Lebanon has introduced the world's first artificial intelligence designed to perform presidential duties for the country. The nation had been without a sitting President for the last two years and following thirteen failed attempts of the Lebanese parliament to elect one, AnNahar Newspaper in Lebanon built and launched a fully functioning AI version.The new AI President of Lebanon has been created by training Large Language Models on 90 years of impartial journalism from AnNahar since the 1930s. It analyzes not only the historical data provided through the pages of AnNahar but also current events, and formulates answers for all political, legal and government questions. By tapping into this vast knowledge base, the AI President has a deep understanding of Lebanon's past, as well as an unbiased perspective on the challenges that the country faces today. The new AI President was launched in a live broadcast as an interview by Nayla Tueni, the editor-in-chief of AnNahar Newspaper, where she asked the President pertinent questions about the current state of the country, and what would the best ways forward be. The Newspaper has also converted its print edition into one that completely focuses on the new President’s guidance on topics ranging from the economy to the environment.The AI President will be accessible to all through a dedicated site – OurPresident.ai and will answer questions related to Lebanon and its politics. It is understood that government officials will also be using the tool to help build directives.Nayla Tueni commented on the campaign, “As Lebanese people, and especially AnNahar, we refuse to sit back and allow things to go on as they have. To not have a President for this long is unacceptable and has impacted the country negatively. If the parliament will not do its job to elect a President, then the people will bring to Lebanon a President.”

Lebanese newspaper An-Nahar has taken a bold stand against journalist deaths with a unique solution: their daily edition transformed into "The Essential Press Guide From the Middle East." This foldable, pocket-sized guide equips journalists with critical survival skills for dangerous environments.Partnering with IMPACT BBDO, An-Nahar goes beyond the guide. They offer a free online and on-ground curriculum led by experts, fostering a global learning community.By making these resources readily available, An-Nahar promotes accurate reporting and journalist collaboration. This could significantly improve the quality and integrity of journalism, especially in the Middle East.Driven by the 2005 assassination of her father, Editor-in-Chief Nayla Tueni emphasizes the constant threat journalists face. "Today, we give our words to protect those that write them," she declares.“Today, we give our words to protect those that write them. Every single day, journalists in the Middle East and across the world are exposed to threats to their safety and well-being. Too often, they are silenced all together. We know this all too well. Our own editor-in-chief, my father, Gibran Tueni, was assassinated in 2005,” said Nayla Tueni.  The guide isn't just about staying alive. It provides practical knowledge on identifying snipers, treating gunshot wounds, and detecting explosives in vehicles.More than a guide, this initiative is a rallying cry. The newspaper includes an invitation to training sessions with experts like the International Red Cross.An-Nahar demands action from the international community, urging for a legal framework to protect journalists in high-risk situations.With 120 journalist deaths in 2023 (mostly in the Middle East), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) highlights the urgent need for protection.An-Nahar doesn't just echo the IFJ's call for a binding convention. They amplify it, aiming to spark a global movement.

Dubai Lynx, MENA’s leading platform for creative excellence and effectiveness, has announced the Annahar Media Group in Lebanon, as the Advertiser of the Year for 2024 today. The Award recognises a brand that has distinguished themselves through innovative marketing and embracing creative work produced by their agencies.The Advertiser of the Year Award will be presented to Annahar Media Group representative Nayla Tueni, CEO, Annahar Media Group at the Dubai Lynx Awards Ceremony, taking place at the Emirates Golf Club on Wednesday 6 March.Speaking about the Award, Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS & Dubai Lynx, said: “The Advertiser of the Year Award recognises creative excellence, demonstrating the business value of creative communications. We are delighted to present this year’s Award to the Annahar Media Group, who are responsible for a body of work that has created significant impact across business and tangible social change. They have truly raised the creative bar for the region.”The Annahar Newspaper, a renowned outlet for upholding freedom of speech and democracy in Lebanon, has taken home the Grand Prix in the Print & Publishing Lions for their bold and courageous campaigns for the past two years consecutively at Cannes Lions and previously in 2019. ‘The Blank Edition’, which took the Grand Prix in 2019, was an entirely blank edition to highlight the Lebanese people’s frustration with political inactivity. After the release of the blank edition, the newspaper’s editor-in-chief encouraged citizens to use it to write their own headlines and send messages to politicians, over social media. 2022 saw ‘The Elections Edition’, by IMPACT BBDO, Dubai win the Grand Prix at Cannes Lions in the Print & Publishing Lions, followed by the Creative Effectiveness Grand Prix at Dubai Lynx the following year in 2023. The Annahar Newspaper achieved a consecutive second Grand Prix in the Print & Publishing Lions at Cannes Lions for ‘Newspapers inside the newspapers edition’, by IMPACT BBDO, Dubai, in 2023 after taking home the Grand Prix for the Print & Publishing Lynx at Dubai Lynx that same year. The campaign saw a different local newspaper that had ceased to exist in the last two decades in their daily edition, publish the news for one day in celebration of press freedom.Nayla Tueni, CEO, Annahar Media Group, commented: "We are deeply honored to be named 'Advertiser of the Year' at Dubai Lynx. This recognition underscores the relentless dedication of the entire team. Having garnered multiple Grands Prix at both Dubai Lynx and Cannes Lions, we take pride in being pioneers, as the first brand to bring a Cannes Lions Grand Prix to the entire Middle East. Beyond accolades, our unwavering commitment to truth remains our guiding principle. This award is a testament not only to our efforts but also to the enduring spirit of the Lebanese people. We share this triumph with them and eagerly anticipate further elevating industry standards.”Ian Fairservice, Vice Chairman, Dubai Lynx, added: “We are delighted to award the Annahar Media Group for 2024 and celebrate their groundbreaking creativity. Their campaigns have challenged the status quo and harnessed creativity as a force for progress for people, business and society. We look forward to honouring them at the Awards Ceremony in March.”The presentation of the 2024 Dubai Lynx Advertiser of the Year Award will take place during the Dubai Lynx Awards Ceremony at the Emirates Golf Club on Wednesday 6 March. For further information on the Festival and Awards Ceremony passes please visit www.dubailynx.com.Key dates:Tuesday 5 March: FestivalWednesday 6 March: Awards Ceremony & Dinner

AnNahar Newspaper and IMPACT BBDO were presented with the esteemed Brave Brands Award at the 2023 Advertising Week held in New York recently. This honour, by The ANDY Awards Jury, is given annually by the Advertising Club of New York to brands and their partners who “fearlessly embrace audacious approaches and take risks in their pursuit of excellence”.In 2023, only ten brand/agency partnerships were selected globally for this honour. AnNahar+IMPACT BBDO were the only honorees from the Middle East region. The 2023 winners were:Burger King + DavidPenguin Random House + RethinkAnNahar Newspaper + IMPACT BBDOSkittles + DDB NY/ChicagoBack Market + MarcelBurger King + Burger King & DAVID + ZUBI, A VMLY&R Company Budweiser + Wieden+KennedyMatilda Bay Brewery + Howatson&Company Dame + Mischief @ No Fixed AddressUlta + McCann NY Gina Grillo, CEO and President of The AD Club and The International ANDY Awards, said: “These honorees represent the epitome of creative fearlessness, breaking boundaries and challenging conventions in the advertising world. Their collaborations have set a new standard for audacity and innovation, inspiring the industry at large.”Dani Richa, Chairman and CEO EMEA, BBDO Worldwide, said: “We are very proud to have won the Brave Brands Award along with AnNahar. It is great to have a courageous client who is always ready to push the envelope, and this is a dream for every creative agency.However, the real courage here is that of the An Nahar Newspaper team, who have demonstrated bravery despite assassinations, including of their former Editor in Chief Gebran Tueni.”Ali Rez, CCO of IMPACT BBDO Group, received the award and dedicated it to the current Editor-in-chief Nayla Tueni and her team.