UAE creative talent shines as ten professionals join the Cannes Lions 2025 Shortlisting Jury, cementing the nation’s growing influence on global creativity
Cannes Lions has announced the panel of ten shortlisting jury members from the UAE who will participate in the initial judging phase for this year’s Cannes Lions awards, set to take place in Cannes, France, from June 16-20, 2025.
This announcement follows the earlier revelation of sixteen awarding jury members from the UAE, bringing the total representation to a record twenty-six professionals from the Emirates who will contribute to setting the global benchmark for creative excellence at this year’s Festival.
These ten shortlisting jurors will join experts from across 79 markets, representing the global industry’s leading talent from a diverse range of disciplines, with markets including Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, and Mongolia represented on the Shortlisting Jury for the first time.
Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, said: “All our Jurors play a crucial role in shaping the work awarded at Cannes Lions. This year, we are seeing an unprecedented level of global engagement from deserving talent, with more markets, more voices, and more perspectives coming together to recognise the global benchmark. I’d like to extend my gratitude for their hard work and care in curating the work that will go on to set the global standard and make history.”
Regarding the UAE representation, Ian Fairservice, Managing Partner of Motivate Media Group, and CEO of Motivate Val Morgan said: “The selection of shortlisting jury members from the UAE, contributing to our record total representation across both juries this year, marks a significant milestone for our creative community. The incremental representation each year reflects the maturity of our creative industry and its increasing recognition internationally. I am sure these talented individuals will bring their unique perspectives to the judging process, ensuring the UAE’s voice helps shape global creative standards.”
Brand Experience & Activation: Sarah Berro | Head of Creative, Vice Media, MEA
Creative Strategy: Catherine Bannister | Chief Strategy Officer, TBWA RAAD, MENA
Direct: Martino Caliendo | Associate Creative Director, Impact BBDO, UAE
Film Craft: Nayla Chacra | Head of Post Production and Executive Producer, Prodigious, Global
Media: Lara Arbid | CEO, Initiative and Magna Global, MENAT
Media: Daniel Shepherd | Group Chief Strategy Officer, Omnicom Media Group, MENA
Outdoor: Michele De iuliis | Associate Creative Director, Havas Middle East, United Arab Emirates
PR: Peter Jacob | Managing Director, MENAT, Current Global, MENAT
Social & Creator: Estelle Khayat | Associate Strategy Director, Leo, MENA
Social & Creator: Mohammed Ajawi | Director of Digital Experience, Ogilvy, UAE
Further information on this year’s Festival and the Lions Awards can be found at visit www.canneslions.com.
Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan are the official representatives of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in the UAE.
Source: Cannes Lions Press Release
Sixteen UAE jury members will collaborate closely with awarding jurors from across the globe to recognize and honor outstanding creative work at the 2025 Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity
Cannes Lions has unveiled the cohort of global experts selected to award the world’s finest creative and effective work, setting the standard for excellence this June at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. Among the distinguished jury members announced, this year will feature sixteen representatives from the United Arab Emirates, marking the nation’s strongest representation ever at the industry’s most celebrated awards.
The 72nd edition of Cannes Lions, running from June 16 to 20, 2025, will showcase the UAE’s growing influence on the global creative stage as these exceptional professionals prepare to set new benchmarks for excellence during the Festival.
Commenting on the Jury, Simon Cook, CEO of LIONS, said: “The Cannes Lions Awarding Jury plays a vital role in setting the global benchmark for creative excellence. This year’s line-up brings together some of the most highly respected and accomplished industry talent from around the world. Their expertise will help define the creative standards that continue to drive our industry forward and spotlight the power of creativity as a catalyst for meaningful business growth and transformation.“
Regarding the record UAE representation, Ian Fairservice, Managing Partner of Motivate Media Group, said, “Having our largest-ever UAE representation on the Cannes Lions awarding jury is a remarkable achievement for our creative community. I am sure their diverse expertise will make a significant contribution to the global creative dialogue. Their selection reflects the UAE’s growing influence and our commitment to excellence, and demonstrates the creative caliber and thought leadership emerging from this region on the international stage.”
Audio & Radio Lions:
Leila Katrib | Global Executive Creative Director, Incubeta, Global
Brand Experience & Activation Lions:
Natalie Shardan | Managing Partner, Serviceplan Middle East, UAE
Creative Business Transformation Lions:
Fabio Silveira | Managing Director, Havas, Middle East
Creative Data Lions:
Karim ElFiqi | SVP and Chief Marketing Officer, PepsiCo, Africa, Middle East, and South Asia
Creative Effectiveness Lions:
Dani Richa | Group Chairman, Impact BBDO, UAE
Design Lions:
Dida Atassi | Managing Director, Creative Account Lead for Design & Digital Products, Accenture Song, UAE
Digital Craft Lions:
Paulo Engler | Senior Creative Director and Head of Art, FP7 McCann, UAE
Direct Lions:
Aricio Fortes | Chief Creative Officer, VML, UAE
Film Lions:
Manasvi Gosalia | Executive Producer, Dejavu, UAE
Health & Wellness Lions:
João Camacho | Executive Creative Director, Saatchi Wellness ME, KSA and Turkey, MEA
Industry Craft Lions:
Lara Assouad | Executive Creative Director, Landor, Middle East
Innovation Lions:
Seyoan Vela | Chief Creative Officer, Livingroom/LRDXB, MENA
Media Lions:
Ramzy Abouchacra | Media Practice President, Dentsu, MENA
Pharma Lions:
Alok Gadkar | CEO and Chief Creative Officer, Tuesday, UAE
PR Lions:
Khaled AlShehhi | Executive Director of Marketing and Communication, UAE Government Media Office, UAE
Sustainable Development Goals Lions:
Vidya Manmohan | Founder and Chief Creative Officer, V4Good, Global
With shortlisting jury line-up to be announced soon, see the full list of Global Presidents and Awarding Juries here.
Further information on this year’s Festival and the Lions Awards can be found at visit www.canneslions.com
Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan are the official representatives of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in the UAE.
Source: Cannes Press Release
Asmaa Nowbandi from AUD selected as the UAE representative for the 2025 Cannes Lions Roger Hatchuel Academy
The Roger Hatchuel Student Academy, founded in 2003—an initiative of the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity—offers students interested in pursuing a creative path in advertising, a unique learning experience designed to help launch their careers. Selected students learn first-hand from the world’s greatest brands, creative minds, and industry leaders during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in Cannes, France.
As the official UAE representatives of the Cannes Lions Festival, Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan are thrilled to announce that Asmaa Nowbandi, a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) student majoring in Visual Communication with a focus on Graphic Design at the American University in Dubai (AUD), has been selected to represent the UAE at the prestigious Cannes Lions Roger Hatchuel Academy 2025.
Asmaa was one of three finalists chosen from a competitive pool of 18 applications from across universities in the UAE this year. The other finalists, Dareen Issa from University of Wollongong Dubai and Maria Semaan from American University in Dubai, also received exceptional feedback from the Cannes selection panel. All applications were reviewed by the Roger Hatchuel Academy Jury Panel – a diverse mix of global experts from reputed educational institutions, the industry, and related creative fields.
Commenting on her selection, Asmaa said, “My interest and joy in arts and travel started at a young age and never stopped. My passion only grew, and I always knew I wanted to design and have part of my work require traveling to different places, trying new things, and working in diverse environments. With the news of my selection, I realized how important of a step I will be taking toward my future career plan. I am beyond grateful for the continuous support and guidance from my professor, Dina Faour, the university, and my family. It is a great honor to represent my country in the prestigious Roger Hatchuel Academy, and I look forward to making the most out of it.”
Dina Faour, Professor of Advertising, Department of Visual Arts at the American University in Dubai, shared her excitement, stating, “We are incredibly proud of our student for being selected to represent the UAE at the Roger Hatchuel Academy at the Cannes Lions Festival. This is an outstanding international educational opportunity where students get to learn directly from industry legends and award winners—seeing firsthand how they think, create, and set the standards for the year ahead. It’s an optimal learning experience that bridges theory and practice in a way no classroom can. At AUD, we take immense pride in our commitment to nurturing top creative talent; this marks our ninth year of representing the UAE at this prestigious academy—an achievement that speaks to the strength and caliber of our program. We are also thankful to Motivate Media Group, Motivate Val Morgan and to the Cannes Lions Festival; they all continue to elevate creative minds and help open doors to global opportunities.”
Ian Fairservice, Managing Partner of Motivate Media Group, added, “Congratulations to Asmaa Nowbandi from American University in Dubai for her outstanding achievement in being selected to represent the UAE at the 2025 Cannes Lions Roger Hatchuel Academy. I am sure Asmaa will make the most of this invaluable experience and return with fresh perspectives that will further elevate the UAE’s vibrant creative landscape.”
The Roger Hatchuel Academy class of 2025 will bring together 30 students from around the world for an immersive program that delves into the creative industry’s most pressing topics.
The Academy will run parallel to the Cannes Lions Festival from 15th–20th June 2025 in Cannes, France.
Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan extend their warmest wishes to Asmaa Nowbandi as she embarks on this transformative journey, and we hope her experience and learnings at the Roger Hatchuel Academy will create a positive impact and contribute to her future endeavors in the industry.
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.
