Shortlist for ICCO Global Awards 2016 announced

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The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) has announced the shortlisted nominees for ICCO Global Awards 2016. Taking place on December 1, 2016 in London, the award nominees include Cohn & Wolfe for ‘Regional Network of the Year – EMEA’, Instinctif Partners for ‘Regional Independent Constultany of the Year – EMEA’ as well as House of Comms and Grayling for ‘World’s Best PR Campaign – Media Relations.’

“The ICCO Global Awards is an opportunity for the PR and communications industry to showcase the way in which the discipline can achieve real results through powerful outcomes,” says Charlene Corrin, General Manager, International Communications Consultancy Organisation. “An international jury reviews campaigns and teams from around the world, with a true focus on measurement and effectiveness. This year a number of campaigns were entered from the Middle East region, but the stand out work which has made the shortlist came from Grayling and House of Comms, both members of PRCA MENA.”

A2Zarabia.com launches in the UAE

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Dubai-based entrepreneur team launches A2Zarabia.com, a consumer-based online platform in the UAE. A2Zarabia.com is a one stop online shopping hub that aims to combine the functionality of different categories to effectively make life easier for its users. The new platform will be headed by Syed Sarfraz and Parvez Ahmed as the co-founders and it will feature categories that include properties and motors, as well as sections for jobs, exclusive deals, events and other classifieds.

“There are multiple existing websites for each category separately giving its users significant value,” says Syed Sarfraz, Chief Executive Officer, A2Zarabia.com. “However, there isn’t a single website, that satisfies all these daily requirements at a single portal for the user which will make their life easier. We wanted to provide this service to the users across the UAE and beyond. The website has already received a good reception with vendors and strategic partnerships with major brands.”

Hello! Arabia secures royal exclusive

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Hello! Arabia has secured an exclusive interview with Her Highness Sheikha Futtaim Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, daughter of the Ruler of Dubai set to be published next week. The interview features HRH Sheikha Futtaim speaking about her passion for horses, painting and arts as well as the progress made in the UAE for women’s empowerment, whilst paying tribute to the vision of both her father, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Founder of the UAE, HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

“Her Highness is a role model to so many people not just in the UAE but across the world,” says Gina Tadros, Editor-in-Chief, Hello! Arabia. “Her interview is a wonderful insight into her dreams and passions and we are very proud to be publishing it.”

House of Comms welcomes New Junior Account Executive

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Integrated communications agency, House of Comms has welcomed Daisy Priestly to the role of Junior Account Executive. A recent graduate from Brighton University, Daisy holds a degree in Event Management. In her new role, she will work across House of Comms’ client accounts as well as building her media contacts.

“Never have I been around a group of people who are so passionate about what they do,” says Daisy. “It’s so inspiring and I feel incredibly lucky to be working with some amazing clients. I know that this is where I want to be and to see how people are able to grow within House of Comms makes me confident that I will be able to smash my career ambitions as a part of this team.”

Absolute Communications makes new appointment

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Digital, PR and events agency, Absolute Communications Group has welcomed Sonal Salvi to the role of Senior Account Manager. With over five years of experience in public relations, corporate communications and marketing, Sonal will now oversee all PR operations for the agency’s clients across the region.

“The company’s culture is exceptionally progressive and strategic,” says Sonal. “We are more thought driven than press releases and it gives us a broader scope to build a brand. I am pleased to work with such creative, dedicated and inspiring minds.”

New creative agency launches

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New creative communications, production and design agency, Havoc Creative has launched in the UAE. Founded by Catalina Tapia and Acacia Stichter, who are also the Creative Directors, the agency aims to offer its clients services ranging from visual brand development and design to corporate communications as well as art direction. With over 15 years of experience in the creative and publishing industry, Catalina and Acacia have partnered together to build a business that offers its clients creative content with a personal approach.

“We’ve worked for everyone from Harper’s Bazaar and HSBC to Shangri-La Abu Dhabi and even A-list celebrities, we’re using our expertise as designers as well as dealing with clients to bring a hands-on and personal service to companies and individuals alike,” says Acacia Stichter, Founder and Creative Director, Havoc Creative. “We want our clients to feel special and know that they’re getting our undivided attention, something that can lack when dealing with large corporate organisations.”