Dubai Lynx announces its 2026 Award winners as Creativity Week draws to a close
Kuwait secures its first-ever Grand Prix
8 October 2026 - Dubai Lynx, MENA’s leading platform for creative excellence and effectiveness, has announced the winners of the 2026 Awards at this evening’s Awards Ceremony, at the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai. The ceremony marks the culmination of Dubai Lynx Creativity Week, celebrating the ideas, talent and creative work shaping the future of the industry across the region. Throughout the week, creative leaders, emerging talent and industry changemakers came together for a programme of thought-provoking content sessions, conversations and initiatives designed to inspire.
Among tonight’s results, Kuwait made history by winning its first-ever Grand Prix at the Awards, for ‘WABA Ramadhan’, for WABA, by Shareet Studios, Kuwait City, in Film Craft. This marks a significant milestone for the market’s creative industry and reflects the growing breadth of creativity emerging across MENA.
Philip Thomas, Chair, Dubai Lynx, said: “The work awarded at Dubai Lynx this year demonstrates the extraordinary creative momentum we are seeing across MENA. What is particularly exciting is the breadth of creativity coming from across the region, with new markets breaking through alongside its established creative centres. Kuwait winning its first Grand Prix is a brilliant example of that progress. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners for work that raises the creative bar and strengthens MENA’s influence on the global stage.”
Ian Fairservice, Vice Chairman, Dubai Lynx, commented: “The 2026 winners reflect a region full of ambition, confidence and creative talent. Across the Awards, we have seen ideas rooted in local culture and insight that have the power to resonate far beyond MENA. It is encouraging to see both established and emerging creative communities being recognised, and we congratulate every winner on their achievement.”
This year’s Grand Prix winners are:
Audio & Radio
From 39 entries received, 4 were awarded: 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Lynx Award and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Speak My Language’, for stc, by VML, Riyadh
Brand Experience & Activation
From 166 entries received, 15 were awarded: 2 Gold, 4 Silver and 8 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Recipe for Change’, for Arla, by FP7 McCann Dubai
Creative Commerce
From 60 entries received, 5 were awarded: 2 Silver and 2 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Recipe for Change’, for Arla, by FP7 McCann Dubai
Creative Effectiveness
From 7 entries received, 2 were awarded: 1 Bronze Lynx Award and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Lunar Treats’, for Oreo, by Saatchi & Saatchi ME, Dubai
Creative Strategy
From 92 entries received, 9 were awarded: 1 Gold, 3 Silver and 4 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Recipe for Change’, for Arla, by FP7 McCann Dubai
Design
From 85 entries received, 8 were awarded: 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 4 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘The Coolest Ihram’, for Saudia, by Landor, Dubai
Digital Craft
From 31 entries received, 3 were awarded: 1 Gold and 1 Bronze Lynx Award and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Seat With a View’, for flynas, by VML, Riyadh
Direct
From 108 entries received, 10 were awarded: 1 Gold, 3 Silver and 5 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Breastmilk Money’, for Herconomy, by Serviceplan Germany, Munich
Entertainment
From 90 entries received, 8 were awarded: 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 4 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Rescue Squad’, for Jeep, by Publicis Middle East, Dubai
Film
From 108 entries received, 9 were awarded: 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 4 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘City of Fury’, for The Ring, by BigTime Creative Shop, Riyadh
Film Craft
From 104 entries received, 12 were awarded: 1 Gold, 3 Silver and 7 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘WABA Ramadhan’, for WABA, by Shareet Studios, Kuwait City
About the Film Craft Grand Prix, Jury President Zia Mandviwalla, Director, FINCH, Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, commented: “This is filmmaking at its most exhilarating. Every frame is crafted with extraordinary precision, from the impeccable rhythm and exquisite shot-making to the meticulous attention to detail. But its real triumph lies in how that craft transforms familiar cultural rituals into something fresh, dynamic and unmistakably contemporary. Rooted in the region and told from an insider’s perspective, it's a bold, joyful celebration of culture through the power of film.”
Glass: The Award for Change
From 16 entries received, 4 were awarded: 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Lynx Award and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Breastmilk Money’, for Herconomy, by Serviceplan Germany, Munich
Grand Prix for Good
The Grand Prix for Good was awarded to ‘The Eweeha Protest | Mirror’, for KAFA, by VML, Riyadh
Healthcare
From 68 entries received, 8 were awarded: 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 4 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Ruby Blooms’, for Nana, by Saatchi & Saatchi ME, Dubai
Industry Craft
From 64 entries received, 4 were awarded: 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Lynx Award and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Ruby Blooms’, for Nana, by Saatchi & Saatchi ME, Dubai
Integrated
From 17 entries received, 2 were awarded: 1 Bronze Lynx Award and the Grand Prix that went to 'The Leave of Absence’, for ItsHerWay, by Saatchi & Saatchi ME, Dubai
Media
From 122 entries received, 12 were awarded: 3 Gold, 3 Silver and 5 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Let It Fly’, for Saudia, by Publicis KSA, Riyadh / Saatchi & Saatchi ME, Dubai
Outdoor
From 103 entries received, 8 were awarded: 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 4 Bronze Lynx Award and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Let It Fly’, for Saudia, by Publicis KSA, Riyadh / Saatchi & Saatchi ME, Dubai
PR
From 91 entries received, 5 were awarded: 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Recipe for Change’, for Arla, by FP7 McCann Dubai
Print & Publishing
From 59 entries received, 5 were awarded: 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Lynx Award and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Ruby Blooms’, for Nana, by Saatchi & Saatchi ME, Dubai
Social & Creator
From 99 entries received, 9 were awarded: 2 Gold, 3 Silver and 3 Bronze Lynx Award and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Never Cover Your Mouth’, for Mentos, by VML, Riyadh
This year’s Special Awards winners are:
Network of the Year
1. Saatchi & Saatchi
2. McCann
3. VML
Media Network of the Year
1. Zenith
2. OMD Worldwide
3. Starcom
MENA Agency of the Year
1. Saatchi & Saatchi ME, Dubai
2. FP7 McCann Dubai
3. VML, Riyadh
Independent Agency of the Year
1. BigTime Creative Shop, Riyadh
2. Edelman, Dubai
3. Shareet Studios, Kuwait City
Lynx Palm Award
1. Truffle Films, Saudi Arabia
2. Shareet Studios, Kuwait
3. Kurve Studios, Lebanon
This year’s Young Lynx Competition winners are:
Gold
‘Shade, Delivered’
Ananya Talwar, Senior Graphic Designer & Alaa Yasseen, Senior Copywriter
VML
Silver
‘Who’s in Charge?’
Mohammed ElAmin, Creative Designer & Yazan Jamal, Senior Account
Executive
Burson
Bronze
‘We Grow Together’
Amina Hussein Khan, Senior Digital Designer & Elita Godinho, Senior Digital Designer
Cheil MEA
All winners are available to view on The Work.
ENDS
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:
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 Motivate Media Group
Motivate Media Group operates across the GCC and MENA region with a diverse portfolio of media interests comprising magazines, digital, social, video, exhibitions & events, cinema and books.
A leading publisher in the Gulf since 1979, its portfolio includes market-leading magazines, eight websites and over 300 book titles. Motivate’s digital and video division is an established content provider for some of the region’s largest companies and the Motivate events team expertly stage some of the GCC’s major award ceremonies, festivals and activations.
With a staff of more than 200 experienced and dedicated professionals, Motivate is committed to providing editorial excellence, and a corporate mission to develop integrated communication channels that entertain, inform and enrich.
Motivatemedia.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
Among tonight’s results, Kuwait made history by winning its first-ever Grand Prix at the Awards, for ‘WABA Ramadhan’, for WABA, by Shareet Studios, Kuwait City, in Film Craft. This marks a significant milestone for the market’s creative industry and reflects the growing breadth of creativity emerging across MENA.
Philip Thomas, Chair, Dubai Lynx, said: “The work awarded at Dubai Lynx this year demonstrates the extraordinary creative momentum we are seeing across MENA. What is particularly exciting is the breadth of creativity coming from across the region, with new markets breaking through alongside its established creative centres. Kuwait winning its first Grand Prix is a brilliant example of that progress. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners for work that raises the creative bar and strengthens MENA’s influence on the global stage.”
Ian Fairservice, Vice Chairman, Dubai Lynx, commented: “The 2026 winners reflect a region full of ambition, confidence and creative talent. Across the Awards, we have seen ideas rooted in local culture and insight that have the power to resonate far beyond MENA. It is encouraging to see both established and emerging creative communities being recognised, and we congratulate every winner on their achievement.”
This year’s Grand Prix winners are:
Audio & Radio
From 39 entries received, 4 were awarded: 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Lynx Award and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Speak My Language’, for stc, by VML, Riyadh
Brand Experience & Activation
From 166 entries received, 15 were awarded: 2 Gold, 4 Silver and 8 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Recipe for Change’, for Arla, by FP7 McCann Dubai
Creative Commerce
From 60 entries received, 5 were awarded: 2 Silver and 2 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Recipe for Change’, for Arla, by FP7 McCann Dubai
Creative Effectiveness
From 7 entries received, 2 were awarded: 1 Bronze Lynx Award and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Lunar Treats’, for Oreo, by Saatchi & Saatchi ME, Dubai
Creative Strategy
From 92 entries received, 9 were awarded: 1 Gold, 3 Silver and 4 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Recipe for Change’, for Arla, by FP7 McCann Dubai
Design
From 85 entries received, 8 were awarded: 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 4 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘The Coolest Ihram’, for Saudia, by Landor, Dubai
Digital Craft
From 31 entries received, 3 were awarded: 1 Gold and 1 Bronze Lynx Award and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Seat With a View’, for flynas, by VML, Riyadh
Direct
From 108 entries received, 10 were awarded: 1 Gold, 3 Silver and 5 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Breastmilk Money’, for Herconomy, by Serviceplan Germany, Munich
Entertainment
From 90 entries received, 8 were awarded: 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 4 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Rescue Squad’, for Jeep, by Publicis Middle East, Dubai
Film
From 108 entries received, 9 were awarded: 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 4 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘City of Fury’, for The Ring, by BigTime Creative Shop, Riyadh
Film Craft
From 104 entries received, 12 were awarded: 1 Gold, 3 Silver and 7 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘WABA Ramadhan’, for WABA, by Shareet Studios, Kuwait City
About the Film Craft Grand Prix, Jury President Zia Mandviwalla, Director, FINCH, Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, commented: “This is filmmaking at its most exhilarating. Every frame is crafted with extraordinary precision, from the impeccable rhythm and exquisite shot-making to the meticulous attention to detail. But its real triumph lies in how that craft transforms familiar cultural rituals into something fresh, dynamic and unmistakably contemporary. Rooted in the region and told from an insider’s perspective, it's a bold, joyful celebration of culture through the power of film.”
Glass: The Award for Change
From 16 entries received, 4 were awarded: 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Lynx Award and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Breastmilk Money’, for Herconomy, by Serviceplan Germany, Munich
Grand Prix for Good
The Grand Prix for Good was awarded to ‘The Eweeha Protest | Mirror’, for KAFA, by VML, Riyadh
Healthcare
From 68 entries received, 8 were awarded: 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 4 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Ruby Blooms’, for Nana, by Saatchi & Saatchi ME, Dubai
Industry Craft
From 64 entries received, 4 were awarded: 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Lynx Award and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Ruby Blooms’, for Nana, by Saatchi & Saatchi ME, Dubai
Integrated
From 17 entries received, 2 were awarded: 1 Bronze Lynx Award and the Grand Prix that went to 'The Leave of Absence’, for ItsHerWay, by Saatchi & Saatchi ME, Dubai
Media
From 122 entries received, 12 were awarded: 3 Gold, 3 Silver and 5 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Let It Fly’, for Saudia, by Publicis KSA, Riyadh / Saatchi & Saatchi ME, Dubai
Outdoor
From 103 entries received, 8 were awarded: 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 4 Bronze Lynx Award and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Let It Fly’, for Saudia, by Publicis KSA, Riyadh / Saatchi & Saatchi ME, Dubai
PR
From 91 entries received, 5 were awarded: 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Recipe for Change’, for Arla, by FP7 McCann Dubai
Print & Publishing
From 59 entries received, 5 were awarded: 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Lynx Award and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Ruby Blooms’, for Nana, by Saatchi & Saatchi ME, Dubai
Social & Creator
From 99 entries received, 9 were awarded: 2 Gold, 3 Silver and 3 Bronze Lynx Award and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Never Cover Your Mouth’, for Mentos, by VML, Riyadh
This year’s Special Awards winners are:
Network of the Year
1. Saatchi & Saatchi
2. McCann
3. VML
Media Network of the Year
1. Zenith
2. OMD Worldwide
3. Starcom
MENA Agency of the Year
1. Saatchi & Saatchi ME, Dubai
2. FP7 McCann Dubai
3. VML, Riyadh
Independent Agency of the Year
1. BigTime Creative Shop, Riyadh
2. Edelman, Dubai
3. Shareet Studios, Kuwait City
Lynx Palm Award
1. Truffle Films, Saudi Arabia
2. Shareet Studios, Kuwait
3. Kurve Studios, Lebanon
This year’s Young Lynx Competition winners are:
Gold
‘Shade, Delivered’
Ananya Talwar, Senior Graphic Designer & Alaa Yasseen, Senior Copywriter
VML
Silver
‘Who’s in Charge?’
Mohammed ElAmin, Creative Designer & Yazan Jamal, Senior Account
Executive
Burson
Bronze
‘We Grow Together’
Amina Hussein Khan, Senior Digital Designer & Elita Godinho, Senior Digital Designer
Cheil MEA
All winners are available to view on The Work.
ENDS
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:
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 Motivate Media Group
Motivate Media Group operates across the GCC and MENA region with a diverse portfolio of media interests comprising magazines, digital, social, video, exhibitions & events, cinema and books.
A leading publisher in the Gulf since 1979, its portfolio includes market-leading magazines, eight websites and over 300 book titles. Motivate’s digital and video division is an established content provider for some of the region’s largest companies and the Motivate events team expertly stage some of the GCC’s major award ceremonies, festivals and activations.
With a staff of more than 200 experienced and dedicated professionals, Motivate is committed to providing editorial excellence, and a corporate mission to develop integrated communication channels that entertain, inform and enrich.
Motivatemedia.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
