TechRadar expands into the Middle East

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Global technology platform, TechRadar has partnered with regional technology brand, Tbreak as a part of its expansion into the Middle East. The partnership will see both brands combine their resources to publish content to a wider audience with a name rebrand of its platform to TechRadar.com. The agreement will also see TechRadar’s existing editorial team work closely with the Tbreak team to provide their audience with a blend of globally relevant industry coverage and product reviews, alongside local news and insight specifically tailored to the region to strengthen their existing and global reach.

“We are very excited with this new partnership,” says Abbas Jaffar Ali, Director, Tbreak Media. “TechRadar is a highly-respected brand and with their expertise, we are looking to take technology journalism to a whole new level in the Middle East.”

Pinpoint Media Group makes new acquisition

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Dubai-based media company, Pinpoint Media Group has acquired the complete publishing and online roster of Edgar, Altitude and Yachts magazines. The acquisition of the luxury lifestyle titles, previously owned by LuxMedia Middle East, will enable Pinpoint Media Group to reach a new group of readers and commercial entities in print, while also expanding an online presence in line with the company’s strategic goals in the region.

“The acquisition of LuxMedia Middle East’s publishing assets allows us to offer our clients a broader portfolio suited to a wider range of brands under their control,” says Darren Hodgkin, Chief Executive Officer, Pinpoint Media Group. “Edgar, Altitudes and Yachts have built solid reputations in both the GCC and globally, and each will complement our existing roster in their own right. I look forward to developing the titles further, expanding the successful events program and growing the digital presence of each masthead in line with the overall vision of our modern day global publishing house.”

Assaad Kassis takes on new role at UM MENA

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UM MENA has appointed Assaad Kassis to the role of General Manager of its Saudi Arabia office. Having joined UM MENA’s Dubai office in 2010, Assaad most recently held the role of Regional Business Director, where he managed brands such as L’Oreal, Hershey’s and The Coca-Cola Company. In his new role, he will focus on growing the local business of UM MENA by augmenting the implementation of their product services for existing client business and simultaneously focusing on new acquisition. He will also work on ensuring UM’s regional client teams have heightened on-ground presence and are consistently plugged in with the local Saudi Arabian market.

“I can’t think of a better candidate than Assaad to lead our Saudi Arabia office at a time where our focus will be to continue strengthening our product line for local partners and expand our operations,” says Joe Nicolas, Regional Managing Director, UM MENA. “This is also an extremely exciting change for our Saudi Arabia office as Assaad has proven to be highly pragmatic and an organisational visionary and he will definitely be taking that with him in his new role.”

Five Minute Focus – PRCA x TMN Training

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With the launch of the ‘PRCA x TMN Training’ by Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) and The Media Network (TMN), Team TMN sit down with Leanne Foy, General Manager at PRCA MENA to talk about the initiative and what to expect…

Tell us about the concept behind the ‘PRCA x TMN Training’…

The concept behind PRCA x TMN training is to provide a platform for continuous professional development. We strive to deliver excellent training that develops talent in the region by offering online training through our live or on demand 90-minute interactive webinars, half day, face-to-face and bespoke training as well as our global CPD program. By developing talent, we will keep the industry up to date with emerging trends and best practices. This results in increasing industry standards, talent retention and more effective practices.

Who is your target audience and how can they get involved?

PRCA has training courses at introductory, intermediate and advance levels. We are targeting those that work in PR and communications looking to enhance their professional development.

What is the approximate cost per session?

Our face-to-face half day training courses are priced at AED 695 for members and AED 1,295 for non-members. The online training webinars are priced at AED 295 for members and AED 395 for non-members.

Can you give us some more details about the trainers?

All of our trainers are industry professionals and have completed a PRCA trainer’s accreditation, where they have been observed on delivering a training session. All trainers are part of our quality assurance plan and are observed every six months as part of our quality promise.

Why should agencies participate in the training session?

Training and development is a proven technique in retaining talent. It demonstrates staff investment, and will train staff in key areas of the business.

What kind of changes are you hoping to promote and encourage with this training?

One of the PRCA’s main objectives is to increase the standards in the industry. Training and professional development is one way we are actively doing this. Our training incorporates best practice and develops talent.

Why did you feel the need to launch the PRCA x TMN Training in the region?

The PRCA has an extremely successful and comprehensive professional development program, with certified training to an industry standard. PRCA MENA has adopted this in the region after consulting with our members and identifying a lack of industry accredited training. It is vital that we develop and retain talent in our industry and by partnering with TMN it will extend our reach.

How does this training course differ from other courses in the region?

PRCA MENA training courses are certified by the most dynamic industry body for PR and communications. All of our training courses whether they are online or face-to-face contribute to our global CPD program. We offer a variety of training across key skills, writing, digital, creative, crisis, public affairs, winning new business, personal skills and finance and profitability, at introductory, intermediate and advance levels.

What has been your advertising strategy in the region?

We’re promoting our training courses through our networks of members and non-members as well as through content such as our newsletter.

What is the reaction you expect from participants, following the training sessions?

We expect our participants to be extremely satisfied with their courses – we require very high levels of feedback for all trainers.

What benefits are participants expected to gain from the sessions?

Increased knowledge in the subject field, alongside areas of best practice and techniques to use in their day to day work. All sessions have a set of learning outcomes relevant for each course.

What does the future hold for the PRCA x TMN Training?

We will continue to work with our members to identify skills gaps and develop training courses that meet their needs.

SOCIATE welcomes new PR Assistant and Copywriter

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Dubai-based marketing and PR agency, SOCIATE has appointed Nichole Miranda to the role of PR Assistant and Copywriter. Nichole has previously worked with publications such as Gulf News, Diners Club and Read magazine. In her new role, she will work on creating engaging content and assisting the PR team with a variety tasks.

“While I majored in public relations at university, I’ve always played for team journalist and I am looking forward to learning a wealth of new skills at SOCIATE,” says Nichole. “My colleagues are a brilliant bunch who tirelessly make a group effort, every day, to support the company. I’m incredibly excited to be working with this homegrown brand.”

FP7/DXB appoints new Managing Director

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Full service advertising agency, FP7/DXB has appointed Jon Marchant to the role of Managing Director. Jon most recently worked with McCann Central UK, where he held the roles of Managing Director and Board Director. In his new role, he will focus on meeting FP7/DXB’s growth goals as well as building on its reputation for creative solutions and campaigns.

“FP7 are a brilliant and talented bunch who have proved time and again that brave creativity and commercial effectiveness go hand in hand,” says Jon. “I’m super-excited to be leading the charge, as we look to further enhance and evolve the agency’s offering and act as trusted advisors to our impressive array of clients.”

New appointment at Spark*

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Creative and branding agency, Spark* has appointed Nadine Abboud to the role of Director of Client Services. With over 15 years of integrated marketing and communications experience, Nadine has worked across several international and government clients including Mövenpick Hotels, Emirates Airlines and Unilever, where she formulated and executed marketing communication plans. In her new role, she will be responsible for providing the client servicing team with direction and support as well as overseeing campaign execution and working closely with all Spark* clients as their strategic advisor.

“I am delighted to be joining the dynamic team at Spark* – one that lives and breathes communication just as I have done throughout my career,” says Nadine. “Together we aim to have a significant impact by harnessing the power of excellent ideas for the benefit of our clients.”