Posterscope to collaborate with OAG

Out-of-home communications agency network Posterscope – part of Dentsu Aegis Network – will collaborate with OAG, specialists in global airport and airline data and analysis. This collaboration, based on and supported by data from OAG, will give Posterscope and its clients access to a wealth of travel data with the aim to help better plan airport campaigns and more efficiently target passengers in the airport environment.

“We are very excited to add this new data tool to our product portfolio,” says Abdallah Saab, General Manager, Posterscope MENA. “As the region’s first and only airport specialist, we will now have access to a huge wealth of data that will help us to continue delivering intelligent communications solutions to advertisers wishing to use out-of-home media in airports. Our analysis of this data will enable better planning of airport campaigns as well as live, accurate reporting.”

Ahmad Daabas joins Sharp Magazine

Ahmad Daabas has been named Fashion Director of Sharp Magazine Middle East, published by Dubai-based Oryx Gulf Media. Having founded online men’s magazine AMDmode.com in 2012, Ahmad will continue to work as Editor for the online publication, on top of his new role with Sharp Magazine Middle East. With five years of experience in journalism, Ahmad will now work as Fashion Director across both English and Arabic editions of the magazine, working alongside fashion and lifestyle partners to produce the title.

“I believe that joining an international title such as Sharp Magazine in its Middle East editions will add a lot to my media career,” says Ahmad Daabas. “Especially as this is a magazine focussed on affluent, influential men, who we need in our part of the world.”

Recto Verso launches Curve and Unique

UAE-based boutique model and talent agency, Recto Verso has added two new segments to its model portfolio – Curve and Unique. The new offerings will create a point of difference for the agency, with Curve featuring models size UK 12 and above and Unique focusing on finding models with an edgy look and striking features for brands who want to take a fresh approach.

“As well as offering the best models within our more traditional segments, we wanted to break out into other areas that are not as common here in the UAE as they are in Europe or the US,” says Clair Gilbody, Founder and Managing Partner, Recto Verso. “Our clients regularly tell us that they are looking for something different to stand out from the crowd and we believe this will help fill that gap. The fashion and entertainment industry is highly competitive and it is important that our clients and partners can trust us to stay one step ahead.”

GN Focus technology supplements relaunch

GN Publishing, the specialist media division of Gulf News, has relaunched its consumer-facing technology supplements as #GNTech. The move is part of an ongoing strategy to refine the newspaper’s special reports, published under the GN Focus brand.

Distributed with the full Gulf News print run of over 108,000 copies, #GNTech will publish at the end of each month. Each issue will focus on a consumer-facing theme, beginning with laptops and software on August 30 to coincide with back-to-school season. The title will also include regular columns such as TOTM (Tech of the Month), as well as the country’s first mass-market gaming page. Special issues are also planned for publication around major local and international technology events such as GITEX Shopper and CES.

“With a history dating back to the launch of the newspaper, and over 100 supplements published each year we produce an incredibly varied portfolio of products,” says Keith J Fernandez, Editor, GN Focus. “By redefining these into niches we were able to better serve our audiences by giving them more focussed editorial and advertising propositions produced by dedicated teams. While #GNTech is the first to launch an all-new product, further niches are also being developed and we’re expanding our online and social media presence.”

Gareth Warren, Deputy Editor of #GNTech, adds “Packed with more data than a 1000TB HD and more fun than your first PlayStation, your inaugural #GNTech has everything readers could want, from the latest gadgets to the hottest new games. We’ve even got Batman!”

Esquire appoints new Executive Editor

Former Editor-in-Chief of EDGAR, Matthew Priest, has joined Esquire Middle East as Executive Editor. While working with EDGAR, Matthew contributed greatly to the growth of the magazine brand in the region, as well as the launch of EDGARdaily.com. He brings over seven years of experience in journalism and editing to his new role, where he will be working across the print products, leading the digital editions of the magazine as well special projects, helping to drive the brand’s 360-degree vision.

YogaLife Middle East welcomes new Art Director

YogaLife Middle East has welcomed Zohra Lakhani to the role of Art Director. Formerly a Marketing Designer for ITP Publishing Group, where she worked across 25 publications simultaneously, Zohra also has over four years of experience in marketing and public relations. As Art Director, Zohra will be responsible for the art directing and visualising of YogaLife Middle East in both its print and digital forms. She will cover brand development, digital and social media marketing, and creative direction for the magazine.

YogaLife is very near to my own aspirations in life and meditational desires,” says Zohra. “I belong to a family and community where meditation is practiced each day and is considered a source of spiritual fulfilment. My upbringing and strong connection with my roots makes me extremely excited to join the wonderful concept that is YogaLife!”

House of Comms welcomes Anoushka Talukdar

Integrated communications agency House of Comms has appointed Anoushska Talukdar to the role of Senior Account Manager. Born and raised in Dubai, Anoushka has gained over nine years of international experience working for PR agencies such as Ketchum and Asda’a Burson-Marsteller, with clients such as Hilton, Accor and Qatar Airways. As Senior Account Manager, Anoushka will form part of House of Comms’ team of Senior Consultants, where she will be working specifically on the agency’s hospitality accounts.

“I knew instinctively the House of Comms was the agency for me and the focus of my role within the hospitality division is perfectly suited,” says Anoushka. “With my dream client portfolio and the refreshing approach taken by House of Comms to ensure we deliver incredible results at every level, I could not be more excited about this role.”

ShortList launches Creative Cover Wrap competition

To celebrate ShortList’s print launch in the UAE, the magazine is running an inter-agency competition to win a full cover wrap and a website home page takeover for one agency to win on behalf of a client. The cover wrap design deemed to best speak to ShortList readers – males and females aged between 20 and 45 – will be used on the ShortList issue scheduled for release on September 29, 2015. The last date for submissions is September 10, 2015, and the best cover wraps per agency will be showcased on www.ShortListDubai.com

Capital D welcomes Miguel Veterano

Creative production company Capital D Studio has welcomed Miguel Veterano to the role of Senior Photographer and Studio Manager. Miguel previously worked in Portugal and Qatar before moving to the UAE, and he has experience handling fashion, corporate and advertising briefs as well as photojournalism. His new role with Capital D Studio is both hands on and managerial as he will head up the photography team and manage the running of the studio and equipment rental divisions.

“I am excited to join the Capital D Team and continue to grow the community around the brand which has become synonymous with creativity, nurturing talent and being the platform for creative collaborations in the UAE,” says Miguel.