Mindshare prepares for media summit in KSA

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Global media agency network Mindshare, part of WPP, is gearing up for “Staying Agile” – a dynamic media summit that will be held on May 4, 2015 in Riyadh, KSA.

The summit will welcome global representatives from fields of film, sports, technology, communications and more, to discuss incorporating agility into existing operating frameworks and other critical issues in a fun and engaging manner. Panels will be led by industry leaders known for their agile approach in their respective businesses including; Daniel Sieber, award-winning reporter and author of The Digital Diet, Jordan Casey, 15-year-old entrepreneur and self-taught programmer, and Karim Rashid, industrial designer and interior architect.

“Mindshare is always commited to bringing the most dynamic and creative events in the industry, and “Staying Agile” is no exception,” says Samir Ayoub, CEO, Mindshare MENA.

Edelman to acquire DABO & CO

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Communications marketing firm Edelman today announced it plans to acquire independent communications agency DABO & CO. The combination of Edelman’s United Arab Emirates operations with those of DABO & CO will encompass 150 employees with a broad range of expertise from corporate to marketing to digital. The agency will offer creative, planning, research and event management capabilities across the region.

Edelman UAE opened its first office in Abu Dhabi in 2008; it now has an award-winning team of 85 consultants across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, working for UAE-based organisations as well as numerous multinational companies.

DABO & CO has grown over the past ten years to become a creative communications and experiential marketing business; it now has a team of over 60 staff and represents many world-renowned brands.

“Globally Edelman looks to invest in firms that are committed to reshaping the focus of the communications marketing industry, and DABO & CO demonstrates this vision through its highly-creative, client-centric approach,” says Matthew Harrington, Global Chief Operating Officer, Edelman. “As the industry develops in the Middle East, this partnership will position us to create engaging and innovative communications programs that support our clients’ needs.”

“We are excited to partner with Edelman as we believe this acquisition will unite two of the leading players in the market to create a regional powerhouse,” adds Camilla d’Abo, Managing Partner, DABO & CO. “Not only will our clients benefit greatly from this, it also constitutes a compelling proposition to brands seeking a new integrated approach in the region.”

Mindshare Dubai ranked #1 MENA Media Agency

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Mindshare Dubai, part of WPP, has been ranked number one media agency in MENA by the Effie Effectiveness Index 2015, an annual ranking of the marketing and communications industries’ most effective agencies, advertisers, and brands.

This is the third year in a row that Mindshare Dubai has been selected as the number one media agency in MENA. It scored 66 points on the index, also making it the most effective office in the Mindshare global network. In order to be ranked, Mindshare Dubai’s campaign effectiveness was thoroughly evaluated by a panel of respected industry professionals using data provided by Effie’s global partners to distribute points amongst outstanding agencies.

“Our passion for innovation in our marketing campaigns is at the core of what drives us, but ensuring that our creative campaigns produce outstanding results is critical,” says Samir Ayoub, CEO, Mindshare MENA. “It’s not enough to introduce new ideas – they have to exceed the project’s objectives and produce quantifiably successful outcomes that give our clients the competitive edge.”

Masala! welcomes new Editor-in-Chief

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Sonya Rehman has joined Masala! magazine as Editor-in-Chief, heading the weekly publication in print and online. For over 12 years, Sonya has been writing on Pakistani art and culture for a host of publications and newspapers, as well as international websites and magazines such as The Diplomat Magazine, The Wall Street Journal – Scene Asia and Al Jazeera.

Sonya is a Fullbright scholar and has an MS in Print Journalism from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in New York.

Sept PR welcomes Natalie Scott

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Natalie Scott has joined Sept PR as Account Manager, prior to joining she was Account Manager at Bacchus PR, a London-based luxury lifestyle agency.

In her new role Natalie will manage F&B as well as lifestyle brands for Sept PR, working with clients on creative and high-impact consumer campaigns, as well as new business and social media strategy for current and new accounts.

“Sept PR is a dynamic agency working on some of the most exciting F&B and lifestyle brands in Dubai, which is what attracted me to the position,” says Natalie. “In just a few short weeks, I feel right at home and am looking forward to using my skills and experience to help drive the company forward.”

Flip Flop Media launches Future Cities ME

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Flip Flop Media, has announced the launch of Future Cities Middle East (ME) today. The magazine is an incisive yet all-inclusive look at issues relevant to designing, building, sustaining and living in the cities of tomorrow.

Future Cities ME will cover developments and issues on a number of subjects ranging from green construction, infrastructure, urban transport, sustainability and technology, to lifestyle, healthcare, education and eco-awareness. Future Cities me brings news, features, interviews and opinions to its readers in an urbane, interesting and unique format. The magazine will be published with a circulation of 27, 500 copies in print monthly for a retail price of AED50.

“Future Cities ME fulfils the present day need for a unique platform that fosters public-private partnerships in building successful and sustainable cities of the future,” says Liam Williams, Publisher and CEO, Flip Flop Media. “It discusses the entire range of issues that will affect the way we live and do business in the cities of our collective future.”

Middle East Event Awards shortlist announced

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The Middle East Event Awards 2015 shortlist has been announced. The awards have been split into 20 categories – including Best Corporate Product or Service Launch, Best Event Design, and Employer of the Year – and each is designed to showcase the diversity and excellence of the events and suppliers operating in the Middle East’s event industry. Shortlisted companies include Entourage Marketing and Events, dmg events ME, Viola Communications, ExtraCake and Flash Entertainment.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on June 3 2015 at the JW Marriot Marquis, decided by a panel of renowned industry figures.

Aylissa joins the Dubai 92 Breakfast Show

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Aylissa Boyce will join the Dubai 92 Breakfast Show alongside long-running presenter Catboy, upon his return to the radio show on 12 April 2015. The show will retain all of its listener’s favourite segments from the previous Breakfast show lineup, as well as some new features courtesy of its new co-presenter.

Aylissa has joined Dubai 92 from Aberdeen, Scotland where she hosted Northsound 1’s Breakfast show, and presented its Showbiz and Football show every Saturday.

“I’m incredibly excited to be in the UAE,” says Aylissa. “Dubai 92 is a great station with a really strong listener base and I can’t wait to join the amazing team there, this is an exciting new challenge for me and I’m looking forward to giving it my all.”