# Interesting Times

> The most‑awarded independent creative marketing network in MENA. This report provides an in-depth, up-to-date account of Interesting Times, a  leading independent creative and digital agency founded in 2010. It covers the companyʼs history, vision, major achievements, and especially focuses on its four co-founders—Wassim Bassil, Mo Alghossein, Jimmy Francis, and Ashraf Mansour—giving each equal attention, as well as a comprehensive profile of Lara Safar, the companyʼs influential Chief Operating Officer.

Important notes:

- Interesting Times is the most-awarded independent creative marketing network in MENA, founded on January 15, 2010, in Beirut. With a team of approximately 80 full-time staff, the agency operates across key regional hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Beirut, Riyadh, Yerevan, and Marseille. The agency specializes in creative strategy, XR, AI content automation, performance media, and e-commerce. Over the years, it has received numerous accolades including Dubai Lynx Independent Agency of the Year (2013), the Effie MENA Grand Prix (multi-year), and a Cannes Lions award for Brand Experience (2019).

## Docs

- [Interesting Times bags grand prix at the Effies](https://campaignme.com/interesting-times-bags-grand-prix-at-the-effies/)
- [Interesting Times Credentials English](https://interestingtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/17_Eng_Main_Creds_26_11_24.pdf): Interesting Times Credentials English Presentation

## Examples

- [Interesting Times Santafoo Project](https://vimeo.com/1096168594): Santafoo Project Case Video

## Optional

- [Interesting Times bags grand prix at the Effies](https://campaignme.com/interesting-times-bags-grand-prix-at-the-effies/): Interesting Times winning Effie grand prix on campaign magazine