Saudi Exports’ ‘Made in Saudi’ Wins MMA SMARTIES Award

The Saudi Export Development Authority’s “Made in Saudi” program has been awarded bronze in the “Marketing via Digital Media” category at the MMA SMARTIES International Awards, recognizing its effective use of digital platforms to create a compelling and integrated brand experience. The award, announced in Riyadh on June 12, 2024, highlights the Kingdom’s growing prowess in innovative marketing and its commitment to promoting national products globally.

Context and Background

The MMA SMARTIES International Awards are organized by the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA), the only marketing trade association that brings together marketers, technology providers, and suppliers, with over 800 corporate members globally and 14 regional offices. The awards celebrate excellence in mobile and digital marketing, with winners selected by an international committee of marketing experts and agency executives who evaluate campaigns based on various performance metrics.

The “Made in Saudi” program, launched by the Saudi Export Development Authority, aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Saudi products and foster pride in national industries. This recognition underscores the program’s success in leveraging digital media to engage audiences and promote Saudi exports.

Key Details

The second edition of the “Made in Saudi Arabia” exhibition played a pivotal role in securing the award. The exhibition garnered extensive media coverage, generating over 1 million impressions and more than 18,000 interactions on social media. It was featured in over 40 news outlets, amplifying its reach and impact.

The event showcased products from more than 100 national companies and facilitated the signing of over 60 agreements and memoranda of understanding. These agreements are expected to boost trade and investment, further integrating Saudi products into global markets. The exhibition also aimed to provide visitors with a thorough knowledge of national industries, fostering loyalty and demand for local products among domestic and international consumers.

Implications and Impact

This international recognition not only validates the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s digital marketing strategies but also enhances the global visibility of Saudi products. By winning the bronze award, the “Made in Saudi” program demonstrates the Kingdom’s ability to compete on a global stage, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and increase non-oil exports.

Furthermore, the award reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a hub for innovation and creativity in marketing, attracting potential partners and investors. It also serves as a testament to the quality and appeal of Saudi products, encouraging more businesses to participate in future exhibitions and initiatives.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The recognition from the MMA SMARTIES International Awards directly supports Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s strategic framework to reduce dependence on oil and expand the non-oil economy. By promoting Saudi products globally, the “Made in Saudi” program contributes to increasing non-oil exports, a key objective of the vision. This award not only celebrates a marketing achievement but also signifies the Kingdom’s broader efforts to diversify its economy and enhance its international standing.

20 Questions

Q1. What award did the “Made in Saudi” program win?

A1. The program won bronze in the “Marketing via Digital Media” category at the MMA SMARTIES International Awards, recognizing its effective digital campaign that created a compelling brand experience for Saudi products.

Q2. Who organized the MMA SMARTIES International Awards?

A2. The awards are organized by the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA), a global trade association with over 800 corporate members and 14 regional offices, dedicated to advancing mobile marketing excellence.

Q3. When was the award announced?

A3. The award was announced on June 12, 2024, in Riyadh, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency, highlighting the Kingdom’s success in international marketing competitions.

Q4. What is the “Made in Saudi” program?

A4. The “Made in Saudi” program is an initiative by the Saudi Export Development Authority to promote Saudi products globally, enhance their competitiveness, and foster pride in national industries.

Q5. What was the significance of the second “Made in Saudi Arabia” exhibition?

A5. The exhibition showcased products from over 100 national companies, facilitated more than 60 agreements and MoUs, and generated extensive media coverage, boosting the program’s digital engagement.

Q6. How many social media interactions did the exhibition generate?

A6. The exhibition generated over 18,000 interactions on social media, along with more than one million impressions, indicating strong audience engagement and reach.

Q7. How many news outlets covered the exhibition?

A7. Over 40 news outlets covered the exhibition, amplifying its message and contributing to the program’s recognition in the digital media category.

Q8. What is the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA)?

A8. The MMA is a global trade association that unites marketers, technology providers, and suppliers to advance mobile marketing, with over 800 corporate members and 14 regional offices worldwide.

Q9. How does this award align with Vision 2030?

A9. It supports Vision 2030 by promoting non-oil exports and economic diversification, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s ability to compete internationally and attract global partners.

Q10. What criteria were used to select the award winners?

A10. An international committee of marketing experts and agency executives evaluated campaigns based on performance metrics, including creativity, engagement, and effectiveness in digital media.

Q11. What types of products were showcased at the exhibition?

A11. The exhibition featured a diverse range of products from over 100 national companies, highlighting the quality and variety of Saudi industries to domestic and international consumers.

Q12. How many agreements were signed during the exhibition?

A12. More than 60 agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed, facilitating trade and investment opportunities for Saudi companies and their international partners.

Q13. What is the role of the Saudi Export Development Authority?

A13. The authority works to boost Saudi non-oil exports, support exporters, and enhance the global competitiveness of Saudi products through programs like “Made in Saudi.”

Q14. How does this award benefit Saudi businesses?

A14. It raises the profile of Saudi products internationally, potentially increasing demand and opening new markets, which can lead to growth and more export opportunities for Saudi businesses.

Q15. What digital platforms were used in the campaign?

A15. The campaign utilized various digital platforms, including social media, to engage audiences and promote the exhibition, resulting in high impressions and interactions.

Q16. What was the goal of the “Made in Saudi Arabia” exhibition?

A16. The exhibition aimed to educate visitors about national industries, foster loyalty and demand for local products, and facilitate business connections between Saudi companies and international buyers.

Q17. How does this recognition impact Saudi Arabia’s global image?

A17. It enhances Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a hub for innovation and quality products, demonstrating its ability to excel in international marketing and compete on a global scale.

Q18. What other categories are included in the MMA SMARTIES Awards?

A18. The awards cover various categories beyond digital media, including mobile apps, innovation, and brand experience, recognizing excellence across different aspects of mobile marketing.

Q19. How can international consumers learn more about “Made in Saudi” products?

A19. International consumers can visit the “Made in Saudi” program’s official website or attend future exhibitions to discover the range of Saudi products and connect with Saudi exporters.

Q20. What future plans exist for the “Made in Saudi” program?

A20. The program aims to expand its reach through more exhibitions, digital campaigns, and partnerships, continuing to promote Saudi products globally in line with Vision 2030 objectives.

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