Dubai Lynx, the MENA region’s leading platform for creative excellence and effectiveness, has honoured the UAE Government Media Office as its 2026 Advertiser of the Year. This prestigious award recognises organisations that distinguish themselves through innovative marketing campaigns and a commitment to outstanding creative work, whether produced in-house or in collaboration with agencies.
Over the past five years, the UAE Government Media Office has achieved 220 awards, including 32 accolades across Dubai Lynx and Cannes Lions, reflecting its consistent creative excellence both regionally and globally. Highlights of its Dubai Lynx achievements include four Grands Prix across Brand Experience & Activation, Entertainment, Healthcare, and Social & Creator (formerly Social & Influencer) categories.
Philip Thomas, Chairman of Dubai Lynx, commented:
“The UAE Government Media Office has played a defining role in shaping how the UAE is perceived globally. Their work demonstrates the power of bold thinking and cinematic storytelling to drive meaningful impact at scale. We’re proud to recognise them as our 2026 Advertiser of the Year.”
Ian Fairservice, Vice Chairman of Dubai Lynx, added:
“The Advertiser of the Year Award recognises creative excellence and the business value of communication. Year after year, the UAE Government Media Office demonstrates how creative work that celebrates its people and culture can reshape global perceptions and drive investment. This is the first time a government entity has achieved this accolade, and it’s an honour to celebrate their contribution to the MENA region and the global creative community.”
Award-Winning Campaigns
The UAE Government Media Office has produced multiple award-winning campaigns blending cultural insight with innovative execution. Notable examples include:
- “Double Moon” with MullenLowe MENA, celebrating the UAE’s historic space milestone. It won a Silver Outdoor Lion at Cannes Lions 2021 and the Grand Prix in Brand Experience & Activation at Dubai Lynx 2022.
- “It’s Possible” in collaboration with Virtue Worldwide, which won the Entertainment Grand Prix at Dubai Lynx Awards 2022.
- The in-house campaign “The Warm Winter Livestream”, which earned a Bronze Media Lion at Cannes Lions 2022.
In 2023, the campaign “Empty Plates”, created with Saatchi & Saatchi ME, won eight Lynx Awards, including two Grands Prix in Healthcare and Social & Creator, and secured a Bronze Health & Wellness Lion at Cannes Lions, marking the Office’s third consecutive win at Cannes.
Leadership and Vision
Khaled AlShehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communication at the UAE Government Media Office, exemplifies the organisation’s leadership in creativity. Named 2023 Advertising Person of the Year at Dubai Lynx, AlShehhi became in 2025 the first Cannes Lions juror from a government entity, setting a global precedent for public-sector creativity.
Speaking about the award, AlShehhi said:
“We have long believed that creativity in government is not a privilege; it is a responsibility. Creativity is not used to soften messages or decorate narratives, but to clarify intent, build trust, and compete for attention in a crowded global landscape. Public-sector communication cannot afford to be conventional. While government operates under unique constraints, these constraints demand higher standards, sharper thinking, and greater discipline. This recognition reflects consistency over time and reinforces our conviction that government storytelling can be human, contemporary, and globally competitive, without losing its sense of purpose.”
The Advertiser of the Year Award will be presented to Khaled AlShehhi at the Dubai Lynx Awards Ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Emirates Golf Club.
For further information on the Awards Ceremony, visit: www.dubailynx.com
