Chris Will Eat launches

/in /by

Chris Gregory has launched new food and lifestyle blog, Chris Will Eat – chriswilleat.wordpress.com. The blog aims to provide an honest and open account of the F&B scene in the UAE, helping people to make their way through the host of dining options available with impartial reviews as well as home recipes. Chris currently works with hotels and restaurants in the region and he has spent the last four years living in Dubai cultivating his interest in the region’s growing food scene.

“I created Chris Will Eat first and foremost to offer people an authentic account of the F&B landscape in the UAE,” says Chris. “I’ll also be covering clean eating and occasional cheat meals, cooking at home and travelling. In the last three to four years the dining scene has evolved massively and it’s been truly exciting to be a part of. I’m looking forward to working on Chris Will Eat and seeing people engage with the site.”

 

Catering News Middle East welcomes new Editor

/in /by

BNC Publishing has welcomed Crystal Chesters to the role of Editor of Catering News Middle East. Previously Editor of Hotelier Middle East, Crystal has over four years of experience in media. In her new role, she will be driving editorial strategy for the publication, as well as growth of the publication across Dubai’s media landscape. She joins Catering News Middle East as it celebrates its first anniversary and takes on the role of official media partner and conference producer for Gulfood.

“I have been in Dubai now for two years and have gained an excellent insight into the region’s media marketplace and it’s vibrant, fast-growing hospitality industry,” says Crystal. “I feel I am very well placed to make a valuable contribution to the team at BNC, and I’m very excited about the opportunities ahead.”

Dubai Lynx to launch Lynx Live

/in /by

The 10th annual Dubai Lynx Festival, taking place between March 6 and March 9, 2016, will see the launch of Lynx Live – a new initiative that will bring live festival content to the world through TV.AE. A regional online content platform launching on March 1, 2016, TV.AE will broadcast one live seminar from each day of the festival. The daily session will be determined by a people’s vote, which will invite the industry to vote on the seminar that they most want to see. From January 31, 2016, voters will have two weeks to decide which sessions they want to watch from the Inspiration Stage, additionally, one session per day from the Arabic stage will be available to view post-event.

“Nearly 2,000 delegates experience Dubai Lynx every year but we know that there are many more who would like to be there but can’t,” says Emma Farmer, Festival Director, Dubai Lynx. “Together with TV.AE, we want to support the industry by giving a bit of the Festival back. We have a wealth of outstanding regional and international speakers, all delivering valuable insights on creativity and the industry. We want everyone to benefit and get inspired.”

Marwan Saab, General Manager, TV.AE, adds “We’re very excited about this partnership, one of the key reasons we’re launching TV.AE is to celebrate and support the incredible diversity and talent that exists in our region. The partnership with Dubai Lynx, the region’s premier creative festival, is a perfect match.”

MO4 Network welcomes Sacha Shaw

/in /by

Sacha Shaw has joined MO4 Network as PR Executive and Fashion Stylist. With over four years of experience in fashion and media, Sacha has previously worked for companies such as Boohoo.com, Iceberg publications and Gulf News. In her new role, she will be covering styling and shoots for a range of MO4 clients, as well as handling all PR for Fendi Kids and Il Gufo.

“I’m excited to be joining such an innovative agency, with a real focus on creativity,” says Sacha. “I consider myself lucky to be able to work across such an exciting portfolio of clients, doing something that I’m truly passionate about.”

UM MENA releases media trends report 2016

/in , /by

UM MENA has released a 2016 media trends report, NEXT THING NOW, for the region. Set to become an annual fixture, the report highlights yearly trends specific to the MENA region and UM’s view of where the market is heading towards on various themes in the industry. Written by UM MENA’s media specialists, the report also features input from professionals at Coca-Cola, Google, DMS and Yahoo! It will be distributed to UM MENA clients and publishing partners around the region and will also be available online through the agency’s website by Q2 of this year.

“The report echoes the views of our media experts at UM as well as the direction in which our company is heading in the coming years when it comes to media planning and marketing solutions for our clients,” says Chris Skinner, CEO, UM MENA. “There is a definite shift in the industry but by thinking forward and adapting our approach to the future trends we can achieve maximum impact and ROI. NEXT THING NOW will provide you with necessary insights and the way forward for you as a marketer and a media professional.”

Mojeh Men welcomes new Managing Editor

/in , /by

Peter Iantorno has joined MOJEH Men as Managing Editor. With over four years of experience in journalism, Peter most recently worked as Features Editor for EDGAR and EDGARdaily.com, where he contributed to both print and online platforms, focusing on the successful launch of EDGARdaily.com. As Managing Editor, he will be leading both print and online products for MOJEH Men, helping to build the magazine’s brand in the region.

“While I have loved every minute of my time with EDGAR and am sad to be leaving, I am thrilled to be joining MOJEH Men at what is a hugely exciting time for the brand,” says Peter. “I can’t wait to get going.”

Blue 449 launches Middle Eastern network office

/in , /by

Blue 449, part of the ZenithOptimedia group, has opened its eighth network office with the launch of the agency in the UAE, following the global launch of the Blue 449 network in March 2015. Headquartered in London, the communications network has also opened offices in the UK, France, Italy, Australia, Germany, Belgium and Spain.

The Blue 449 UAE office is located in Dubai and will be led by CV Suvi, who will take on the role of Managing Director, Blue 449 MENA. CV will report to Firas Al Zein, CEO, Zenith MENA.

“We are extremely excited about the launch of Blue 449 in MENA,” says CV. “It is a dynamic network that will benefit from all the resources of ZenithOptimedia and Publicis Groupe. The network’s integrated planning approach and ‘open source’ partnership framework will enable us to work more effectively across media, content, data and technology bringing in flexibility and agility to meet client challenges.”

Andrad Vigh, Global CEO, Blue 449, adds “We are very proud to open Blue 449 here in Dubai. This launch is a significant step in the creation of the Blue 449 network. This first outlet in the Middle East continues our expansion and the development of the agency’s very different approach to communications.”