The inaugural edition of the Effie Awards Saudi Arabia celebrated the Kingdom’s most effective marketing campaigns, brands, agencies, and industry leaders, recognising excellence in marketing effectiveness and measurable business impact.
Held under the theme “Pride of the Kingdom,” the awards marked the launch of Saudi Arabia’s first programme dedicated exclusively to marketing effectiveness, honouring campaigns that combined strategic thinking, creativity, and proven business results.
Ahead of the awards ceremony, industry leaders participated in The Effectiveness Edit, a forum featuring discussions and keynote sessions on the future of marketing effectiveness in Saudi Arabia. Speakers represented organisations including Google, Kantar, Accenture, Saudi Tourism Authority, Samsung Electronics Saudi Arabia, King Salman International Airport, Anghami+, Herfy Food Services, and others.
Discussions focused on changing consumer behaviour, the role of creativity, the impact of digital culture and artificial intelligence, and the challenge of balancing short-term performance with long-term growth.
The awards were judged by a panel of more than 100 marketing and communications professionals who evaluated entries based on their effectiveness and business impact.
Among the Gold winners were Balady+, Tourism Development Fund, Barq, Sakan Foundation, Sayyar and MDLBEAST. The event’s highest honour, the Grand Prix, was awarded to Sayyar for its campaign, “Time To Speak Up For Manhood.”
Silver awards went to campaigns from brands including Mobily, Sensodyne, Doritos, Mentos Gum, KUDU and Holsten Brewery, while Bronze winners included Lay’s, IKEA and several others.
The ceremony also recognised organisational excellence through a series of special awards. Habbar was named Most Effective Advertising Agency Office of the Year – Saudi Arabia, while OMD UAE received the Most Effective Media Agency Office of the Year – Saudi Arabia award. Foaj Group was recognised as Most Effective Agency Network of the Year – Saudi Arabia, and Mobily was named Most Effective Brand of the Year – Saudi Arabia.
Sahar Rafique, Managing Director of NordStella, said the awards were created to celebrate not only creativity but also the effectiveness and business impact behind successful marketing campaigns.
Organised by NordStella, the Effie Awards Saudi Arabia aim to establish a long-term platform for recognising and promoting marketing excellence across the Kingdom.
