The Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity and Publicis Groupe Middle East are celebrating the fourth year of the Young Lynx Academies, with the programme returning in 2026 for two regional editions.
The academies will take place in Dubai (30–31 March) and Riyadh (20–21 April), each hosting 20 emerging creative professionals from across MENA. The initiative blends mentorship, hands-on workshops, and an intensive 24-hour hack designed to test strategic thinking, collaboration, and creative execution under pressure.
Phil Thomas, Chairman of Dubai Lynx, emphasized the Academy’s mission to empower the next generation of regional talent, highlighting Publicis Groupe Middle East’s instrumental role in shaping a platform where young creatives can connect, learn, and refine critical industry skills.
Vice Chairman Ian Fairservice noted the success of the inaugural Riyadh edition in 2025 and welcomed its return, positioning the Academy as a catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving creative economy.
For Bassel Kakish, CEO of Publicis Groupe Middle East & Turkey, the long-term partnership reflects a belief that while technology accelerates change, human judgment and leadership remain the industry’s true differentiators.
Bottom line: As AI reshapes marketing, MENA’s creative leaders are doubling down on nurturing human talent building future-ready professionals, not just future-facing campaigns.
