Motivate Media Group and TRACCS has unveiled a four-day programme and an exceptional line-up of speakers for Athar – Saudi Festival of Creativity that will take place November 13-16, 2023, at the Hotel Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC.

The announcement was made in the presence of key representatives from Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA), a strategic partner, and MBC Media Solutions (MMS), a co-partner of the festival, which promises to be a groundbreaking event that celebrates and nurtures creativity in the kingdom.

The speakers will deliver insights themed under technology as a creative driver; strategies that help grow brands; inspiration and idea generation; work culture and talent; bringing a positive change to society; and Saudi Arabia – a thriving market for the creative community.

More than 100 national and global industry strategists, innovators, and experts will attend the festival that will host about 1,500 delegates from across the globe, including participation from some of Saudi’s top companies such as Saudi Tourism Authority, Red Sea Global, STC, Saudi Aramco, Saudia, HungerStation amongst others.

Athar Festival will feature 12 academies for young professionals, along with CMOs and the Maheerah Women’s Programme which is open to 10 high-potential women in the creative marcomms industry.

The festival will culminate with the Athar Awards Gala Dinner featuring Legacy Awards of the Decade and Special Awards, which will be presented to the agency, network, brand, creative leader, and marketer of the decade among others.

The awards will also feature the winners of the 24-hour hack competition, a part of the young talent academies.

Amjad Shacker, Acting CEO of SCEGA said: “Creativity and innovation are at the core of Saudi Vision 2030, and as part of our ambition and role as a facilitator of global business collaboration and partnerships, it is our responsibility to attract and support new and high potential industries.

“As a strategic partner of Athar Festival, the first and largest of its kind in the country, we are realising our goal of truly attracting high calibre international events.”

Ian Fairservice, Chairman of Athar Festival and Managing Partner & Group Editor-in-Chief of Motivate Media Group, said: “Athar Festival will be the largest gathering of the creative marketing industry ever staged in the Kingdom. Our main objectives are aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, focusing on enriching the local innovation, advertising, and creative ecosystem."

The kingdom’s Crown Prince, Mohamed Al Ayed, Vice Chairman of Athar Festival and CEO of TRACCS said: “Athar Festival is a unique platform where imagination will flourish, industry aspirations will be renewed, and new collaborations will be forged, creating infinite possibilities for Saudi Arabia and its people. I am positive that Athar Festival will leave a lasting mark on the Saudi landscape.”

Ahmed Al-Sahhaf, CEO of MBC Media Solutions (MMS), added, “Athar Festival allows us to showcase our creative solutions and connect with creative individuals and make a difference. Being a part of Athar Festival is not only an exciting experience but also a testament to our commitment at MMS to push innovation and growth." – TradeArabia News Service