October 2015 – Page 2 – The Media Network

Crowd funding begins for magpie magazine

October 25, 2015/0 Comments/in Regional News /by Emily Churchill-Owen

A crowdfunding project is underway to support the launch of magpie magazine, a new publication looking to cover artistic and cultural subjects across the UAE from a non-commercial perspective. A passion project of Dennis Jarrett, former Editor in Chief of Dubai Week and Abu Dhabi Week – part of Turret Media – magpie will cover fine art, sculpture and 3D work, literature, film, photography, music, theatre and dance, all in a format with a strong focus on design. magpie currently has 24 days of its crowd funding campaign to go and pledges can be made at http://www.pozible.com/project/201195.

“Over the last five or six years I’ve been watching the explosion here in arts, culture, design, performance and other creative endeavours,” says Dennis. “I’ve long felt that this exciting, buzzing scene needed a focal point, a kind of hangout-cum-information exchange that can highlight what’s going on and who’s doing it. Hence magpie, which initially will be a print magazine for the UAE, but we intend to broaden the delivery as well as the coverage to be online… lots of big plans, lots of ambitions.”

The Qode secures Intersect by Lexus

October 25, 2015/0 Comments/in Account win /by Emily Churchill-Owen

The Qode has secured the PR account for new dining concept, Intersect by Lexus. Due to open in DIFC in November, the destination is aimed at Dubai’s creative community and will feature cultural events and activations throughout the year, as well as an extensive menu and library. The Qode will be handling all PR for Intersect by Lexus and will be working on increasing awareness of the new venue across Dubai.

“Intersect by Lexus represents a new wave in food and beverages, as well as design and style,” says Dipesh Depala, Managing Partner, The Qode. “A creative space to dine, network and exchange creativity, we are honoured to have been selected to represent Intersect by Lexus and look forward to sharing news from this exciting new concept!”

Anna Roberts launches Nudge

October 22, 2015/0 Comments/in New Launch /by Emily Churchill-Owen

International Radio and TV Broadcaster Anna Roberts has launched Nudge, a communications advisory agency specialising in public speaking and media training. Nudge will provide one-on-one training for CEOs and workshops for entrepreneurs wanting to improve their communication techniques, as well as event moderation, hosting and MC services. The agency can also creatively plan and script media campaigns and work with clients to build brand presence.

“With more than a decade of broadcasting experience and 21 years in the Middle East, I wanted to make more of an impact on the media landscape by sharing my skills and practical advice,” says Anna. “I believe in empowering everyone, from entrepreneurs to CEOs to speak publicly with their authentic voice to create more platforms of shared knowledge. When you know better, you do better. Nudge is unique because it offers a wealth of industry experience, incredible knowledge of the region and the ability to tailor offerings specifically to the client.”

RYMCO partners with OMD

October 22, 2015/0 Comments/in Account win /by Emily Churchill-Owen

Rasamny-Younis Motor Company S.A.L. (RYMCO), the dealer for Nissan/Infiniti and other car brands in Lebanon, will be working with OMD Lebanon and Annalect MENA on its marketing analytics program. Designed to identify how successful its marketing activities are in driving car sales, the partnership with the two Omnicom Media Group MENA companies is designed to enhance the effectiveness of RYMCO’s communications and investments strategy.

“As well as knowing what contributed to our current performance, we wanted to have a better understanding of how best to drive our growth,” says Fayes Rasamny, Chairman of the Board and CEO of RYMCO. “We needed to sharpen the relationship between marketing investments and business results. The analysis we’re getting out of our partnership with OMD and Annalect delivers the constructive information we need to shape our future investment strategy. This is a very exciting new era for RYMCO’s marketing.”

Dana Sarkis, Director of Analytics and Business Intelligence, Annalect MENA, adds “While ecomometric modeling is already popular in other markets and segments, we’re excited to be taking the lead with RYMCO in and from Lebanon. This econometric study gave RYMCO hard facts on marketing accountability, provides valuable information and tracks the impact of marketing and advertising on the overall business.”

The Qode wins The Rug Company

October 21, 2015/0 Comments/in Account win /by Emily Churchill-Owen

UAE-based luxury communications agency The Qode has secured the PR account for The Rug Company. The Qode will be handling all PR responsibilities, including media communications, distributing press releases and raising brand awareness for luxury furnishing brand. Soon to re-open in Dubai, the company specialises in contemporary handmade rugs, stocking designs from globally-recognised designers as well as pieces from its own in-house design team.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be working with The Rug Company, which perfectly complements the luxury design offering we have at the Qode,” says Dipesh Depala, Managing Partner, The Qode.

TCApr signs Canyon Ranch

October 21, 2015/0 Comments/in Account win /by Emily Churchill-Owen

TCApr has won the PR account for luxury property group Canyon Ranch. With destination hotel resorts and spas across America, the life-enhancement brand also operates spa facilities onboard a number of cruise ships and will open its first resort in Kaplankaya, Turkey in 2016. TCApr will be managing all PR activity for the entire Canyon Ranch property portfolio across the UAE and Turkey markets.

“We are proud to announce that we will be working with Canyon Ranch on all aspects of public relations, helping to further expose the UAE and Turkish market to such an exciting, innovative player in the luxury travel and hospitality market,” says Ahmed Soliman, Founder, TCApr.

Stuart Appleby joins Sport360

October 21, 2015/0 Comments/in Movers & Shakers /by Emily Churchill-Owen

Stuart Appleby has joined Sport360 as a Video and Online Journalist. New to Dubai, Stuart most recently worked as a Sports Journalist at Hayters Teamwork Sports Agency in London where he covered Premier League football on a weekly basis, as well as other major sporting events, in both video and print mediums. In tandem with his work at Hayters, he spent over a year with the England Cricket team as their in-house Content Manager. For Sport360, Stuart will be covering a number of high-profile events, producing both video and print interviews for Sport360’s online service and newspaper.

“I’m pleased to have joined Sport360 and I’m looking forward to a new journalistic challenge in the UAE,” says Stuart. “The region is fast becoming a hub for sport and it is great to report on many leading tournaments and events.”

Purobeach welcomes new PR Director

October 20, 2015/0 Comments/in Movers & Shakers /by Emily Churchill-Owen

Purobeach UAE has appointed Ellie Keene to the role of PR Director. Set to open in December 2015, the beach club will be located at the JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort and is the second Purobeach opening in the UAE. Home to a new restaurant and spa, as well as watersports facitilities during the day, the venue will also host a number of events – from private parties to resident DJ nights. Ellie will be responsible for all of the venue’s PR, and will be working alongside Marketing Director Martin Quinn, to handle all communications and media coverage for Purobeach UAE.

“Working in the nightlight industry in Dubai has always been an interest of mine and adding Purobeach to the list of projects I am currently working on is extremely exciting,” says Ellie. “I am really looking forward to building the success of this already reputable brand in the UAE.”

Entourage welcomes Hanan Shafey

October 20, 2015/0 Comments/in Movers & Shakers /by Emily Churchill-Owen

Hanan Shafey has joined Entourage Marketing and Events as Senior Arabic Copywriter. With over 10 years of work experience in creative writing and translation, she most recently worked at Viola Communications as Content Writer and Translator. In her new role, Hanan will be developing press releases, news features and advertorials for Entourage, as well as working on content creation for websites and brochures, and supporting the agency’s PR department.

“I believe that words inspire good marketing,” says Hanan. “I have a great passion for writing which I am looking to translate into success in my new role with the Entourage team.”

The Red Bulletin to launch

October 19, 2015/0 Comments/in New Launch /by Emily Churchill-Owen

International men’s active lifestyle magazine, The Red Bulletin is set to launch in the United Arab Emirates in April 2016. Covering sports, culture, arts, music and lifestyle features, the magazine offers a range of global content as well as national interests, with a visual storytelling approach to journalism. The Red Bulletin will begin with an initial print run of 12,500 copies, and will be under BPA audit from its launch. Priced at AED 15, the monthly publication will be available from retail outlets, sports retailers, Virgin stores, Vox Cinemas, Red Bull events, universities, hotels and airline lounges, as well as bars, clubs and other selected partners.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Red Bull Media House and Awesome Media to provide a fresh, new publication to the UAE and beyond,” says Chris Haill, Publishing Director and Partner, Awesome Media UK. “The magazine fits the ethos of the UAE, offering aspirational editorial and visual storytelling from a worldwide brand. Already distributed in 11 countries, we feel the ‘gives you wings’ approach of Red Bull perfectly fits the UAE way to life, culture and business.”