Dubai Lynx, MENA’s renowned platform for celebrating creative excellence and innovation, has announced the return of its Young Lynx Academies in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of its partnership with Publicis Groupe Middle East.
This collaboration has been instrumental in nurturing young talent across the region, fostering the growth of the next generation of creative leaders.
In an exciting milestone, the Academy will expand to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the first time, debuting on 18-19 February 2025. This will be followed by the highly anticipated edition in Dubai on 7-8 April 2025, as the initiative continues to empower emerging creatives under the guidance and support of Publicis Groupe Middle East.
The Riyadh edition will offer young professionals the chance to participate in a 24-hour hack challenge, hone their skills under the mentorship of industry leaders, and spark innovative thinking. Similarly, the Dubai Academy will continue its mission to provide unparalleled opportunities for emerging talent to thrive in the dynamic advertising and marketing landscape of MENA.
For the first time participants from each Academy will be celebrated on-stage at the Dubai Lynx Awards Show on 9 April 2025.
Young Lynx Academies: A Platform for Creative Growth
At the forefront of the evolving MENA advertising industry, the Young Lynx Academies (YLA) have established themselves as an essential platform for collaboration, learning, and skill-building. Over the years, the initiative has successfully graduated over 80 participants, shaping the careers of the region’s future leaders. The 2024 Young Lynx Academy featured an impressive lineup of speakers from renowned brands and agencies, including Unitedmasters + Translation, Pizza Hut – Yum! Brands, LIONS, Unilever, Pixis, and TishTash, offering participants invaluable insights from industry leaders.
Bassel Kakish, Groupe CEO, Publicis Groupe Middle East & Turkey, on partnering with Dubai Lynx for a third year, commented: “Investing in young talent is part of our long-term commitment to nurturing a vibrant and sustainable creative industry across the region. The Young Lynx Academy has grown into a highly anticipated initiative, empowering the next generation through mentorship, collaboration, and skill-building. Supporting the Academy for the third year, now with an expanded edition in Saudi Arabia, underscores the Kingdom’s growing role as a creative and cultural powerhouse.”
Adel Baraja, CEO, Publicis Communications KSA, added: “Saudi Arabia’s creative economy is expanding at an incredible pace, and it’s encouraging to see initiatives like the Young Lynx Academy providing a platform for young professionals to thrive. By bringing this program to The Kingdom, we’re helping to cultivate a new generation of creative thinkers who understand the local market and can contribute to its growing influence across the region. I look forward to meeting the first ever cohort of Academy participants, Saudi edition.”
A New Era of Creative Innovation in Saudi Arabia
The launch of the Riyadh edition signals the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence in the global creative arena.
Recent achievements such as HungerStation’s Grand Prix-winning campaign at Cannes Lions and Saudia’s ‘ProtecTasbih’ campaign’s wins at both Dubai Lynx and Lions have spotlighted Saudi Arabia’s innovative spirit and creative prowess.
By introducing the Academy to Riyadh, the programme aims to cultivate the Kingdom’s burgeoning creative talent pool, further strengthening its influence on MENA’s creative marketing landscape.
Kamille Marchant, Director, Dubai Lynx commented: “The Young Lynx Academies are at the heart of our mission to inspire and empower the next generation of creative talent in the MENA region. Our partnership with Publicis Groupe Middle East, now in its third year, has had a profound impact on nurturing young professionals and elevating creative potential across the region. Expanding into Riyadh is a milestone that reflects the incredible momentum and innovation coming out of Saudi Arabia’s creative community. We’re thrilled to continue providing young professionals with a platform to grow, collaborate, and shape the future of the industry, with the support of such a dedicated partner.”
Key Dates and Application Details
- Riyadh Edition: 18-19 February 2025
- Dubai Edition: 7-8 April 2025
Both editions are open to young professionals aged 30 or under with a minimum of three years of experience.
- Riyadh Edition: Open to participants based in Saudi Arabia, including brands, agencies, and freelancers.
- Dubai Edition: Open to participants from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, or the UAE.
Aspiring creative minds are encouraged to seize this opportunity to gain invaluable industry insights, refine their skills, and connect with like-minded peers.
Applications are now open. Winners will be celebrated during the Awards Ceremony on 9 April 2025.
