Active partners with VIANEWS

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Active (Digital. Marketing. Communications) Middle East is set to partner with Brazil based integrated communications agency, VIANEWS through Hotwire PR. Located in Sao Paulo, VIANEWS will bring together their network of agencies in Latin America with Hotwire’s existing international footprint of offices as well as exclusive co-branded partners and affiliates that will provide clients with communications expertise in major economic regions.

“This latest addition to our growing global presence means that we can now offer our existing and prospective clients access and integrated marketing support in a market that has drawn ever closer to this region and the UAE specifically, as well as providing a host of Brazilian and Latin American companies and organisations high standards of marketing services and support across the Middle East region,” says Sawsan Ghanem, Managing Director and Founding Partner, Active (Digital. Marketing. Communications).

Careem gets new look

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Regionally based car booking app Careem has been given a new look to mark its four-year anniversary. The brand’s new identity will include a new company symbol featuring a green wink and the implementation of a revamped strategy across all verticals from product messaging and advertising, to community outreach and company culture. The new look will also give Careem an effective presence offline, with an image that aims to capture the beauty and simplicity of technology as well as the positive impact it is creating in the region.

“The rebrand represents more than just a brand overhaul,” says Mudassir Sheikha, Co-Founder, Careem. “This new branding changes the whole identity and manifestation of Careem. Our mission is to move our region towards better living and to achieve that, we had to create a regionally recognised brand symbol synonymous with what we stand for. Careem is bold, local and relevant to all and the new identity represents these attributes perfectly.”

ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller wins at International Business Awards

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ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller has been awarded Public Relations Agency of the Year in the Middle East and Africa at the International Business Awards. The eighth Annual Arab Youth Survey 2016 also won PR Campaign of the Year and both awards are to be presented at the International Business Awards ceremony in Italy on October 21, 2016. The awards recognised the agency for its work in the Arab Youth Survey in the categories of; Reputation/Brand Management, Public Services and Global issues. ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller also received a ‘Grand Stevie’ award for the first time, for their record of 23 trophy wins and three medals at the International Business Awards.

“This is a tremendous result for us and it is wonderful to see our ground-breaking work on behalf of our clients recognised on the international stage,” says Sunil John, Founder and CEO, ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller. “This unprecedented win is a testament to the hard work and creative energy of our teams across all of our Practices.”

Charlotte Brown joins TOH PR

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TOH PR has welcomed Charlotte Brown to the role of Head of Lifestyle. With over 25 years of experience in media, Charlotte has worked with international luxury brands including; Cartier, Diptyque Paris and Crème de la Mer as well as holding positions such as Executive Retail Editor for major titles that include; Harper’s Bazaar UK and Glamour UK.

In her new role, she will work closely alongside Director of Middle East Operations, Joanna Lane Simm and Daniel Cotter, Head of Corporate, who joined the TOH senior management team earlier this summer; together they will lead the ongoing development and direction of TOH PR.

“I am delighted to reveal my senior management team after months spent searching the international market for the talent that I feel has the capacity to take the agency to the next level,” says Sophie Toh, Managing Director, TOH PR. “I believe we have been successful in our search and am inspired to work on the next chapter in TOH’s growth.”

The Qode launches new division

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Dubai based agency The Qode has introduced a new digital division that combines its offline and online services, headed up by Soraya Spahi who has over ten years of experience in digital marketing. She will oversee the new division from interactive social media management and web development to SEO/SEM campaigns that will help develop, as well as promote, branded content.

“Going digital was the next natural step for the Qode and we are so excited to have begun this very important journey into the future of communication,” says Dipesh Depala, Managing Partner, The Qode.

Varun Godinho joins Global Citizen

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Global Citizen magazine has welcomed Varun Godinho to the role of Digital Editor. With over nine years of experience in journalism, Varun has previously worked with publications including; Time Out, Times of India and, most recently, GQ. In his new role, he will oversee the digital editorial content for Global Citizen magazine as well as its social media channels.

“The Middle East is at an exciting place within the digital editorial sphere,” says Varun. “Digital isn’t here to replace print, but to be the perfect partner in crime. Global Citizen is delivering an editorially rich experience across multiple platforms and I look forward to being a part of that team here.”

Baroque Film Launches

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Dubai-based creative production company Baroque, has launched Baroque Film. The new unit, which was formed as a result of Baroque’s acquisition of Milan-based Dress Code Film, will develop quality content from filmmakers and storytellers internationally. Baroque Film will be headed by Lorenzo Bassano, Co-Founder of Dress Code Film and will focus on producing culturally-tailored solutions for brands and agencies.

“Lorenzo and I go back a long way,” says Ali Mansoor, Co-Founder and Chief Executive, Baroque. “Now, as he takes on the leadership role at Baroque Film, Lorenzo will pass on his expertise and passion for film as well as his skills in interactive filmmaking for new media platforms to our roster of directors to ensure that we create groundbreaking work with passion, love and care.”

Time Out Bahrain launches first event in Manama

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Time Out Bahrain, produced by ITP Publishing Group in Dubai, is launching a music festival in Manama. The event will be called Bahrain Jams and follows the launch of Time Out Live! from Time Out GCC. Taking place in Café Amsterdam and La Vinoteca Barcelona on September 30, 2016, Time Out Live! will showcase popular local bands and musicians including; Mo Zowayed, The Hot Club of Bahrain and Tony Attalla.

“We at Time Out are massively excited to launch the new brand extension; Time Out Live!” says Katy Gillett, Group Editor, Time Out Bahrain. “Where better to kick it off than on the beautiful island nation of Bahrain, where there’s a thriving local music scene? Alongside this awesome new festival, we at Time Out Bahrain are also currently finding more and more creative ways to tap into Bahrain’s grassroots communities, offering support to the country’s most talented people. Watch this space.”