Shortlist announced for Effie Mena Awards 2013

Today, GMR formally announced the finalists in the Effie Mena Awards 2013. The final winners, drawn from every corner of the region, will be announced during the awards ceremony on November 20 in Dubai. There are 17 award categories and the shortlist is decided by a mix of votes and judged decisions. This year’s judging panel is made up of leading figures across the marketing industry.

The number of entries for the sell-out event has doubled from last year and builds on the 47 per cent increase registered in 2012. Wider geographical participation is also at its highest with the Netherlands, the UK and Singapore submitting entries for the first time. The UAE, however, leads, submitting 60 per cent of all entries followed by Saudi Arabia – which increased its participation from last year – Egypt and Lebanon. Qatar, Iraq, Tunisia and Oman also increased their participation.

“These awards, in their various incarnations from the original GEMAS in 2003 through to The Effie Mena Awards, are celebrating their tenth anniversary, so we’re delighted that it has also turned into a record-breaking occasion,” says Alexandre Hawari, co-CEO of organisers, Mediaquest Events and publisher of GMR. “We’re delighted not only to attract more such a large number of entries, but that they come from all across the Mena region and beyond. This is a testament to the credibility and prestige of the awards.”

The winners can go onto be cited in the Effie Effectiveness Index, which ranks the most effective agencies and advertisers points based on finalist and winner data from 40 worldwide Effie Award competitions.

The awards presentation ceremony takes place at Music Hall, Zabeel Saray Dubai, on November 20. Choueiri Group sponsors the after party. To view the complete Effie Mena Awards 2013 shortlist, visit www.effiemena.com.