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.
With the announcement of the 2025 Jury Presidents line-up, the Cannes Lions Festival reaffirms its commitment to celebrating outstanding creativity across various categories, with distinguished industry leaders presiding over each jury.
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has unveiled its 2025 Jury Presidents and opened submissions for its prestigious Awards. The appointed global experts will convene in Cannes this June for the 72nd edition to evaluate and set benchmarks for creative excellence across the industry’s most impactful work.
A significant update for 2025 includes the evolution of the Social & Influencer Lions to Social & Creator Lions, reflecting the dynamic shifts in the marketing landscape. Additionally, the Glass: The Lion for Change marks its 10th anniversary with an expanded scope, now celebrating creative excellence that promotes equitable representation across a broader spectrum of communities, including disability, race, sexuality, and social inequity.
Commenting on the Jury Presidents, Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, said: “We are excited to welcome a diverse and forward-thinking group of leaders who understand the transformative power of creative excellence to drive business growth and impact. All experts in their field, their incredible talent, combined with the commitment and leadership they bring to their roles, ensures the highest levels of integrity and rigor in the judging process. We thank them for all that they will bring to the important task ahead of them in June.”
Xolisa Dyeshana, Chief Creative Officer, Joe Public, Africa and Middle East – Audio & Radio
Tara Ford, Chief Creative Officer, Droga5 ANZ and Accenture Song, APAC – Brand Experience & Activation
Wendy Walker, Vice President Marketing ASEAN, Salesforce, ASEAN – Creative B2B
Jane Lin-Baden, CEO APAC, Member of the Global Management Committee, Publicis Groupe – Creative Business Transformation
Gabriel Schmitt, Global Chief Creative Officer, Grey, Global – Creative Commerce
Tina Allan, Global Chief Data and Intelligence Officer, FCB, Global – Creative Data
Andrea Diquez, Global CEO, GUT, Global – Creative Effectiveness
Pats McDonald, Global Chief Strategy Officer, Dentsu Creative, Global – Creative Strategy
Naoki Tanaka, Chief Creative Officer, Dentsu Lab, Dentsu, Global – Digital Craft
Gaëtan du Peloux, President and Chief Creative Officer, Marcel, France – Direct
David Rolfe, Global Head of Production, WPP / Hogarth, Global – Entertainment Lions
Sue Anderson, Vice President, Creative, Roblox, USA – Entertainment Lions for Gaming
Seiya Matsumiya, CEO and Co-Founder, Black Cat White Cat Music, Global – Entertainment Lions for Music
Kate Stanners, Chairwoman and Global Chief Creative Officer, Saatchi & Saatchi, Global – Film
Ali Ali, Co-Founder and Film Director, Good People Films, Egypt – Film Craft
KR Liu, Global Head of Disability Innovation, Google, Global – Glass: The Lion for Change
Eric Weisberg, Global Chief Creative Officer, Havas Health Network, Global – Health & Wellness
Matthias Spaetgens, Chief Creative Officer, Scholz & Friends, Germany, Austria and Switzerland – Industry Craft
Courtney Brown Warren, Chief Marketing Officer, Kickstarter, Global – Innovation
Mathilde Delhoume Debreu, Global Brand Officer, LVMH, Global – Luxury
Dan Clays, CEO, Omnicom Media Group, EMEA – Media
Keka Morelle, Chief Creative Officer LATAM, Ogilvy, LATAM – Outdoor
Franklin Williams, EVP, Executive Experience Director, AREA 23, an IPG Health company, USA – Pharma
Tom Beckman, Global Chief Creative Officer, Weber Shandwick, Global – PR
Icaro Doria, President and Chief Creative Officer, DM9, Brazil – Print & Publishing
Beth Keamy, Chief Digital Officer, TBWA\Media Arts Lab, Global – Social & Creator
Josy Paul, Chairperson and Chief Creative Officer, BBDO, India – Sustainable Development Goals
Judy John, Global Chief Creative Officer, Edelman, Global – Dan Wieden Titanium
The Cannes Lions 2025 Awards are now accepting submissions until April 10, 2025, with the Festival scheduled to take place from June 16-20 in Cannes, France. The complete list of Jury Presidents and detailed information about the Awards, including entry kits and pass options, can be found at www.canneslions.com.
Motivate Val Morgan and Motivate Media Group are the official representatives of Cannes Lions in the UAE.
