Advertising agencies in Saudi Arabia

When you seek out an agency in Saudi Arabia you will be in for a very nice ride. If you are not known for your big advertising dollars, then just sit back relax and forget about it.

This is a very secluded area with the known players and non players who have their niche. You have many of them poping up and attempting to outsmart or take a stake in the Billions of riyals that are up for grabs. These will include international firms, affiliates and Saudi/semi Saudi firms that promise you a local agency with international talent, one word: whatever!

Let's look at the time I went to a big agency here and asked about a launch for one of our unique products. The General manager actually had the nerve to tell me that after we spend your money we might not be able to prove that 50% of it was useful? Guess what I already know that that's why I'm hiring you smart ass.

Then go down a bit and seek the locals, here you will get into the Saudi trap of forgotten appointments, useless deadlines, fake promises and the works. If the last sentence caused you some irritation, relax. What you should do for a start-up is to hire your own and save money and time, trust me you will still get better results.

And one thing we found from so called know it all marketing and advertising agencies; they promise you a rehearsal or some kind of review before you accept the final work( on Saudi talent of course, cause that's what they promise) and have it done at an international firm, but charge you 4 times the amount! save your time and go to a good source like; www.logoworks.com in the US with international talent.

Remember to ask about the long term relationship that they can deliver, and always, always ask 3 agencies to give you a brief. If your budget is less than Sr500,000- never let them know, they will not consider you as a prime target.

I cannot recommend one company, if you know one let me know, we have our own in house ad agency!