UAE’s AlShehhi named first government sector juror in Cannes Lions history

The UAE is making headlines at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

Khaled AlShehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communication at the UAE Government Media Office, has been named as the first-ever government sector representative to join the jury of this prestigious festival, which was established 72 years ago.

He will serve on the jury for the prestigious PR Lions category — a move that highlights the UAE’s growing influence in global marketing and communications.

The UAE Government Media Office has earned over 220 international awards, including several Cannes Lions, and ranks 4th globally for marketing effectiveness in the Effie Index.

AlShehhi himself has received numerous industry honours, including Advertising Person of the Year at Dubai Lynx 2023 and the Loeries Marketing Leadership Award 2023 — the first for a Middle Eastern leader in the award’s 45-year history.

He also plays a key role in shaping the region’s communications landscape, serving on the board of the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) MENA and is a member of the Strategic Council of the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA).

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has announced the selection of Khaled AlShehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communication at the UAE Government Media Office, as the first government sector representative worldwide to join the jury of this prestigious… pic.twitter.com/zr3lMRiXni

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 21, 2025