December 2015 – Page 2 – The Media Network

Q Communications secures Triathlon Challenge

December 20, 2015/in Account win /by Michelle J Kuehn

Q Communications has been appointed to handle the PR for GEMS Education’s Triathlon Challenge, set to take place on January 30, 2016. The challenge is open to all schools, universities, parents, teachers and non-teaching staff in the UAE who would like to participate, and Q Communications will be looking to raise awareness of the event across the region.

“We are eager to work with GEMS Education on this project, and to be a part of this great event which encourages people from across the Emirates to unite and participate in the challenge,” says Elsa Roodt, Managing Partner, Q Communications. “Education and fitness are two industries we are very passionate about. The Triathlon Challenge is open to all age groups, and will encourage the whole family to take part and be active.”

Media mourn the loss of Dominic De Sousa

December 17, 2015/in Regional News /by Michelle J Kuehn

Dubai’s media community today mourns the tragic loss of Dominic De Sousa, Founder and Owner of CPI Media Group. With a media career spanning over 30 years and a reputation as an outstanding businessman, Dominic worked for Dubai-based companies Reed Business Publishing and ITP Publishing Group before founding Corporate Publishing International, now known as CPI, in the early 1990’s – a company he has owned ever since. The larger-than-life boss and keen showman died last night of heart complications while performing on stage at the BBC Good Food Awards, and he will be greatly missed by the media community.

HarpersBazaarArabia.com launches

December 17, 2015/in New Launch /by Michelle J Kuehn

ITP Publishing has launched new digital platform HarpersBazaarArabia.com, which aims to unite various Harper’s Bazaar brand identities from across the Middle Eastern region. The online space will feature Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s monthly fashion, personal style, beauty, high society and lifestyle expertise, as well as luxurious living features from Harper’s Bazaar Interiors’ and insights into the art and design industry from Harper’s Bazaar Art. The website will also include daily news stories and dedicated sub-sections for the brand’s bridal and children’s content. Launch parters for HarpersBazaarArabia.com include Cartier, Tanagra and Samsung Gulf.

PHD UAE secures Dubai Parks and Resorts account

December 17, 2015/in Account win /by Michelle J Kuehn

Dubai Parks and Resorts has appointed PHD UAE to manage its domestic and international media activities. The agency will cover strategy, planning and buying for all offline media channels, covering the Dubai Parks and Resorts brand as well as its three theme parts: Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai and LEGOLAND Dubai. PHD will also be working on the LEGOLAND water park, the Lapita Hotel and Riverland Dubai, a centrally located 220,000 square-foot district that will host various retail, dining and entertainment outlets.

“We were particularly impressed with PHD’s approach for our brands as well as the tools and systems they have to set their strategies,” says Vinit Dinesh Shah, Chief Destination Management Officer, Dubai Parks and Resorts. “We also found there was a great chemistry between us and the PHD team. We truly got the sense that they are people who understand our business as well as we do and we felt comfortable entrusting our brands to them.”

Elda Choucair, Managing Director, PHD UAE, adds “The sheer scale of this impressive project as well as the diversity of markets in which we will be working makes this an incredibly exciting brief for us. We’re literally contributing to building the future of Dubai as it is a landmark development that will further strengthen the city’s position on the world map. They have huge ambitions and we’re ready with boundless energy in order to make sure Dubai Parks and Resorts grows to reach its full potential.”

Sara Hamdan joins Motivate Publishing

December 17, 2015/in Movers & Shakers /by Michelle J Kuehn

Sara Hamdan has joined Motivate Publishing as Editor of Dubai Magazine – a lifestyle quarterly, produced on behalf of Dubai Department of Tourism. Previously Deputy Editor at Viva magazine, and currently still contributor to the international New York Times in Dubai, Sara will cover the best restaurants, hotels, culture hotspots and activities Dubai has to offer.

“After over a decade of living in Dubai, I continue to be inspired every day by this dynamic city,” says Sara. “I am so excited about working with an all-star team at Dubai Tourism Dept to show tourists the best that Dubai has to offer.”

Secret PR has appointed new Director of Finance

December 16, 2015/in Movers & Shakers /by Michelle J Kuehn

Joe Whitehead has joined Secret PR as Director of Finance. Previously with Flowserve in London and in the Dubai office, Joe brings 10 years of experience in sales and marketing with Fortune 500 companies. In his new role, Joe will be responsible for the company’s budget, procurement and financial operations working closely with the Director to assist with business development.

“While I’m new to PR, I’m confident that my experience in sales, marketing, operations and finance will transfer easily to the new role,” says Joe. “I look forward to developing in this position and growing the company with the great team that Sarah has put in place.”

Q COMMUNICATIONS SIGNS THE LUXURY NETWORK

December 16, 2015/in Account win /by Michelle J Kuehn

Q Communications has been appointed by The Luxury Network to help launch and raise awareness of the membership group in the UAE. The consultancy will oversee PR, communications and events for the network’s newly launched Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices. Q Communications is a founding member of the network, alongside Tiffany & Co., Lamborghini, Royal Jet Group, Bombardier, Sofitel Hotels and Bang & Olufsen.

Working closely alongside Dubai-based Juan Perez and Oksana Bondar, who are spearheading the UAE division of the network, Q Communications will start a media engagement campaign designed to create mass awareness of the The Luxury Network’s foray into the UAE market and help to drive membership.

“The Luxury Network is the world’s leading luxury affinity marketing, partnerships and events group and expansion into Dubai and Abu Dhabi – two cities renowned for their love of high end brands – is a strategic step towards growing the network globally,” says Elsa Roodt, Director and Co Founder, Q communications. “With our portfolio of luxury clients and expertise within the sector, we are very excited to be on board as its agency and as a founding member, and hope to support The Luxury Network in reaching its business objectives.”

MEPRA AWARDS 2015 – Winners Announced

December 15, 2015/in Award win /by Michelle J Kuehn

The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) held its annual gala dinner last night in celebration of the most exciting communicators of 2015. Highlights of the evening included Memac Ogilvy Public Relations – Dubai, sweeping the floor of the Consumer Goods category for their work on “Innovation that Excites”, “Labels are for cans, Not People” and “#AmexExplorer: The Card That Takes You Places”.

Hill+Knowlton Strategies took gold in the Consumer Services category for their work on Flash Entertainment’s “YASALAM”, while in Healthcare & Services Memac Ogilvy Public Relations – Lebanon, impressed judges with its “Breast Cancer Awareness” campaign. House of Comms was awarded gold for its work on “JIM Will Fix It Nepal Relief” which fell under the Corporate Social Responsibility & Environmental PR category, and APCO Worldwide was recognised for its work for Noor Bank in the Financial PR sector.

The Dave Robinson Award for Outstanding Young Communicator of the Year (agency-side) went to Four Communications’ Mohanned Lafi with Ooredoo Kuwait’s Yasser Mohammad picking up the same for Outstanding Young Communicator of the Year (in-house). The Chairman’s Award was presented to Hill+Knowlton Strategies’ Sconaid McGeachin and Four Communications Group scooped Agency of the Year.

Ruth Bradley Consulting retains Roberto’s

December 15, 2015/in Account win /by Michelle J Kuehn

Ruth Bradley Consulting has retained the Roberto’s DIFC account for a second year. Handling all PR, marketing and social media for the homegrown Italian restaurant, run by Skelmore Hospitality Group, Ruth Bradley Consulting has assisted the brand gain recognition in the What’s On Awards as Best Italian 2015 and as Best Restaurant Team in the Caterer Awards 2015.

“We are very proud to have been retained for a second year running by the Skelmore Hospitality Group,” says Ruth Bradley, Managing Director, Ruth Bradley Consulting. “After a successful first year with several awards under our belt, we’re looking forward to 2016, which will be an exciting year for Roberto’s and ourselves.”

Mazin Siraj joins Motivate Publishing

December 14, 2015/in Movers & Shakers /by Michelle J Kuehn

Mazin Siraj has been appointed as Sales Manager at Business Traveller Middle East. Previously, Sales Account Manager at Astro Digital Publications in Malaysia, Mazin brings with him extensive experience in media sales in print, TV and radio.

“This is a great opportunity to expand my horizons and I am pleased to be part of such a respected media company in the region,” says Mazin.