AL Publishing launches online video channel

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Dubai-based Arabic publishing company, AL Publishing has launched new online video channel, al-video.com. al-video.com is an online portal that aims to enhance Arabic digital content by focusing on video coverage of news and events across various fields including business, technology, travel, hospitality, culture and arts across the GCC region. The new channel will also feature social responsibility initiatives and activities by non-profit organisations as well as exclusive interviews with top CEO’s across the region, technical reviews of several high-profile products and other cultural and social video reports.

“The success we have achieved in our first year affirms the vitality of the new publishing model we adopted, concentrating on B2B high quality Arabic content through six specialised portals and supported by a bilingual news wire platform,” says Ali Mohamad, CEO and Group Editor, AL Publishing. “AL Video is our eighth portal and the first of its kind in the region which reflects our commitment to high quality Arabic content.”

New Senior Vice President at Khaleej Times

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UAE-based newspaper, Khaleej Times welcomes Ravi Raman to the role of Senior Vice President. With a wealth of experience in the media and publishing industry, Ravi previously worked as Vice President and Associate Publisher at Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East, where he led the launch and growth of the edition as well as oversaw every aspect of the publication including digital, content and commercial. In his new role, he will head the Khaleej Times group and oversee its operations by spearheading the group’s strategic direction and conceptualising as well as leading its growth into new segments and markets. He will also further direct the group’s plans of acquiring and launching new titles across the region.

“Taking charge of such a well-respected brand is both an honour and a great responsibility – especially at a time when legacy media brands are being forced to reinvent themselves,” says Ravi. “With the brand equity that Khaleej Times commands, I am excited of the possibilities and opportunities. The market can expect some innovative offerings from the group.”

NEW VOGUE EDITOR ANNOUNCED

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Following the departure of Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz, Manuel Arnaut has been officially named as the incoming Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Arabia, with his new role due to commence on May 7, 2017. Currently Editor-in-Chief of Architectural Digest Middle East, Manuel has a long association with Condé Nast after initiating his career at Vogue Portugal, and eventually holding the position as Editor at GQ Portugal. In his new role, Manuel will take over direction of Vogue Arabia’s multinational and multilingual editorial team.

“After starting my professional life at Vogue, and having grown up devouring each page of its international editions, I’m deeply honoured to have the opportunity to come ‘home,’ at the helm of Vogue Arabia,” says Manuel. “With the rich heritage of the Middle East as a starting point — and its eyes on the future — Vogue Arabia celebrates the region’s fashion and cultural identity, presenting it to the world in a luxurious, upbeat, and contemporary style. In an exciting climate of modernity and creativity, the team and I are committed to working towards a Vogue Arabia that is the proud voice of the region, representing the strength and allure of the Arab woman.”

Shashi Menon, CEO & Publisher, Nervora and Vogue Arabia adds, “Manuel Arnaut brings over a decade of Condé Nast editorial experience combined with a strong track record of regional success. We look forward to him building on Vogue Arabia’s foundation.”

Soho Communications launches in the UAE

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PR professionals Peta Thorpe-Evans and Chloe Ragg have teamed up to launch new communications agency, Soho Communications. With experience in the PR and marketing industry, Peta previously worked as Marketing Director at Praias Boutique and recently as a freelance PR, Social Media and Marketing Consultant across a portfolio of clients such as MA Models, Lucia Clinic and Vii Dubai.

Chloe brings with her, experience in media and PR having worked with Gulf News Broadcasting, Time Out Dubai andcurrently as Managing Director of Fox and Hound Communications. The new agency will operate as a PR, social media and events consultancy with a focus on lifestyle and hospitality clientele across the UAE.

“We’re both really excited to announce the launch of Soho Communications in Dubai,” says Peta Thorne-Evans, Co-Founder, Soho Communications. “We’ve both been working separately across the hospitality and lifestyle division for quite some time and have seen a real opportunity to join forces and work together on offering clients a personal, in-house approach.”

Who’s next for the top spot at Vogue?

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Following the breaking news surrounding Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz’s departure from her position as Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Arabia, all questions point to who is next in line for the top spot. TMN lists out seven worthy contenders for the throne…

  1. Sofia Guellaty: Previously Editor-in-Chief of style.com Arabia, also part of Nervora Publishing, Sofia has extensive experience in luxury fashion titles and is well known for discovering and honing creative Middle Eastern talent.
  1. Manuel Arnaut: Currently Editor-in-Chief of Architectural Digest Middle East, Manuel’s flair for fashion and style and association with one of Condé Nast International’s most reputed titles makes him a strong – and – likely candidate for the role.
  1. Rhea Saran: Previously Associate Editor and Features Editor of GQ India, Rhea was appointed as Editor-in-Chief of Condé Nast Traveller Middle East in September 2013. Renowned fashion journalist, Suzy Menkes may know something that we don’t… Rhea featured not once, but twice on Suzy’s Instagram over the past month.
  1. Ritu Upadhyay: Middle East Correspondent for Women’s Wear Daily for over 10 years, Ritu is well-versed with the Middle East and global fashion landscape, as well as the business and retail side of the industry.
  1. Louise Nichol: Editor-in-Chief of luxury women’s glossy, Harper’s Bazaar Middle East – which runs neck-to-neck with Vogue Arabia – Louise is an obvious choice and a more than able candidate for the role.
  1. Esther Quek: Previously Fashion and Beauty Director at APP for Rake Middle East, Revolution Middle East and Condé Nast Traveller Middle East and currently Editor-in-Chief of Citizen K Arabia, Esther is a well-known personality on the national and international luxury fashion scene.
  1. Alison Tay: Currently Editor-in-Chief of Grazia Middle East, Alison is a regular on the FROW at all the major fashion weeks. With decades of experience in fashion writing, styling and presenting, she’s an obvious candidate for the role.

Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz departs Vogue

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It has been confirmed that Saudi Princess, Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz will no longer be Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Arabia. The title, part of Nervora Publishing has already appointed a new editor. Conde Nast launched the online edition of Vogue Arabia in July 2016, followed by the print edition in March 2017.