By Rafiq Vayani
RIYADH: 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.
