FP7 does the double at 2013 Effie MENA Awards

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FP7 won a historic double at the Effies 2013, sweeping Network of the Year and the FP7 Dubai office winning Agency of the Year.

Tarek Miknas, CEO of FP7 MENA was ecstatic at the huge metal tally and the crowning achievements. In an emotional mail to all FP7 staff he wrote, “I thank everyone in this network for contributing to our transformation. I travel from market to market, and I see how hard we are all working to turn our agency into the one we’ve always wanted. You are all stars and I am seriously proud to be among you everyday. Please do take your new title of The Most Effective Agency very seriously as we intend to hold onto this position beyond 2014!”

Sasan Saeidi, who spearheads the FP7 UAE operation added: “Effies is the future of our industry and all our clients are demanding more accountability and responsibility for our communication ideas, every day. Effies, is creativity with purpose. An award that celebrates the creation of ideas that create impact and results. This is what we should all be doing every day. Nothing is more important.”

 

Sea and be scene

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After the official opening of Sofitel The Palm Dubai this past weekend, Team TMN thought it only fair to swing by and check out what is rumoured to be one of Dubai’s hippest new hotels. But with the Polynesian themed resort boasting an enviable F&B line up, our first question was simply, where to start? And it wasn’t log before we found the perfect venue…

What: Moana seafood restaurant

Where: Sofitel, The Palm, Dubai

When: Open for lunch from 12.30pm – 3pm and for dinner from 7pm – 11:30pm

The promise: “A contemporary seafood restaurant creating stylish simplicity within a Polynesian façade. Moana expertly prepares only fresh and sustainable sea fare, with the finest ingredients in the market.”

Did it deliver? A feeling of calm enveloped us as we made our way through the tranquil yet tropical lobby en route to the garden, where nestled within the meanderings walkways we found Moana. A short walk through the restaurant to our table on the terrace gave us a glimpse into why Moana is fast gaining a reputation for all the right reasons.

Impeccable décor earned the venue an instant nod of approval with an elegant water feature, variety of seating options – including a sushi counter and ceviche bar – and low lighting giving a warm, intimate vibe. Dining under the stars, or under the vast traditional cabana to be exact, won us over.

The menu offered a varied international seafood selection with an Asian and European influence. We tried the Lobster Nachos and Salmon Degustation to start, which came generously portioned – if only we hadn’t overindulged in the seaweed breadbasket on arrival. While the grilled seabass was a thoroughly enjoyable option, the Thai Style Sea Bream Masala pot is where the chef’s culinary skills really shone through. A house specialty that all should try, there’s an abundance of pot options to satisfy the most varied of tastes.

Dinner wouldn’t be complete without dessert, and the Chocolate Spicy Fondant and tangy Passion Passion didn’t disappoint.

The Verdict: If you’re seeking that distinct holiday vibe without setting foot outside the emirates, an evening spent at Moana at Sofitel The Palm Dubai couldn’t be any more gratifying. Without a high-rise tower in sight and with a lush garden view, fresh seafood with rich and distinct flavors – not to mention impeccable service – we’re predicting this contemporary seafood restaurant to be a future classic.

 

Would you like Team TMN to review your event, latest launch or product? E-mail roadtested@the-media-network.com with full details and we’ll be in touch to offer our verdict.

New Russian magazine to launch in UAE

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A new Russian language magazine is due to hit the newsstands this December called “Iskusstvo Zhit”, a direct translation of The Art of Living. The monthly luxury lifestyle magazine is intended for modern Russian-speaking residents of the UAE as well as Russian tourists. The title is published by the newly formed New Life Media Group, will be available in two sizes – regular and travel size – and will have a circulation of 15,000 issues per month.

“We are really excited that after a lot of hard work, Iskusstvo Zhit/The Art of Living is ready for launch,” says Dmitry Dolzhanskiy, Co-Founder of Iskusstvo Zhit/The Art of Living and New Life Media Group. “Our target is to promote the culture of the UAE for the minds of our readers and follow the social life of the UAE. The magazine’s appealing design and universal consumer topics position The Art of Living as a top quality publication for today’s consumer.”

Editor-in-Chief of the magazine and Co-Founder of New Life Media Group is Denis A.K who has worked for a number of publications in Russia such as Fashion Collection, Iskusstvo Potreblenia and Sobaka. The title will primarily target women and will cover fashion, beauty, celebrity interviews, bars, restaurants, gadgets, lifestyle and travel.

Whatson.ae goes live

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Motivate Publishing has today increased its online presence with the launch of WhatsOn.ae. The platform, which bills itself as the go-to guide for expert opinion, insider info, news, reviews, entertainment, competitions and more, will complement the print magazine, while offering its own unique content.

“We’re really proud of what we have created, especially with the launch campaign which celebrates 35 years of Dubai (http://whatson.ae/dubai/knowledge/3081/35-years-of-whats-on-dubai/),” says Matthew Fortune, WhatsOn.ae’s Web Editor. “As the longest-running entertainment magazine in the region, we’re  in a unique position at having watched this incredible city grow into the exciting hub it is today. We hope this is shown in the engaging content we have delivered on WhatsOn.ae. Long may our – and the city’s – expansion continue.”

Shortlist announced for Effie Mena Awards 2013

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Today, GMR formally announced the finalists in the Effie Mena Awards 2013. The final winners, drawn from every corner of the region, will be announced during the awards ceremony on November 20 in Dubai. There are 17 award categories and the shortlist is decided by a mix of votes and judged decisions. This year’s judging panel is made up of leading figures across the marketing industry.

The number of entries for the sell-out event has doubled from last year and builds on the 47 per cent increase registered in 2012. Wider geographical participation is also at its highest with the Netherlands, the UK and Singapore submitting entries for the first time. The UAE, however, leads, submitting 60 per cent of all entries followed by Saudi Arabia – which increased its participation from last year – Egypt and Lebanon. Qatar, Iraq, Tunisia and Oman also increased their participation.

“These awards, in their various incarnations from the original GEMAS in 2003 through to The Effie Mena Awards, are celebrating their tenth anniversary, so we’re delighted that it has also turned into a record-breaking occasion,” says Alexandre Hawari, co-CEO of organisers, Mediaquest Events and publisher of GMR. “We’re delighted not only to attract more such a large number of entries, but that they come from all across the Mena region and beyond. This is a testament to the credibility and prestige of the awards.”

The winners can go onto be cited in the Effie Effectiveness Index, which ranks the most effective agencies and advertisers points based on finalist and winner data from 40 worldwide Effie Award competitions.

The awards presentation ceremony takes place at Music Hall, Zabeel Saray Dubai, on November 20. Choueiri Group sponsors the after party. To view the complete Effie Mena Awards 2013 shortlist, visit www.effiemena.com.

New Digital Editor for New You magazine

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New You magazine has appointed a new Digital Editor, Handan Darici, who will be responsible for the entire digital environment of New You magazine. Handan will oversee the running and design of the New You website, including administration and full content editing. She will also be responsible for managing the social media marketing to ensure cohesive brand integrity and the successful integration of all media platforms – including the online boutique that recently launched.

“As a Digital Editor and Social Media Strategist I design, manage and deliver e-commerce strategy for the optimum success of our online boutique. There is nothing like working in a field that has a genuine focus and is growing exponentially,” says Handan.

Forbes ME to celebrate Global Meets Local study

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Forbes Middle East is to hold a grand celebration party tomorrow evening to recognise the significant impact made by the MENA region’s leading executives, which is revealed in its “Global Meets Local” study of the talent leading the MENA operations of some of the most renowned global corporations. The study includes the top 100 CEOs, directors and executive management driving the regional success of global corporations with established bases in the Middle East and North Africa.

“This study honours the region’s impressive talent pool heading up the MENA operations of global corporate powerhouses,” says Forbes Middle East’s Editor-in-Chief, Khuloud Al Omian. “These individuals and the companies that they are driving into the future are playing a vital role, not only in ensuring the success of their corporations, but that of their national and regional economies too.”

With the prestigious FORBES Global 2000 — a ranking of the biggest, most powerful, and most valuable publicly listed companies in the world — as a basis for research, the findings of Forbes Middle East’s innovative study highlight the significance of the MENA region and its top executives on the global corporate stage. The study culminates in a ranking of the top 100 MENA-based business leaders and executives at the helm of their companies. Complementing the ranking is a stellar lineup of 20 well-established professionals who, although yet to complete 12 months in their roles, boast impressive track records in their respective industries.

Fake reviews – a legal or moral issue?

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The New York state attorney general recently clamped down on companies proven to be posting fake reviews online as well as companies that provide “reputation-enhancement” services by posting fake reviews on behalf of clients. But is this a legal or moral issue? Legal expert Abdullah Mutawi, Partner and Head of UAE for Trowers & Hamlins LLP advises…

In an age where consumers trust one another more than they do ‘experts’, businesses are more desperate than ever to reflect a positive online presence

“The trustworthiness of consumer review websites – or indeed any advice forum – is key to their existence, but many including one of America’s largest review portals, Yelp, have recently found themselves the subject of a debate around whether internet portals can be ‘played’ in a manner which manipulates markets and consumer behavior in a negative way.

These consumer review websites rely on user-generated content, where registered users log in and post reviews about businesses and service providers ranging from Pizza delivery to dentists. The reviews undoubtedly drive consumers in the direction of the businesses in question as a direct result of the positive experiences of its previous customers. This is all fine, until the portals are abused.

Companies the world over are constantly fighting to get a foot in front of their competitors and in an age where consumers trust one another more than they do ‘experts’, businesses are more desperate than ever to reflect a positive online presence on influential sites. This has resulted in a growing practice in company owners, staff or associated marketing and PR professionals posting positive reviews in the pretense of being ‘happy customers’ in order to drive business forward.

But this leaves us at a legal and moral crossroad. Is this actually illegal or just morally wrong? The truth of the matter is that it depends on which country you find yourself in, but in general it is safe to say that this is more of a moral issue when posting positive material, as long as it is not false or misleading. In law there is a material difference between positive spin and a lie. If any consumer can prove that a complete misrepresentation or distortion of the truth induced them to buy a product or service which did not fit the description, then the brand could quickly find themselves on the wrong side of the law.

The larger issue lies in the negative reviews. Some companies have concluded that by writing negative reviews about the competition, in addition to positive reviews on their own company, product or service, it greatly increases their chances of success. Again, it often comes down to the laws of each individual country but this type of activity could ultimately put the perpetrator in a position to be sued for damages. While smaller companies would be less likely to bring such a case to court, one could easily see how a multi-national business might sue a competitor if it believed that the competitor was engaged in such activities.

From both a moral and legal standpoint there is a big difference between promotion and deception and deceiving any consumer is typically a serious offence in any country and will always result in negative consequences whether legal or not.”