5 days ago
Seven in a row: Impact BBDO wins MENA Network of the Year at Cannes Lions 2025
Following its success at Dubai Lynx Awards 2025, where it was crowned Agency of the Year for the seventh time, Impact BBDO has made history on the global stage, as well, winning the Regional Network of the Year for the Middle East and North Africa region for an unprecedented seventh time in a row.
The agency network was awarded a Gold, two Silvers, and two Bronzes over the week at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
Dani Richa, CEO and Chairman, Impact BBDO, said, 'Winning MENA Regional Network of the Year at Cannes Lions for the seventh consecutive time is truly a first. It's an achievement that brings both a sense of relief and immense pride. We owe this incredible milestone to our amazing clients and our dedicated team.'
Leading the haul was the Gold Lion-winning campaign in the Creative Strategy category for AnNahar Newspaper titled The New President, the world's first instance where an AI-generated head of state was actively utilised in government cabinet sessions.
Amongst the wins was also a historic first for Jordan: a Silver Lion in the Print and Publications category, a win shared with Impact BBDO for Capital Bank's campaign titled 'Notes on Notes.'
The other campaigns that picked up metal included 'Child Wedding Cards' for UN Women, and a long-term Brand Platform entry for AnNahar Newspaper and its strategy of 'Active Journalism' which has been awarded three Grands Prix at Cannes Lions in five years.
Ali Rez, Regional Chief Creative Officer at Impact BBDO, said, 'It's wonderful to see so much stellar creative work being recognised from the region – the Middle East is now firmly established as a creative powerhouse globally. We feel immensely proud to lead the region, and for that we are thankful to our incredible brand partners and superb teams who believe in creating the best work in the world.'
Impact BBDO's win caps one of the strongest performances by MENA agencies at Cannes Lions, who collectively picked up a total of 32 Lions this year, a notable jump from 22 wins in 2024.
