The Dubai International Advertising Festival, the leading event and awards for creative advertising and communications in the Middle East and Africa, is now open for delegate registrations. The 2012 festival will be held once again at the Arabian coast resort, the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, offering a platform for learning, inspiration, networking and celebration. Delegates will enjoy an intensive two-and-a-half day programme of thought-provoking seminars and hands-on workshops presented by renowned speakers tackling the issues and challenges facing the industry from both a regional and global perspective. All work entered for the 2012 Dubai Lynx awards will be available to view as well as exhibitions and screenings of the shortlisted work providing creative inspiration and a snapshot of the best advertising in the region. Select exhibitors will provide a gateway to the latest technologies and services. Young talent is actively nurtured and encouraged at Dubai Lynx with special Festival packages available for students, young creatives and young marketers. Other initiatives include the Young Creatives Integrated Competition and the Dubai Lynx Academy. After careful deliberation from the juries, the winners will be announced at the Dubai Lynx Awards, a dynamic and exciting event attended by over 1400 industry peers honouring and celebrating MENA's best work in creative advertising and communications. The awards will be held at the Madinat Arena, Madinat Jumeirah, on the evening of 7 March 2012. Delegates registering before 2 February 2012 can enjoy an early bird discount. "Attending the Dubai International Advertising Festival offers an outstanding opportunity to hear first-hand from global leaders about the current situation and latest trends of the industry, be motivated by inspirational work and enjoy a number of fun networking events," comments Festival Director Emma Lancaster. "With MENA agencies becoming increasingly more recognised around the world for their creative output, this is a must-attend event for the region and beyond."