Shazam, a popular app globally, and Connect Ads, a leading digital media and technology solutions provider and a subsidiary of OTVentures, have launched "The Shazam-Connect Ads Awards,” the first industry awards  in the Arab region.

More than 150 guests attended the ceremony, where leading agencies and brands were celebrated in the first edition of the regional awards which took place at Meydan Beach Club in Dubai, UAE.

The awards were received by Initiative for its KFC Ronaldo campaign, OMD for its Pepsi Football Experience campaign, and MEC for its Jaguar XF, Jaguar Land Rover campaign, and Nescafe Dolce Gusto’s Melody campaign.

Josh Partridge, director, EMEA Latin American and Canada at Shazam, delivered the welcome note and presented the awards with Mohamed Megahed, regional director at Connect Ads, followed by George Skaff, GCC head of Sales at Connect ads, who introduced the awards to the guests.

Mohamed El Mehairy, managing director, Connect Ads, said: "Our partnership with Shazam provides agencies and brands in the region with innovative ways to expand their reach. With over 475 million users globally, Shazam has truly become a 'superpower' in this digital age.

“It is very popular amongst the mobile and tablet users, providing brands with a unique platform and engaging users with rewarding experiences. Recording 500 Million downloads daily, Shazam has become one of the top 20 apps globally. Its mobile users consist of over 100 million every month, sending out around one billion Shazams every six weeks."

“Together with Connect Ads, we have committed to deliver the best experience to TV viewers and consumers in the region. The campaigns have created millions of branded interactions that have engaged consumers with brands,” said Partridge.

“With more advertisers using the Shazam platform to expand their reach in the region, campaigns deliver a 350 percent increase in engagement through content, information, coupons or giveaways." - TradeArabia News Service