Riyadh — Saudi Arabia
Saudi Minister of Information Salman bin Youssef Al-Dossary announced the launch of the “Riyadh Lions Festival”, the first specialized regional platform within the global “Lions” system for creative marketing effectiveness, to launch its activities on December 6, 2027 at the King Abdullah Financial Center “CAFED” in Riyadh.

A tripartite alliance reflects global trust

The festival is organized by Tahaluf, in partnership with the Ministry of Information and the global Lions system, to bring together senior marketing officials, creative leaders, agencies, brands, and emerging talents from the region and the world over three days.

A Saudi vision to empower regional talent

The Minister of Information said, “Creativity and storytelling have strong roots in the Kingdom and in the culture of the Middle East, and today a new generation is building on this legacy with confidence, ability and ambition,” adding that the festival “embodies the progress witnessed by our creative industries, and represents an opportunity to celebrate what distinguishes our region’s creativity and enhance its contribution to our economy and culture.”

A new station in Riyadh’s international journey
Faisal bin Saud Al Khamisi, Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tahaluf, said: “Since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom has quickly established its position as one of the most prominent global destinations for hosting major international events,” noting that “Lions’ decision to launch the festival in Riyadh “reflects the growing international importance of the Kingdom and the exceptional creative potential of the Arab world.”

A new creative era for the Middle East

For his part, Philip Thomas, Chairman of Lions, said: “The Middle East is entering a remarkable new creative era. From cinema, fashion, gaming, design and entertainment to brand storytelling, we are witnessing a wave of ambition and authenticity led by a rapidly growing young demographic.”

A qualitative economic opportunity for Arab tourists and investors
“Lions Riyadh” represents a qualitative economic opportunity for those working in the marketing, media and entertainment sectors in the Arab region, as it opens the door for agencies and creatives to access global networks and new professional standards, and creates paths for partnerships and investment in the creative economy. As for the Arab tourist interested in content creation and marketing, the event gives him the opportunity to attend an international gathering that brings together the elite of the sector in the Saudi capital. The festival strengthens Riyadh's position as a regional destination for creative events, complementing Cannes Lions and Dubai Lynx in drawing the map of creativity in the region.