here, and I respect the unapologetic tone with category confidence and a sticky line. But I found myself wanting a little more. The brand is sitting on rich data and diverse user journeys – there's an opportunity to celebrate real stories, niche use cases or life milestones adding depth to the brand's clear market leadership. NYX Professional Makeup: The Face Glue Bold, eye-catching, and unapologetically expressive – the campaign turns fan energy into citywide visibility. What makes it work is how true it feels to NYX's fearless personality, while cleverly tapping into Dubai's love for over-the-top drama. Safa's presence adds glamour and credibility. Himalaya: We Know Pimples The tone here is refreshingly right – not preachy, not trying too hard. Just a gentle, well-observed mirror of what it's like to be a teen. It sets the stage for a meaningful brand relationship. Building on this with peer-led content, simple skincare routines, or digital tools could turn it into a true go-to for teens. L'Oréal Paris: Sit Al Bait Brilliant. This is standout brand work – respectful, clever, and deeply rooted in cultural insight. Reclaiming 'Sit Al Bait' with pride aligns beautifully with L'Oréal's timeless promise 'Because you're worth it' – in a way that feels fresh and locally meaningful. With continued storytelling, community programmes, or product integration, this could evolve from a strong statement into a lasting, values-led platform that truly lives across the region. By Simon Ornelis, UAE-based telecommunications Brand Director.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Dubai Design Week announces themes, open calls, and programme For the 11th edition Of the Middle East's leading design festival in november
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES This year's programme reflects this theme through a focus on social cohesion PHOTO Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and in strategic partnership with Dubai Design District (d3) Dubai Design Week 2025 will take place 4-9 November, following over a decade of global success as the region's premier design festival. Dubai Design Week brings together designers and creative practitioners to exchange ideas, collaborate and explore the evolving role of design in shaping a better collective future. With its largest ever presence across Dubai Design District, the 2025 edition of Dubai Design Week will explore a central theme of 'Community', in response to the UAE's wider 'Year of Community' initiative. Returning to d3 Waterfront Terrace for its twelfth edition from 5-9 November, Downtown Design will offer a line-up of international design brands, regional studios and creative concepts. Editions Art & Design will return alongside Downtown Design from 6-9 November (Preview, 5 November) as the Middle East's first fair dedicated to limited-edition and collectible art and design works. This year's festival will also see the return of the Abwab and Urban Commissions initiatives, designed to foster emerging talent and new voices in design and architecture. Dubai Design District (d3) will showcase the d3 Architecture Exhibition in partnership with RIBA UAE Designer Exhibition, supported by Dubai Culture, will return with a new format, showcasing works from the next generation of design talent from the Emirates. United Arab Emirates, Dubai: Dubai Design Week will celebrate its 11th edition from 4-9 November 2025 under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and member of Dubai Council. As the region's leading design festival, this annual celebration of creativity and culture is held in strategic partnership with Dubai Design District (d3), a member of TECOM Group PJSC, and supported by Dubai Culture. Dubai Design Week 2025 coincides with the UAE's 'Year of Community'. This year's programme reflects this theme through a focus on social cohesion, participation and shared experiences. Design will be explored not only as a practice of innovation, but as a social connector, and as a civic and cultural tool that can shape how we live together, communicate, and build lasting systems of care. Since 2015, Dubai Design Week has grown into a global platform with a strong emphasis on cross-cultural exchange and on amplifying voices from West and South Asia, as well as the wider Global South (encompassing countries across Africa, Latin America, most of Asia and Oceania). Through exhibitions, fairs, large-scale installations, talks and workshops, the festival engages with the narratives of our time, creating a space for dialogue, experimentation and progress, harnessing its position as a regional melting pot and creative hub. Key venues are located across d3, a global creative ecosystem dedicated to design, fashion, architecture and art. PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Urban Commissions Urban Commissions is Dubai Design Week's annual competition open to proposals from global practices, giving international architects and designers the opportunity to shape public spaces through thoughtful, community-driven design. Under the theme 'Courtyard', Urban Commissions calls on practitioners to reflect on this shared spatial form and explore its multifaceted role as a gathering place and community-led urban infrastructure. Abwab 2025 Abwab, meaning 'doors' in Arabic, is a long-running feature at Dubai Design Week. Newly expanded to welcome applicants from across West, South and East Asia, as well as the African continent, it reflects an ongoing commitment to surfacing design perspectives that can be often underrepresented on global platforms. This year's theme, 'In the Details', invites practitioners to create immersive spatial experiences, exploring ornamental details and engaging with historic cultural forms. Exhibitions, Installations, Workshops, Activations, Marketplace The Festival's programme of exhibitions serves as a platform for cultural organisations, educational institutions, collectives and individual designers to express unique cultural, social and environmental perspectives, showcasing cutting-edge design solutions across disciplines. Outdoor installations from designers, architects, collectives, creative practitioners, and design-led brands, will explore design's potential to foster inclusive, community-focused environments through the use of sustainable and socially responsible methods and materials. Independent makers and cultural and educational institutions will host the festival's programme of workshops held at Maker Space, offering visitors of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to engage and experiment with a diverse range of artistic mediums. Alongside this, the activations programme will unveil innovative and immersive projects, cross-disciplinary collaborations, pop-ups, and special presentations. And Marketplace offers a curated retail experience featuring high-quality and original products by the region's finest artisans, entrepreneurs and small businesses, alongside food experiences, children's activities and live performances. Downtown Design Downtown Design, the Middle East's leading fair for high-quality and contemporary design, returns to the d3 Waterfront Terrace from 5-9 November 2025, showcasing the latest collections and design innovations from around the world. Returning exhibitors including Lasvit, Kartell, Poltrona Frau, Obegi Home, Venini, and Vitra will present new concepts alongside new participants Roche Bobois, Stellar Works, FRAMA, Porada and Desalto. Designer duo Draga & Aurel will present a solo exhibition for Collectional, and French designer Stephanie Coutas will showcase high-end interiors and collectible design pieces. The fair will feature experiential concepts and immersive installations including the Solaire Lounge by Veuve Clicquot and a pop-up collaboration between Buccellati and design studio david/Nicolas. The Forum returns with live talks and keynotes, headlined by Tom Dixon who will make his Dubai debut. At the heart of Downtown Design, the UAE Designer Exhibition, supported by Dubai Culture, returns with an evolved format after five editions of significant growth, expanding mentorship for emerging creatives and international showcase opportunities. Details will be announced in September. Editions Art & Design Following a successful debut in 2024, Editions, the region's first fair dedicated to limited-edition art and design, will take place from 6-9 November 2025, with a preview on 5 November, at the d3 Waterfront Terrace. The fair will showcase 50 local and international galleries, design studios, and collectives across a diverse range of mediums including: artist multiples, ceramics, photography, works on paper, prints, editions, and contemporary design. Editions joins an expanding creative ecosystem that enhances access to quality art and design through varied price points and mediums, and engages the region's collector network through disciplines not widely showcased in the region. d3 Architecture Exhibition The 2025 d3 Architecture Exhibition, organised by d3 in partnership with Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) aligns with Dubai Design Week's theme in response to the UAE's wider 'Year of Community' initiative and will take place in a dedicated space in the creative district. Rooted in the UAE's values of resilience, ambition, and openness, the Year of Community is dedicated to fostering a united and empowered society. It aims to inspire behaviours that strengthen family and social ties, encourage shared responsibility, and unlock potential for sustainable growth. Dubai Design District (d3) is part of TECOM Group's business district portfolio, including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Science Park and Dubai Industrial City. About Dubai Design Week Dubai Design Week is the region's design festival committed to amplifying talent from the region and presenting the possibilities of what can be achieved through design. Reflecting Dubai's position as the design capital of the Middle East, Dubai Design Week's varied programme includes installations, new commissions, exhibitions, talks, workshops, a marketplace, the leading fair for contemporary design, Downtown Design and the Middle East's first limited-edition art and design fair, Editions. Dubai Design Week is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in strategic partnership with Dubai Design District (d3), a member of TECOM Group PJSC, and supported by Dubai Culture. About Dubai Design District Dubai Design District (d3), a member of TECOM Group PJSC, is a global creative ecosystem dedicated to design, fashion, architecture and art. In line with Dubai's position as the leading business destination for the region and beyond, d3 is an industry-pioneering concept that enables people and businesses to grow and co-create whilst simultaneously providing a solid platform for creativity. Strategically located in the heart of Dubai, d3 is one of the city's lifestyle and business districts that challenges thousands of people to rethink the regular. With state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to meet the needs of the industry and a business-friendly framework, the community offers creative talent the tools for collaboration and growth, further reinforcing Dubai's status as a UNESCO Creative City of Design. d3 is a cutting-edge retail district offering a variety of multi-brand boutiques, fashion brands, and art and design studios. The world's leading luxury brands, design companies and creatives, including architects, interior designers, photography studios, product and fashion designers, call d3 home. Some of the region's most popular events take place in d3 and attract international artists and audiences to cultural and fashion exhibitions and gatherings such as Dubai Design Week, Dubai Fashion Week and Sole DXB. The district also regularly hosts a roster of industry talks, workshops and educational programming, accessible to people of all ages. d3 is home to TECOM Group PJSC's business incubator – in5 – that aims to support the fashion and design industries by offering students and entrepreneurs the opportunity to transform their ideas into successful commercial ventures. This ecosystem is further supported by the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), the region's only university exclusively dedicated to design and innovation, which offers a curriculum crafted with the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The New School's Parsons School of Design. The district also features the city's first canal side recreational development, The Block. The open-air destination offers a range of different outdoor and leisure areas including a basketball and volleyball court, a skate park, outdoor gym and climbing wall. About Dubai Culture and Arts Authority Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is committed to enriching Dubai's cultural scene based on the UAE's heritage, and is building bridges of constructive dialogue between various cultures to enhance Dubai's position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. Dubai Culture is keen on reviving and preserving the emirate's historical heritage and developing the regulatory frameworks for the cultural and creative sector in line with its strategic roadmap 2020 – 2025. The Authority also seeks to empower the enablers that support talent and stimulate active public participation by investing in the various assets under its remit, including the management of five heritage sites, five museums, Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, 17 archaeological sites and nine Dubai Public Library branches, all of which help contribute to creating an economic system that invigorates the cultural and creative industries. The Authority also offers 8 services and 26 sub-services. Send us your press releases to Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an 'as is' and 'as available' basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
