Dubai Lynx Awards the Region’s Best
The much anticipated Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity has come to an end early March, culminating in a dazzling ceremony and dinner where over 1,800 guests gathered to celebrate winners of the 10th edition of this annual Pan-arab event.
Terry Savage, Chairman, Lions Festivals, asserted that work this year had again raised the bar. “There is an ever-increasing demonstration of globally-recognisable excellence at Dubai Lynx. But what’s also apparent is the surge of a distinctly, proudly regional tone. We celebrate what sets MENA apart as well as what allows it to compete on the world stage.”
The 10th annual Dubai Lynx has once again seen an increase in entry submissions for the competition, demonstrating the continued growth and success of the region’s industry. Over 2,500 submissions were entered across 16 categories, which were judged by 56 industry leaders.
Submissions were received from 21 countries, including more from African nations such as Morocco, Nigeria and Egypt reflecting the expanding creative communications industry in the continent.
This year’s entries, up by 3% to 2,542, were actually being judged by the Festival’s largest ever assembly of jurors, 50% of whom are women. Replicating recent trends across the industry, more entries were received in the Branded Content & Entertainment and Direct categories with fewer entries in the Radio category. The region has also shown great interest in the inaugural Creative Effectiveness award, which recognises the direct correlation between creativity and effectiveness.
511 entries got shortlisted with the UAE behind 312 of them, followed by Lebanon with 64 and Egypt with 54.
Savage, also commented that “Dubai Lynx has proven year on year that the MENA creative communications industry is a growing force on the global stage. This year marks the 10th annual Dubai Lynx and we are delighted that the Awards continue to stand as a creative benchmark for the region. The quality of the work we see each year is testament to the industry pushing boundaries and chasing excellence, and when this bravery is recognised and celebrated it encourages others to take on the mantle.”
Dubai Lynx Festival Director, Emma Farmer, said a dynamic, advancing industry, coupled with diversified content and expanded awards, was behind the enthusiastic participation from across the region. “There is a ceaseless energy for innovation, palpable thirst for knowledge and passion for creativity here which continues to propel us forward. The Festival has gone from strength to strength in its 10th year, and there’s never been a more exciting time to be part of it,” Farmer asserted.
The strong emphasis on innovation which permeated the entire Dubai Lynx programme, was also already evident
There was no Grand Prix awarded in four out of the 15 categories: Branded Content & Entertainment, Film, Print & Outdoor Craft and Radio.
As for the 11 remaining category awards, the Grand Prix winners are as follows: