OMD has been selected by the Jumeirah Group as its Search Engine Marketing (SEM) agency. A competitive pitch resulted in the Omnicom Media Group-owned network adding the international SEM assignment to the media planning and buying contract that it already holds with the group.
“We value our partnership with OMD and were impressed by their digital capabilities in the previous above the line pitch,” says Ross McAuley, Vice President of Brand, Digital and Loyalty, Jumeirah Group. “It therefore made sense to invite them to the SEM pitch. They presented us with a compelling combination of technology and expertise, integrated with the rest of our media operations. With such a persuasive proposition, extending the scope of work on our business was the right decision for us.”
Nadim Samara, Managing Director, OMD UAE & Lower Gulf, adds “Many advertisers believe expertise only rests with specialist agencies but Jumeirah isn’t one of those. As an innovative and forward-thinking company, they’ve seen the value of an integrated expert offering and the efficiencies and synergies it brings. Adding performance and search marketing into the mix means that we are now in an even better position to positively and demonstrably impact their business results.”
Performance marketing technology company Criteo has started operations from its new Dubai offices in Media City, aiming to offer opportunities to a growing local workforce. The company has also welcomed the move of its Managing Director of Emerging Markets, Dirk Henke, from Munich to Dubai – where he will continue to run operations in the MENA region as well as in Turkey and Russia, amongst other markets.
“This is a very exciting time, both personally and professionally,” says Dirk. “Criteo is very eager to tap into the potential of the Middle Eastern markets in the midst of an ongoing e-commerce and m-commerce surge. Joining the Dubai office allows us to focus on the region, and being here makes it easier to dig deeper and get more involved in the rise of digital programmatic advertising. I look forward to supporting our existing and potential clients.”
GN Publishing has announced the launch of an all-new technology blog, GNTECH.ae. The fully responsive site, which works seamlessly across desktop and mobile, will give readers in the UAE up-to-the-minute tech and consumer electronics news and reviews. The website is the digital platform of #GNTECH, Gulf News’ consumer technology brand, and builds on the success of the existing monthly print title, which was launched in August and distributed with Gulf News.
The brand covers consumer electronics topics ranging from gaming and product reviews to buying guides and apps. GNTECH.ae will feature news and launches in the world of technology as they happen, provide in-depth content from experts in the industry as well as live coverage from key events in the technology sector, such as CES.
“Technology is driving massive change in our society and I’m incredibly delighted that we’re launching GNTECH.ae in this sector – a genuinely digital first offering,” says James Hewes, Publishing Director, GN Publishing. “This is a very exciting project for GN Publishing, one that we’re confident will become a key player in a competitive marketplace.”
Gareth Kurt Warren, Editor, GNTECH.ae adds “The region has experienced rapid transformation to become more technologically advanced. Our readers are now constantly on the go and are looking for quick media consumption; they are increasingly relying on web-based, digital and social media platforms for their news fix, especially when it comes to technology. Our new website is GN Publishing’s response to this dynamic dependence on digital content in our readers’ fast-paced lives.”
Rawaj International has been appointed as the official PR Agency for OBS Group’s lifestyle brands in the UAE. The agency will be representing and boosting awareness of brands such as Ormonde Jayne, Maison Francis Kukdjian, Herve Gambs Raw Spirit and Prestat that are available from outlets such as Harvey Nichols, Galleries Lafayette and House of Fraser.
“We are very pleased with this partnership with OBS Group’s lifestyle division,” says Lale Ansingh, Managing Director, Rawaj International. “OBS Lifestyle has some extraordinary brands that fit perfectly with this country’s vibrant and luxurious spirit. We look forward to working with their passionate team and being a part of their success.”
High-end luxury lifestyle publication Equestrio Arabia will increase its frequency to eight issues per year, as of 2016. The magazine, which focusses on the equestrian world, was previously published over six issues annually and is available in two editions covering three continents – Europe, America and Arabia. The first issue of 2016 will feature international polo, a preview of The World Cup Carnival at Meydan and the works of photographer Dorte Tuladhars.