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Mid East Info
08-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology Unveils Agenda, Features for the Fourth Edition of Make it in the Emirates
HE Dr. Sultan Al Jaber: All that the UAE has accomplished is built on the legacy of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Industry is a key driver of economic diversification, and a catalyst for building national capabilities and job creation. Make it in the Emirates is a comprehensive and integrated economic program that supports the growth of the UAE economy. We continue to develop a solid legislative framework that supports a competitive, resilient, high-quality, and sustainable industrial sector We are working to ensure the sustainability of supply chains in vital industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, electrical equipment, electronics, and space technologies. Our goal is to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies and AI to transform the UAE into a regional and global hub for future industries. The National ICV Program has achieved remarkable growth with cumulative local spending in the industrial sector reaching AED 347 billion. These achievements are not just numbers, they represent real factories, meaningful job opportunities, and a stronger national economy. The UAE has developed an exceptional model of resilience, adaptability, and sustainable economic growth The UAE a destination of choice for investment, manufacturing, export, and attracting exceptional talent and expertise The UAE strongly supports fair and free trade with all its partners and continues to collaborate with the international community to build an inclusive and dynamic economic system Through our collective efforts, we will build a future where the Made in the Emirates mark will stand as a symbol of the highest standards of quality, innovation, and sustainability. Industrial exports rose to AED 197 billion in 2024, a 68% increase compared to 2020. Our success stories are a source of national pride Make it in the Emirates was launched under the umbrella of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology Make it in the Emirates is where ambition meets opportunity. The upcoming edition will be exceptional in terms of outcomes, with the announcement of numerous projects and investment opportunities across 12 vital sectors For the first time, Make it in the Emirates 2025 will host a pavilion dedicated to Emirati handicrafts and heritage industries The Industrialists Career Exhibition will highlight job opportunities for UAE nationals in the industrial sector Fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates: Event takes place under the theme 'Advanced Industries. Accelerated.' Announcement made during a press conference organized by the UAE Government Media Office. The UAE Handicraft category will be introduced for the first time, supporting creative industries and helping to preserve Emirati heritage. Exhibition space expands to 68,000 square meters, with an increase in locally manufactured products on show. Over 30,000 visitors and more than 700 entities will participate in Make it in the Emirates 2025. Artificial Intelligence and Industry 5.0 to be key themes of Make it in the Emirates 2025. The platform gathers industry leaders to explore the future of smart manufacturing and supports investors and startups. The four-day event will feature a series of panel discussions and highlight national success stories. Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center will host the expansive space needed to accommodate the event's growth. AED 143 billion in offtake agreements have been announced over the past three editions. Dubai -UAE. May 2025 – The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has announced the agenda and official slogan for the fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates, one of the UAE's comprehensive economic programs. The event will take place from 19-22 May 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre under the theme 'Advanced Industries. Accelerated'. The announcement was made during a press conference organized by the Government Media Office at Emirates Towers and attended by His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology. Held at a pivotal time for global economies, this year's edition demonstrates the strategic emphasis the country's leadership places on industrial development as a cornerstone of economic growth and technological advancement. The press conference was also attended by His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT; His Excellency Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture; His Excellency Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group; Mohammad Ali Al Kamali, Chief Trade and Industrial Officer at Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO); and Dr. Saleh Al Hashmi, Director of the Commercial and ICV Directorate at ADNOC. The event gathered local and international media, highlighting widespread anticipation for the largest industrial gathering in the region yet. Hosted by MoIAT, organized by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group, and held alongside strategic partners the Ministry of Culture, ADNOC Group, and ADIO, Make it in the Emirates 2025 represents a bold evolution in the UAE's industrial landscape, supported by Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre's world-class infrastructure and logistics capabilities. UAE is an Exceptional Model: In a speech delivered at the press conference, HE Dr. Al Jaber said: 'All that the UAE has accomplished is built on the legacy of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the forward-looking vision set out by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid recently emphasized the importance of the industrial sector and the role of Make it in the Emirates in advancing national industry and UAE-made products. 'With the continued guidance and support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Presidential Court, we have intensified efforts to modernize the UAE's industrial sector and contribute to building a diversified, competitive, and knowledge-based economy. Make it in the Emirates was launched under the umbrella of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology to connect investors and manufacturers with local opportunities and offtake agreements, while also promoting national products and facilitating more job opportunities for Emiratis in the industrial sector. 'Make it in the Emirates was launched under the umbrella of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology to provide a platform that brings together investors and manufacturers to benefit from offtakes and procurement opportunities, as well as to showcase local products and jobs for Emiratis in the industrial sector. 'Industry is a key driver of economic diversification and a catalyst for building national capabilities and creating jobs. With this in mind, MoIAT launched the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology in 2021 with the aim of: Increasing the industrial sector's contribution to GDP. Developing a solid legislative framework that supports a competitive, resilient, high-quality, and sustainable industrial sector. Ensuring the sustainability of supply chains in vital industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, electrical equipment, electronics, space technologies and building materials. Accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies. Transforming the UAE into a regional and global hub for future industries. 'The fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates is taking place at a time when the world is facing many geopolitical challenges and shifting trade and tariff policies. These changes impact supply chains and the movement of goods and raw materials, ultimately affecting industrial and economic dynamics. These global shifts are testing the capabilities, resilience, and adaptability of nations in responding to emerging developments. In the UAE, we have developed an exceptional model of resilience and adaptability, and we are confident in our potential to continue achieving sustainable economic growth. 'We see a genuine opportunity for our country amid recent international developments. The UAE is well-positioned to become a destination of choice for countries around the world for investment, manufacturing, and export, as well as a hub for attracting exceptional talent and expertise. Countries with Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with the UAE stand to benefit from our strategic location, low customs tariffs, world-class infrastructure, and strong presence of international companies to manufacture and export their products. The UAE strongly supports fair and free trade with all its partners, and continues to work and collaborate with the international community to build an inclusive and dynamic economic system. 'Thanks to a collaborative approach involving ministries, economic departments, national companies, manufacturers, and investors, the industrial sector has delivered significant results in the past years. Notably, the value of industrial exports rose to AED 197 billion in 2024, a 68% increase compared to 2020. Furthermore, cumulative local spending in the industrial sector through the National In-Country Value (ICV) Program reached AED 347 billion. These achievements were possible through partnerships with stakeholders, ministries, financial institutions, national companies, manufacturers, and investors. These achievements are not just numbers, they represent real factories, meaningful job opportunities, and a stronger national economy. 'As the industrial sector continues to grow in importance, and following the tremendous success of previous editions held at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center, the fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates will take place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. The scale of this expansive space reflects the importance of the industrial sector to the national economy. We expect large participation from local and international experts, innovators, industrialists, and investors to explore new pathways for industrial growth. 'The upcoming edition will be exceptional in terms of outcomes, with the announcement of numerous projects, new financing solutions, and investment opportunities across 12 vital sectors, most notably: the announcement of numerous new procurement agreement opportunities, for the first time, the event will host a pavilion dedicated to Emirati handicrafts and heritage industries. The launch of a range of innovative financial solutions to support the industrial sector. New initiatives focused on advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and Industry 4.0. The signing of multiple MoUs and agreements to further support national industries. The Industrialists Career Exhibition will highlight job opportunities for UAE nationals in the industrial sector. 'Make it in the Emirates is where ambition meets opportunity. Through our collective efforts, we will build a future where the Made in the Emirates mark stands as a symbol of the highest standards of quality, innovation, and sustainability.' 'I extend an open invitation to investors and entrepreneurs, both local and international, to take part in Make it in the Emirates 2025 to explore opportunities, forge partnerships, and leverage the UAE's incentives and enablers. Our success stories are a source of national pride, proving the UAE is a land of opportunity. Businesses that make it in the Emirates will enhance their competitiveness, contribute to shaping the future, and be part of a national success stories. Further, manufacturers will have access to markets representing more than 3 billion people,' HE Dr. Sultan added. Envisioning Future of Industry: HE Al Suwaidi said: 'Thanks to the support and guidance of our wise leadership, Make it in the Emirates has become the leading national platform for discussing developments and shaping the future of the UAE's industrial sector, while enhancing the country's position as a regional and global hub for advanced industry.' HE Al Suwaidi noted that the event will witness new announcements including industrial investments and key initiatives that will contribute to the UAE's sustainable economic development goals. He outlined the key activities planned over the event's four-day run, including honoring industrial pioneers through various award programs like the Make it in the Emirates Awards and the ICV Champions, as well as hosting a series of ministerial sessions, strategic discussions, and partnership signings. Make it in the Emirates 2025 will also spotlight the role of technology and women in industry, present inspiring success stories, and promote national content and global expansion opportunities for Emirati products. HE Al Suwaidi also highlighted the theme of the fourth edition, 'Advanced Industries. Accelerated', which reflects MoIAT's commitment to developing an innovative and sustainable industrial sector. The event will also feature the Industrialists Career Exhibition, offering more than 1,200 job opportunities from 100 companies for Emirati talent, alongside an exhibition showcasing national products in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, space, defense, and energy. In addition, investors will be introduced to offtake opportunities, while the launch of the Global Exchange Program will open doors for startups to explore the Japanese market during Expo 2025 Osaka. Event Reflects UAE's Industrial Standing: HE Al Dhaheri also highlighted that fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates is set for significant expansion. The event space will increase to 68,000 square meters, five times larger compared to the previous edition. The total number of exhibitors will surpass 700, 15 times more compared to 2024. HE Al Dhaheri added that the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group aims to attract more than 30,000 visitors, marking a five-fold growth compared to the previous edition. He emphasized the company's commitment to developing events to support national industries by highlighting investment opportunities, creating partnerships and collaborations, encouraging innovation, and supporting SMEs. This will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of local products and their ability to reach new markets, both regionally and internationally. Event Supports National Heritage: For his part, HE Al Nakh emphasized that Make it in the Emirates reflects the leadership's commitment to reinforcing national identity and fostering a sustainable economy rooted in creativity and cultural heritage. He noted that the fourth edition coincides with the Year of Community, which highlights the citizen as the cornerstone of national development, while recognizing craftsmen, artists, and creatives as guardians of heritage and ambassadors of Emirati identity. HE Al Nakhi highlighted the Artisans Handicrafts pavilion, organized by the Ministry of Culture as one of this edition's dedicated areas. The pavilion will feature live demonstrations of 40 traditional crafts across 10 main zones, along with a rich program of artistic performances and workshops held in collaboration with local partners. HE Al Nakhi also noted that supporting handicrafts strengthens generational ties to heritage and highlights the UAE's creative identity as a nation with a vibrant, ever-evolving legacy. He emphasized that the Ministry of Culture's initiatives, particularly the support for Emirati handicrafts, heritage industries, and the empowerment of artisans, are part of a national strategy that places society at the heart of development and the creative economy. Diversified and Sustainable Economy: Al Kamali emphasized that Make it in the Emirates represents a strategic milestone in the UAE's industrial journey and reflects the nation's ambition to build a diverse, sustainable, and knowledge-based economy. Al Kamali also highlighted the successes achieved by Abu Dhabi in developing an advanced industrial ecosystem centered on innovation, which has strengthened its position in global supply chains and raised international investor confidence. Al Kamali noted that ADIO continues to support these efforts by providing a comprehensive range of services. Additionally, he outlined several key achievements relating to the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS) in 2024, including raising industrial output to AED111.6 billion and increasing the number of industrial establishments and skilled professionals. Al Kamali also discussed the role of the new economic community centers launched by ADIO, which serve as integrated platforms combining talent and investment to help build a competitive, future-ready economy for the emirate. Special Edition Dr. Al Hashmi commended the continued collaboration with MoIAT in organizing Make it in the Emirates, which plays a crucial role in advancing the industrial sector and strengthening its contribution to economic diversification. Dr. Al Hashmi also highlighted the achievements of ADNOC's ICV program since its inception, which has channeled over AED 242 billion into the national economy and offered over 17,000 job opportunities for Emiratis in the private sector. He noted that ADNOC plans to redirect an additional AED200 billion by 2030, including AED90 billion earmarked for local manufacturing. He also spoke about the launch of the Make it with ADNOC app, which supports Make it in the Emirates. The new strategic tool is designed to provide suppliers with immediate insight into the products ADNOC plans to purchase to maximize the long-term local manufacturing opportunities ADNOC offers. Divers Agenda: At the press conference, MoIAT also revealed the official agenda and slogan for this year's edition, emphasizing the UAE's commitment to industrial innovation and excellence. Spanning four days, Make it in the Emirates 2025 will explore key topics including AI-driven manufacturing, smart industrial transformation and national content, advanced manufacturing and industrial entrepreneurship, along with major announcements and offtake deals expected across each track. The day one events will commence under the title 'The UAE's Vision – Shaping the Future of Manufacturing', with a welcome keynote address by HE Dr. Al Jaber followed by a ministerial panel titled 'Redefining Industry, Trade and Investment'. The day will also include a ministerial keynote by His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, titled 'The Art of Progress', and a ministerial leadership panel on 'Integrating Transnational Supply Chains: International Industrial Alliances & Partnerships'. Winners of the third edition of the Make it in the Emirates Awards will be honored, followed by a Trailblazers Talk session sharing a notable success story. Other sessions include panels exploring 'What it Takes to Take the 'Made in the Emirates' Brand Globally' and 'The Future of Supply Chains: Strategic Investments and Regional Hubs'. The second day of the event will feature a rich lineup of events under the theme 'The Impact of National ICV – The UAE's Commitment to Upskilling Talent'. The day will open with an informal ministerial session on the role of localization in community engagement, aligning with the 'Year of Community 2025'. It will be followed by the announcement of the ICV Champions and the opening of the Industrialists Career Exhibition. The Day 2 agenda will also feature a panel titled 'Strengthening National Resilience – ICV Champions', a Trailblazers Talk and a series of sessions discussing topics including 'Synergies in The UAE's Industrial Landscape', 'Deep Tech & Space Manufacturing: New Frontiers for the UAE's Industrial Ecosystem', and 'Makers, Innovators and Game Changers – Women Shaping the Future of Industry'. Activities will conclude with a panel discussion on 'Family Business – Key Enablers of Industrial Growth and Expansion'. Under the theme 'Smart Manufacturing – Industry 4.0 & AI', the third day will feature a fireside chat on 'Accelerating Advanced Tech and R&D in The UAE's Innovation Ecosystem'. Key highlights of Day 3 include leadership panels titled 'UAE's Journey to Industry 5.0: AI, Robotics and Human Ingenuity' and sessions titled 'The Creative Economy Through Tech – A Catalyst for Manufacturing Growth' and 'Powering the Digital Age: The Future of Energy-Efficient Data Centers'. The day will conclude with a session titled 'Bridging Borders for Innovation – Science Diplomacy Shaping the Future of UAE's Manufacturing Landscape'. Under the theme 'Driving Global Trade and Market Access', the final day of Make it in the Emirates 2025 will conclude with a ministerial fireside chat titled 'Young Voices, Bold Futures: Strategies for Enabling Youth in Shaping the UAE's Industrial Scene', offering insights into how the UAE integrates youth into its industrial strategies and inspires young talent to contribute to the country's future. New Awards and Initiatives: This year's event will feature the third edition of the Make it in the Emirates Awards, presented across nine categories under five strategic pillars: Factory of the Future, Excellence in National ICV, Industrial Enablers and Strategic Partners, Leadership and Talent, and UAE Traditional Crafts for Individual and Companies. The UAE Traditional Crafts category is introduced for the first time, aiming to support creative industries and preserve Emirati heritage by empowering artisans through incentives, showcasing their creations, and providing platforms to market their products. The second day will see the unveiling of the ICV Champions, a newly introduced initiative debuting this year. It will recognize and honor companies excelling in the National ICV Program across eight categories, in appreciation of their exceptional contributions to advancing industrial development in the UAE. Additionally, the fourth edition will feature a Startup Pitch Competition focused artificial intelligence. The competition aims to attract and support emerging industrial innovations, integrating them into the national industrial ecosystem. Overview of Opportunities and Incentives: The press conference also provided an overview of the investment opportunities and incentives presented by Make it in the Emirates. Manufacturers and investors will be able to benefit from a wide range of investment enablers including a business-friendly environment, technological transformation, competitive financing, industrial sustainability, business growth support, production and export promotion, and more. The fourth edition is set to be the largest yet, anticipating more than 30,000 visitors and over 700 exhibitors, with a total exhibition space of 68,000 square meters. It will also feature an expanded range of products offered for local manufacturing, along with an increase in procurement agreements to support industrial diversification and sustainability in the country. Startups will receive special attention within the event's agenda, with dedicated platforms to showcase their products and pitch innovative ideas to a select group of investors, decision-makers, and enablers. At the end of the press conference, MoIAT invited manufacturers, investors, and entrepreneurs to actively take part in Make it in the Emirates 2025, bringing together key decision-makers, innovators, and manufacturers. It is the largest industrial event in the country and the region to date in terms of participation, scale, ambition, and impact. Make it in the Emirates aims to amplify the economic and social impact of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology. It focuses on localizing supply chains, fostering industrial growth through strategic partnerships, enablers, and investment opportunities. It also highlights the role of AI in shaping the future of industry, offering competitive financing and technological transformation solutions to strengthen partnerships, promote innovative products, facilitate knowledge exchange, unlock new avenues of innovation, and empower startups.
Al Etihad
23-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Boris Johnson-Winston Churchill conversation pioneers live AI interaction
23 Apr 2025 18:43 DUBAI (WAM)Former UK Prime Minister the Rt Hon Boris Johnson conducted a two-way conversation with the former UK Prime Minister the Rt Hon Winston Churchill during the Future of Government Communication Forum at the 2025 World Governments Summit, held in Dubai from February 11-13, conversation was recorded at the 'Creator's HQ' during the 'Future of Government Communication Forum', organised by the UAE Government Media Office as part of the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2025, hosted in event was held in collaboration with the Emirati company "AI Media Lab," a subsidiary of Visioneers, which specialises in developing artificial intelligence solutions for key sectors, particularly the media. Churchill's Speeches The conversation was enabled by a proprietary Large Language Model, an AI trained on Churchill's collected works, speeches and biographies of the former leader, including Johnson's celebrated biography of Churchill, The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History. 'The model is capable of spine-tingling fidelity, it was a truly uncanny conversation,' said Johnson after the recording. 'Having closely followed and researched Churchill's life, his views and his work, I was amazed to find myself literally face to face with a talking facsimile of Winston who was capable of holding a conversation that one would have said was truly with the man himself. Models like this have a real role in education, in helping people appreciate history in new ways.'The conversation was the first live, fully interactive meta-human avatar driven by a Large Language Model. It was conducted as a 'Video call with the past', using speech to text to LLM to text to speech technology and a 'meta-human' an emotionally contextual avatar of Churchill, whose synthesised voice was based on samples of Churchill's public demonstration paves the way for the development of fully interactive capabilities for artificial intelligence. Over the past 12 years, WGS has become one of the world's largest and most influential forum for governments. The 2025 summit's agenda featured 21 forums covering six key themes including health transformation, governance, and crisis mitigation.
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Boris Johnson - Winston Churchill conversation pioneers live AI interaction
Dubai - Former UK Prime Minister the Rt Hon Boris Johnson conducted a two-way conversation with the former UK Prime Minister the Rt Hon Winston Churchill during the Future of Government Communication Forum at the 2025 World Governments Summit, held in Dubai from the 11th-13th February 2025. The conversation was recorded at the 'Creator's HQ' during the 'Future of Government Communication Forum', organized by the UAE Government Media Office as part of the World Government Summit 2025, hosted by Dubai from 11 to 13 February 2025. The event was held in collaboration with the Emirati company "AI Media Lab," a subsidiary of Visioneers, which specializes in developing artificial intelligence solutions for key sectors, particularly the media. The conversation was enabled by a proprietary Large Language Model, an AI trained on Churchill's collected works, speeches and biographies of the former leader, including Johnson's celebrated biography of Churchill, The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History. 'The model is capable of spine-tingling fidelity, it was a truly uncanny conversation,' said Johnson after the recording. 'Having closely followed and researched Churchill's life, his views and his work, I was amazed to find myself literally face to face with a talking facsimile of Winston who was capable of holding a conversation that one would have said was truly with the man himself. Models like this have a real role in education, in helping people appreciate history in new ways.' The conversation was the first live demonstration of the first fully interactive meta-human avatar driven by a Large Language Model. It was conducted as a 'Video call with the past', using speech to text to LLM to text to speech technology and a 'meta-human' an emotionally contextual avatar of Churchill, whose synthesised voice was based on samples of Churchill's public speeches. The demonstration paves the way for the development of fully interactive capabilities for artificial intelligence Over the past 12 years, WGS has become one of the world's largest and most influential forum for governments. The 2025 summit's agenda featured 21 forums covering six key themes including health transformation, governance, and crisis mitigation. Held under the theme Shaping Future Governments, WGS brought together thought leaders to foster international cooperation and identify innovative solutions for future challenges, ultimately inspiring and empowering the next generation of governments. In addition to entrepreneurs, several heads of states including the president of Indonesia, Prabhowo Subianto, Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Disanayake and Kuwaiti prime minister Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah attended the event. The summit also saw the launch of 30 strategic reports across various sectors. These reports, developed in collaboration with leading think tanks and research institutions, offer key indicators, models, and innovative solutions to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, enhance government preparedness and resilience, and foster greater international cooperation. The summit also presented several prestigious global awards including the Best Minister in the World Award, the Creative Government Innovations Award, the Global Award for Best Government Applications, the Global Government Excellence Award, and the Best Teacher in the World Award. The summit launched the Global Ministers Survey, inviting ministers worldwide to share their insights on critical global issues and contribute to collaborative solutions. Additionally, it hosted the annual gathering of TIME100's most influential people in AI.
Arabian Business
22-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE's Khaled AlShehhi makes history as first government official on Cannes Lions Jury
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has selected Khaled AlShehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communication at the UAE Government Media Office, to join its PR Lions jury. This appointment marks the first time in the festival's 72-year history that a government sector representative has been chosen for the jury. AlShehhi's selection comes as recognition of the UAE's contributions to marketing communications. Cannes Lions appoints first-ever government representative from UAE to PR jury The UAE Government Media Office has accumulated over 220 international awards, including multiple Cannes Lions, and ranks fourth globally in the Effie Index for effective marketing. The office was also named Global Brand of the Year by the AME New York Festival in 2022. 'It is a privilege to join the Cannes Lions jury, an opportunity that not only underscores our organisation's achievements globally but also highlights the UAE's belief in the power of creativity to shape impactful government communications. For me, true creativity begins with a heart-racing insight, and it only grows stronger when you dare to bring it to life. if an idea doesn't shake you a bit, it's probably not bold enough to capture hearts and transform realities. I look forward to sharing our perspective and learning from the world's finest PR campaigns. I am grateful to work in an environment that consistently nurtures bold ideas and encourages pioneering strategies. This culture of innovation enables us to produce campaigns that resonate locally and globally, and I hope to bring those insights to the jury table,' AlShehhi said. AlShehhi brings significant industry recognition to the role. He was named Advertising Person of the Year at Dubai Lynx 2023 and received the 2023 Loeries Marketing Leadership & Innovation Award, becoming the first Middle Eastern recipient in the award's 45-year history. His other accolades include the 2022 Effie MENA Honorary Award and the 2022 World Media Group Award for Content Leadership & Innovation. His industry involvement extends to board positions with the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) in the Middle East and North Africa, and membership in the Strategic Council of the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA). 'We are delighted to welcome Khaled AlShehhi to the PR Lions jury. His innovative work in government communications and ongoing commitment to creative excellence in the region and beyond, means he is well placed to represent the region on the global stage. The UAE Government Media Office's consistent success at Cannes Lions – winning for three consecutive years and the UAE's ranking at eighth in the Cannes Lions Global Creativity Index highlight the remarkable strides the nation has made in recent years,' Simon Cook, CEO of Lions added Cook noted that the UAE Government Media Office has won Cannes Lions for three consecutive years, with the UAE now ranking eighth in the Cannes Lions Global Creativity Index. AlShehhi will join global professionals in Cannes this June to evaluate PR campaigns, with the Awards Show scheduled for June 20, 2025.
Campaign ME
22-04-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Cannes Lions picks Khaled AlShehhi as first government sector juror in 72-year history
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has selected Khaled AlShehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communication at the UAE Government Media Office, to join its jury panel, making it the first time that a government sector representative from across the globe has been chosen for this role in the festival's 72-year history. The appointment of Khaled AlShehhi to the prestigious PR Lions Awards jury, reflects the festival's recognition of the UAE's achievements in shaping innovative, forward-thinking marketing communications. This also marks the first time that an Emirati national has been chosen as a juror for the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Commenting on the appointment, Simon Cook, CEO of LIONS, said, 'We are delighted to welcome Khaled AlShehhi to the PR Lions jury. His innovative work in government communications and ongoing commitment to creative excellence in the region and beyond, means he is well placed to represent the region on the global stage.' The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has announced the selection of Khaled AlShehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communication at the UAE Government Media Office, as the first government sector representative worldwide to join the jury of this prestigious… — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 21, 2025 'The UAE Government Media Office's consistent success at Cannes Lions – winning for three consecutive years and the UAE's ranking at eighth – within the global Top 10 – in the Cannes Lions Global Creativity Index highlight the remarkable strides the nation has made in recent years,' Cook added. The UAE Government Media Office has earned more than 220 international accolades, including multiple Cannes Lions awards, a fourth-place global ranking in the Effie Index for effective marketing, and recognition as the 2022 Global Brand of the Year by the AME New York Festival. AlShehhi has also been widely recognised across the industry. He was named Advertising Person of the Year at Dubai Lynx 2023 and earned the 2023 Loeries Marketing Leadership and Innovation Award, becoming the first Middle Eastern recipient in that show's 45-year history. Among his other accolades are the 2022 Effie MENA Honorary Award and the 2022 World Media Group Award for Content Leadership and Innovation. He also serves on the Board of the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) in the Middle East and North Africa, and is a member of the Strategic Council of the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA), actively contributing to the growth and development of the region's communications industry. Reacting to his appointment as a Cannes Lions juor, Khaled AlShehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at the UAE Government Media Office, said, 'It is a privilege to join the Cannes Lions jury, an opportunity that not only underscores our organization's achievements globally but also highlights the UAE's belief in the power of creativity to shape impactful government communications. For me, true creativity begins with a heart-racing insight, and it only grows stronger when you dare to bring it to life. if an idea doesn't shake you a bit, it's probably not bold enough to capture hearts and transform realities.' AlShehhi added, 'I look forward to sharing our perspective and learning from the world's finest PR campaigns. I am grateful to work in an environment that consistently nurtures bold ideas and encourages pioneering strategies. This culture of innovation enables us to produce campaigns that resonate locally and globally, and I hope to bring those insights to the jury table.' As a juror, he will join leading global professionals at Cannes Lions this June to evaluate groundbreaking PR campaigns, culminating in the Awards Show on 20 June 2025. This appointment stands as a testament to the UAE's creative influence and its increasing leadership on the international stage.
