Festival Director – Dubai Lynx & Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity

About the role

Motivate Media Group is looking for an experienced Festival Director to lead two of the Middle East’s premier creative festivals – Dubai Lynx and Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity. You will shape the strategic vision, drive commercial growth, and ensure world‑class event experiences for industry leaders across the MENA region.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute long‑term strategies for both festivals, focusing on growth, profitability and premium attendee experience.
• Generate and manage all commercial revenue streams, including sponsorship, awards entries, delegate sales and new business opportunities.
• Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, partners and sponsors throughout the region.
• Lead the evolution of awards programmes, keeping categories aligned with industry trends.
• Oversee end‑to‑end festival planning, content curation and on‑site execution.
• Manage budgets, forecast revenue and ensure strong financial performance.
• Negotiate with venues, suppliers and partners to optimise costs while maintaining high quality.
• Lead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary team and collaborate with international partners.

Required profile

• Minimum 10 years of experience leading large‑scale events, conferences or festivals.
• Proven record of driving commercial success through sponsorship, delegate sales and awards revenue.
• Deep knowledge of advertising, media, marketing or creative communications.
• Experience managing cross‑functional, geographically dispersed teams.
• Strong commercial awareness, negotiation and stakeholder management abilities.
• Exceptional organisational and project‑management skills with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to influence senior industry leaders and build strategic relationships.

Required skills

What we offer

• Leadership of two high‑profile regional festivals.
• Opportunity to shape the creative communications landscape in MENA.
• Competitive compensation package.