LIONS Riyadh to Launch in 2027: Global Festival of Creativity and Marketing Effectiveness Chooses Saudi Arabia’s Capital
Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary announced the launch of LIONS Riyadh, creating a new regional destination within the global LIONS network specializing in creativity and marketing effectiveness. The move strengthens Riyadh’s presence on the international creative industries map and opens a new space for Saudi and Middle Eastern talent to connect with industry leaders from around the world.
According to the official announcement issued by the Saudi Press Agency today, Thursday, 17 September 2026, the festival will be held from 6 to 8 December 2027 at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh. It will be organized by Tahaluf in partnership with the Ministry of Media and the global LIONS network.
A Platform for Creativity and Marketing Effectiveness
LIONS Riyadh will focus on several areas that go beyond the traditional festival format, bringing together marketing executives, creative leaders, agencies, brands and emerging talent in a program exploring creative excellence, campaign effectiveness, culture and the future of the industry. This means the event aims to build practical connections between decision-makers and creatives, while also providing a space for ideas and storytelling originating from the region.
The choice of Riyadh is particularly significant given the rapid growth of the media, entertainment, advertising and creative industries sectors in Saudi Arabia. The festival will also give local talent the opportunity to engage with international expertise from within the LIONS ecosystem, which is globally known for its links to advertising, creativity and marketing.
Riyadh to Host a New Event from the LIONS Network
The Minister of Media said creativity and storytelling have deep roots in Saudi Arabia and Middle Eastern culture, noting that a new generation is building on this legacy with confidence, capability and ambition to help shape the future of the region’s creative narrative.
The announcement comes more than a year before the festival, giving organizers time to develop an international program and attract speakers, partners and participants. The initial announcement did not include final details on the guest list, awards or registration procedures, so these aspects remain subject to subsequent announcements by the organizers.
What Will the Festival Add to Saudi Arabia’s Creative Landscape?
Hosting an event carrying the LIONS brand in Riyadh could expand channels of access between the Saudi market and global creative networks, particularly in advertising, marketing, content creation and brand building. The event also aligns with the Kingdom’s drive to develop the creative economy, advance professional skills and raise the profile of local talent at international events and on global platforms.
Details of the program, including sessions, speakers and participation tracks, are expected to become clearer in the coming months. Until then, the announcement itself signals the continued expansion of Riyadh’s agenda of hosting specialized international events—not only in entertainment and sports, but also in the creative, media and marketing sectors.
Sources
Saudi Press Agency (SPA) — Minister of Media’s announcement of the launch of LIONS Riyadh, 17 September 2026.
Global LIONS network — General information about the LIONS ecosystem and the creativity and marketing sector.
