Middle East PR Industry Set to Sparkle AS 2016 Awards Shortlist Receives Sumo-Sized Unveiling

After reviewing over 240 qualified nominations the MEPRA panel of judges has shortlisted the best entries for each of the 17 award categories covering individuals and agencies, sectors and services, and techniques used to drive successful campaigns. For the second year running the shortlist was unveiled at Consumer PR category sponsor – Sumo Sushi & Bento’s Dubai Media City restaurant.

Entries have come in from across the region including United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Lebanon and Qatar, where 30 of the region’s most experienced communication teams have been short-listed across seventeen different categories.

One of the most exciting developments for 2016 is the creation of a second ‘Outstanding Young Communicator’ category for in-house professionals. The shortlist for the category includes young professionals from Fleishman Hillard Middle East, Four Communications, Hill&Knowlton Strategies, Mojo PR, Mubadala, Seven Media & Weber Shandwick MENA. Middlesex University in Dubai will present this alongside the traditional David Robinson Award for the outstanding youthful communicator from a PR agency. 

Memac Ogilvy PR, Asda’a Burson Marsteller, Edelman, Abu Dhabi Media, Impact Porter Novelli & Cicero & Bernay PR are other popular contenders across the 17 award categories including Best Integrated Campaign, Best Use of Social Media, for Corporate Reputation & Image Management and Best Live Event or Stunt

The shortlist was judged by a panel of exceptional judges including representatives of the Ritz Carlton, CNC Communications and Rolls Royce Middle East.

Head of Judges - Jamal Al Mawed, Head of Corporate Communications, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said: “The judging this year was even more challenging than ever. The industry has advanced in terms of its use of data analytics to measure the performance of campaigns. This means we had greater access to real figures than ever before making the judging process more about the cold hard results, than about the creativity of the idea. We are delighted at the progress made and we see a very strong future for the communications industry across the region.”

Now in its eighth year, the Middle East PR Awards recognizes agencies, corporates, teams and individuals who have shown exceptional Return on Investment, creativity and strategic impact. They are sponsored by some of the region’s most respected supporters of quality communications including Mubadala, MCG & Associates, Carma and Edelman.

The winners will be announced on November 23 at the JW Marriott Marquis in Dubai during the PR industry’s end of year, glittering gala finale. Tickets for the award ceremony are now on sale from www.mepra.org/….. and are priced at AED 10,000 per table or AED 1,000 per seat including a three-course dinner and beverages.