PRCo Dubai has been appointed by burger joint new york as its public relations agency in the GCC, with two new restaurants set to launch in the UAE in 2014.
“We are very excited to be part of the team bringing burger joint new york to the UAE,” says Jonathan Rivlin, Managing Director, PRCo Dubai. “Burger joint is going to revolutionise the burger concept in the UAE, whilst introducing New York’s best kept burger secret.”
Expose Communications has won the PR account for Biolite Aesthetic Clinic. Biolite specialises in utilising the newest technology, and the international staff include an in-house plastic surgeon to bring the best techniques from all philosophies.
“Biolite is an innovative and directional concept and a highly regarded clinic internationally,” says Dana Abdelhadi, Director, Expose Communications. “We look forward to taking the brand to the next level.”
TOH PR has been appointed as the official PR agency for Ormé in the Middle East. Widely regarded as the jeweller of choice for exceptional, bespoke pieces amongst Italy’s upper class community, Ormé has built a legacy around handmade, personalised pieces inspired by the sea, sand and nature’s bountiful reserves.
“We are delighted to widen our work within the luxury jewellery sector and we were drawn to Ormé as a client because of its Italian heritage, family values and deep-rooted sense of quality and heritage,” says Sophie Toh, Founder of TOH PR. “The Ormé team is charm personified and we look forward to helping translate this ethos to the local market through media outreach and brand partnerships.”
B4U Aflam, the Arabic-language Bollywood film channel, has announced UM Dubai as its new media buying agency for the MENA region. B4U’s decision to appoint UM Dubai was due to the agency’s scale and expertise in the media communications industry, as well as its global reputation and capability in providing strategic marketing and an array of proprietary tools in order to maximise target reach and brand presence.
B4U’s alliance with UM Dubai will not only help the network to grow in the MENA region, but will also help bring B4U Aflam closer to its target audience, the local Arabic population, through tactical planning and innovative thinking. With a new look and fresh packaging to launch in forthcoming weeks, the affiliation has come at an extremely exciting period for the channel.
“B4U are thrilled to be working with UM for our media buying. When selecting a media buying agency, we wanted to appoint a company that we knew we could trust to not only deliver but to also help us evolve, develop and grow in an ever-changing market,” says Ashok Shenoy, B4U Aflam’s Head of International Business. “We have confidence that with their extensive knowledge, expertise and networks UM will help us achieve our goals in the Middle East.”
Zubair S. Siddiqui, Managing Director of UM Dubai adds, “With perhaps one of the most extensive Bollywood libraries, B4U Aflam is uniquely positioned to satisfy the burgeoning needs for Asian content within the Arab diaspora and we are proud to have been given this opportunity to partner with them across the region.”
Following a review and pitch process, UM Dubai has been awarded the regional media planning and buying account for Sun & Sand Sports. Effective immediately, UM Dubai will handle integrated media duties from its headquarters in Tecom for the sports retail giant’s 90 brands across the MENA region.
Sun & Sand Sports offers such world famous names as Timberland, Columbia, Arena, Vans, Dunlop, Kettler, Icon and Babolat, among many others – across various sports categories via its network of more than 100 stores in six markets across the Middle East.
“UM Dubai’s passion and insight into the Sun & Sand Sports brand, and clear understanding of our business shone through the pitch process at all points and were key factors in our decision to appoint the agency as our media partner,” says Mohamad A. Baker, Deputy Chairman of Sun & Sands Sports, on the decision to appoint UM Dubai. “With a first-class digital capability and the network’s scale and footprint providing improved marketing efficiencies, we are delighted to be working with UM Dubai and look forward to a fruitful and long term partnership.”
Zubair S. Siddiqui, Managing Director of UM Dubai adds, “We are very proud to associate with Sun & Sand Sports. As the sports retailing sector heats up in the region, we are excited to be part of the success story of Sun & Sands Sports. We look forward to using our extensive sports marketing experience in shaping the way forward for this iconic brand with a wide-ranging audience base.”
Grace & Garbo have won the PR account for Delice, the Dubai-based gourmet confectionary brand. Grace & Garbo are the first PR agency to sign with the brand, who have previously looked after PR and marketing internally.
“It is a great opportunity to work on a local brand that has grown to become an international label with franchises around the world,” says Rahma Himid, CEO and Founder, Grace & Garbo. “This is a testament to the creative drive that the UAE possesses. The product is unique in taste and presentation, and perfect for any occasion. We are happy to be associated with success stories such as Delice.”
FP7/DXB has successfully retained the Emirates NBD creative advertising account, following a multi-agency pitch process that began at the end of last year. The agency competed against the regions’ largest multinational networks for the business.
FP7/DXB will continue to oversee the Dubai-headquartered bank’s through-the-line communications brief for the UAE. Emirates NBD has awarded FP7/DXB a three-year contract – a tangible testament to the mutual understanding fostered between the two entities after a four-year partnership and of Emirates NBD’s continued belief in FP7/DXB’s creative and strategic solutions that have helped grow and solidify this great brand for the past many years.
“We are delighted to renew our partnership with FP7,” says Vikram Krishna, Head of Group Marketing and Customer Experience, Emirates NBD. “They have been with us right through on our journey to becoming one of the leading banking brands in the Middle East with a US$1 billion-plus valuation. We look forward to their contribution in steering our brand to greater heights in the future.”
Sasan Saeidi, Managing Director, FP7/UAE, adds: “We are overjoyed with this pitch result. Retaining this wonderful partnership, and ensuring this great brand remains at the forefront of our client roster is something we are extremely proud of. Emirates NBD and FP7 have achieved great results together for the past number of years; both effective and award winning communication. We are geared up and determined more than ever, to make sure the next three years are even more successful, so watch this space.”
Z7 Communications has been appointed as the official PR agency for AIGNER in the Middle East. The German fashion label celebrated a debut at the Milan fashion shows in 2003 and the re-launch of the company’s brand architecture was a spectacular success. Since then, it has been rapidly expanding its business activities in the Near and Far East.
“We are delighted to announce the addition of AIGNER to our portfolio of globally recognised luxury brands,” says Zeina El-Dana, Founder and Managing Director, Z7 Communications. “Throughout the decades, AIGNER has retained its claim to creating true classics with a brilliant combination of German precision & Italian tradition, and continues to successfully bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. We look forward to highlighting the brand’s legacy and collections across the Middle East.”
DPQ Communications has won the PR and marketing contract for Beverly Hills Aesthetic & Medical Centre. The facility offers a complete range of medical and aesthetic solutions to rejuvenate the skin, hair and body, and boasts of the latest equipment in the industry.
“Work is underway at the Beverly Hills Aesthetic & Medical Centre and the clinic is set to open its doors early April,” says Elsa Roodt, Managing Partner, DPQ Communications. “We look forward to creating a buzz about Beverly Hills Aesthetic & Medical Centre in the market.”
PRCo Dubai has been appointed as the new public relations agency in the GCC for Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris. Le Royal Monceau showcases a classic palace reinvented for the new generation of travellers with remarkable architecture, contemporary design by Philippe Starck and heart felt service.
“Being appointed by Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, further underlines our experience in the international luxury lifestyle and travel sectors,” says Jonathan Rivlin, Managing Director, PRCo Dubai. “We are excited to be part of the team progressing Le Royal Monceau’s vision and I look forward to working with them.”