Dubai Lynx announced today that the Festival of Creativity will no longer take place in September 2020 as planned. The next Festival will now be held from 7-10 March 2021.
In a statement it said: “The impact of Coronavirus continues to be felt both globally and across the MENA region. Health and economic concerns are now determining the priorities of societies and businesses across the world. Our customers and partners in the MENA creative marketing and media industries are facing unparalleled challenges and the need to protect companies and people, and to support consumers, is their priority during this challenging time.
“Our difficult decision follows in-depth consultations with our partners and customers in response to the unprecedented global situation. We therefore felt it important to remove uncertainty and provide clarity to our community around the running of the Dubai Lynx Awards and Festival.”
Ian Fairservice, Vice Chairman of Dubai Lynx, commented: “During this global crisis, we want to support our customers and partners and respond to the needs of the wider marketing and creative industries across the region. Dubai Lynx will continue to bring the MENA creative community together and provide inspiration, as we look towards celebrating and honouring creativity at the Festival in 2021.”
Philip Thomas, Chairman of Cannes Lions and Dubai Lynx, added: “As the world manages the impact of COVID-19, the MENA marketing and creative industries are facing immense challenges, alongside the global creative community. We are announcing this move today to give our customers and partners in the region clear guidance and remove speculation about the Festival this year. We look forward to honouring creative work in 2021, when the world is hopefully more secure.”
Dubai Lynx said: “No Lynx awards will be judged in 2020. If you have any questions about work already entered, or other queries about the awards, please get in touch at: awards@dubailynx.com.
“All passes and tickets, for the Festival and Awards, will be transferred to the next Festival, which takes place from 7-10 March 2021. For all delegates enquiries, please contact: registration@dubailynx.com.“