Lucy Wildman joins OK! Middle East

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Former Group Beauty Editor at Gulf News Magazines, Lucy Wildman, has today joined ITP Publishing as Deputy Editor at OK! Middle East. Lucy, who first joined ITP in December 2005 as Fashion & Beauty Editor at Ahlan! Magazine, will be responsible for all fashion and beauty on the title, along with all the latest celebrity gossip.

“A fantastic opportunity at ITP was what brought me to Dubai for the first time eight years ago, and I am thrilled to be returning to the company for yet another incredible career opportunity as Deputy Editor of OK! Middle East,” says Lucy. “The magazine already boasts an amazing team, and I am very proud to be joining them on the biggest celebrity title in the region.”

 

Conde Nast Traveller ME revealed at launch party

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The first issue of Condé Nast Traveller Middle East was revealed at the magazine’s launch event, held at the Conrad Dubai last night. The event was attended by over 500 VIPs, including CEOs, Managing Directors, and heads from leading travel, tourism and public sector organisations in the Middle East. The winners of the inaugural Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards were also revealed and awarded at the event.

“The Middle East edition of Condé Nast Traveller is the eighth in the world, and will stand out as being uniquely curated to speak to this audience,” says Rhea Saran, Editor in Chief of Condé Nast Traveller Middle East. “The launch cover works as a sneak peek of what to expect: Condé Nast Traveller Middle East will be luxurious, glamorous and fashion forward while still being the ultimate authority on travel lifestyle.”

Arab Publishing Partners (APP), part of the ITP Group, the Gulf region’s largest consumer and business magazine publisher, and Condé Nast International, launched the international luxury travel title Condé Nast Traveller Middle East. The magazine is APP’s first publication under licence agreement with Condé Nast International.

Winners of the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Reader’s Choice Awards were also announced at the launch event on December 4, 2013. The best brands and personalities from Middle East and International travel were awarded in 14 readers’ choice categories, including Best City, Best Country, Best Airline (leisure and business), Best Hotel (leisure and business), Best Spa, amongst others. The readers’ choice awards were voted for online by audiences from the Middle East and the results were audited by BPA Worldwide. Emirates Airlines won both the award categories for Best Airline – Business and Best Airline – Leisure, while the Burj Khalifa was voted as the Best Tourist Attraction in the Middle East. Dubai won the Best City – Middle East award while the French capital, Paris, was voted as the Best City – International by travellers from the Middle East. Dusit Thani, Maldives was voted as the Best Hotel – International, and Atlantis The Palm, Dubai won the award for the Best Hotel in the Middle East.

Congratulating the winners, Rhea Saran said, “For over 25 years, the Readers’ Choice Awards have been setting the standard for the tourism and hospitality industries around the world, and tonight we added important votes from the Middle East into the mix. I’d like to congratulate all the winners of tonight’s awards – the first for and by the region.”

Managing/Publishing Director, Hanif Saddiq

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Name: Hanif Saddiq
Age: 29… Ahem. Oh, okay 39
From: Bristol, UK
Current job title: Managing/Publishing Director CRE8 NETWORK

When did you arrive in the UAE?
I arrived in 2002 and originally worked at ITP helping to launch Time Out – more specifically Time Out Abu Dhabi – before moving across many other titles.

Where did you work prior to starting your own company?
I worked for both Specialist Publications and Future Publishing in the UK, prior to joining ITP in Dubai. I then launched CRE8 NETWORK. All previous companies were specialised publishers working across many titles and genres from magazines to newspapers to digital. I was also involved with the launch of 7Days at the very beginning – the 7Days brand and concept was started and developed in my apartment at the time.

You’ve been in Dubai for some time… how has it changed for you?
So many things have changed since arriving in 2002. In regards to publishing and media, the market has grown massively in the last 10 or so years. Definitely a lot more publications have been launched, but I feel one of the biggest and most positive changes is that the market has become more open and a little less governed.

What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?
Well, we are going back now! The main thing that stood out was the potential… the UAE had amazing potential and was a largely untapped media market. Coming from an advanced UK market, it was clear to see many areas to improve on.

How has the industry changed over recent years?
Generally, I think it’s more open now and adapting at a faster pace – there’s some great talent in town at the moment.

Tell us about your new magazine…
Our new contract title, DC, is a dedicated publication for Diners Club International cardholders in the UAE. The magazine will be a reflection of the sophisticated lifestyle the cardholders aspire to and live by. Each edition will be hand delivered directly to 15,000 cardholders across the UAE, along with exclusive distribution to selected luxury hotels, resorts and venues across the region.

How do you plan to make DC stand out from the pack?
It’s not just about print these days, it’s about how you communicate the publication across many platforms. I feel it is about engaging interactive content, that brings our print versions alive – where users can watch video, share with social media, scroll through sections, make a purchase and interact and view from multiple devices, such as mobile, tablet and desktop. It’s the future of publishing.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Variety. We are lucky enough to cover many different areas including branding, marketing strategies, product launches, web development, publishing (print and Interactive), celebrity interviews and even corporate film production. Our projects are so varied and keeps us stimulated for more.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen so far?
There are way too many to mention, but working on the new interactive publications for the likes of Ford, Maserati and Diners Club… there’s also plenty more to come, so watch this space.

How do you find the PRs in the region?
Generally speaking, I think PR has come on leaps and bounds over the past decade – when I first arrived it was a totally different ball game to what you see now.

What’s your pet PR peeve?
Receiving non-relevant stories and information to the publication at hand. Also continuous calls from some PRs wishing to know if we have received their press release… five minutes after sending.

What advice can you offer PRs seeking coverage in your magazine?
Very simply, we are interested in stories relating to the high-net-worth target market. We have a high-end user base and we need to satisfy that requirement.

Work calls via landline, mobile or both?
Rarely landline – mobile rules. We just deal directly these days. Even Skype, Whatsapp and Viber have become tools of the trade for communication and I see this expanding even further in the future.

Describe yourself in five words…
Dedicated, creative, entrepreneurial, social and even hopefully inspiring in some cases to others who want to start their own company.

What’s your most overused saying?

Not sure. But the word ‘cool’ is quite frequently used…

Five things you can’t live without?

My Mac, family, friends, iPhone and Sport  – football and boxing in particular.

If you weren’t a publisher, what would you be?

Obviously, I would be in Hollywood! 🙂

ITP Publishing to launch Women’s Health ME

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ITP Publishing Group has announced it will launch the 25th edition of the world’s fastest-growing international women’s magazine, Women’s Health Middle East, on March 1, 2014. The magazine will join ITP Consumer’s rising portfolio of market‐leading women’s titles, which includes Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, OK! Middle East, VIVA, Ahlan!, Good Housekeeping Middle East, Grazia Middle East and Cosmopolitan Middle East.

With 25 international editions covering 44 countries, Women’s Health continues its rapid global expansion in the Middle East. The Middle East title will be aimed at educated female consumers, offering its readers not just focused health and fitness topics, but a comprehensive lifestyle guide. The Middle East edition will be ITP’s first title from Rodale.

“We’re thrilled to partner with ITP on Women’s Health Middle East and look forward to joint success in the marketplace,” says Rob Novick, Senior Vice President, International, Business Development and Partnerships for Rodale. “The Women’s Health brand is taking the world by storm with 11 new overseas editions launched in the last four years, and we’re excited to see the reaction from readers and advertisers in the Middle East.”

Women’s Health Middle East will initially be published in English with a print run of 16,000 copies, circulated across the GCC. The magazine will be available at all major retail outlets in ITP’s point-of-sale units, in addition to limited free circulation in select five-star hotels, salons, health clubs and spas.

Gareth Lloyd-Jones, Publishing Director for the new title, commented: “Globally we’ve witnessed a shift towards people seeking out a healthier lifestyle as part of their every day regime. This has resulted in fitness lifestyle magazines around the world becoming a high growth sector and I’m confident that Women’s Health Middle East will meet the demand in this region. Targeting today’s active women – in areas of fitness, nutrition, beauty and style – Women’s Health Middle East will equip its readers with the tools they need to make instant, positive changes in their lives”.

The title will be led by Editor-in-Chief Yi-Hwa Hanna. With over six years of experience in the media industry, Yi-Hwa has previously held editorial roles on leading titles such as Good Housekeeping Middle East and VIVA. “I’m thrilled to be taking the helm of this world-renowned brand. The Middle East’s ever-growing interest in a wellness-focused lifestyle makes Women’s Health the ideal magazine to introduce to the region, and I’m very excited about launching the brand and bringing a trusted source of quality content to this audience,” she says.

The launch is bolstered by a $100,000 marketing campaign that includes radio, online, retail and print advertising throughout ITP’s leading consumer titles, and will go live in early 2014. The magazine will premiere with an exclusive red carpet event and promotional tie-ins with some of the region’s top lifestyle and fitness events.

Lloyd-Jones concludes, “From the outset, the prominent positioning of this publication, with its inspirational and informative content, will be aimed at women looking for that extra positive edge in their lives.  The title will be a great addition to ITP’s ambitious lifestyle and fashion portfolio.”

New bi-monthly magazine for Al Ghurair Centre

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Newly renovated shopping complex Al Ghurair Centre, Deira, has launch a new bi-monthly magazine, Al Ghurair Centre Magazine. Targeted at community shoppers, art and culture lovers, foodies and those who appreciate design, the title will have a print run of 10,000 and will cover art, culture, food and retail.

“We are delighted to work with Al Ghurair Centre to try to do something that is different to the conventional mall magazine, as Al Ghurair Centre is definitely not a conventional mall. There are a lot of interesting stories within the mall and in the mp3 dinle surrounding area and we love the fact that Dubai’s original mall has an original mall magazine.”

The Brand Foundation launches Start Big Initiative

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In celebration of Dubai’s World Expo 2020 success, UAE-based branding agency, The Brand Foundation (TBF) has launched its Start Big Initiative, designed to support entrepreneurs with limited capital brand their businesses in a world-class manner from the start.

“Having a strategically positioned, professional brand is often the difference between failure or success,” said Lisa Knight, Founder of The Brand Foundation. “Start-ups face stiff competition from more established competitors, and your brand presents a key opportunity to communicate your differences, maximising your competitiveness and shaping perceptions about who you are and what you do right from the start.”

As professional branding services are typically only within reach of start-ups with substantial financial backing, those with limited capital are left with a dilemma. TBF has devised an SME branding package that provides businesses with a branded toolkit of essential assets (such as a brand identity, website, corporate stationery) in order to excel quicker.

Iris Dubai

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As Dubai’s latest hotspot prepares for launch, Team TMN caught up with Add-mind Group’s CEO and founder Tony Habre…

So, the grand launch of Iris Dubai takes place tonight. What can we expect from Dubai’s latest nightspot?
Iris Dubai will stand out as Dubai’s latest outdoor rooftop experience, featuring a trendy menu, sophisticated ambiance, stunning views of the city, complete with the best sounds from our chill-out music selection.

Does this concept have any association with the Iris Beirut?
The Iris concept was originally created and popularised in Beirut. Following its success, we decided to expand the Iris concept in the region. Our first location outside Lebanon was the recently opened Iris Yas Island, which was launched during the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 weekend.

Where is Iris Dubai located?
The Iris brand is built upon the rooftop experience and as such the new location is The Oberoi, Dubai (27th floor). Ideally situated in the heart of downtown Dubai, the new venue covers a space of 450 sqm, boasting breathtaking views of the city skyline.

Is it a private members bar? Or is it open to the public?
Iris Dubai will open its doors to the public, targeting both residents of Dubai and international tourists.

What is the basic concept of Iris Dubai – is it a nightclub, lounge bar or a bar & restaurant?
Iris Dubai combines elements of both a trendy lounge bar and restaurant. We offer guests an extensive dining menu of international meals, complemented by our signature cocktail (& mocktail) menu that features refreshing drinks made with fresh fruits and ingredients.

Who designed the venue and what is the concept behind the venue’s design?
Suzanne Habre Nasr is the visionary behind all the Iris designs. The concept behind the venue’s design is to provide a sense of harmony and balance, from the use of comfortable benches, plush couches and inviting furniture, along with plenty of greenery to create a tropical yet modern getaway.

What makes Iris Dubai stand out ahead of all other of Dubai’s nightlife offerings?
Adapting to a truly successful model, Iris Dubai will define itself as an iconic open-air city retreat offering guests a relaxed ambiance in a refined setting. A treat for all the senses, Iris boasts stunning panoramic views of the city combined with  a delectable food and cocktail menu.

What crowd are you expecting to attract?
Iris Dubai will be the go-to venue for the midtown post-work crowd, classy executives and elegant clientele and will also be the ideal destination for both nights and daytime group gatherings.

Is this the company’s first venue in the UAE?
Following the success of The White Room and Iris Yas Island, Iris Dubai will be the third project for the Add-mind Group in the UAE. Add-mind’s aim is to increase their existing diverse portfolio of clubs, bars and restaurants within the region in the coming year.

What else does the Iris management have planned for the region?
Add-mind will be launching WHITE Dubai , the first rooftop clubbing experience on the 19th of December.

DABO & CO continues winning streak at MEPRAs

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Integrated communications agency DABO & CO added three further MEPRA awards to its already impressive tally at last night’s fifth Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) Awards. The latest awards sweep takes the company’s total MEPRA awards tally to 15 since the annual event was launched in 2009. Past awards include ‘Agency of the Year’ in 2010 and ‘Mid-Sized Agency of the Year’ in 2012.

DABO & CO triumphed with three awards out of the four categories entered picking up Best Integrated Campaign – DABO & CO & Marriott International: ‘The Launch of the JW Marriott Marquis’, Best Use of Media Relations Consumer or Trade: ‘Canon at Gulf Print 2013’ and Best Practice Consumer Goods: ‘kate spade new york’.

“The annual MEPRA Awards is a major highlight for us as an agency and we are thrilled to have walked away with three awards in recognition of our integrated and results-driven approach to communications,” says Managing Partner, Camilla d’Abo. “Yesterday’s MEPRA awards were the perfect celebration of an industry that has come of age. In light of yesterday’s Dubai Expo 2020 win, the Middle East’s PR industry is on the threshold of an amazing period in its evolution and I am confident that this will bring further opportunities to showcase world-class campaigns emerging from the region.”

Jason Leavy, Managing Director, added: “The 2013 MEPRA wins are the perfect way to round off another exceptional year for the agency. Not only have we recently moved to new state-of-the-art offices to accommodate our continued growth, but we have a stronger than ever talent pool combining exceptional local talent alongside international industry heavy weights, and we are looking forward to an even better 2014.”

Ketchum dominates Healthcare at MEPRA Awards

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For the second consecutive year, Ketchum Raad dominated the healthcare sector at the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) Awards held last night. The event recognised the Ketchum Raad ME team as Best Practice in Healthcare & Services for their partnership with AstraZeneca Gulf on the Safe@Heart campaign.

The campaign, targeted at Gulf Nationals who are at risk of heart disease, those who have been diagnosed with a heart condition or those who have had a heart attack, has resulted in over 5400 people taking part in heart health screenings and hundreds signing up for a 12 week programme that encourages them to make easy yet impactful changes in their daily habits to benefit their health.

“Healthcare is a packed space with a lot of important messages vying for an opportunity to be heard,” says Nicola Gregson, Managing Director Ketchum Raad Middle East. “Campaigns need to be intelligent, strategic and extremely well executed to capture the media’s attention and reach their target audience. I couldn’t be more proud of my team for their success with Safe@Heart. We are expanding our healthcare offering in 2014 and look forward to partnering with our existing and future clients to deliver even more impactful and effective communications across the sector.”

Abigail Dawson, Account Director and Regional Healthcare Lead at Ketchum Raad Middle East added, “This is the second year in a row we have received the Best Practice Healthcare and Services award and we are truly proud to be taking it home again. Projects like Safe@Heart are the reason we are in communications. As a healthcare team, we are genuinely passionate about working with our clients to help them achieve their business goals as well as communicate with patients and customers and empower them to change their lives positively.”