SRMG Cannes Supplement - 2023

SRMG BEACH BRINGS THE BEST OF MENA TO CANNES.

Talking Media Tech Film Music & MENA

BACK TO THE CROISETTE

We are excited to be back in Cannes this year with a bigger and better presence at the SRMG Beach Experience. Get ready for a week filled with inspiration, innovation, and thought-provoking programming that will bring together the leading heads of business and innovators in the industry.

The SRMG Beach Experience has an exceptional line-up planned, featuring captivating panels, insightful talks, engaging workshops, live performances from talented established and up-and-coming artists, and immersive experiences designed to ignite the creativity of our visitors.

We eagerly look forward to being inspired by global innovators, industry leaders, emerging talent, and our esteemed peers. We are excited to witness the incredible creativity and discover who will take home the revered Cannes Lions awards.

Throughout this journey, we will discuss the transformation taking place across the media, creative and tech industries and spark meaningful conversations about the latest trends and innovations and their pivotal role in the future. And that’s not all - we have a few surprises up our sleeves, so stay tuned for what promises to be one of the most thrilling and inspiring weeks of the year for the media and creative industry.

Let the SRMG Beach Experience at Cannes Lions 2023 ignite your imagination and propel us all towards a future of boundless innovation and creativity.

“SEEING CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION IN ACTION”

We sit down with Jomana R. Al-Rashid, CEO of SRMG

SRMG ARE BACK AT CANNES LIONS FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING. WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO AT THE FESTIVAL THIS YEAR?

Cannes Lions is always an event to look forward to. It’s a unique moment where industry leaders all gather in one place to discuss ideas, innovations and industry issues. The industry is constantly evolving to adapt to new technologies, policy and regulatory changes, and audience habits. This year alone, we have seen seismic shifts in how established media organisations are structured; dramatic fall outs from changes in social platforms’ algorithms; the continuing rise of the creator economy; and a potentially emerging revolution in content generation through the growth of AI. Given the increasing velocity of change, it is integral that the industry comes together to discuss our experiences, explore new opportunities and strengthen partnerships. The industry has never been so dynamic.

For SRMG, Cannes is also an opportunity for us to champion talent, technology and creativity from the MENA region on a world stage. We are proud to be here, showcasing the creativity and innovation that the region has to offer and highlighting the opportunity in this market. The MENA region is increasingly defined by a young, digitally connected demographic with an insatiable hunger for both international and local content and new platforms. As the leading integrated media group from the MENA region, it is our responsibility to bring these audiences the content they deserve and to maintain a spotlight on the region.

SRMG has so much to celebrate and we are excited to do so in the company of other industry leaders. In this last year alone, we have revamped some of our most iconic brands and launched new media brands; we have launched a dedicated venture capital business to support media innovation in the region; and we have launched the SRMG Academy – a training initiative designed to elevate media and journalism in the region. With our expertise in cultivating a new generation of media professionals, we possess the knowledge and experience to help shape the future of media. We are looking forward to showcasing and discussing our visionary ideas on a global stage.

WHAT THEMES DO YOU THINK WILL BE HOT TOPICS THIS YEAR?

The rapid evolution and impact of AI on the global media industry will of course be a key topic of conversation. There are so many questions around AI – how do we embrace the opportunities provided by AI whilst maintaining human integrity and control? How will the adoption of AI create and change jobs within our industry? What impact will it have on media business models? “Cracking the creativity algorithm – the world of generative AI” is one of SRMG’s panels, and undoubtedly will be one of many opportunities during Cannes to discuss the media industry’s adoption of AI. We also expect to see discussions on how to command attention from audiences in an ever-diversifying media landscape. Younger audiences have grown up in a multi-platform, multi-medium environment – so how can media organisations create cut-through and build brand loyalty which is key to business sustainability? At SRMG, we are investing heavily in technological and creative innovation in order to drive and maintain youth engagement across our media titles, and we look forward to sharing our experiences and knowledge with the wider industry.

TELL US ABOUT THE SRMG BEACH EXPERIENCE THIS YEAR?

In 2022, we made history as the first MENA-based media presence at the festival. Now, we're returning as the official representative of Cannes Lions in Saudi Arabia. This year the SRMG Beach Experience will serve as a hub of creativity and innovation from the MENA region. We are bringing together the best minds in global media, tech, business, advertising, creativity and entertainment to connect, share ideas and leverage opportunities.

The SRMG Beach Experience will feature panels and talks with innovators, entrepreneurs and executives from global media companies such as Brut, Billboard and TikTok. We will delve into the biggest trends and challenges impacting the industry today and what it means for the media landscape and creative sector. We will explore how AI will impact the future of creative industries, how the music scene in MENA is evolving and rising, how film and entertainment can bridge cultures, as well as a deeper discussion on how building communities has the power to drive brands. Creativity and originality are just as important as the platform, service or format in which content is delivered. This means our conversations must extend beyond business and include the perspectives of creators who are inspiring audiences through their words, stories and experiences. We will host a series of key notes, panels and fireside chats with inspiring creators and artists from across music, film, and social media.

Over the past 2 years, SRMG has worked to redefine the media landscape through investing in technology, digital products and the development of local and regional talents. This will be on full display at the SRMG Beach Experience with interactive tech activations from some of our leading brands.

By night, our talented regional music stars will be performing at the SRMG Beach Experience, where we will host the second edition of SRMG’s MENA Night to celebrate the region's most exciting up-and-coming talent. We will showcase the evolving Arabic music scene and highlight the richness and diversity of our culture.

And, while I can't reveal the details just yet, we have an exciting announcement in store for a new partnership we have forged… it is poised to be one of our most significant new ventures to date.

WHICH SRMG BRANDS WILL BE PRESENT?

Since we were last on the Croisette, some of our leading brands have undergone significant transformations, relaunching and revamping as part of a digital first approach. Among those showcasing their new offerings is one of our flagship brands, Asharq Al-Awsat. Having relaunched earlier this year with a new look and format, they have much to talk about- including new digital products such as AI integration, virtual assistant technology and interactive mobile gaming. Also in attendance will be one of our newest launches- SRMG Ventures, our venture capital arm focused on investing in innovative technology solutions driving the future of media.

HIA Magazine will bring the latest fashion trends to life with an augmented reality experience that allows guests the opportunity to try out different styles, while Manga Arabia will bring the latest AI face filter technology to Cannes Lions, allowing guests to transform into their favourite characters.

Robb Report will also be present and offering guests augmented reality binoculars which they can use to identify and learn more about the luxurious yachts present across the SRMG Beach Experience.

THIS YEAR SRMG BECAME THE FIRST OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SAUDI YOUNG LIONS. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE COMPETITION?

Media as we know it is changing. SRMG is taking a leading role in this evolving media landscape and providing opportunities for the next generation of media professionals and creators to showcase their talents to the world. This is why we joined forces with Cannes Lions to launch the first ever Saudi Young Lions competition.

This is an opportunity for young Saudis to showcase their talent and participate in the Global Young Lions competitions for the very first time. This is an important aspect of our broader transformation strategy to empower regional creativity and nurture young talent.

The winners from Saudi Arabia will be with us at this year’s festival in Cannes, where they will have the opportunity to network with the world’s best creative leaders and attend inspiring talks. It is also a chance for them to learn, grow and expand their knowledge.

WHAT’S HAPPENED SINCE WE LAST SAW YOU?

Since we last saw you at Cannes, SRMG has been on an incredible journey, achieving remarkable milestones and expanding our presence in the global media landscape.

Our efforts have been strategic, and focused on filling the voids in the market with the content and products that are in highest demand. We are enhancing our portfolio to ensure audiences have access to a diverse range of high-quality, premium content anytime and anywhere. Over the past year, we have relaunched several of our leading media brands, including Asharq Al-Awsat, Al Majalla and Hia with new digital-first products. We have also launched new brands such as LIST Magazine, a travel guide to discover Saudi Arabia, the region and the world.

Our partnerships have also played a pivotal role in our success. We expanded our collaboration with Bloomberg Media to launch Asharq QuickTake, a digital-first platform delivering bite-size tailored news and information in Arabic.

Additionally, we signed an agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery to launch Asharq Discovery with captivating original and factual content- to launch later this year.

Manga Arabia has made significant progress. We secured partnerships in Asia to adapt local Saudi IPs into Malay, Chinese, and English languages, while strengthening our consumer base in Saudi Arabia with over 4 million app downloads worldwide. These achievements reflect our commitment to providing engaging and culturally diverse content.

"How do we embrace the opportunities provided by AI whilst maintaining human integrity and control? How will the adoption of AI create and change jobs within our industry? What impact will it have on media business models?"

LIST MAGAZINE'S ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CANNES. PICK UP YOUR FREE COPY AT SRMG BEACH

ALL YOU NEED IS A GOOD DOSE OF

SRMG Beach Experience 2023

SRMG is back at Cannes in 2023 with an even bigger programme and a dedicated area at Rado Plage on the iconic Croisette.

Now in its second year, the SRMG Beach Experience is a creative space to discuss the latest issues and trends in the MENA region during the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. The 120sqm beach will feature insightful panel discussions, fireside chats, keynote talks, interactive and immersive activations, live performances and networking events.

Across five action-packed days (19-23 June), the SRMG Beach will become the heart of the creative community from the MENA region at Cannes Lions, with an objective of breaking boundaries and sparking global conversations on media, tech, business, creativity and innovation.

VITAMIN SEA

Some

highlights

Some topics that will be discussed on the beach

• How will AI Impact Creative Industries?

• Sounds of MENA, Rise of a Music Industry

• Digital Wearables and Its Impact on the Fashion Industry

• Can Film & Entertainment Bridge Cultures?

Activations

AI Generation – SRMG Beach puts guests to the test with the latest interactive activations

At this year’s Festival, SRMG will be elevating the Beach Experience by hosting immersive and interactive AI experiences, putting delegates’ skills to the test.

Asharq Bloomberg AI Video Booth

Using the power of AI, this video booth will test guests' skills at reporting the days' news and will places them in a newscast.

Manga Arabia Character Cover

This booth will allow guests to capture a photo of themselves while the AI system transforms them to match the character and animation style of a Manga Arabia cover – something they will be able to save or print on site.

HIA Magazine Augmented Reality Try On

Here, users will be able to step into a photo booth environment, try on new styles and enjoy the experience.

Robb Report – Yacht Tracker

This is an augmented reality binocular that will allow users looking inside to identify Yachts across from the SRMG Beach.

Asharq Al-Awsat Real or Fake - AI IQ

At this video game kiosk, players will be tasked with distinguishing real from fake news.

SRMG

BEACH

PLANNER

5:20PM - 6:00PM

CEO Dialogue - Modern, Multi-Media Networks: Jomana R. Al-Rashid, CEO SRMG, and Guillaume Lacorix, Founder & CEO Brut

5:00PM- 5:40PM

How Will AI Impact the Creative Industries?

Moderator:

Nasri Atallah

Head of Content, SRMG Labs

1:00PM - 1:30PM

SRMG Partnership Announcement

Jomana R. Al-Rashid CEO, SRMG

2:30PM - 3:00PM

An Interactive Conversation with Instagram and YouTube sensation, Andre Soueid

Host: Nadia Bsat

Anchor & Producer, Asharq Business

Speaker: Andre Soueid Artist & Violinist

3:30PM - 4:10PM

Digital Wearables and its Impact on the Fashion Industry

Moderator:

Lara Akkari

Strategy & Communication Director, Hia

Speakers:

Timmy Mowafi

Founder, MO4 Network

Salwa Radwi

Founder and CEO, Nuqtah

Mariam Chahin

Jomana R. Al-Rashid CEO, SRMG

Guillaume Lacroix CEO, Brut

6:30PM - 7:00PM

Live Performance by Meshaal

7:30PM - 9:30PM

Live Performance by Turk Twins

DAY 1 19th JUNE MONDAY 20th JUNE TUESDAY DAY 2

1:30PM - 2:00PM

Naïka Documentary Screening

2:00PM - 2:40PM

Fireside chat with French, Haitian artist, Naïka

Speaker: Naïka

Music Artist

2:50PM - 3:30PM

Speakers:

Bryn Mooser

Filmmaker, CEO at XTR

Gay Flashman

CEO, Formative Content

Amy Mowafi

Co-Founder & CEO, MO4Network

Stephen Martell

Head of Innovation, DE-YAN

6:00PM - 6:40PM

Sounds of MENA: Rise of a Music Industry

Moderator:

Michael Fairburn

Managing Director – SRMG X

Speakers: Baloo

DJ & CCO, MDLBeast

Suhel Naffar

Vice President of Strategy & Development, EMPIRE

DJ Outlaw

Founder and CEO, Outlaw Productions

9:00PM - 10:30PM

Khaleeji Hip Hop Night - Live

Performers:

DJ Outlaw

Moayad

4:30PM- 5:10PM

Global Strategic Client Partner, Microsoft Fireside Chat –

How Culture Travels, with Dana Droppo, CBO, Billboard

Moderator

Maha El Nabawi

Managing Editor

Entertainment, SRMG

Speaker:

Dana Droppo

Chief Brand Officer, Billboard

Evolution of Dialogue: Culture & Tech

Moderator:

Maha Abouelenein

CEO, Digital & Savvy

Speaker: Gary Vaynerchuk

CEO, Vayner Media

4:00PM - 4:40PM

Musically Unwrapped: Comedian Mo Amer talks with Mo Show’s Music Supervisor Suhel Naffar on their Netflix journey

Mo Amer Actor, Creator & Standup Comedian

Suhel Naffar

VP, Empire Records

Jeed Flipperachi

3 DAY 4

4:30PM - 5:10PM

Can Film & Entertainment Bridge Cultures?

Moderator:

Mo Islam

Host, The Mo Show Podcast

Speakers:

Mike Van

President, Billboard

Mo Amer

Actor, Creator, Standup Comedian

Wayne Borg

Managing Director of Media, Entertainment, Culture & Fashion Industries, NEOM

Mohammed Al Turki

CEO, Red Sea Film Festival

6:00PM - 6:40PM

Media in MENA: Challenges & Opportunities

Moderator:

Mohammed Nazer CFO, SRMG

Speakers:

Jomana R. Al-Rashid

CEO, SRMG

Elda Choucair

CEO, OMG MENA

Elie Habib

Co-Founder & CTO, Anghami

7:00PM - 7:30PM

Live Performance

Felukah

7:30PM - 8:10PM

Live Performance

Kouz1

6:00PM - 6:40PM

The Power of Community in Building

Iconic Brands

Moderator: Katie Golding

CMO, SRMG

2:30PM - 3:10PM

Keynote by Award Winning Creative Director Ali Rez

Ali Rez CCO, BBDO

3:30PM - 4:10PM

Keynote by Award Winning Director Ali Ali

Ali Ali Founder, Good People Films

4:20PM - 5:00PM

Storytelling Fireside with Elayanna: Journey to the Global Stage

Moderator: Rami Zeidan, MD, Entertainment, SRMG

Speakers: Elyanna Artist/Performer

5:10PM - 5:50PM

Venturing Beyond Borders: MENA's Rise as a Thriving Venture Capital Hub

Moderator: Riad Hamade Director of Business News, Asharq Business with Bloomberg

Speakers: Karen Wazen

Fashion Entrepreneur & Partner KE Partners

Elias Bakhazi Partner, KE Partners

Alaa Faden CEO, Telfaz11

Speakers: Kinda Ibrahim

General Manager Of Operations and Marketing - Middle East, Turkey, Africa and Pakistan

Mohammed Abo Elfotouh

Consumer Engagement & Marketing

Capability, Senior Director, PepsiCo

Hanan Eissa

VP Marketing, Atlantis

Sarah Coghlan

Global Director, Movember

8:30PM - 01:00AM

Cannes Lions MENA Night

Live performances by Naïka

Elyanna Rodge

SOME OF OUR SPEAKERS AND PERFORMERS

Ali Ali C0-Founder, Good People

Alaa Faden Co-Founder & CEO, Telfaz11

Baloo DJ & CCO, MDL Beast

Ali Rez CCO, BBDO

Andre Soueid Artist & Music Producer

Amy Mowafi Co-Founder & CEO, MO4 Network

Elie Habib Co-Founder & CTO, Anghami

Elda Choucair CEO, Omnicom Media Group MENA

Dana Droppo Chief Brand Officer, Billboard

DJ Outlaw Founder & CEO, Outlaw Productions

Bryn Mooser Filmmaker, CEO, XTR & Documentary+

Elias Bakhazi Co-Founder, KE Partners

Jomana R. Al-Rashid CEO, SRMG

Mohammed Nazer Chief Financial Officer, SRMG

Fadi Mroué Chief Creative Officer, SRMG / Managing Director, SRMG LABS

Katie Golding Acting Chief Marketing Officer, SRMG

Mike Fairburn Managing Director, SMRGx

Rami Zeidan Managing Director Entertainment, SRMG

Nadia Bsat Anchor and Producer, Asharq Business with Bloomberg

Lara Akkari Director of Strategy and Communications, HIA Magazine

Nasri Atallah Head of Content, SRMG Labs

Riad Hamade Director, Asharq Business with Bloomberg

Flipperachi Hip Hop Artist & Rapper

Felukah Rapper & Singer

Elyanna Singer & Songwriter

Guillaume Lacroix CEO, Brut

Gary Vaynerchuck CEO, Vayner Media

Naïka Singer & Songwriter

Moayad Hip-Hop Artist, Actor

Salwa Radwi Founder and CEO, Nuqtah Rodge DJ

Mo Islam Presenter, The Mo Show Podcast

Mohammed Abo Elfotouh Senior Director, Consumer Engagement & Marketing Capability, PepsiCo

Kouz1 Hip Hop Artist

Jeed Rapper & Producer

Karen Wazen Co-Founder, KE Partners

Kinda Ibrahim General Manager Of Operations and Marketing - Middle East, Turkey, Africa and Pakistan

Maha El Nabawi Managing Editor Entertainment, SRMG

Maha Abouelenein CEO, Digital & Savvy

Hanan Eissa VP Marketing, Atlantis Dubai

Timmy Mowafi Co-Founder & Managing Partner, MO4 Network

Turk Twins Music Producers & Song Writers

Suhel Naffar Vice President of Strategy & Development, EMPIRE

Wayne Borg Managing Director of Media, Entertainment, Culture & Fashion Industries, NEOM

Stephen Martell Head of Innovation, DE-YAN

Sarah Nabil COO, Outlaw Productions

Sarah Coghlan Global Director, Movember

Mike Van President, Billboard

Mo Amer Actor, Creator & Standup Comedian

Meshaal Singer & Artist

Maria Hachem Co-Founder, CNKD

Mohammed Al Turki CEO, Red Sea Film Festival

OMNICOM MENA CEO:

THE POWER OF ADVERTISING, CREATIVE TALENT AND LEADERSHIP

Elda Choucair, CEO of Omnicom Media Group

MENA (OMG MENA) explains the evolution of advertising in the region, the need to upskill young creative talent – and why advertising plays an even bigger role in society.

THE MEDIA LANDSCAPE IS NO DOUBT EVOLVING BUT WHAT SORT OF AN IMPACT IS THIS HAVING ON THE ADVERTISING INDUSTRY ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA?

We live in one of the most youthful regions in the world with more than half of the population across the MENA region under the age of 30. Now combine this with greater accessibility to video games and esports, widespread usage of social media, and adoption of new technologies, and you create a different path to the evolution of media and advertising in our region.

According to the most recent Digital Market Sizing Study conducted by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) GCC, our region’s advertising investments in social media channels over-indexed other markets in Europe and even the United States. We have seen this trend take shape before – both with the penetration rate of smart phones and the consumption of video content, where we had the highest numbers worldwide. We will continue to see similar trends, largely because of the nature of MENA’s demographic and socio economic structures. However, the speed at which the media landscape is evolving is not matched by the supply of creative and specialist skillset required to develop content and advertising

material that satisfies the existing expectations and appetite. Younger generations are evidently spending more time glued to their screens, but the advertising community is not spending enough time and resources to create material that inspires this generation. This is creating a generation of online ad-blockers who look down at advertising, while their parents and grandparents grew up on catchy jingles and culture-defining slogans. Advertising gave consumers desire, information and choice. Giving legitimacy and credibility to brands, advertising enriched the decision-making process for consumers and helped them make the best decisions about the products and services they wanted to meet a need. Today, I am not sure advertising still commands that type of respect when brand safety, ad fraud, data abuse and over-targeting have become so common and widespread. Consumers are less forgiving when their trust has been abused.

WHAT IS OMG MENA DOING DIFFERENTLY TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN THE BEST TALENT FROM THE REGION, AND ARE THERE ANY LEARNINGS YOU CAN SHARE WITH US?

At Omnicom Media Group, we are investing a huge amount of resource and time to upskill young talent, create career opportunities and inspire the next generation. It is only through inspiring the next generation of designers, creatives, media specialists, copywriters, production specialists and advertising and media lovers that we will be able to bring back the power of advertising to the region. We need to be proud of our work if we want people to love and embrace it. If we create excitement, appeal and engagement with meaningful advertising and brand content then we will generate enough attention to make a significant difference to brands and their market performance.

OMG has partnered with the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and its Ignite program to launch the Omnicom Academy. Announced at the 2023 LEAP event, its purpose is to train young professionals in all areas related to brand and advertising development. We have also partnered with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Media and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to create a vocational training initiative that commits to providing opportunities to young female and male Saudi talent for on-the-job training. Apprenticeship programs are also being developed to take some of our exceptional talent to the best markets in the world such as London, Singapore and New York where the next generation can learn from global leaders in the fields of advertising and marketing to sharpen their skills and come back to us stronger.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUNG TALENT WANTING TO EXPLORE A CAREER IN MEDIA?

I have been in the industry for more than 20 years, starting as a media planner and working closely with creatives and marketers to activate campaigns. Patience and focus have been my trusted companions. I have always concentrated on mastering the job I had in the moment rather than the job I wanted to have in the future. The industry needs dynamic, intelligent, creative, and analytical people who want to create a positive and meaningful impact on how people choose brands. Advertising is changing and so are the careers it offers, and I have never felt more excited about this industry than I do now.while I found a way to keep going.

I have never felt more excited about this industry than now. The complexity surrounding the advertising landscape makes it impossible for both brands as well as marketers to navigate without the expertise of advertising and media specialists. This industry needs dynamic, intelligent and creative people as well as analytical thinkers, who want to make a meaningful impact on how people choose brands. Advertising is changing and so are the careers it offers – the world is our oyster.

MO AMER BRINGS HIS "BIG MO ENERGY" TO SRMG BEACH

Mo Amer, TV star, stand-up comedian and award-winning writer, speaks about how his Arab heritage influenced his career, his latest Netflix specials and what’s coming up next.

Mo, you have had a phenomenal career to date – starring in Ramy, Black Adam, touring alongside Dave Chappelle, and more recently of course creating and starring in your Netflix show Mo and comedy special Mo Amer: The Vagabond. One thing these have in common is they are authentic to your journey – especially your story growing up as a Palestinian refugee. Can you tell us a bit more about how you started off?

When I was seven years old, we were visiting Cairo and my father took us to see a play by Adel Emam, a comedic icon in the Middle East. Later on, I saw stand up live in the US for the first time at ten years old and had this guttural reaction and thought to myself - “I'm gonna do this the rest of my life”.

I started learning the history of stand up. Becoming a student of the craft. Understanding what it takes to do it and ultimately, falling in love with storytelling.

As Arabs, we come from a tradition of storytelling. So finding stand up, an art form that allows you to do that and to make the audience laugh and think, is something I felt very passionate about and knew right away was what I wanted to do with my life.

From there, it was going on the road, performing live, touring in the South and acquiring all the tools that you can only get from experience. And that journey took me to where I am today.

What can we expect from you at Cannes this year?

This Mo energy. Always. Big Mo.

You’ve previously talked about comedy as a form of storytelling and sharing experiences, good or bad. How do you find comedy – and your relationship to it – has changed over the course of your career?

Comedy in its purest form has never changed and never will. It will always be the same. It will always take on the same shape. But society changes. Sensibilities and culture shifts from year to year and it's the duty of the comedian to be nimble, to move with culture and to influence it by being ahead of it.

What are the key trends in the comedy and wider entertainment industry that you are into right now?

The idea is not to follow trends but to be a trendsetter.

What is the one thing that you hope audiences will take away from your recent performances – both in your acclaimed Netflix series and your latest stand-up shows?

Honesty. Honest art from the heart that is balanced in comedy and drama. As for the Netflix series itself, it’s my hope that whether you’re an immigrant, whether you come from an Arab family or not, you see how we are truly one. We all have our own issues, everyone has their trials and tribulations no matter what background or religious belief, we are human beings trying to navigate through life.

In your work you talk a lot about promoting art and understanding between the diverse cultures of the world –often through personal and family anecdotes. This year, as official partner to Cannes Lions for Saudi Arabia, at SRMG we hope to showcase the voices and talent of the Arab world in particular to the world. Can you tell us about the ways this is important to you?

As an Arab and as an Arab growing up in Texas, it’s extremely important for me to educate the world about where I come from, what I know and who I am. To have the ability to tell deeply personal stories from the heart, using comedy as the medium, puts you in a very unique position to inspire young talent from similar backgrounds - all while bringing forth these stories and understanding to the world.

What do the next few years look like for you – can you give us a sneak preview of anything you’re working on now?

The next few years are gonna be very exciting. I cannot speak to them specifically aside from Season 2 of Mo, which I look forward to being my best work so far. Without leaking too much, there will be other stand up specials and some films but I can’t discuss what they are exactly.

Hear Mo Amer at SRMG Beach, speaking about his journey, on Tuesday 20th at 4pm and Wednesday 21st at 4.30pm.

SCAN FOR LATEST SCHEDULE

SRMG: WHO WE ARE AND WHAT’S NEXT

SRMG is MENA’s largest integrated media company. With over 30 leading titles, including Asharq Al-Awsat, Arab News, Asharq Bloomberg and Independent Arabia, SRMG has been transforming the MENA media industry since 1972

Our journalists, creators and innovators produce the region’s most engaging content, insights and events for an audience of over 172 million people within the region and to an extensive diaspora across the world. SRMG's readers, viewers and listeners engage with our brands across physical and digital channels in seven languages.

We are proud to represent the region’s cultures and values to the world.

SRMG partners with world-leading media brands including Warner Bros. Discovery, Bloomberg Media, The Independent Media Group and Shueisha to bring the very best international news, analysis and entertainment to our discerning audiences.

With consumer demand evolving, SRMG has launched seven verticals. Each vertical is focused on a different strategic objective, together driving forward our innovative approach and enabling best-in-class audience experiences.

• SRMG Media expands, digitizes and diversifies our media portfolio to deliver multi-media content to audiences around the world.

• SRMG International builds an expansive international network through bespoke partnerships and strategic investments with globally renowned brands.

• SRMG X deepens our relationship with audiences by delivering engaging events, exhibitions, and conferences for our own media brands as well as external partners.

• SRMG Think provides in-depth research, data analysis and advisory services covering a broad spectrum of topics.

• SRMG Academy offers world-class training and development programmes to editorial professionals and content creators in the region, while nurturing a new generation of regional media talent.

• SRMG Ventures invests in early-stage media and technology companies, which are set to shape the media landscape of the future.

• SRMG Labs pioneers innovation and pushes the boundaries of creativity in our regional ecosystem.

Through our people, brands, verticals, and partnerships, we are driving the future of media in MENA and beyond.

A FEW OF OUR FLAGSHIP BRANDS INCLUDE:

Manga Arabia

Manga Arabia produces two regional magazines that offer rich and creative Arabic Manga content. Since launching in 2022, the publication has generated more than 3.8 million app downloads worldwide. Manga Arabia’s content aligns with Arab culture and values, and its stories are told through the lens of local characters and their Arab daily lives. They also introduce Japanese characters in an innovative and localized Middle Eastern context. Through its partnerships in Asia, Manga Arabia is now available in Malay and Chinese. Both magazines are available in print and electronically, and are free to read via the publication’s website and app.

Asharq Al-Awsat

Asharq Al-Awsat is the leading Pan-Arab newspaper and one of SRMG’s flagship media brands. Since launching its first issue in London in 1978, the newspaper has established a legacy of providing reliable coverage, quality journalism and in-depth analysis of the most significant global events. Asharq Al-Awsat's is widely known for its insightful commentary on the issues that matter and interviews with influential personalities, including many global leaders. Asharq Al-Awsat offers a wide variety of media products and services, both traditional and digital. This includes - but not limited to - a modern website and mobile app, podcast channels, and an interactive gaming platform.

Hia

Hia is an Arabic monthly magazine that has established itself as the title of choice for the affluent Arab woman. Over the past 30 years, the magazine has championed women from across the region by providing a platform for them to tell their stories, helping to pave a new path for Arab women. The title provides exclusive coverage into the world of haute couture, beauty, culture, lifestyle, health, career, self-empowerment, art, community service and more. Hia is available in print and digital formats, as well as its podcast channel and special video content. IPSOS surveys have consistently recognized Hia as one of the leading monthly magazines for the affluent Arab woman.

Sayidaty

Sayidaty is a leading Arabic weekly lifestyle magazine for women. As the first and only pan-Arab women’s title published in Dubai and Beirut, Sayidaty is widely distributed throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and the United States. The title was established in 1981 as a weekly print publication, but has today become the digital destination of choice through its multiple verticals, including Sayidaty Kitchen and Sayidaty Cars.

Asharq Business with Bloomberg

Asharq Business with Bloomberg is one of the leading Arabic-language business news providers, utilizing multiple platforms to inform business executives, finance professionals and the next generation of leaders about the biggest stories and events in the corporate and finance sectors. A collaboration with Bloomberg Media, the business and financial information news leader, Asharq Business with Bloomberg leverages Bloomberg’s comprehensive coverage from more than 2,700 journalists and analysts globally to provide the latest business news and insights to its audience.

Al Majalla

Al Majalla has been the Middle East’s leading Arabic current affairs magazine for over forty years. First published in 1980, the magazine has gained a global reputation for providing in-depth coverage that addresses global issues with critical analysis and insights. A trusted voice for its objective journalism, Al Majalla is characterized by its unique offering in the Middle East and looking at the world through multiple lenses, focusing on the issues that shape the world we live in.

Over the years, the publication has featured the world’s most influential leaders including Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, and Hosni Mubarak, boxer Muhammad Ali, and poet Nizar Qabbani. The magazine has attracted talented Arab journalists and minds from across the world including acclaimed writers, poets, media executives, and Nobel Laureates. Al Majalla’s enhanced product is now accessible across the globe, with English and Arabic available online to complement the Arabic-language print edition.

CANNES LIONS

MENA NIGHT

Croise e, Cannes

THURSDAY 22 JUNE 8:30PM SRMG BEACH