Dubai – The MENA region celebrated a historic moment with the first-ever Licensing Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in children’s entertainment and educational content.

The inaugural Licensing Horizons Awards took center stage at the prestigious Licensing Horizons conference, a collaborative effort by BrandTrends Group, the leading Marketing Research agency, and Markettcom, the renowned Licensing Agency. Held at Sofitel Downtown in Dubai on February 27, the event marked a significant occasion, gathering 100 professionals from the field of licensing.

With Maura Regan, President & CEO of Licensing International, serving as the Keynote speaker, the conference provided a dynamic platform for industry leaders to exchange insights and expertise.

The co-organizers of the Licensing Horizons event, BrandTrends Group and Markettcom, have strategically selected six categories for the prestigious Excellence Awards. The Awards, a testament to the outstanding contributions within the licensing landscape, aim to honor brands and entities that have demonstrated unparalleled excellence in various dimensions.

What sets these accolades apart is the rigorous and transparent selection process. Emphasizing a commitment to authenticity and consumer-centricity, all awards have been attributed solely on the merit of data derived directly from the voice of consumers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), reflecting the dynamic pulse of children aged 0-14.

This groundbreaking approach ensures that the accolades are not influenced by external factors but are a true reflection of consumer sentiment and preferences in these dynamic markets. The recognition spans across diverse categories, acknowledging the innovation, resonance, and impact of brands in the ever-evolving licensing landscape.

FAVORITE ANIMATED SERIES OR FILM AWARD

Winner: Tom & Jerry

In a tight race among beloved animated characters, Tom & Jerry emerged as the clear winner, capturing the hearts of the young audience. The timeless antics of this classic duo have stood the test of time, showcasing the enduring appeal of their misadventures. Other notable nominees in this category included Masha & The Bear, Spider-Man, Detective Conan, and Spongebob Squarepants.

BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY CONTENT AWARD

Winner: Spider-Man

Swinging into victory, Spider-Man clinched the Best Family-Friendly Content Award. The iconic superhero captivated families across the region, proving that the web-slinger continues to be a favorite for wholesome entertainment. The competition was fierce with other nominees including Harry Potter, Barbie, Paw Patrol, and Batman.

TOP BRAND FOR EDUCATIONAL CONTENT AWARD

Winner: Blippi

Blippi takes home the Top Brand for Educational Content Award, demonstrating its effectiveness in engaging and educating young minds. This win solidifies Blippi’s commitment to providing quality educational content that resonates with children and parents alike. Other nominees in this category included Paw Patrol, Roma & Diana, Dora the Explorer, and Cocomelon.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD

Winner: Birds of Paradise (Toyor Al-Jannah)

Birds of Paradise soared high to claim the Environmental and Social Responsibility Award. This heartwarming show not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons on responsibility, making it a standout choice among environmentally conscious young viewers. The competition included other nominees such as Dora the Explorer, Batman, Garfield, and LEGO.

MOST INNOVATIVE DIGITAL EXPERIENCE AWARD

Winner: Barbie

Barbie dazzled with its innovative digital experience, securing the Most Innovative Digital Experience Award. The iconic brand showcased creativity and adaptability in the digital realm, demonstrating its commitment to staying at the forefront of children’s entertainment. Other nominees in this category featured Cocomelon, Marvel, Minecraft, and Roblox.

MOST ENGAGING SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE AWARD

Winner: Boomerang

Boomerang took the crown for the Most Engaging Social Media Presence Award, captivating audiences across platforms. The channel’s interactive and entertaining content proved to be a hit, making it the go-to destination for social media-savvy young viewers. The competitive lineup. included Aquaman, The Lion King, Birds of Paradise (Toyor Al-Jannah), DC Comics, and Boomerang.

These awards stand as a testament to the vibrant and dynamic landscape of children’s entertainment in the MENA region. The winners have not only captured the imagination of their young audience but. have also exemplified excellence in providing quality content. The Licensing Horizons Awards set a new standard for recognizing and celebrating the best in children’s entertainment, and we anticipate the continued growth and innovation in this exciting industry.

And BrandTrends Group and Markettcom are proud to be at the forefront of recognizing excellence in licensing, ushering in a new era where consumer feedback plays a pivotal role in shaping industry recognition.

ABOUT THE AWARDS
The Awards are the direct reflection of the preferences and choices of the region’s young audience, reflecting the pulse of children aged 0-14 surveyed in the UAE and KSA at by the BrandTrends Group. The survey provides a detailed analysis of brand awareness, popularity, and purchase intent of the most important Entertainment brands within a country. The most crucial aspect is that it predicts product category purchasing intentions. The service reports on 11,500+ different Entertainment, Fashion, or Sports brands four times a year, and interviews 200,000+ people ranging in age from infants to seniors in 42 countries.

ABOUT BRANDTRENDS GROUP
The BrandTrends Group is a unique, multi-country provider of marketing research, focusing on brand, lifestyle, consumer behavioral and attitudinal trends, with a particular focus on children, youth, and families. Their experienced researchers and analysts are renowned in the industry for their expertise in monitoring brand performances, consumer attitudes and behaviors across up to 53 markets annually, making them a reliable and respected authority in the field. One of their most interesting value points is their ability to look at facts from a different perspective, providing a unique reading of the true trends in the market.

Their proprietary analytics, such as the Brand Popularity Index and Consumer Demand Gap, coupled with high-quality and accurate data enable clients to identify the best opportunities in retail activation, competitive environments, and brand line equity and design. As a respected and trusted leader in their field, they work with renowned global companies across a variety of industries, including consumer package goods corporations, entertainment studios, retailers, and industry bodies. To learn more, visit www.brandtrends.ai.