Transform magazine all set for in-person judging in UAE and Saudi Arabia

Transform prides itself for attracting the best talent across the board to judge its awards programmes. This year’s Transform Awards MEA will be no different with a plethora of highly experienced experts from a variety of industries set to undertake the judging process live in Dubai and Riyadh, and remotely for the rest of the region, in late February and early March.

With an increase in both the number and calibre of entries into the awards programme from last year, the judges will have their work cut out to create a shortlist of this year’s winners. But hailing from the likes of Sky News Arabia, PepsiCo and The Hershey Company, the Transform Awards MEA 2023 judging panel will be a match for the task at hand with their unparalleled experience in brand design and strategy.

Last year’s judges were blown away by the big winners of the night at the V Hotel in Dubai. Describing the work of ‘Grand prix’ winners AD Ports and Saffron Brand Consultants as “extremely well done in a challenging category”, the project also scooped up five gold awards. Meanwhile, the project between Solitaire and Balcony8 was described by one judge as “clear, beautiful and functional” on its way to winning ‘Best overall visual identity’.

As is custom with the Transform Awards, two individuals from the agencies behind these successes have been invited to take part in the judging process. Carlyn Ferreira, executive creative director at Balcony8 Dubai, can boast 24 years in the brand and design industry. Roberto Verona, meanwhile, started his career nearly 30 years ago as a graphic designer. The Saffron Brand Consultants’ creative director is recognised as one of the best in the region.

Elsewhere, Abdulaziz Alnashwan applies his trade at the General Authority For Statistics. Having had an exciting career where he started out as marketing officer at Gulf Innovation Co., Alnashwan cut his teeth at many prestigious businesses and organisations, including Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Housing, before rising to the rank of branding director at the General Authority for Statistics in Riyadh.

Specially invited to score entries in Transform’s audio branding category, Jeanna Isham exemplifies the experience required to judge at the Transform Awards. Having owned Dreamr Productions for 16 years, Isham’s various roles are producer, co-founder and head of audio. There are few sonic branders who can match her level of expertise.

You can view the full highly experienced and esteemed judging panel, here.

Transform is also excited to announce the in-person judging in Dubai taking place on 28 February will be at the new Peaches & Cream beach club. The luxurious 1980s Miami-themed venue, created by experience design studio Limestone Lab, is located on the Palm Jumeirah and boasts a 3,000 square foot beach and a large swimming pool. The in-person judging in Riyadh, meanwhile, is scheduled for 1 March at the wonderful Social Café & Roastery.