Dubai Lynx unveils Creativity Week Content Sessions, with speakers from DTCM, Novo Nordisk Gulf, Damas and more
10 September 2026 - Dubai Lynx, MENA’s premier platform for celebrating creative excellence, has announced its 2026 Creativity Week Content Sessions, organised in strategic partnership with Dubai Media City. Taking place 6–7 October at Dubai Media City Courtyard, the two-day programme will bring together regional and global industry leaders to explore the future of creativity, marketing innovation and talent development across MENA.
Alongside the content programme, Creativity Week will also feature dedicated opportunities for students and early-career professionals. The week will culminate in the Dubai Lynx Awards Ceremony, taking place on 8 October at the Emirates Golf Club.
Philip Thomas, Chairman, Dubai Lynx, commented: “Creativity Week is a powerful reflection of the ambition and momentum shaping MENA. This year’s programme brings together influential voices from across the region and beyond to explore how creativity drives business growth, builds enduring brands and creates meaningful connections with audiences. Beyond the programme, our series of initiatives, mentorship, competitions and learning opportunities represent our commitment to supporting the industry as Dubai Lynx continues to equip the region with the tools to make the case for creativity as a growth driver.”
Programme highlights
Across the two-day programme, attendees can expect sessions exploring:
The evolving role of creativity in driving business growth
The programme will explore how creativity can drive real results and long-term brand growth. Rami Hmadeh, CEO, Serviceplan Group ME, will delve into the findings from the global CMO Barometer study to explore where creative ambition meets commercial realities in today’s marketing landscape. Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing’s (DTCM) Hoor Al Khaja, dnata Travel Group’s John Bevan, Dubai Airports’ Paul Griffiths and UM Worldwide’s Joe Nicolas will unpack how leaning into cultural authenticity can strengthen global perceptions and drive lasting economic impact.
Building culturally relevant brands
As culture becomes an increasingly central theme in effective strategy, the 2026 programme will provide attendees with the practical tools needed to create moments that really matter in MENA's rapidly evolving landscape. Hear from McCann Content Studios’ Ibrahim Hasan and Kenza Nait Djoudi, Digital Creator Twinkle Stanly, and Animotion Media Group’s Faris Sibai as they explore how brands should look at those redefining storytelling – creators, strategists and media leaders – to create impactful content designed for the region’s audiences.
Turning failure into a powerful catalyst for growth
Taking place across both days, the programme features the ‘What I Learnt from My Mess-Ups' series - two sessions dedicated to unpacking the moments that didn’t go to plan and the lessons that reshaped some of MENA’s leaders. Join Noah Bashir, Stand-Up Comedian, Leadership Coach & Learning Platform Founder, and Dana Tahir, CEO, Havas Red, Middle East, for their respective sessions on what creative failures can teach us about leadership and resilience, and how setbacks can lead to lasting success.
The future of the industry
From the rise of independent agencies with Reference Studios’ Karim (Kaz) Yusuf and Mohamed Ghazy to the importance of effectively using AI to become indistinguishable in an increasingly automated world with TBWA/RAAD’s Rony Skaf, the programme features a variety of sessions exploring the factors driving the industry forward.
Both days will also culminate with ‘The Future Forecast’, a rapid-fire session featuring five speakers, each with their own big prediction on the future of the industry. Covering a variety of topics from Gaming, Esports & Immersive Entertainment to The Future of Talent & Creative Forces, these sessions will offer exclusive insight into the forces shaping the region’s creative landscape.
Ian Fairservice, Vice Chairman, Dubai Lynx, said: "The programme brings together an exceptional line-up of industry leaders to unpack the trends and challenges currently shaping the MENA region. By providing attendees from across a range of disciplines and sectors with actionable insights and practical tools, the programme empowers businesses to accelerate growth while strengthening MENA’s position as a global creative powerhouse. We look forward to the exclusive insights and learnings that these creative minds will bring to Creativity Week."
“For more than 25 years, Dubai Media City has played an instrumental role in attracting and nurturing leading media talent, contributing to the UAE’s knowledge- and innovation-based economy,” said Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Media City, Dubai Production City, and Dubai Studio City, part of TECOM Group. “As the industry continues to evolve, events such as Creativity Week play a key role in bringing together leading professionals from across the sector to explore the trends and opportunities shaping its future. Our strategic partnership with Dubai Lynx reflects our commitment to advancing industry knowledge, creating opportunities for professionals and emerging talent and supporting the continued growth of the creative sector.”
Creativity Week Content Sessions are complimentary to attend across both days. To register your attendance and explore the programme, please visit www.dubailynx.com/creativity-week. Further information on how to attend the Awards Ceremony can be found here.
ENDS
Assets:
An asset to use in your reporting can be found here.
Contacts:
Camilla Lambert
PR Director
LIONS
Camillal@canneslions.com
Tash Naidoo
Senior PR Manager
LIONS
Tashn@canneslions.com
Indiana Edwards
PR Executive
LIONS
Indianae@canneslions.com
Press Portal:
press.canneslions.com
Awards enquiries:
awards@dubailynx.com
Notes to editors:
How to attend as Press:
If you or one of your colleagues are interested in attending the Dubai Lynx Creativity Week Content Sessions, please register here. Attendance is complimentary across both days.
Please note that registration does not grant access to the Awards Ceremony. For press interested in attending, please contact the Press Team at press@dubailynx.com.
About Dubai Lynx
Dubai Lynx is MENA’s leading Awards for creative excellence and effectiveness, in the Middle East and North Africa. Presented by Informa, organisers of Cannes Lions, together with their regional partners, Motivate Media Group, Dubai Lynx, is held in association with the UAE Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) and strategic partner, Dubai Media City. The Awards serve as the definitive benchmark for creative excellence, marketing strategy and effectiveness in MENA.
www.dubailynx.com
About LIONS
LIONS is the global platform that champions creativity and marketing effectiveness for growth. We help businesses grow through creative marketing that matters.
We know that creativity can and should be applied across the full marketing mix. Creativity is an impactful business driver - and when it's integrated with a culture of effectiveness, it's a competitive advantage.
Backed by over 150 years of experience and evidence, Cannes Lions, WARC, Effie, Contagious and Acuity - provides the global marketing industry with the definitive benchmarks, intelligence, training and tailored advice needed to grow.
LIONS is part of Informa PLC.
www.lions.co
About Informa
Informa PLC is a leading international B2B events, digital services and academic research group.
We champion specialists. Through hundreds of market-leading brands, we connect people with knowledge so they can learn more, know more and do more.
We operate in over 30 countries and serve businesses and professionals working in over a dozen specialist markets.
Informa is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100.
www.informa.com
Alongside the content programme, Creativity Week will also feature dedicated opportunities for students and early-career professionals. The week will culminate in the Dubai Lynx Awards Ceremony, taking place on 8 October at the Emirates Golf Club.
Philip Thomas, Chairman, Dubai Lynx, commented: “Creativity Week is a powerful reflection of the ambition and momentum shaping MENA. This year’s programme brings together influential voices from across the region and beyond to explore how creativity drives business growth, builds enduring brands and creates meaningful connections with audiences. Beyond the programme, our series of initiatives, mentorship, competitions and learning opportunities represent our commitment to supporting the industry as Dubai Lynx continues to equip the region with the tools to make the case for creativity as a growth driver.”
Programme highlights
Across the two-day programme, attendees can expect sessions exploring:
The evolving role of creativity in driving business growth
The programme will explore how creativity can drive real results and long-term brand growth. Rami Hmadeh, CEO, Serviceplan Group ME, will delve into the findings from the global CMO Barometer study to explore where creative ambition meets commercial realities in today’s marketing landscape. Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing’s (DTCM) Hoor Al Khaja, dnata Travel Group’s John Bevan, Dubai Airports’ Paul Griffiths and UM Worldwide’s Joe Nicolas will unpack how leaning into cultural authenticity can strengthen global perceptions and drive lasting economic impact.
Building culturally relevant brands
As culture becomes an increasingly central theme in effective strategy, the 2026 programme will provide attendees with the practical tools needed to create moments that really matter in MENA's rapidly evolving landscape. Hear from McCann Content Studios’ Ibrahim Hasan and Kenza Nait Djoudi, Digital Creator Twinkle Stanly, and Animotion Media Group’s Faris Sibai as they explore how brands should look at those redefining storytelling – creators, strategists and media leaders – to create impactful content designed for the region’s audiences.
Turning failure into a powerful catalyst for growth
Taking place across both days, the programme features the ‘What I Learnt from My Mess-Ups' series - two sessions dedicated to unpacking the moments that didn’t go to plan and the lessons that reshaped some of MENA’s leaders. Join Noah Bashir, Stand-Up Comedian, Leadership Coach & Learning Platform Founder, and Dana Tahir, CEO, Havas Red, Middle East, for their respective sessions on what creative failures can teach us about leadership and resilience, and how setbacks can lead to lasting success.
The future of the industry
From the rise of independent agencies with Reference Studios’ Karim (Kaz) Yusuf and Mohamed Ghazy to the importance of effectively using AI to become indistinguishable in an increasingly automated world with TBWA/RAAD’s Rony Skaf, the programme features a variety of sessions exploring the factors driving the industry forward.
Both days will also culminate with ‘The Future Forecast’, a rapid-fire session featuring five speakers, each with their own big prediction on the future of the industry. Covering a variety of topics from Gaming, Esports & Immersive Entertainment to The Future of Talent & Creative Forces, these sessions will offer exclusive insight into the forces shaping the region’s creative landscape.
Ian Fairservice, Vice Chairman, Dubai Lynx, said: "The programme brings together an exceptional line-up of industry leaders to unpack the trends and challenges currently shaping the MENA region. By providing attendees from across a range of disciplines and sectors with actionable insights and practical tools, the programme empowers businesses to accelerate growth while strengthening MENA’s position as a global creative powerhouse. We look forward to the exclusive insights and learnings that these creative minds will bring to Creativity Week."
“For more than 25 years, Dubai Media City has played an instrumental role in attracting and nurturing leading media talent, contributing to the UAE’s knowledge- and innovation-based economy,” said Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Media City, Dubai Production City, and Dubai Studio City, part of TECOM Group. “As the industry continues to evolve, events such as Creativity Week play a key role in bringing together leading professionals from across the sector to explore the trends and opportunities shaping its future. Our strategic partnership with Dubai Lynx reflects our commitment to advancing industry knowledge, creating opportunities for professionals and emerging talent and supporting the continued growth of the creative sector.”
Creativity Week Content Sessions are complimentary to attend across both days. To register your attendance and explore the programme, please visit www.dubailynx.com/creativity-week. Further information on how to attend the Awards Ceremony can be found here.
ENDS
Assets:
An asset to use in your reporting can be found here.
Contacts:
Camilla Lambert
PR Director
LIONS
Camillal@canneslions.com
Tash Naidoo
Senior PR Manager
LIONS
Tashn@canneslions.com
Indiana Edwards
PR Executive
LIONS
Indianae@canneslions.com
Press Portal:
press.canneslions.com
Awards enquiries:
awards@dubailynx.com
Notes to editors:
How to attend as Press:
If you or one of your colleagues are interested in attending the Dubai Lynx Creativity Week Content Sessions, please register here. Attendance is complimentary across both days.
Please note that registration does not grant access to the Awards Ceremony. For press interested in attending, please contact the Press Team at press@dubailynx.com.
About Dubai Lynx
Dubai Lynx is MENA’s leading Awards for creative excellence and effectiveness, in the Middle East and North Africa. Presented by Informa, organisers of Cannes Lions, together with their regional partners, Motivate Media Group, Dubai Lynx, is held in association with the UAE Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) and strategic partner, Dubai Media City. The Awards serve as the definitive benchmark for creative excellence, marketing strategy and effectiveness in MENA.
www.dubailynx.com
About LIONS
LIONS is the global platform that champions creativity and marketing effectiveness for growth. We help businesses grow through creative marketing that matters.
We know that creativity can and should be applied across the full marketing mix. Creativity is an impactful business driver - and when it's integrated with a culture of effectiveness, it's a competitive advantage.
Backed by over 150 years of experience and evidence, Cannes Lions, WARC, Effie, Contagious and Acuity - provides the global marketing industry with the definitive benchmarks, intelligence, training and tailored advice needed to grow.
LIONS is part of Informa PLC.
www.lions.co
About Informa
Informa PLC is a leading international B2B events, digital services and academic research group.
We champion specialists. Through hundreds of market-leading brands, we connect people with knowledge so they can learn more, know more and do more.
We operate in over 30 countries and serve businesses and professionals working in over a dozen specialist markets.
Informa is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100.
www.informa.com
