ArabAd

ArabAd Your go-to source about MENA’s ad land Launched in 1986, ArabAd is the first and oldest advertising and communications magazine catering to the MENA region.

Distinguished in its coverage of advertising, marketing, branding and everything in-between, ArabAd maintains a watchful eye on the pulse of this industry to bring the latest and greatest from the communication world.

Tarek Atrissi’s Type WorldArabAd caught up with acclaimed Lebanese designer Tarek Atrissi while he was in Beirut teachin...
19/06/2025

Tarek Atrissi’s Type World

ArabAd caught up with acclaimed Lebanese designer Tarek Atrissi while he was in Beirut teaching at AUB during one of Lebanon’s most turbulent semesters (Q4 2024)-overshadowed by war—yet illuminated by student resilience.

Marking 25 years of shaping visual culture, Atrissi reflects on his creative journey at the intersection of Arabic typography and cross-cultural design.

From his early Ruqʿah-inspired fonts to identity systems for global names like Apple, Saudia, UNESCO and the Islamic Arts Biennale, Atrissi’s career has been a consistent statement that Arabic identity deserves both nuance and bold visibility.
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Read the full interview on arabadonline.com
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Almaza did it!!This is how it all started…On May 1, on ALMAZA social media channels, a first teaser that read in Arabic ...
11/05/2025

Almaza did it!!

This is how it all started…
On May 1, on ALMAZA social media channels, a first teaser that read in Arabic something like “the talk of the town”.

Then another visual with a look and feel that hinted at something fresh and unexpected. Almaza dropped the R — and dared you to decode.

The background, the bottle, the subtle “osé” (dare in French) — it was all a wink. Is it a bold new flavor? A rosé-inspired beer? A mood? Almaza kept crisp tease for the curious for a while then the drop.

The Lebanese beer brand surprised us with a fresh new Rosé—but the visual trick is what caught our eye.
A smart, cheeky play on words that blends flavor and attitude.

And Yes it is a rosé.. but it was also a statement timed for the municipalities’ elections.

This new drop invites consumers to shake things up. Almaza did dare indeed.. and the rosé is out !

Big things take time. Great things take a little longer.ArabAd Lebanon special is finally out!This is not another issue;...
01/05/2025

Big things take time. Great things take a little longer.
ArabAd Lebanon special is finally out!

This is not another issue; this one is a statement.

The massive challenges of past years, including a devastating economic collapse and the surreal two-month war in Q4 2024 could have brought the Lebanese creative industry to its knees. Instead, they forced a reinvention. Agencies adapted, expanded, and rediscovered their purpose.

With the election of Joseph Aoun as our new president on January 6, a renewed sense of hope is sweeping across the country.

Yes, there’s a palpable shift in the air and it feels invigorating!

The cover by t encapsulates this sentiment with the word ‘Ihyaa’(إِحياءْ), which in Arabic translates to resurgence or revival. This is the spirit that is woven into every story within this issue.

Advertising spend is up, creative energy is being reignited, and a fresh momentum is propelling agencies forward.

These pages echo a simple truth: Lebanon’s ad scene is more than an industry—it’s a symbol of defiance, determination, and hope.

And this is more than another special issue; it’s a celebration of the heartbeats of Lebanon’s advertising landscape, a call to keep the flame alive, and an invitation to continue dreaming, building, and inspiring... Happy Labor Day and happy reading!

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#إحياء

ArabAd couldn't resist diving into the AI artistry trend, showcasing our top picks from the local ad industry, while inc...
11/04/2025

ArabAd couldn't resist diving into the AI artistry trend, showcasing our top picks from the local ad industry, while including ourselves too.

The Ghibli-style and Action Figure AI trends have taken over the social sphere, each drawing attention for their unique rendering.

It all started when engineer Grant Slatton shared a Ghibli-style image of his family on X, and it went viral, garnering around 45 million views.

On the other hand, the Action Figure AI trend, born from meme culture, used AI to craft exaggerated, humorous portrayals of stereotypical characters.

Brands & advertising agencies wasted no time adopting these styles, using them to tap into nostalgia and humor for fun… or for personal branding.

Keep pushing the boundaries of creativity and keep sharing the good stuff.

One more thing though, ethics must be the golden rule in anything AI-related.

ArabAd couldn't resist diving into the AI artistry trend, showcasing our top picks from the local ad industry, while inc...
11/04/2025

ArabAd couldn't resist diving into the AI artistry trend, showcasing our top picks from the local ad industry, while including ourselves too.

The Ghibli-style and Action Figure AI trends have taken over the social sphere, each drawing attention for their unique rendering.

It all started when engineer Grant Slatton shared a Ghibli-style image of his family on X, and it went viral, garnering around 45 million views.

On the other hand, the Doll Starter Pack trend, born from meme culture, used AI to craft exaggerated, humorous portrayals of stereotypical characters.

Brands & advertising agencies wasted no time adopting these styles, using them to tap into nostalgia and humor for fun… or for personal branding.

Keep pushing the boundaries of creativity and keep sharing the good stuff.

One more thing though, ethics must be the golden rule in anything AI-related.

ArabAd finds the hijacking of Canada’s national symbol by brands an interesting and inspiring move.On April 2, 2025—the ...
08/04/2025

ArabAd finds the hijacking of Canada’s national symbol by brands an interesting and inspiring move.

On April 2, 2025—the day new U.S. import tariffs took effect—nearly 50 Canadian brands transformed their signature products into the shape of the iconic maple leaf, echoing the national flag.

Initiated by PIGEON agency, the campaign is a visual show of support for local industry in uncertain economic times.

Each brand shared its own maple-leaf creation across social and local media, using AI to amplify the message: Buy Canadian.

ArabAd finds the hijacking of Canada’s national symbol by brands an interesting and inspiring move.On April 2, 2025—the ...
08/04/2025

ArabAd finds the hijacking of Canada’s national symbol by brands an interesting and inspiring move.

On April 2, 2025—the day new U.S. import tariffs took effect—nearly 50 Canadian brands transformed their signature products into the shape of the iconic maple leaf, echoing the national flag. Initiated by Pigeon Brands, the campaign is a visual show of support for local industry in uncertain economic times.

Each brand shared its own maple-leaf creation across social and local media, using AI to amplify the message: Buy Canadian.

“Whatever your idea is about ideas, this book will change it”John Hunt, former Global Creative Chair at TBWA, has never ...
07/04/2025

“Whatever your idea is about ideas, this book will change it”

John Hunt, former Global Creative Chair at TBWA, has never just followed the rules—he’s rewritten them. From co-founding Hunt Lascaris in 1983 to crafting game-changing campaigns, his legacy is one of creativity and global impact.

As Seth Godin puts it: “ Every single page of this book has a magical insight, a thoughtful idea or a mind-blowing gust of pure vision.”

At ArabAd, 'The Art of the Idea' holds a prime spot on our bookshelf, and if you’re in the business of ideas, we think it should be on yours too.

BIG like to this outdoor ad showing cats making their way up to the pack of treat by pet food brand Dreamies.Smart move ...
30/03/2025

BIG like to this outdoor ad showing cats making their way up to the pack of treat by pet food brand Dreamies.
Smart move to say the least!

Cats are all crafted from hand-painted fiberglass with felines designed using 3D renders inspired by real-life cat behaviors.

Each year, creatives and agencies face the challenge of reinventing Mother’s Day campaigns—trying to balance originality...
22/03/2025

Each year, creatives and agencies face the challenge of reinventing Mother’s Day campaigns—trying to balance originality, brand relevance, and emotional impact.

While many fall into clichés, a few stand out with fresh executions.

This year ArabAd likes:
agency
by .me
by .agency




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AI-generated campaigns are quickly becoming a major trend in the Middle East, pushing creative boundaries and reshaping ...
16/03/2025

AI-generated campaigns are quickly becoming a major trend in the Middle East, pushing creative boundaries and reshaping the advertising landscape.

While these films are undeniably impressive and innovative, they raise important questions about AI’s ability to deliver truly authentic, human-centered advertising experiences.

Are these AI-driven creations really redefining the industry or just offering a glimpse of what's to come?

Here are four examples that are leading the charge:

🟥 Qatar Airways' 'AI Adventure': Developed by McCann Worldgroup, this campaign uses AI to create a personalized journey, making viewers the protagonist of their own love story—tailored to every detail of their preferences.

🟥 Volvo’s AI-Driven brand film for Saudi Arabia: In partnership with LION (the creative arm of Fast Ventures), Volvo’s film uses AI to craft a cultural narrative that speaks to Saudi values—without featuring the cars typically showcased in automotive ads.

🟥 ‘Life in a Day: Redux’: This AI-generated film offers a fresh approach to Dubai, capturing the city’s vibrant culture and hidden beauty in ways never seen before.

🟥 e& UAE's AI-Crafted Film for Neo Home Experience:
Created by Big Kahuna Films and Saatchi & Saatchi UAE, this film combines AI, CGI, and live-action to present a visionary glimpse into the future of home entertainment.

🟥 ‘Alive in Al Ain’: This campaign highlights the timeless charm of Abu Dhabi’s largest oasis, Al Ain, using stunning visuals and a rich storytelling approach that capture the essence of this natural beauty.

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From housewives to heroines—advertising has long shaped how women are seen. This , we look back at some vintage Lebanes...
07/03/2025

From housewives to heroines—advertising has long shaped how women are seen.

This , we look back at some vintage Lebanese ads from the archives that once objectified women or confined them to domestic roles.

How far have we come, and how much further do we need to go?

1- Marburg wallpapers, ad from the 60s.
2- Lou Lingerie, 1961.
3- Kolynos oral care, was popular in the 30s and 40s. The company was acquired by Colgate-Palmolive in the mid 90s.
4- Volvo, 1970. Car ads during that time were caracterized by weak designs due to the stagnant economy of the time and the rising price of fuel. This era used to be called 'The Automotive Dark Ages'.
5- Spinneys in the 70s.
6- Hillman Hunter / Rootes car ad from the 60s.
7- Scholl ad from the 60s.

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