RBBi to launch Digitalks

Digital marketing agency, Red Blue Blur Ideas (RBBi) is set to launch a new digital-focused conference series, Digitalks on January 24, 2018 at the Novotel Hotel, World Trade Centre, Dubai. Digitalks aims to address MENA’s online market, while focusing on e-commerce and the challenges it faces in the region. The conference will also include presentations by Sofiane Haddadi, Head of Media at L’OREAL, Abdelaziz Mohammed, Regional Head Digital Marketing at SOUQ.COM and Amol Kadam, Co-Founder at RBBi, to deliver new perspectives of the digital industry as well as on e-commerce in MENA and the different ways to increase investments around the Middle East.

“The cutting-edge conference covers a wide range of topics that influence business decisions and will demonstrate the best in corporate digital strategies and tactics,” says Naguib Toihiri, Organiser and SEO Department Lead, RBBi. “With the e-commerce market estimated to be worth up to $10bn by next year, the topics are set to revolve around new innovative ways of thinking and formulating cutting edge digital strategies.”

Shock Middle East launches new radio station

Dubai-based radio network, Shock Middle East has launched Heart 107.1 in the UAE. Heart 107.1 will focus on delivering interesting and relevant content, musical hits from the 90’s and the noughties, local and international news as well as inspirational topics with an aim to tap into all communities in the UAE.

The new station will also feature four main daily live shows and will see the appointment of a new team of presenters. Dave Cleary, previously Presenter at Dance FM will take on the role of Presenter for ‘Drive with Dave’ from 4pm – 8pm. ‘Mornings with Heart’ from 10am-1pm will be hosted by Jade Worsley, having previously worked in the UK with Dee 106.3 as Presenter. Tim Hartman and Faris Al-Raqqad who previously worked in Jordan with Bliss 104.3 will present ‘Breakfast with Tim and Faris’ from 6am-10am, along with Sheron Nanayakkara, joining them from Sri Lanka’s Red 107.8 Sky Media Network. Also joining the team is UAE-based Disc Jockey, Fadi Mansour who will host ‘Afternoons with Fadi’ from 1pm – 4pm.

“To say we’re pretty excited that this day has finally come is an understatement,” says Theo Makris, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Shock Middle East. “Heart 107.1 has been a long time coming – and we know it’s just what the UAE needs. Get ready to listen to some excellent music, the best of the best radio presenters – and a radio station which will always make you feel good.”

Sam Kiley joins CNN

CNN Abu Dhabi has welcomed Sam Kiley to the role of Senior International Correspondent. Sam previously worked with BBC, FRONTLINE – part of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and most recently Sky News. In his new role, he will join the international news team and report to the news desk with breaking news from across the region.

CNN is the world’s most watched news network with an unmatched presence on every major global story,” says Sam. “I have grown up as a journalist alongside CNN teams from Somalia to Sarajevo and Mosul. I have always admired them and am proud to be joining my friends at the network at this exciting and unpredictable, time.”