Technology

Blis, the privacy-first, location-powered programmatic omnichannel advertising platform and a subsidiary of JGroup, has been honored with the title ‘AdTech Platform of the Year’ at the MMA SMARTIES MENA 2025 awards. The company took home two Gold awards in the ‘Data & Insights’ and ‘Real-Time Marketing’ categories, and a Bronze in ‘Programmatic’, underlining its leadership in driving data-driven advertising success across the region.

Blis’s recognition highlights its commitment to privacy-centric innovation and the strategic use of location intelligence to craft campaigns that deliver measurable business outcomes. The awarded campaign stemmed from a powerful collaboration with Starbucks and UM, demonstrating how data-powered advertising can achieve real-time engagement and generate incremental growth.

Innovation Rooted in Data and Results

Commenting on the win, Karim Hassan, Commercial Director at Blis, said:
“We are honored to be recognized by MMA SMARTIES MENA for our continued innovation in the AdTech space. These awards affirm the strength of our location intelligence technology and the dedication of our team in enabling brands to make smarter, data-informed decisions that yield real impact.”

Hassan also acknowledged the critical role played by partners:
“Our collaboration with Starbucks and the UM team showcases how agile, data-driven strategies can transform customer engagement. We look forward to continuing to raise the bar for programmatic advertising in 2025 and beyond.”

Empowering Brands Through Location Intelligence

The campaign that earned Blis its accolades was designed to engage both existing Starbucks customers and consumers loyal to competitor brands. By leveraging Starbucks’ first-party data, Blis successfully targeted new audiences, enhanced foot traffic, and contributed to deeper customer engagement—demonstrating the powerful potential of blending location intelligence with real-time activation.

Rahat Reza, Head of Integrated Marketing at Starbucks (Al Shaya), said:
“Our vision has always been to make Starbucks a meaningful part of our customers’ lives. Through our partnership with Blis and UM, we brought that vision to life by converting location data into real-time, relevant interactions. This recognition affirms the value of thoughtfully executed, data-driven innovation in enhancing customer experiences and business performance.”

A Milestone in JGroup’s Innovation Journey

Imaad Joma, Founder of JGroup, added:
“Blis’s achievements at MMA SMARTIES MENA 2025 reflect JGroup’s strategic focus on innovation and leadership in digital advertising. These awards validate the exceptional work of the Blis team and their mission to reshape how brands connect with consumers through privacy-first, technology-led approaches.”

Shaping the Future of Programmatic Advertising

The MMA SMARTIES MENA awards celebrate transformative marketing strategies in a digital-first era, spotlighting excellence in AI integration, storytelling, and real-time engagement. Blis’s victories reinforce its status as a pioneer in location-powered AdTech, driving measurable results in an increasingly data-driven landscape.

As the demand for smarter, privacy-compliant, and real-time marketing solutions grows across the region, Blis continues to lead with innovation, precision, and strategic partnerships that set new industry standards.

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