Dubai Lynx has unveiled its jury presidents for 2026, bringing together some of the world’s most influential creative leaders across 17 categories. From advertising and brand experience to digital craft, luxury, healthcare, and media, this jury embodies global expertise while reflecting MENA’s growing stature as a hub for creative innovation.
This isn’t just a festival update.It signals a strategic commitment to raising the benchmark for creative excellence and fostering cross-border creative collaboration in the region.
Why This Jury Announcement Matters
The 2026 panel includes leaders such as:
- Judy John (Edelman) – Audio & Radio, Film, Print & Publishing
- Marco Venturelli (Leo / Publicis Groupe France) – Brand Experience & Activation, Creative Commerce
- Yasuharu Sasaki (dentsu) – Digital Craft, Social & Creator
- Joji Jacob (Havas SEA & North Asia) – Direct, Outdoor
- Julien Calot (McCann Paris) – first-ever Luxury Lynx
With expertise spanning media, PR, entertainment, healthcare, and luxury sectors, the jury demonstrates a deliberate strategy: ensure every award category is evaluated by leaders who combine global insight with local understanding, reflecting the dynamic evolution of the MENA creative ecosystem.
Strategic Implications for the MENA Creative Industry
The diversity and calibre of the jury highlight several key trends:
- Global Integration – MENA is increasingly a key player in international creative conversations.
- Cross-Sector Innovation – Judges bring expertise across emerging verticals like healthcare, luxury, and creator-led campaigns.
- Benchmarking Excellence – Their presence sets a higher standard for submissions, encouraging agencies and brands to innovate and elevate creative output.
The move underscores Dubai Lynx’s role as a platform for shaping global creative norms, not just awarding campaigns.
The Bigger Picture: Driving Momentum in MENA
As MENA’s creative industry expands, Dubai Lynx positions itself as a catalyst for growth, collaboration, and innovation. By engaging top-tier creative leadership:
- Agencies gain insight into international best practices,
- Talent is exposed to global evaluation standards,
- Brands are incentivized to push creative boundaries.
The festival’s evolving jury structure demonstrates a strategic vision: creativity that resonates locally, competes globally, and inspires across borders.
Dubai Lynx 2026’s jury president announcement is more than a lineup reveal. It’s a statement of intent: MENA’s creative industry is ready to compete on the world stage, guided by a globally diverse, highly experienced panel.
With leaders spanning multiple disciplines, this jury sets the stage for higher benchmarks, smarter campaigns, and transformative creativity signaling a new era of excellence in the region.
