Latest news with #Hamidaddin
Campaign ME
20-06-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Cannes Lions 2025: Skills, strategic thinking and take a second to slow down
The final two days at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity witnessed a strategic shift from conversations on stages to partnerships being formed and policies being shaped in closed-room discussions. Motivate Media Group, Athar Festival and Campaign Middle East hosted breakfast gatherings in partnership with the UK Advertising Association and TRACCS, as well as an in-depth round table discussion with key leaders in Saudi Arabia and the UK. Discussions at the round table revolved around the need for creative effectiveness; the need to tell the right stories well; the need for critical thinking; the need to develop a deeper understanding of local and regional contexts in the Middle East; and the need for leaders to take steps to develop a skilled workforce. Explaining how the Cannes Lions landscape has evolved over the years, Kiran Jay Haslam, Chief Marketing Officer, Diriyah Company told Campaign Middle East, 'There have been a lot of discussions around technology and the role that it will play within marketing moving forward, but very few answers because it's almost impossible to accurately predict what the future holds. The gut instinct that most people have is that these are tumultuous times and the credibility of the industry and creatives is being questioned.' 'That said, the quality of the work and the conversations that are going on about the projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are very exciting; there have been a lot of very interested attendees. We've seen people looking to come to the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia, to explore, find out more, and see how they can be part of the journey that the Kingdom is on.' Fahd Hamidaddin, Board Member and Founding CEO, Saudi Tourism Authority also delivered a stellar keynote to a packed room at the Forum in The Rotonde, delving into the dynamic transformation taking place within the tourism landscape in the Kingdom. He called for marketers in the Middle East to build brand affinity by developing a deeper understanding of hyper-local consumers, connecting with communities, focusing on collective precision, finding their true voice, and realising the soul of the region's individuals rather than just seeing them as 'segments'. Hamidaddin also called for marketers to take a moment to 'pause and reflect' on current challenges such as inadequate attribution, complex optimisation, irrelevant data and daunting scale before diving into idealistic and futuristic conversations around the untapped potential of artificial intelligence (AI). In an exclusive conversation with Campaign Middle East, Hamidaddin said, 'We should pause to make sure we filter what's hype, what's noise, and stay true to the fundamentals. The fundamentals won't change. What is changing is consumer behaviour and that's what we need to stay very close to while leveraging AI and technology to really develop a deeper understanding of consumer behaviour.' He concluded, 'With the hype comes a global movement of speed and, conversely, an anti-movement of slow. So, I would say slow down, stay strategic, think big, stick to the fundamentals and pursue the 2080 ROI instead of the immediate results.' Meanwhile MENA agencies continue to make the region proud, adding a few more trophies to the cabinet on Day 4. Stay tuned for a separate round-up of all the winners following the announcement on Day 5. As of Day 4 at Cannes Lions, the MENA region has surpassed its tally of 22 trophies in 2024 to claim 25 trophies at Cannes Lions 2025. Of these, UAE agencies have won 13 trophies so far led by FP7 McCann Dubai (1 Gold, 1 Silver, 4 Bronze); VML Dubai (1 Silver, 3 Bronze), Impact BBDO (1 Gold, 1 Silver), LEO Dubai (1 Bronze). Meanwhile, Jordan picking up its first-ever trophy in Cannes Lions' 72-year history sharing the spoils with Impact BBDO on its Silver Lion. Representing Saudi Arabia at Cannes Lions, agencies from the Kingdom have won 12 trophies, led by BigTime Creative Shop (2 Golds, 1 Silver, 3 Bronze); SRMG Labs (1 Gold, 2 Silver), and VML Riyadh (1 Silver, 2 Bronze). The MENA wins in each of the following categories include: AUDIO AND RADIO 1 GOLD LION, 1 SILVER LION Campaign title: The Second Release Agency: SRMG Labs, Riyadh Client: Billboard Arabia, Riyadh BRAND EXPERIENCE & ACTIVATION 1 SILVER LION Campaign title: Recipe for Change Agency: FP7 McCann Dubai Client: Arla Foods 1 BRONZE LION Campaign title: The Social Feed Agency: VML Dubai Client: Hungerstation CREATIVE B2B 1 BRONZE LION Campaign title: Recipe for Change Agency: FP7 McCann Dubai Client: Arla Foods CREATIVE COMMERCE 1 SILVER LION Campaign title: The Social Feed Agency: VML Dubai Client: Hungerstation CREATIVE DATA 1 BRONZE LION Campaign title: The Social Feed Agency: VML Dubai Client: Hungerstation CREATIVE STRATEGY 1 GOLD LION Campaign title: The New President Agency: Impact BBDO, Dubai Client: Annahar Newspaper DESIGN 1 SILVER LION Campaign title: Sounds of the Land Agency: SRMG Labs, Riyadh Client: Billboard Arabia, Riyadh DIGITAL CRAFT 1 SILVER LION Campaign title: The Shaded Route Agency: VML Riyadh Client: Hungerstation Campaign title: Agency: Client: Hungerstation 1 BRONZE LION Campaign title: Read Better Agency: FP7 McCann, Dubai / McCANN, Bristol Client: Waterstones DIRECT 1 BRONZE LION Campaign title: Safe at 3AM Agency: VML Dubai Client: Dubai Tourism ENTERTAINMENT FOR SPORT 1 GOLD LION, 1 SILVER LION Campaign title: The 4th Judge Agency: BigTime Creative Shop, Riyadh Client: The Ring Campaign title: Agency: Client: The Ring 1 GOLD LION Campaign title: Obsession Agency: BigTime Creative Shop, Riyadh Client: Riyadh Season FILM CRAFT 1 BRONZE LION Campaign title: Obsession Agency: BigTime Creative Shop, Riyadh Client: Riyadh Season FILM CRAFT 1 BRONZE LION Campaign title: Everything or Nothing Agency: BigTime Creative Shop, Riyadh Client: Riyadh Season 1 BRONZE LION Campaign title: Obsession Agency: BigTime Creative Shop, Riyadh Client: Riyadh Season HEALTH AND WELLNESS 1 BRONZE LION Campaign title: The Shaded Route Agency: VML Riyadh Client: Hungerstation OUTDOOR 1 BRONZE LION Campaign title: The Shaded Route Agency: VML Riyadh Client: Hungerstation 1 BRONZE LION Campaign title: Not For First Dates Agency: FP7 McCann Dubai Client: McDonald's PUBLIC RELATIONS 1 BRONZE LION Campaign title: Sponsored Balls Agency: FP7 McCann Dubai Client: Testicular Cancer Society PRINT AND PUBLISHING 1 SILVER LION Campaign title: NOTES ON NOTES Agency: Impact BBDO, Dubai / AdPro& Jordan Client: Capital Bank 1 BRONZE LION Campaign title: THE GREAT INDIAN DUNK Agency: LEO Dubai Client: NBA India SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS 1 GOLD LION Campaign title: Recipe for Change Agency: FP7 McCann Dubai Client: Arla Foods Tune into Campaign Middle East's social media channels to stay updated on the latest of what's happening at The Palais, the Rotonde, The Carlton Hotel and stay tuned for exciting events at the Campaign House Hilton Canopy.
Leaders
24-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Diriyah Named Among Global Eco-Friendly Destinations for 2025
The British travel platform Wanderlust has selected Diriyah as one of the Global Eco-Friendly Destinations for 2025, according to the Saudi Press Agency. This remarkable recognition was driven by the successful cooperation between the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Diriyah Gate Development Authority. Both entities have submitted a comprehensive nomination featuring Diriyah's extraordinary initiatives in environmental, cultural, and tourism sustainability. Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of the Saudi Tourism Authority Fahd Hamidaddin stated that this recognition reflects Saudi Arabia's dedication to ensuring sustainability in tourism. 'This recognition stands as a testament to our strategy of empowering local partners and showcasing national destinations in international markets,' Hamidaddin added. He also noted that this achievement further strengthens the Kingdom's position on the global tourism map as the fastest-growing destination in the world. 'This international recognition highlights Diriyah's role as the cradle of the Saudi state and our dedication to preserving its heritage while applying the highest environmental and cultural sustainability standards,' Chief Executive Officer of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority Jerry Inzerillo said. Promisingly, this selection represents a living proof of Saudi Arabia's growing global presence in tourism. In line with the Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Tourism Authority has been supporting its partners across the tourism ecosystem to meet ambitious national objectives. In 2024, the Kingdom welcomed nearly 116 million visitors, and the authorities are still making bold strides to reach the goal of hosting 150 million visitors by 2030. Related Topics: Diriyah Company Boosts Saudi Tourism at Arabian Travel Market Layali Diriyah: Immersive Cultural and Culinary Experiences Diriyah Company Boosts Sports Development with Saudi Tennis Federation Short link : Post Views: 1
Trade Arabia
27-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Saudi Tourism to showcase summer offerings at ATM
Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) will showcase the kingdom's unique and diverse summer destinations designed to drive business for its trade partners at this year's Arabian Travel Market (ATM) this week. The move comes as the country's tourism sector continues to go from strength to strength creating significant opportunities for trade. Representatives from Saudi Arabia's booming tourism sector will be attending the Middle East's biggest travel and tourism trade show that kicks off in Dubai on Monday to build awareness of the kingdom's summer destination offering, strengthen and establish new trade partnerships, and highlight the remarkable growth potential available to business partners working with Saudi, a statement said. Saudi Arabia's ATM 2025 delegation will be led by Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board Member of STA, and will bring together 51 partners from across the tourism sector at Saudi Land, including top destination management companies, hoteliers, airlines, and major destinations ready to facilitate business transactions. The delegation will showcase Saudi's distinctive summer destinations and packages to trade partners and consumers in the GCC region, underlining the kingdom's status as a premier year-round tourism destination, with a strategic focus on priority markets such as Middle East and Africa and Asia-Pacific. Over the summer season, Saudi Arabia offers a unique and diverse range of activities and destinations that translate into attractive bookable products for partners, ranging from the pristine beaches of the Saudi Red Sea, the rich culture of Jeddah, the excitement and bustle of Riyadh, and a global events program like no other, including the Esports World Cup starting this summer. Saudi Arabia's mountainous regions including the tranquil and picturesque destinations of Aseer, Taif, and Al Baha also provide a refreshing escape during the summer season with cool weather and lush nature. These serene retreats are ideal for adventure travellers who seek natural beauty, wildlife, hiking trails, and cultural experiences. Hamidaddin said: "Our participation in ATM this year provides an important opportunity to connect with our valued trade partners, build knowledge around the diverse destinations that have made Saudi the fastest-growing tourism destination in the world, and drive tangible business results. Front and center of that will be showcasing Saudi as a unique summer destination, offering an action-packed events calendar, cool mountain regions for adventurer seekers, and pristine beaches for families and those looking to relax. These represent strong product pillars for our partners to build compelling packages. 'Having welcomed 116 million visitors in 2024, an increase of 6.4% compared with 2023, Saudi is the land of now - offering growth and opportunities like no other to trade partners across the globe. Our presence here is focused on enabling our trade partners to capitalise on this momentum. We encourage all potential and existing partners to visit Saudi Land and connect with our team to explore how we can grow together. Over the coming days, we look forward to building new long-lasting partnerships, sharing knowledge, and showcasing the wealth of opportunities Saudi has to offer." Building on the success of last year's presence at ATM, this year's Saudi Land exhibit will be set across two floors with partners showcasing hundreds of affordable, mid-market and luxury bookable products for destinations such as Jeddah, AlUla, Aseer, Riyadh, and the Red Sea. Visitors can engage with unique activations including an immersive destination tunnel, live summer deals, previews of the Esports World Cup and FIFA World Cup 2034, featured itineraries, and enjoy cultural performances throughout the event. The diversity of Saudi will also be showcased with an interactive Saudi map and activities calendar providing practical tools to help partners market the destination. At ATM 2025, Hamidaddin will deliver a keynote address about how Saudi Arabia is a leader in the global shift towards 'connection-driven' travel. This also serves as an opportunity to highlight Saudi's recent tourism infrastructure developments and increased global connectivity, emphasising the ease of doing business and bringing visitors to the country. STA and its partners are aiming to build on the successes of last year's ATM which saw the Saudi Tourism Authority win a Best Stand Design Award, the statement said.
CairoScene
09-03-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
European Tourists Visiting Saudi Arabia Increased by 24% in 2024
These figures were announced by Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, at ITB Berlin 2025. Tourists from Europe visiting Saudi Arabia surged by 24% to 4 million in 2024, with spending soaring by 41% to USD 7.9 billion. These figures were announced by Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), at ITB Berlin 2025. ITB Berlin is the world's largest tourism trade fair, facilitating and highlighting trade partnerships and experiences from across the world. This year, the Saudi tourism delegation, led by Hamidaddin, welcomed over 30,000 visitors to its stand, Saudi Land, and held over 760 business meetings. 'Saudi's transformation into a global tourism powerhouse is not just a vision – it's a reality in motion,' Hamidaddin said at ITB Berlin. As a hub of sports and cultural events, Saudi Arabia is becoming an attractive destination for tourists globally, with sporting events such as the Grand Prix, World Cup 2034 and Dakar Rally. Saudi Arabia also hosts a number of luxury travel destinations, coastal and desert. The 28,000 square kilometres of Red Sea coastline will host 16 resorts by the end of 2025, with 32 more planned to be constructed by 2030. AIUIa, a desert oasis and home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, was also advertised at Saudi Land. Unique wellness experiences for solo women travellers and families reflect Saudi's continued efforts to showcase the Kingdom as a female-friendly destination; 44% of visitors in 2024 were women, and of those, 36% were solo travellers. Key announcements at the event included Eurowings' new airline route between Stuttgart and Jeddah, starting November 2025. STA and Riyadh-based travel agency Bonjour Saudi announced a strategic partnership to facilitate business for international firms in Saudi.
Leaders
08-03-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia: The World's Fastest-Growing Tourist Hotspot Beckons Europeans
Saudi Arabia has rapidly become a top tourism destination for Europeans, blending adventure, luxury, and sports, with visits surging 24% in 2024. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, announced this milestone at ITB Berlin 2025, crediting diverse offerings from mega-sporting events to luxury coastal escapes. 'Europe delivered our highest growth last year, with 44% of travelers being women,' Hamidaddin said. 'We've smashed our 2030 target early, hitting 106 million visits by 2023.' The Kingdom now eyes 150 million annual visitors, fueled by double-digit growth since 2019. Saudi Arabia Emerges as Global Sports Hub Saudi Arabia now hosts more weekly events than Las Vegas, drawing icons like Ronaldo, Tyson Fury, and Max Verstappen. The 2034 FIFA World Cup will crown its rise, but 2025 already packs star-powered lineups. April brings the AFC Asian U17 Cup, while Formula One roars into Jeddah with Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari debut. Basketball's FIBA Asia Cup follows in August, and November closes with the WTA Tour Finals. 'Every major event pairs with cultural festivals,' Hamidaddin added, citing boxing, Dakar Rally, and tennis spectacles. Stretching 28,000 square kilometers, Saudi's Red Sea coast merges five-star opulence with eco-conscious development. Six Senses Southern Dunes and St. Regis Red Sea Resort now welcome guests to overwater villas and coral-rich waters. By 2025, 16 resorts will dot the shoreline, part of a 50-resort masterplan for 2030. Red Sea Global pledges 75% of islands remain untouched, while resorts run entirely on renewables. 'This vertical Riviera rivals global beach destinations,' said Hamidaddin, highlighting Neom's Sindalah Island and luxury marinas. Desert Dreams: Stargazing, Adventure & Rewilding in the Kingdom's Dunes Nearly a third of Saudi Arabia's terrain features iconic deserts like the Rub'Al Khali, the planet's largest sand sea. Winter transforms these dunes into hubs for sand healing, stargazing, and extreme sports. AlUla offers camel treks and Bedouin-style camping, while Riyadh's Red Sands and Edge of the World cliffs challenge thrill-seekers. 'Our rewilding initiatives reintroduced 21 species,' Hamidaddin noted, comparing desert tourism to African safaris or Alpine skiing. Whether chasing Grand Prix adrenaline, Red Sea serenity, or desert adventures, Saudi Arabia caters to all tastes. With visa reforms and year-round events, the Kingdom cements its status as the world's fastest-growing destination—no longer a 'best-kept secret,' but a must-visit marvel. Short link :
