International Advertising Association recognises future leaders from UAE universities
The IAA (International Advertising Association) UAE hosted a special Iftar dinner on the Palm Jumeirah Dubai recognising the exceptional achievements of high-performing advertising, PR and branding university students.
The IAA (International Advertising Association) UAE hosted a special Iftar dinner on the Palm Jumeirah Dubai recognising the exceptional achievements of high-performing advertising, PR and branding university students who have been awarded at various student competitions over the past academic year. The students have each demonstrated groundbreaking ideas, innovative strategies, and cutting-edge creativity within marketing communication, brand storytelling, and social media.
Supporting the development of the industry's future leaders is a key pillar of the IAA UAE's remit, with a mission to nurture and empower the next generation of advertising, media, and marketing talent from the United Arab Emirates. Nassib Boueri, President of the International Advertising Association, UAE, underlined that mission “We are committed to fostering young talent and providing a platform for students to gain recognition here in the UAE. Competitions for students celebrate personal achievement and open the door to exciting career opportunities in the evolving world of advertising, media and communications. The IAA UAE remains dedicated to nurturing young professionals and bridging the gap between academia and industry.”
The evening was opened by Douglas Palau, IAA UAE Vice President and Managing Partner at Vitamin C Media, who welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of building bridges between the education sector and the advertising industry, followed by representatives of academia and industry, Stephen King, Senior Lecturer at Middlesex University Dubai and IAA UAE Board Member, and Ricarda Ruecker, Chief Talent Officer at MCN MENAT.
"This initiative is the first of many to come under the Higher Education – IAA Working Group," said Stephen King, IAA Board Member and Senior Lecturer at Middlesex University Dubai. "Our goal is to create a sustainable platform for talent development, ensuring that students have access to the industry’s best minds and opportunities to sharpen their skills."
Ricarda Ruecker, Chief Talent Officer at MCN MENAT said: “Talent is at the heart of our business, our industry and critically, our future. Through fostering strong connections between academia and industry, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of talent, providing them with invaluable insights, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive in their future careers. We look forward to growing this journey of collaboration and innovation.”
The Iftar served as a valuable networking opportunity, allowing students to engage directly with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and explore future career opportunities. The IAA UAE plans to host similar events in the future, reinforcing its role as a bridge between the advertising industry and the academic community.
