June 30, 2025
The 72nd Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity concluded on June 20, 2025, with the UAE securing an impressive 16 Lions—including 2 Gold, 3 Silver, and 11 Bronze—across multiple categories such as Sustainable Development Goals Lions, Brand Experience & Activation, Film, Digital Craft, PR, Creative Strategy, and Creative Data. This performance demonstrates the continued strength of UAE agencies on the global creative stage.
FP7 McCann Dubai led the UAE’s performance with 7 Lions across diverse categories, while Impact BBDO Dubai secured 4 Lions and won Agency of the Year in MENA for the seventh consecutive time. Impact BBDO’s collaboration with ADPRO& and OMD, Amman also earned a Silver Lion in Print and Publishing—Jordan’s first Cannes Lions win. VML Dubai contributed 4 Lions for the UAE and partnered with VML New York to earn an additional Bronze Lion for the USA in the Creative Commerce category. LEO Dubai rounded out the performance with a Bronze Lion in Print & Publishing.
The complete details of these winning works can be found at Lions – The Work.
Talking about the conclusion of yet another successful year, Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS said “This week we’ve taken our industry on an exhilarating journey of the very best creative work. Huge congratulations to each and every brilliant winner and shortlist for the phenomenal recognition bestowed by peers. This is a time for immense pride as we celebrate the transformative power of breakthrough ideas that challenge conventions, solve problems and create meaningful connections.”
The festival also saw UAE participation in development programs. Maria Salameh and Mayjane Najjar from Zenith Media represented the UAE at the Media Category Young Lions Competition, while Francesco Negri and Diego Fernández from FP7 McCann participated in the Digital Category Young Lions Competition. Asmaa Nowbandi from American University in Dubai represented the UAE at the Roger Hatchuel Academy.
As the official representatives of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in the UAE, Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan congratulate all winning agencies, jury members, and young representatives who represented the UAE at this year’s festival.
The results reflect the continued development of UAE agencies in producing work that performs well on the international stage. We look forward to supporting our creative community as they prepare for Cannes Lions 2026.
Related Articles:
Meet the 2025 Cannes Lions Shortlisting Jury Members from the UAE
Cannes Lions Announces 2025 Awarding Jury Members from the UAE
