Marketing and advertising executives from across the Middle East came together for the first Dubai International Advertising Festival this week.
Held at Shaikh Rashid Hall at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the festival incorporated the second Dubai Lynx Awards - the Middle East and North Africa advertising awards for creative excellence.
Presented by Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival, the Dubai International Advertising Festival was a huge hit and attracted hundreds of visitors each day from Monday to Wednesday.
The inaugural event was held with the support of Dubai Media City (DMC) and in association with the UAE Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA)
It featured high-profile seminars, workshops, exhibitions and screenings aimed at giving creative inspiration, learning and networking opportunities to the advertising and allied industries in the region.
The Dubai Lynx Awards, which are part of the festival, honour creative excellence in television/cinema, print, outdoor, radio, direct marketing, media and interactive advertising.
Around 60 entries were shortlisted in the radio and interactive categories at this year's awards, with a record 166 entries submitted in print categories and 26 interactive entries.
Judging of the awards took place in Dubai by four juries made up of 29 leading creatives and media experts from around the world.
As seminars were held others browsed the various stalls and pondered over the advertising campaigns from the region that have won awards in the past 12 months.
Catchy themes
Clever campaigns, outstanding photography and design work as well as catchy themes and catch lines caught the eye of people of all ages.
Seminars were given on various topics including how to build creative cultures, new-fashioned ways of advertising, brand advice and what international companies should consider when taking their brands to Europe.
The final day of seminars and workshops yesterday included The Lynx Debate and Jury President's addresses as well as a gala dinner and awards ceremony for all attendees last night.
