MEPRA marks 25th anniversary as entries open for 2026 awards in Dubai

The Middle East Public Relations Association has officially opened submissions for the 2026 MEPRA Awards, marking a milestone year as the association celebrates 25 years of advancing the public relations and communications industry across the Middle East.

Widely regarded as a benchmark for excellence in the sector, the MEPRA Awards will culminate in a high-profile ceremony in Dubai on November 26, 2026. The event is expected to attract more than 600 industry professionals, including leading agencies, in-house teams, and communication experts from across the region.

To commemorate its silver jubilee, Middle East Public Relations Association has introduced several enhancements aimed at strengthening the credibility and impact of the awards programme. These include a more rigorous judging process, with over 100 senior industry professionals forming a diverse jury panel, alongside independent adjudicators to ensure fairness and transparency.

The evaluation framework has also been refined, with updated criteria designed to encourage more strategic, results-driven submissions. Judges will follow a structured scoring system aligned with the new standards, reinforcing consistency across categories.

In addition, a newly designed trophy has been unveiled to symbolise the evolution of the awards and the future direction of the regional communications industry.

Justin Kerr-Stevens, Chairman of Middle East Public Relations Association, said the milestone reflects both the growth of the industry and the association’s long-term vision. “The MEPRA Awards have consistently recognised the individuals, teams, and campaigns shaping the region’s communications landscape. As we celebrate 25 years, these enhancements strengthen the integrity, transparency, and prestige of the awards while reflecting our ambition for the future,” he said.

Entries are open to a wide range of participants, including students, freelancers, agencies, and in-house teams. Submissions will be assessed across multiple categories covering campaigns, sectors, and individual excellence.

The association also acknowledged the continued support of its partners, including Diamond Partner Memac Ogilvy, Gold Partner Weber Shandwick, Silver Partner Bayer Middle East, Category Partner Telum Media, and supporting partners First & Ten Productions, Burson, and Matrix Public Relations.

The 2026 edition is set to reinforce Dubai’s position as a regional hub for communications excellence while celebrating innovation and leadership within the industry.