The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) hosted its prestigious 16th annual awards, bringing together over 550 industry professionals at a glittering ceremony to celebrate the standout achievements in public relations and communications. This year’s awards featured 62 top agencies and professionals vying for titles across 53 categories, showcasing the best in creativity, strategy, and impact.With 770 entries evaluated by a distinguished panel of 130 industry veterans, the event highlighted campaigns and professionals that have redefined excellence in PR. Memac Ogilvy led the evening, securing 27 awards, followed by Gambit Communications with 22 and Weber Shandwick with 16.Key Highlights:• Chairman’s Award: Jamal Al Mawed, Founder & Managing Director of Gambit Communications.• In-House Team of the Year: Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi.• Large Agency of the Year: Memac Ogilvy.• Medium Agency of the Year: Gambit Communications.• Small Agency of the Year: Matrix Public Relations.• Homegrown Agency of the Year: Gambit Communications (for the third time).Campaign Excellence:• Best Business-to-Business Campaign: Dubai Holding’s Gift It Forward Ramadan Campaign 2024.• Best Fashion and Technology Campaigns: TASAWAR-Taking the Runway by Snap Inc and Weber Shandwick MENAT.• Best Government Communications: Burson for I Care.• Best Crisis Communication: Matrix Public Relations.• Best Retail Campaign: Gambit Communications and City Centre Mirdif.Individual Accolades:• Best Communicator of the Year: Iman Isa, Burson.• Young Communicator of the Year: Rebecca Rego, Edelman.• Outstanding Student Campaign: Astha Kurup, Arvy Moga, and Jared Rallos from Murdoch University Dubai.Industry Insight:Kate Midttun, Chairperson of MEPRA, commended the winners, stating:"The Middle East’s PR industry continues to set global benchmarks, demonstrating resilience and creativity in navigating tighter budgets and deadlines. From embracing AI and technology to crafting compelling narratives, our trailblazers prove that innovation and adaptability remain at the heart of our success."PartnershipsWeber Shandwick collaborated as Diamond Partner for the third year, joined by Platinum Partners MSL Group Middle East, Action Global Communications, and Memac Ogilvy. Supporting partners included CARMA, Edelman, Mubadala, TECOM Group Dubai, and others.