The organizers of the Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity have officially opened submissions for the Athar Awards 2026, introducing a restructured recognition framework and an expanded jury panel. Scheduled for November 25, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC, the fourth edition of the event invites brands, agencies, and government entities across Saudi Arabia to submit their work until September 4, 2026.
The Restructured Athar Awards 2026 Framework
Specifically, this year’s program utilizes an all-new cumulative points-based recognition system. Points will be allocated to officially credited brands, agencies, and production partners behind each winning entry. Consequently, the overall performance across all categories will determine the recipients of the Brand of the Year, Creative Team of the Year, and Production House of the Year titles. Furthermore, nine of the seventeen campaign categories now feature dedicated entry pathways for network and independent agencies.
Expanded Jury and Sports Campaign Category
Notably, the upcoming edition is supported by the largest jury panel in the event’s history, bringing together over 80 industry veterans. These members represent leading agencies, brands, and government entities across the regional creative landscape. In addition, the organizers have introduced the Best Sport Campaign category to recognize marketing efforts that support Saudi Vision 2030. As a result, this category aims to highlight campaigns that enhance the country’s global sporting profile as it prepares to host major international events, including the AFC Asian Cup and the FIFA World Cup 2034.
Leadership Perspectives on Creative Evolution
“As our industry evolves, we at Athar Festival challenge ourselves to evolve with it. That’s why, in true Athar spirit, we’ve recalibrated our approach to recognition itself. This year’s points-based system acknowledges the collaborative nature of creative excellence, while the expanded entry pathways recognise the increasing breadth of Saudi Arabia’s agency landscape.”
Ian Fairservice, Chairman of Athar Festival and Managing Partner of Motivate Media Group
“No great work is ever created in isolation. It is shaped by the moment in which it emerges, the people who help bring it to life, and the work against which it is measured. Over the past three years, we have had the privilege of witnessing this process first-hand.”
Mohamed Al Ayed, Vice Chairman of Athar Festival and CEO of TRACCS
Future Outlook for Saudi Creative Sectors
Moreover, the festival serves as a platform for leaders, decision-makers, and emerging talent to connect and share insights. By aligning with national development goals, the event continues to drive creative endeavors across the Kingdom’s growing sectors. In this context, the Athar Awards 2026 ceremony will celebrate these collaborative achievements, highlighting the deep pool of local talent.
From a practical standpoint, the Athar Awards 2026 platform will accept entries from various sectors, including digital marketing, social media campaigns, and public relations initiatives, until the September deadline. Interested participants can access eligibility criteria and submission details through the official festival portal.
