Latest news with #Athar–
Campaign ME
13-05-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Athar Festival 2025 extends final deadline for content
Athar – Saudi Festival of Creativity has extended the final deadline for its speakers applications, now accepting submissions until 23 May 2025. The festival, which returns for its third edition from 21–22 October 2025 at JAX District – Diriyah Biennale Foundation in Riyadh, invites local and international voices from across the creative marketing industry to take the stage. Proposals can be submitted via the festival's website. Presented by Motivate Media Group and TRACCS, Athar Festival 2025 is set to build on the momentum of previous editions with a larger venue, broader content streams, and a sharpened focus on global collaboration. This year's edition is expected to host more than 3,000 attendees from across the marketing, advertising, media and communications industries – spanning brands, agencies, creative professionals and students. Positioned as a platform to showcase Saudi Arabia's emergence as a regional and global creative force, Athar Festival 2025 will feature more than 150 speakers, more than 80 brand activations, and expanded programming across three content stages. The event also introduces new additions aimed at enriching the attendee experience, including an all-new Talent Hub for emerging professionals, a dedicated startup exhibition space, and longer festival hours from 10 AM to 10 PM each day. 'As Saudi Arabia continues to push the boundaries of creative excellence in alignment with Vision 2030, Athar Festival remains a vital force in shaping the industry's future,' said Ian Fairservice, Chairman of Athar Festival and Managing Partner of Motivate Media Group. 'This year, we are expanding our global reach with international trade delegations and industry leaders. By connecting Saudi Arabia's creative industry with more markets, the festival will not only showcase the Kingdom as a talent hub but also create new pathways for collaboration and investment in the region's growing creative economy.' Building on the success of the 2024 edition, which drew more than 1,700 attendees, the 2025 festival will introduce four new content streams under its expanded format. The Creative Impact stream will focus on brand storytelling, advertising and marketing. Future Forward will address AI, machine learning, and data-driven marketing, while Screen & Influence will explore media distribution, influencer marketing, and content creation from an advertising lens. Luxury & Lifestyle will delve into marketing strategies across fashion, travel, hospitality and premium experiences. Mohamed Al Ayed, Vice Chairman of Athar Festival and CEO of TRACCS, said: 'Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as the region's leader in creative communications – essential for any future-ready nation. Athar Festival plays a pivotal role in shaping the industry by driving innovation, talent development and strategic collaborations. The 2025 edition, featuring new initiatives like the Talent Hub and a dedicated startup exhibition space, offers an unparalleled platform to challenge creative boundaries, celebrate creative excellence, and catalyse the Kingdom's creative economy.' In addition to the main conference agenda, the festival will also expand the Athar Awards, now aligned with the four newly introduced content streams. The awards will span two days: the first dedicated to celebrating individual and team excellence in Saudi Arabia, and the second recognising standout campaigns within the Kingdom's marketing and communications sector. The festival's agenda will include keynote sessions, workshops, immersive activations and curated networking opportunities. International trade delegations are also expected to participate, further integrating the Saudi creative economy with global players and partners. For more information or to submit a speaker proposal for Athar, visit
Campaign ME
27-02-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Saudi Arabia's creatives set to capture global spotlight at Athar Festival 2025
The third edition of Athar – Saudi Festival of Creativity, the largest gathering of the creative marketing industry in Saudi Arabia, is set to take place from 21-22 October 2025 at JAX District – Diriyah Biennale Foundation in Riyadh. With an expanded format and an even greater focus on international industry collaboration, this year's edition spotlights Saudi Arabia's emergence as a global creative hub, positioning the Kingdom as a leading force in creative marketing, brand storytelling and innovation. As Saudi Arabia's creative landscape continues its rapid transformation, Athar Festival 2025 presented by Motivate Media Group and TRACCS, will enable brands, agencies, and creative professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and unlock new business opportunities. This year's expanded programme introduces three content stages, an all-new talent hub, and networking activations, ensuring that attendees gain access to industry insights, skill-building opportunities, and global connections. Ian Fairservice, Chairman of Athar Festival and Managing Partner of Motivate Media Group, said: 'As Saudi Arabia continues to push the boundaries of creative excellence in alignment with Vision 2030, Athar Festival remains a vital force in shaping the industry's future. This year, we are expanding our global reach with international trade delegations, and industry leaders. By connecting Saudi Arabia's creative industry with more markets, the festival will not only showcase the Kingdom as a talent hub but also create new pathways for collaboration and investment in the region's growing creative economy.' Mohamed Al Ayed, Vice Chairman of Athar Festival and CEO of TRACCS, added: 'Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as the region's leader in creative communications – essential for any future-ready nation. Athar Festival plays a pivotal role in shaping the industry by driving innovation, talent development, and strategic collaborations. The 2025 edition, featuring new initiatives like the Talent Hub and a dedicated startup exhibition space, offers an unparalleled platform to challenge creative boundaries, celebrate creative excellence, and catalyse the Kingdom's creative economy.' Building on the success of its second edition in 2024, which attracted more than 1,700 attendees and featured leading voices in creative marketing, Athar Festival 2025 will be even more ambitious. The festival targets to draw more than 4,000 brands, agencies, creative marketing experts and professionals, young talent, as well as students to its new high-capacity venue, featuring more than 150 world-class speakers, and more than 80 brand activations, reflecting its commitment to advancing the Kingdom's creative economy. Additionally, the festival will introduce new industry streams across content, activations, and the exhibition space for agencies and brands participating in this year's edition. The first of these is the Creative Impact stream, which will focus on brand storytelling, advertising and marketing. The Future Forward stream will explore AI, machine learning and data-driven marketing among other innovations in the industry. The screen and influence stream would cover film production and content creation from an advertising perspective alongside influencer marketing as well as media distribution. The final stream, centred on Luxury and Lifestyle, will target the world of marketing in the realms of fashion, travel, hospitality, and premium experiences. The festival's main content agenda will run from 21-22 October, featuring thought-provoking discussions, immersive activations, and hands-on workshops across three content stages. The highly anticipated Athar Awards has also expanded to include the four new streams and will be held over the course of a two-day celebration. Recognising outstanding creative excellence, the first day will award top Saudi talent under the individual and team categories, while the second day will honour the most creative campaigns in the Kingdom. Athar Festival 2025 will also see the participation of international trade delegations, bridging the Saudi creative marketing industry with its global counterparts. Furthermore, the festival will feature a dedicated startup exhibition space, offering new ventures in advertising, media, and technology an exclusive opportunity to present their cutting-edge solutions to investors and industry leaders. With extended festival hours from 10am to 10pm each day, attendees will have more time to engage with activations, exhibitions, and networking spaces. As Saudi Arabia continues to push the boundaries of creative excellence in alignment with Vision 2030, Athar Festival remains a vital force in shaping the industry's future. Evolving to provide a global stage for ideas, talent, and innovation, the festival is set to reinforce Saudi Arabia's reputation as a thriving hub for creativity and marketing.
Zawya
27-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia's creative industry set to step into the global spotlight as Athar Festival returns for its third edition
4000+ brands, agencies, creative marketing experts and professionals, and young talent expected to attend Exciting new features adding to the festival experience include new industry streams, all-new talent hub, and a dedicated startup exhibition space Riyadh – Saudi Arabia: The third edition of Athar – Saudi Festival of Creativity, the largest gathering of the creative marketing industry in Saudi Arabia, is set to take place from 21-22 October 2025 at JAX District – Diriyah Biennale Foundation in Riyadh. With an expanded format and an even greater focus on international industry collaboration, this year's edition spotlights Saudi Arabia's emergence as a global creative hub, positioning the Kingdom as a leading force in creative marketing, brand storytelling, and innovation. As Saudi Arabia's creative landscape continues its rapid transformation, Athar Festival 2025 presented by Motivate Media Group and TRACCS, will enable brands, agencies, and creative professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and unlock new business opportunities. This year's expanded programme introduces three content stages, an all-new talent hub, and bespoke networking activations, ensuring that attendees gain unparalleled access to industry insights, skill-building opportunities, and global connections. Ian Fairservice, Chairman of Athar Festival and Managing Partner of Motivate Media Group, said: 'As Saudi Arabia continues to push the boundaries of creative excellence in alignment with Vision 2030, Athar Festival remains a vital force in shaping the industry's future. This year, we are expanding our global reach with international trade delegations, and industry leaders. By connecting Saudi Arabia's creative industry with more markets, the festival will not only showcase the Kingdom as a talent hub but also create new pathways for collaboration and investment in the region's growing creative economy.' Mohamed Al Ayed, Vice Chairman of Athar Festival and CEO of TRACCS, added: 'Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as the region's leader in creative communications – essential for any future-ready nation. Athar Festival plays a pivotal role in shaping the industry by driving innovation, talent development, and strategic collaborations. The 2025 edition, featuring new initiatives like the Talent Hub and a dedicated startup exhibition space, offers an unparalleled platform to challenge creative boundaries, celebrate creative excellence, and catalyse the Kingdom's creative economy.' Building on the success of its second edition in 2024, which attracted over 1,700 attendees and featured leading voices in creative marketing, Athar Festival 2025 will be even more ambitious. The festival targets to draw 4,000+ brands, agencies, creative marketing experts and professionals, young talent, as well as students to its new high-capacity venue, featuring 150+ world-class speakers, and over 80 brand activations, reflecting its commitment to advancing the Kingdom's creative economy. Additionally, the festival will introduce new industry streams across content, activations, and the exhibition space for agencies and brands participating in this year's edition. The first of these is the Creative Impact stream, which will focus on brand storytelling, advertising and marketing. The Future Forward stream will explore AI, machine learning, and data-driven marketing among other innovations in the industry. The Screen & Influence stream would cover film production and content creation from an advertising perspective alongside influencer marketing, as well as media distribution. The final stream, centred on Luxury & Lifestyle, will target the world of marketing in the realms of fashion, travel, hospitality, and premium experiences. The festival's main content agenda will run from 21-22 October, featuring thought-provoking discussions, immersive activations, and hands-on workshops across three content stages. The highly anticipated Athar Awards has also expanded to include the four new streams and will be held over the course of a two-day celebration. Recognising outstanding creative excellence, the first day will award top Saudi talent under the individual and team categories, while the second day will honour the most creative campaigns in the Kingdom. Athar Festival 2025 will also see the participation of international trade delegations, bridging the Saudi creative marketing industry with its global counterparts. Furthermore, the festival will feature a dedicated startup exhibition space, offering new ventures in advertising, media, and technology an exclusive opportunity to present their cutting-edge solutions to investors and industry leaders. With extended festival hours from 10 AM to 10 PM each day, attendees will have more time to engage with activations, exhibitions, and networking spaces. As Saudi Arabia continues to push the boundaries of creative excellence in alignment with Vision 2030, Athar Festival remains a vital force in shaping the industry's future. Evolving to provide a global stage for ideas, talent, and innovation, the festival is set to reinforce Saudi Arabia's reputation as a thriving hub for creativity and marketing. For more information on Athar Festival 2025, visit -Ends- About Athar – Saudi Festival of Creativity Athar - Saudi Festival of Creativity, presented by Motivate Media Group and TRACCS, is Saudi Arabia's foremost creative marketing event. Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030, Athar sets the stage for leaders, decision-makers, and emerging talent to connect, share insights, and drive creative endeavours across the Kingdom's burgeoning sectors. For more information, please visit:
