Flagship forum The Effectiveness Edit spotlighted the impact of technology and AI on marketing performance

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – June 18, 2026: Effie Awards Saudi Arabia 2026, held under the theme “Pride of the Kingdom”, crowned winners across 26 categories, 12 industry categories and 14 specialty categories, marking a historic milestone of its first edition in celebrating the Kingdom’s marketing effectiveness. The winners were evaluated by a jury panel composed of 100+ leading professionals that recognised campaigns for demonstrating strategic excellence, creative innovation and measurable business impact.

The sector continues to grow strongly, with Saudi Arabia’s marketing and advertising agency market size projected to reach USD 4.13 billion by 2031, driven by a 5.3% CAGR. The market report also highlighted digital advertising accounting for more than 60% of total agency revenue, reflecting a strong shift toward performance-led, data-driven marketing across the Kingdom.

This growing momentum was reflected on the ground at the event, which brought together the industry at scale. Several marketing professionals, brand leaders, agency executives and industry stakeholders attended the event, celebrating the campaigns and organisations delivering tangible business results through effective marketing.

On the same day, the event’s flagship forum –The Effectiveness Edit, spotlighted discussions on the impact of technology and AI on marketing performance, changing consumer behaviour, the role of creativity and culture in driving growth, and the challenge of balancing short-term results with longterm brand building. The programme brought together senior leaders from across the Kingdom’s public and private sectors, featuring speakers from Google, Kantar, Accenture, Saudi Tourism Authority, Samsung Electronics Saudi Arabia, King Salman International Airport, Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation, Saudi Ceramics, Anghami+, Al Othaim Entertainment, L’azurde, EVIQ, Gathern, Herfy Food Services, and more.

Winners of the first Effie Awards Saudi Arabia

During the awards celebration, the Gold winners stole the spotlight with their innovative storytelling and groundbreaking approaches. Winning brands included Balady+, Tourism Development Fund, Barq, Sakan Foundation, Sayyar, MDLBEAST and more.

The evening’s highest honor, the prestigious Grand Prix award, was presented to Sayyar for “Time To Speak Up For Manhood” recognizing the campaign that best demonstrated exceptional marketing effectiveness and business impact.

The Silver awardees proved that effective marketing thrives on a balance of bold ideas and sharp focus. The awardees included brands such as Mobily, Sensodyne, Doritos, Mentos Gum, KUDU, Holsten Brewery, making their mark with brilliant ideas and campaigns that delivered measurable results.

The Bronze honorees resonated deeply with audiences and left a lasting impression through effective execution and meaningful impact. Winning brands included Lay’s, IKEA, and many more.

The evening also celebrated outstanding organizational achievement through the programme’s Special Awards.

The Most Effective Advertising Agency Office of the Year – Saudi Arabia award was given to Habbar, recognizing a body of work that consistently delivered exceptional effectiveness across multiple campaigns.

The Most Effective Media Agency Office of the Year – Saudi Arabia was awarded to OMD UAE, honouring excellence in media strategy, planning, and execution.

The Most Effective Agency Network of the Year – Saudi Arabia was awarded to Foaj Group, recognizing sustained performance and effectiveness across the network’s portfolio of work.

The Most Effective Brand of the Year – Saudi Arabia was awarded to Mobily, celebrating a brand that demonstrated exceptional commitment to effective marketing and business success.

Commenting on the occasion, Sahar Rafique, Managing Director of NordStella, said: “Saudi Arabia is home to some of the most ambitious brands, marketers, and creative talent in the world. Through Effie Awards Saudi Arabia, we are proud to create a platform that celebrates not only creativity, but the effectiveness and business impact behind it. The winners recognized represent the very best of what our industry can achieve when bold thinking is matched with strategic excellence. As we celebrate this inaugural edition, we also celebrate the remarkable momentum of the Kingdom and the future that lies ahead.”

The inaugural edition was made possible through the support of a valued network of partners committed to advancing marketing effectiveness and industry excellence across the Kingdom. Effie Awards Saudi Arabia proudly recognised YouTube, Max, Holsten, Spike Media, Akama Holding, and Million as its Effieciate Partners, supporting the platform’s mission to celebrate ideas that drive measurable impact. The event was further supported by Sherpa Communications as PR Partner, Taf3ol KSA Business as Emerging Digital Media Partner, and Communicate as Media Partner.

Organized by NordStella, Effie Awards Saudi Arabia celebrates the transformative impact of effective marketing and aims to establish a lasting platform that recognizes and inspires marketing excellence in the Kingdom, for years to come.

For more details on the winning campaigns and the full list of winners, visit: https://effiesaudi.com/winners/