Scheduled to take place over three days from December 6 to December 8, 2027, at the King Abdullah Financial Center (KAFD) in Riyadh, the festival aims to gather top marketing officials, creative leaders, agencies, brands, and emerging talent from across the region and beyond.
The comprehensive programme will cover topics such as creative excellence, effectiveness, culture, and the future of the industry, providing a platform for Middle Eastern talents to influence the global creative dialogue through their ideas and storytelling techniques.
The Minister of Media, Yusuf bin Salman Al-Dhuhairy, highlighted the deep-rooted connection to creativity and storytelling in the culture of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, stating, “Today, we are building a new generation confidently upon this heritage, capable of shaping the future of this narrative.”
Al-Dhuhairy further noted that the festival is an opportunity to celebrate the unique creativity of the region, showcasing the talents and ideas that drive this innovation. He emphasised the Kingdom’s commitment to nurturing its most prominent creative voices and enabling them to play a vital role in the economy and culture, thereby enhancing their contribution to the growth of the creative economy in Saudi Arabia.
“Lions Riyadh Festival” is poised to support the growth of the Kingdom’s creative economy by attracting global talent and expertise, facilitating knowledge transfer, and opening new horizons for investment and partnerships in the future.
Additionally, the festival will serve as a platform to empower Saudi creators, connecting them with global networks and markets, enhancing national capacities, supporting the growth of local enterprises, and solidifying the sector’s contribution to economic diversification. This initiative aims to foster a competitive Saudi content production industry on a global scale.
According to Faisal bin Saud Al-Khamisi, Co-Chairman of the Tahaluf Company and Chairman of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity and Programming and Drones, since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom has swiftly established itself as a premier destination for hosting major international events.
He pointed to upcoming events like Formula 1 races and the 2034 FIFA World Cup as examples of Saudi Arabia’s readiness to host world-class gatherings, stating, “From major global sporting platforms to prominent business gatherings and notable entertainment events such as Riyadh Season, MDLBEAST, the LEAP conference, the Future Investment Initiative, and Expo 2030, the Kingdom has consistently demonstrated its capability to deliver high-calibre events.”
Al-Khamisi added, “The decision to launch the Lions Riyadh Festival represents another significant milestone in this journey, and we are proud at Tahaluf to contribute to establishing the Lions ecosystem in Riyadh, reflecting the Kingdom’s international significance and the exceptional creative potential of the Arab world.”
Philip Thomas, Chairman of Lions, commented, “The Middle East is entering a new creative era. From cinema and entertainment to design, gaming, and fashion, we are witnessing a surge of ambition and authenticity as creative sectors evolve rapidly, driven by a young, dynamic population and new talents and businesses.”
Thomas further noted, “Creativity and marketing play an increasingly important role in how countries, brands, and communities express themselves on the global stage. Lions has long served as a global platform for the best in creative thinking and marketing effectiveness.”
Through the Lions Riyadh Festival, attendees will gain access to global standards, insightful knowledge, and learning opportunities, connecting regional ambitions with global expertise and opportunities, thus supporting the next phase of branding, business growth, and a broader creative economy.
The “Lions Riyadh Festival” will complement a series of regional platforms that enhance connections between local communities and the global arena.
Lions remains the cornerstone of the Lions ecosystem, serving as the gathering place for the global industry and recognising the international standard of creative excellence.
In the Middle East, the “Lynx Dubai” platform is well-established as a regional awards platform, while the “Lions Riyadh Festival” is designed to complement both “Lions” and “Lynx Dubai” and North Africa by uniting talent, nurturing regional ideas, and connecting them with global networks and expertise.
Further details about the “Lions Riyadh Festival,” including the programme, participants, speakers, creative leaders, and brands, will be announced in the coming months.