Dubai Lynx, the leading creative awards and festival in the MENA region, has announced new initiatives to nurture young talent in the local advertising industry. At the forefront of these efforts is the return of the Young Lynx Academy for its second year, which will be sponsored and hosted in partnership with Publicis Groupe ME.
Taking place from March 3-5, 2023 ahead of the Dubai Lynx Festival, the Young Lynx Academy aims to support ambitious individuals under 30 working in creative communications fields. Through mentorship opportunities, inspirational keynote sessions, and workshops led by industry veterans, the Academy equips up-and-coming professionals with valuable skills and insights.
A key component of the program is a 24-hour hack competition where participants will work on developing creative solutions for a charity brief. Not only does this give youth a hands-on experience of tackling real client projects under time constraints, but it also allows them to showcase their talents to senior industry figures. Successful applicants will gain exposure and make valuable connections that can help propel their careers going forward.
Publicis Groupe ME’s renewed sponsorship demonstrates its strong commitment to cultivating the next generation of leaders. As Bassel Kakish, CEO of Publicis Groupe Middle East and Turkey, noted, the partnership reflects the agency’s dedication to “nurturing the creative leaders of tomorrow” through mentorship and immersive learning opportunities.
In addition to the Academy, Dubai Lynx is launching other initiatives tailored for students and young professionals under 32. Student competitions offer university-goers a chance to develop practical skills while networking with industry peers. A new Student Hack, organized with Dubai Media City, tasks participants with creating campaigns for real clients within 24 hours. Winners will be celebrated at the prestigious Dubai Lynx Awards ceremony on March 6th.
Dubai Lynx is clearly making strategic investments to groom local talent and ensure the continued vibrancy and evolution of the Emirati creative scene. As Philip Thomas, Chairman of Dubai Lynx, stated, these programs aim to “contribute to the development of talent across the region.” They provide a platform for youth to gain hands-on experience, raise standards, and ultimately strengthen Dubai’s position as a creative hub.
Ian Fairservice, Vice Chairman of Dubai Lynx, echoed that “young creatives are the future” who will bring fresh perspectives and innovation. Through discounted Festival passes and other support, Dubai Lynx is committed to inspiring and empowering students to reach their full potential. With strong industry backing, the Young Lynx Academy and new competitions demonstrate this commitment in action through targeted skills-building and networking opportunities.
As the regional creative sector continues transforming at a rapid pace, initiatives like these play a key role in nurturing the leaders and disruptors of tomorrow. They help ensure the sustained competitiveness and vibrancy of not just Dubai but the entire MENA creative landscape for years to come. With support from stakeholders like Publicis Groupe ME, Dubai Lynx is well-positioned to uncover and develop the region’s most promising young creative minds.
