Marka discloses PR & Ad expenditure for IPO

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Marka, the retail operator that recently listed its shares on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), has disclosed in its prospectus that AED 5.1million was spent on the PR campaign and advertising expenses for its initial public offering (IPO).

The PR campaign was led by New Perspective Media, and the circa AED 5million investment in marketing and PR helped to significantly boost the profile of the offer, as the company received orders exceeding AED 10billion for the AED 275million shares that were issued, resulting in significant oversubscription.

Marka’s IPO is the first on the DFM Dubai market since the global financial crisis in 2008, and the DFM currently holds as the leading performing market globally in 2014, up over 50% since January.

Alicia Buller to leave Motivate

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Alicia Buller has announced that she will be stepping down as Editor of Gulf Business as of April 30, 2014. With over 10 years of journalism experience specialising in Middle Eastern business, Alicia is now accepting work as a freelance writer and editor. Her portfolio includes both business and consumer titles, such as Arabian Business, Revolution, Campaign and Mail Online.

“I have enjoyed my time at Motivate, it was exciting and challenging to launch www.gulfbusiness.com,” says Alicia. “I look forward to working on a wide range of projects within the UAE and beyond; with so much happening in Dubai right now, there’s certainly a lot to be writing about!”

Helen Morrogh joins Forbes ME

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Helen Morrogh has joined Forbes Middle East as Features Editor. Helen’s most recent position was as Chief Correspondent for content marketing company Switch Media in the UAE, and her new role will involve covering business, travel, culture and current affairs features.

“I’m delighted to be joining the team at Forbes Middle East,” says Helen. “To be part of such a high profile global name and writing about a region that I love is a fantastic opportunity. I can’t wait to see what my future at Forbes Middle East holds; I know it will be an exciting and enriching one.”

Facebook launches FB Newswire

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Facebook has launched FB Newswire, a Facebook page with the aim to make it easier for journalists and newsrooms to find, share and embed news content from the social networking site into their own work. Powered by Storyful, a company involved in social content discovery and verification for newsrooms, FB Newswire is updated in real time, and shares hand-picked and journalist verified news stories, with content such as photos, status updates and videos from its members.

According to Andy Mitchell, Director of News and Global Media Partnerships at Facebook, “FB Newswire aggregates newsworthy content shared publicly on Facebook by individuals and organisations across the world for journalists to use in their reporting. This will include original photos, videos and status updates posted by people on the front lines of major events like protests, elections and sporting events.”

FB Newswire can be found on Facebook a www.facebook.com/FBNewswire and on Twitter at @FBNewswire

 

OMG wins at MENA Digital Awards 2014

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Omnicom Media Group MENA has announced wins for its agencies OMD, PHD and Resolution at the inaugural MENA Digital Awards 2014. The awards were held on April 23 as part of the Digital Media Forum 2014, and were located at the One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai. The MENA Digital Awards are fully dedicated to excellence in the digital sector, and judged by an independent panel recognising achievements in planning, creativity, innovation and effectiveness.

Together, the three agencies received 16 of the 36 awards, which were categorised gold, silver and bronze. OMD’s work won gold in the ‘Best Use of Video’, ‘Best Use of Social Media’ and ‘Best Integrated Digital Campaign’ categories for work with Pepsi, along with a further three silver and two bronze trophies for 7UP, Pepsi and Persil.

Resolution won a total of seven awards, including gold in the ‘Best Integrated Digital Campaign’ for The X Factor Arabia and ‘Best Use of Mobile’ for HTC, jointly with OMD. The digital marketing agency was also awarded silver in the ‘Best Application (mobile/tablet)’ category for The X Factor Arabia, and bronze in ‘The Best Use of Social Media’, ‘Best Search Marketing Campaign’ and ‘Best Performance Campaign’ categories for MasterChef Arabia, beIN Sports (joint with OMD) and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts (jointly with PHD).

PHD received gold in the ‘Best Use of Mobile’ for its work on Sony’s Xperia Z.

“Credible specialist digital awards were long overdue in the region, and we applaud the creation of the MENA Digital Awards to recognise the best in digital marketing across all facets,” says Elie Khouri, CEO, Omnicom Media Group MENA. “Digital has never been a side show for us and the performance of our group in this field has been comprehensively demonstrated. I congratulate all our awarded teams and clients on this achievement and look forward to continuing this trend in the coming years.”

Yasmine Ambre joins ATELIER M

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Yasmine Ambre has joined newly opened French restaurant, ATELIER M, as PR/Marketing and Business Development Manager. Prior to this Yasmine was Editor-in-Chief of the Dubai Airport & City Guide, and has extensive previous PR experience as Founder of Ambre Press Communications Agency in Paris.

“I am hugely excited about the next chapter in my career and with the new challenges and opportunities at ATELIER M,” says Yasmine. “As I specialise in PR for the Middle East, Africa, Asia and CIS countries, my job will consist of giving more exposure to ATELIER M and its Founder and Chef Mohammad Islam in the region.”

Judy Cogan joins Friday magazine

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Judy Cogan has joined the Friday magazine team as Acting Lifestyle Editor. Judy previously worked freelance for publications including MailOnline, Grazia UK and Middle East, LOOK magazine, Closer, Fabulous and Woman’s Own; prior to this she was Features Editor for the newspaper supplement of The Sunday People, as well as Senior Writer for Sun Woman, the women’s section of The Sun newspaper and The Sun online in the UK. In her new position as Acting Lifestyle Editor, which extends to September 2014, Judy will edit and commission features across health, fashion, food, books, well-being, entertainment and travel, as well as in-house reviews and tried and tested features.

“To be given this opportunity to work as Acting Lifestyle Editor for Friday and in a vibrant, ever changing city like Dubai is extremely exciting,” says Judy. “I’m keen to embrace my new role and the city whole heartedly and fill Friday’s lifestyle pages with innovative, interesting, never read before features. I am looking forward to meeting and working with you all!”

Nicolas Trabucco joins Al Barari

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Nicolas Trabucco has joined the Al Barari Firm Management team as Senior Marketing Executive. Nicolas previously held the role of Assistant Manager for Research and Marketing at Al Amal Marketing Consultants, part of the Belhasa Group. In his new role, Nicolas will be supporting the Dubai-based real estate firm and its associated companies in all marketing, communications and PR requirements.

“It’s a great opportunity and a challenge to join the team,” says Nicolas. “Al Barari is such a green, unique and beautiful place and I can’t wait to get started.”