RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, September 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Tahaluf, collaborating with LIONS and the Ministry of Media, has unveiled the introduction of LIONS Riyadh, a unique regional Festival under the LIONS umbrella, which serves as the worldwide hub for creative marketing effectiveness.
Scheduled for 6-8 December 2027 at KAFD in Riyadh, this three-day gathering will unite regional and international CMOs, creative visionaries, agencies, brands, and up-and-coming talent. With a focus on creative excellence, effectiveness, culture, and the industry’s future, the agenda aims to provide Middle Eastern talent, ideas, and narratives a stage to shape the global creative dialogue.
His Excellency Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossary, Minister of Media, stated: “Creativity and storytelling are deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia and across Middle Eastern traditions. Today, a fresh wave of innovators is building on this legacy with the confidence, skill, and ambition to shape its next chapter. LIONS Riyadh mirrors the advancement of our creative sectors and Saudi Arabia’s dedication to fostering the talent and concepts behind them.
This represents a chance to highlight what sets our region’s creativity apart, bolster its impact on our economy and culture, and allow our creative voices to take on a more significant role ahead. LIONS Riyadh also fuels the expansion of Saudi Arabia’s creative economy by drawing global expertise and talent, facilitating knowledge exchange, building national skills, and opening new pathways for investment, partnerships, and quality job creation. The festival will empower Saudi creatives and link them with international networks and markets, aiding in localising creative industries, accelerating local business growth, and enhancing the sector’s role in economic diversification and globally competitive Saudi content—further solidifying Riyadh’s status as a creative hub and a global centre where decisions are forged and opportunities arise.”
Faisal Al-Khamisi, Co-Chairman of the Board, Tahaluf & Chairman, Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), commented: “Since Vision 2030 was launched, Saudi Arabia has quickly positioned itself as a premier destination for major global events. From top-tier international sports like Formula 1 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, to landmark entertainment ventures such as Riyadh Season and MDLBEAST, and significant business and governmental gatherings like Expo 2030, LEAP, and FII, the Kingdom has consistently proven its capacity to host the world, and introducing LIONS Riyadh marks another key achievement in that path. It underscores both Saudi Arabia’s growing global relevance and the immense creative promise of the broader Arab region. We take great pride in Tahaluf’s role in bringing this iconic global brand to Riyadh.”
Philip Thomas, Chair, LIONS, added: "The Middle East is entering an exciting new phase of creative growth. Across film, fashion, gaming, design, entertainment, and brand storytelling, we’re witnessing a wave of ambition and innovation fueled by a youthful, rapidly expanding population. Creative fields are growing swiftly, with new platforms, talent, and businesses emerging at a fast clip—and creativity and marketing are playing an ever more vital role in how countries, brands, and communities present themselves globally.
"LIONS has consistently served as a worldwide platform for top-tier creative thinking and marketing effectiveness. With LIONS Riyadh, we’re offering access to global standards, insights, and education, while linking regional talent and drive with international experience and prospects—supporting the next wave of growth for brands, businesses, and the broader creative economy."
LIONS Riyadh is part of a collection of regional initiatives designed to complement Cannes Lions by expanding access to LIONS’ expertise year-round, while fostering stronger ties between local communities and the global arena. Cannes Lions will continue to serve as the core of the LIONS ecosystem: the venue where the global industry unites and the worldwide standard for creative excellence is honoured. In the Middle East, Dubai Lynx remains MENA's established awards platform and creative reference point. LIONS Riyadh is intended to complement both by bringing together the wider marketing community in Saudi Arabia, cultivating talent, and linking regional ideas with global networks and know-how.
Additional information on LIONS Riyadh, including the programme, speakers, and participating brands and creative leaders, will be revealed in the near future.
About LIONS Riyadh
LIONS Riyadh is a fresh initiative for the region’s creative and marketing community, uniting brands, marketers, agencies, media, tech firms, creators, and creative professionals from across the Middle East and around the world.
As part of the global LIONS family, LIONS Riyadh promotes creative excellence and the impact of creativity on business success. The debut festival is set for KAFD, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 6-8 December 2027, organised in partnership with Tahaluf, Saudi Arabia’s premier business events company, and the Ministry of Media.
For further details, visit: https://lionsriyadh.com/
LinkedIn: @lions-riyadh
Facebook: @LionsRiyadh
YouTube: @LionsRiyadh
Instagram: @lions_riyadh
X: @lions_riyadh
TikTok: @lions_riyadh
About Tahaluf
Based in Riyadh, Tahaluf connects strategically important commercial sectors from Saudi Arabia, the wider Gulf, and internationally through a portfolio of top-tier exhibitions and digital platforms.
Tahaluf is a joint venture among Informa PLC, the world’s largest trade show organiser; the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP); and the Events Investment Fund (EIF).
Tahaluf is responsible for major events such as LEAP, DeepFest, Cityscape Global, LEAP East, Money20/20 Middle East, Black Hat MEA, Kingdom of Gaming, Global Health Exhibition, and CPHI Middle East.
For more information, visit: https://tahaluf.com/
Press & Media Inquiries:
Jessica Homan, Tahaluf
jessica.homan@informa.com
Jess Homan
Tahaluf
+966 54 515 6691
jessica.homan@informa.com
