Submissions for the nine available categories have been sent from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Leading media and advertising agencies, including JWT, Initiative, MediaCom, Optimedia, Starcom, TBWA/Raad, UM7 and Zenithmedia have put in entries. Online agencies, radio and television broadcasters have also entered.
Outdoor company Hills Advertising has signed on as headline sponsor of the awards, the winners of which will be announced during a gala dinner on 28 November.
The two most popular categories entered were best media plan and best media innovation. The first round of judging, which will establish the shortlist, will take place in Dubai this week, followed by a final round in early November at which the winners will be decided.
David Spencer, CEO at Istithmar Leisure and former marketing and brand director at property giant Nakheel, is chairman of the judges.
The rest of the judging panel will be made up of senior media agency representatives and marketing professionals.
