THE 15th EDITION OF MENA EFFIE AWARDS AS PART OF THE RIYADH SEASON EVENTS
The 15th Edition of MENA Effie Awards Celebrates Champions in Marketing as part of Riyadh Season Events
The city of Riyadh hosted the 2024 MENA Effie Awards ceremony on Thursday November 21rst, at the Four Seasons Hotel, amidst the dazzling atmosphere of Riyadh Season. The event celebrated 15 years of excellence in marketing across the Middle East and North Africa.
The crystal-themed evening was a magnificent celebration, attended by over 650+ marketing, advertising, and communications professionals across MENA, alongside some of the most influential figures from the realms of business, media, and culture. Their presence underscored the significance of this landmark event and elevated the ceremony’s atmosphere of prestige and inspiration.
Revealing more than 90+ winners across 40+ categories from a competitive pool of 850+ entries, the event brought together the region’s brightest stars in marketing under one roof. The jury panel, composed of leading professionals, evaluated the most effective campaigns with meticulous attention to detail, passion, and expertise. Their dedication set an unparalleled standard for marketing excellence, culminating in the announcement of this year's champions at the MENA Effies.
In a speech delivered by the Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Engineer Ahmed Arafa, he said:
“This year, we celebrate hosting the prestigious MENA Effie Awards as part of Riyadh Season, which serves as a global platform for attracting the most significant events and major activities worldwide.”
He added: “This event represents a pivotal moment for us in Riyadh Season, especially as it is being held for the first time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It reflects the Kingdom’s ambitious vision and its commitment to showcasing its ability to host international events of this caliber.”
Arafa further emphasized: “Riyadh Season is not limited to entertainment alone; it is also an interactive platform that opens its doors to creative leaders from around the world. It offers an opportunity to exchange ideas and
experiences, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a leading destination for fostering innovation and progress across various fields, including this critical sector—marketing.”
In conclusion, he noted: “Today, we look forward to this event marking the beginning of broader collaboration with various international and regional partners. This ceremony underscores our ongoing commitment to hosting events that provide significant value to participants and contribute to the development of the sector in all its dimensions.”
The Gold winners stole the spotlight with their innovative storytelling and groundbreaking approaches. EGBank - Egyptian Gulf Bank and People of the Internet agency, who also received the evening’s highest honor, the prestigious Grand Prix award, reflected on their win: “Winning an Effie means a lot to us because it shows that our efforts have finally paid off with this incredible recognition.”
The Silver awardees proved that effective marketing thrives on a balance of bold ideas and sharp focus. The awardees included many local brands such as AlMarai, Rani, Basata, Yas Island, e& alongside others, making their mark with brilliant ideas and campaigns.
The Bronze honorees resonated deeply with audiences and left a lasting impression. “We’re proud that this campaign won because it deeply resonated with our values as a brand. Garnier is all about authenticity, and that’s what we focus on in our campaigns.” – Garnier Fast Clear, McCann Health Cairo, BRANDED CONTENT & ENTERTAINMENT category.
This year’s Fastest Growing Agency in MENA title went to BigTime Creative Shop Saudi Arabia, whose dynamic growth and client successes have positioned them as a rising star in the region.
People of the Internet agency took home the Most Effective Independent Agency of the Year award, showcasing the power of independent agencies to deliver creative excellence and measurable results. This year, MENA Effie saw a very healthy growth of entrants and winners across many independent and boutique agencies alongside brands directly entering the competition.
For consistently delivering outstanding campaigns, Leo Burnett Dubai was honoured as The Most Effective Advertising Agency Office of the Year and Most Effective Agency Network of the Year award.
Zenith Dubai earned the title of Most Effective Media Agency Office of the Year, recognized for their mastery in media strategy and execution.
These awards reflect the diverse talents and relentless pursuit of excellence that define the MENA marketing landscape, ensuring the Effies remain an epitome of inspiration for professionals across the region. Sahar Rafique, Managing Director of the organizing entity, NordStella commented, “Tonight’s event is a testament to the collective brilliance of the region. From our star- studded jury panel to the marketers, advertisers, and strategists who push the boundaries of possibility, every individual in this room plays a role in shaping the future of our industry. This year, we also pay tribute to the milestones of the past. The campaigns, and the visionaries who’ve shaped the Effie story serve as a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we can go.”
This year’s MENA Effie Gala was elevated by the presence of a special guest speaker —Ken Segall, known as the man who “put the ‘i’ in iPad”. In an exclusive talk, Ken Segall revisited the timeless principles behind one of the most iconic campaigns in advertising history—the Grand Effie-winning "Think Different."
“Sharing my insights tonight at the MENA Effie Gala brought back memories of winning an Effie myself. Talking about those experiences in a setting like this, with such great energy in the room, was special”, shared Ken.
Ken Segall’s presence underscored the gala’s mission to celebrate and inspire marketing excellence, making this 15th edition of the MENA Effie Awards truly unforgettable.
Within the elegance of the night, Zeina Imad’s performance perfectly complemented the grandeur of the event, leaving attendees mesmerised and setting the tone for an unforgettable night.
The event, held under the umbrella of Riyadh Season and in partnership with SMC, was executed in collaboration with esteemed sponsors, including Effieciate Partners such as MIQ Digital, Chupa Chups, Ferrero, Zee Entertainment, Tim Hortons, MEmob+, and Kantar. With MKV Digital as the Social Media Partner and Communicate as the Media Partner. Organized by NordStella, the ceremony celebrated the transformative impact of effective marketing within the MENA region.
For more details on winning campaigns and the full list of winners, visit here.
