04 February 2026, Dubai-UAE: HAVAS Red Middle East today announced that its CEO, Dana Tahir, has been named Jury President for PR Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, marking a historic first as the first Arab woman from the MENA region to serve as Jury President in the festival’s history.

Dana’s appointment reflects the growing influence of perspectives shaped in the Middle East on the global creative and communications landscape. It signals the increasing presence of voices from the region at the highest levels of industry leadership, and the role MENA continues to play in shaping conversations around creativity, culture, and reputation worldwide.

Commenting on the announcement, Dana Tahir said, “This is a meaningful moment, both personally and for the wider industry. It’s encouraging to see perspectives shaped in the MENA region increasingly contributing to global conversations around creativity, culture, and impact. The region has long been rich in talent and ideas, and it’s rewarding to see that reflected on an international stage. I look forward to working with an exceptional jury to recognise PR work that pushes boundaries, shapes reputation, and sets new standards for meaningful creative impact.”

Dany Naaman, CEO, HAVAS Middle East, added, “Dana’s selection as Jury President is a landmark moment for the PR industry in the Middle East. It speaks to the strength of leadership emerging from the region and the growing role it plays in shaping global industry standards. We are incredibly proud of Dana and what this moment represents.”

From a global perspective, James Wright, Global CEO, HAVAS Red and Chairman of HAVAS PR Network, commented, “Dana’s selection reflects the growing importance of leaders who can navigate culture, creativity, and impact with equal fluency. Shaped by her experience in the MENA region, her perspective is both grounded and globally relevant.  Having worked with Dana closely over the years I know her keen eye for a breakthrough idea centred in earned that is then brilliantly executed and activated means we will see the best of the best work rise to the top in the PR Lions. It’s a proud moment for HAVAS Red and our global HAVAS PR network.”

Dana Tahir’s appointment underscores the Middle East’s growing impact on the global creative economy and reflects the increasing visibility of regional leadership on the world stage.