Seven Middle East Creatives Make the Cut at Next Creative Leaders 2025

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Now in its 10th year, NCL is a free global competition run by The One Club for Creativity in partnership with The 3% Movement.

The program highlights women, non-binary, and trans creatives who are pushing the boundaries of leadership through both their work and their influence on the industry.

The regional shortlist includes:

Jordan

• Raya Abujaber, Creative Director, VML Amman

Lebanon

• Farah Abou Chacra, Associate Creative Director, Webedia Arabia, Beirut

UAE

• Revati Anilkumar Patil, Associate Design Director, Leo Burnett Dubai

• Maya Sfeir, Associate Creative Director, Dubai

• Archna Singh, Freelance Creative Director, Dubai

• Paula Zambrano, Senior Art Director, Saatchi & Saatchi MEA, Dubai

• Zainab Yasseen, Senior Art Director, M&C Saatchi, Dubai

Entries were judged by 39 senior creatives from 21 countries. Participants were assessed on both the quality of their work—four to six projects per entrant—and their contribution to the industry in areas such as diversity, mentorship, and advocacy.

Global and regional winners will be announced on November 4, 2025, followed by a virtual celebration on November 6, 2025.

Winners will receive a year-long One Club membership, opportunities to serve on juries, access to professional development events, and their work showcased across The One Club’s platforms.

NCL branding for 2025 was designed by Du Nieto, a past NCL winner who serves as an independent designer at dadada.work.