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.

Action Global Communications, a multi-award-winning integrated communications agency, has officially relaunched in Saudi Arabia. The move further solidifies Action’s presence in the Middle East, complementing its existing offices in the UAE and Qatar which, respectively, celebrate 30 and 20-year operational milestones this year.  Building on three decades of legacy in the GCC, the independent agency brings its extensive regional expertise and global capabilities to the Kingdom. Based in Riyadh, Action Global Communications Saudi Arabia offers 360° integrated services, ranging from traditional communications solutions to digital strategies and creative production. The expansion and re-entry into Saudi Arabia follow Action Global Communications’ recent recognition at the prestigious PR Week Global Awards in London, where the group was named Best Agency in the Middle East 2024.  Action’s on-the-ground relaunch in Saudi Arabia builds upon numerous high-profile projects in the Kingdom led by the company’s regional team, including two consecutive years of spearheading PR and media relations at LEAP - the world's largest tech gathering. Other notable events by Action include the cybersecurity conference BlackHat MEA, InFlavour, the PFL MENA Fight series, and a prestigious Disney concert featuring Grammy-nominated pianist Lang Lang at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dammam. Additionally, Action oversees communications for InterContinental Hotels Group in Saudi Arabia and the broader region, as well as corporate communications in Saudi Arabia for multinational technology group, Zoho Corporation.  Commenting on the significance of Action’s official re-entry into the Saudi market, Euan Megson, managing director, Action Global Communications MENA, said: “In recent years, Saudi Arabia has firmly established itself as a global hub for innovation and business growth. The Kingdom is undergoing a transformative journey of diversification and modernisation through its Vision 2030. By bringing Action’s three-decade regional legacy and extensive expertise in communications, marketing, and production to the Saudi market, we align with the evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia and the broader region. Re-launching our presence in the Kingdom marks a significant milestone in Action's history and reaffirms our steadfast commitment to the Middle East.”  Barry King, general manager of Action Global Communications in Saudi Arabia, added: “Our regional teams have delivered exceptional work in the Kingdom over the past half decade, achieving results which have yielded a robust pipeline of multi-sector opportunities. With the continued growth and evolution in Saudi Arabia, now is the optimum time for us to re-establish a physical in-market presence to ensure we continue delivering high quality work, and value, for current clients and future prospects.”