Julien Hawari

When creative becomes infinite, what is still worth paying for? Communicate AI 2026: The Age of Abundance brought industry leaders together to explore the future of AI, creativity, agencies and influence. Watch the highlights.

Can AI influencers build genuine connections? And how can brands use AI without compromising authenticity? Reem Matloub, Head of Creator Business Partnerships, MENA at @Snap Inc., shares her perspective at Communicate AI 2026. @Snapchat

As Meta localises its AI in Arabic, why should CMOs rethink their budgets—and where should marketers invest the time and judgement AI saves? Alain Mayni, Head of Industries – Middle East and Africa at @Meta, shares his perspective at Communicate AI 2026.

Are you being paid what you’re worth? We spent months finding out what agency roles actually pay across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Every department. Every level. Real numbers. The Communicate GCC Agency Salary Survey 2026 is coming soon. Stay tuned!

£200–250M a year. 30–40 departments. One media partner. The UK’s OmniGOV model shows how centralized media buying can unify messaging, improve transparency and create shared benchmarks for public spending. communicateonline.me/insight…

AI can cut time and cost. It can’t guarantee a great idea. AI Ads Gone Wrong puts AI-generated campaigns under the microscope — what failed, why, and what we can learn. 29 September | Dubai Knowledge Park Conference Centre Register: nordstella.me/upcoming-event…

Every brand has access to the same AI. So how do you create an edge? Anand explores the OODA Loop and PESTEL analysis to help CMOs turn AI from a commodity into competitive advantage. communicateonline.me/the-vie…

If AI can generate the work, where does the agency still earn its fee? Do You Still Need an Agency? A debate on strategy, creative judgment and the future of agency value at Communicate AI. 29 September | Dubai Knowledge Park Conference Centre Register: nordstella.me/upcoming-event…

Everyone has AI tools. Few have the taste to use them well. With 84% of GCC executives adopting AI but only 11% proving impact, Communicate AI 2026 asks: what’s worth paying for? @Ipsos @McKinsey @iabonline @WPP @ABG_GCC @iab communicateonline.me/focus/c…

The Gulf isn’t waiting for AI. But what happens next? What happens to agencies, influencers and brands? Communicate AI — The Age of Abundance 29 September 2026 | Dubai Register now: nordstella.me/upcoming-event…

AI is everywhere. Better questions aren't. Anand Vengurlekar argues your edge isn't what you know—it's what you ask. Every breakthrough starts with the right question. communicateonline.me/the-vie…

Everyone is talking about Agentic AI. Few are using it. @BCG finds that only 8% of CMOs are running marketing with autonomous AI agents. Read more: communicateonline.me/insight…

Data guides. Stories connect. Kerry Healy, CCO at @Accor, says the future of tourism marketing belongs to brands that balance precision with storytelling. Read more in Communicate. @Cannes_Lions communicateonline.me/focus/c…

Everyone at Cannes was talking about AI. Sir Martin Sorrell was already talking about what comes after it. His take on MENA's evolution, global uncertainty and the next wave of disruption is one marketers shouldn't miss. Watch the full interview: communicateonline.me/focus/c… @martinsorrell @MediaMonks @Cannes_Lions #canneslions2026

A 67-million-year-old fossil and a lesson in making science social. Ghadeer Khub, Director of Digital & Creative at Abu Dhabi Tourism, on why the future of marketing belongs to brands that think like creators and the campaigns that prove it. Stay tuned for more from #CannesLions2026 #CannesLions @VisitAbuDhabi @dctabudhabi @GhadeerKhub

"We have a wealth of talent that isn't just at par with the world — it's better in a lot of ways." Fizo Younis, Chief Creative Officer of @PublicisGroupe Middle East, reflects on a tough but inspiring year at @Cannes_Lions 2026 — from the jury room to the MENA region's growing presence on the global creative stage. #CannesLions2026

"I find it exciting when a traditional ad wins, because we love advertising. But what's really inspiring me is the amount of work I'm seeing that goes beyond a campaign." Jonathan Cruz, Group Creative Director at @FP7McCann, on what's shifting at Cannes Lions 2026 — and why the work that's moving him isn't built for a trophy. "Brands are adapting to the problems facing both the planet and people, and they're working to find meaningful, beautiful solutions to those challenges" More from @Cannes_Lions 2026 this week. #CannesLions2026