Rima Taha joins Strategies International

Rima Taha has joined the Strategies International team as Public Relations Manager. Previously Public Relations Manager at Rawaj International, Rima has handled international brands such as Galeries Lafayette, Gilan Jewellery House, and Estée Lauder, as well as regional brands including Yas Island, Ajmal Purfumes and Si Fashion Gallery. In her new role, Rima will be handling Institut Esthederm, MGI Luxury Group (Concord and Movado watches) and Simone Perele.

“With almost six years of experience in the PR industry, I’m very excited about my new position and I look forward to being an effective member at such an esteemed company,” says Rima. “I will be handling a group of high-end brands, as well as a new cosmetic and skincare brand that will be launching this year in our market, so watch this space!”

Ad Fusion Media to launch travel magazine

Ad Fusion Media is to launch En’Route Middle East Magazine on May 5, 2014, during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), with the launch party to be held at the Oceanic Hotel Khorfakkan, Fujairah, on April 10. The travel magazine will be distributed free of charge quarterly in the UAE through airline partners on board flights, as well as in hotels, travel agencies and tourism offices, with an initial circulation of 10,000. The magazine will provide up to date news on the travel and tourism industry across the UAE and around the world.

“I don’t expect to get rich from En’Route, nor is this my ambition,” says Aishah Yousef, General Manager and Editor-in-Chief, En’Route Middle East. “My sole goal is to produce an excellent magazine, one that reflects the breadth, honesty and vitality of this growing industry.”

Robert Chilton promoted to Senior Editor

Robert Chilton has been promoted to Senior Editor of What’s On Dubai and What’s On Abu Dhabi. Previously Deputy Editor, Robert will continue to direct the What’s On team, in addition to editing, writing, conducting interviews, reviewing restaurants and maintaining his Thursday morning slot on the Catboy and Geordiebird Breakfast Show on Dubai 92.

“Today is my one year anniversary of moving to Dubai to join What’s On,” says Robert. “I’ve loved every minute of my 365 days here and I’m chuffed to become Senior Editor of What’s On Dubai and What’s On Abu Dhabi – two great magazines for two great cities.”

DJ Bliss is newest Contributor on Yahoo! Maktoob

Marwan Parham Al-Awadi, aka DJ Bliss, has been officially announced as a Guest Contributor on Yahoo! Maktoob. In his new role, the Emirati DJ and TV personality will be talking about what’s hot and what’s not in the local and international entertainment scene.

“I’m grateful that Yahoo! Maktoob chose me as their contributor,” says Marwan. “I do several things at the moment from being a Presenter for Dubai One TV’s That’s Entertainment, to DJing, producing, and supporting local talents. These have given me a lot of exposure in the entertainment industry and allowed me to develop good relationships with local and international personalities. My page on Yahoo! Maktoob will be a platform for me to share all the most exciting news and information I gather, so please keep watching this space for more updates and thank you so much for all the support!”

Maryan Abdinur joins Aziza Communications

Maryan Abdinur has joined Aziza Communications as PR Assistant. Maryan has previously worked on The Big Issue, Malawi, a street newspaper dedicated to fostering small enterprise and reporting on issues affecting lower income groups. In her new role, Maryan will oversee social media for all client accounts as well as support the PR team with daily workflow.

“I’m really excited to be working with such a prestigious group of clients, all in the fashion, beauty and luxury lifestyle sector, which is where my passion lies,” says Maryan. “I have always been naturally drawn to communications, and I know this role will let me develop exponentially. I am looking forward to assisting the Aziza Communications team in delivering even greater results to our clients, year-on-year.”

Nada Kabbani joins ELLE

Nada Kabbani has joined the ELLE Arabia team as Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Editor for ELLE Arabia online. Previously Fashion Director for OK’s Red Carpet magazine, Nada most recently spent time freelancing, largely as the Fashion and Beauty Editor for Arabia.com. 

“Moving forward with my career, a beautiful opportunity was opened with ELLE Arabia,” says Nada. “It was a dream to work for such a global and successful name, so I made sure to put all my efforts into the challenge, and I was assigned as Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Editor for ELLE Arabia online.”

Mojo PR partners with SERMO

Mojo PR has been signed by SERMO Communications as its exclusive partner in the Middle East. SERMO Communications was founded in 2009, and the global lifestyle and communications network currently has 12 partners in 17 cities across 14 countries. In addition to Mojo PR in the Middle East, SERMO has most recently appointed a partner in France, L’Agence Lorraine de Boisanger. Both new agencies will join the other SERMO partners in Mumbai, India on 30 April for the network’s fourth annual conference, organised by the founders of SERMO, Talk PR.

“SERMO is now almost five years old and I feel really proud of what we have all achieved in creating a unique PR network that offers a viable alternative to the big global players,” says Tanya Hughes, President, SERMO Communications. “One thing that really stands out is the collaborative nature of the network – the fact that the network’s built on mutual understanding and respect, not ownership. Our new partners in Dubai and Paris share the sensibility and ambition to build global relationships. I relish the prospect of taking the network to the next level.”

Tara Rogers, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Mojo PR adds “We are delighted to be part of a network of like-minded agencies with the global reach that SERMO has developed. Increasingly, our clients require support in markets around the world and to know that we have immediate access to partners with a similar approach is both exciting and reassuring. We hope to contribute as much as we gain.”

Louise Mezzine, Co-founder and Partner of Mojo PR also adds “Joining SERMO marks a major milestone in the development of Mojo PR. We are really looking forward to using the collective intelligence of the network to add value to our team, clients and partners.”