Quest Arabiya sports series goes into production

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Quest Arabiya’s new flagship adventure-travel show Nabd Al Moghamara – Arabic for ‘Pulse for Adventure’ – is now being shot in locations across the region, from the Maghreb to the Levant. The show will be hosted by extreme sports enthusiasts, Hussein Gazzazz and Ghida Arnaout, and is scheduled to air for the first time on March 13, 2016. Quest Arabiya, a division of Image Nation Abu Dhabi, is a free-to-air, factual entertainment Arabic TV channel, launched in December, 2015 in association with Discovery Communications.

“The launch of Nabd Al Moghamara, our first of many regionally-produced, long-form flagship series, will take the channel – that has already been embraced by viewers in 22 countries – to an exciting new level and demonstrate our commitment to creating original Arabic content,” says Carl Von Doussa, General Manager, Quest Arabiya. “We are looking forward to highlighting the incredible, natural landscapes throughout the Middle East and North Africa and showcasing the region’s diversity and talent.”

Sheen El Meligi, Programming Director, Quest Aribiya, adds “Nabd Al Moghamara is set to showcase some great stories of personal endeavour and achievement, but it is also an example of our commitment to providing opportunities for the production industry in the region. We are happy to be working with regional producers, crew and talent on this exciting show.”

 

PRCA MENA launches

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The Public Relations Consultants Association Middle East and North Africa (PRCA MENA) has launched in Dubai. The new professional body will cover the entire MENA region, providing PR practitioners with an association to share best practice as well as network and work to raise standards of PR. The organisation will provide training, networking, market intelligence and an international network through the International Communications Consultancy Organisation.
PRCA MENA will be co-chaired by MENA PR industry leaders Loretta Ahmed, CEO Middle East, Grayling and Mohamed Al Ayed, CEO, TRACCS. Founding members include MENA consultancies Golin MENA, Memac Ogilvy, Fleishman Europe, Q Communications, MCS Action, Sept PR, Active and Instinctif.

Ritz-Carlton welcomes new PR Director

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Bianca Cartin has joined the Ritz-Calton Dubai as Director of Public Relations. Previously Marketing Manager for the GFD Group where she was part of the opening team for Jean-Georges Dubai in the Four Seasons resort, Jumeirah, Bianca has over 11 years of experience in PR. As Director of Public Relations, she will be responsible for all public relations activities for the beach-side resort.

“I am very excited to be part of the Ritz-Carlton team and I have received a very warm welcome since joining,” says Bianca.

 

Ruth’s Chris promotes Mariana Sarilho

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Mariana Sarilho has been promoted to the role of Marketing Executive for the Fine Dining Division of the MonarQi Group, representing Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in the UAE. Previously Assistant Marketing Manager for the fine dining restaurant located in The Address Hotel Dubai Marina, Mariana has over seven years of experience in media and marketing. In her new role, she will be handling all media contacts for Ruth’s Chris as well as communicating all offers and information for the restaurant.

“I am thrilled to be taking on the role of Marketing Executive,” says Mariana. “I have always been passionate about fine dining and Ruth’s Chris – this is as good as it gets. Building the brand in Dubai, which is a fast-paced market with high expectations of luxury and lifestyle brands, is both challenging and exciting. I will  be looking forward to forging valuable partnerships, building lasting relationships with media and keeping the good stories sizzling along the way.”

The Independent to end print production

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UK-based newspaper The Independent is to cease all print production of its daily paper, as well as The Independent on Sunday, in a move towards a digital-only future. The national publication, launched in 1986, is owned by ESI Media and is due end all print copies by March, 2016. News will then be exclusively available through The Independent’s websites, www.independent.co.uk or www.i100.co.uk, which will later become www.indy100.com. This move follows the sale of The Independent’s tabloid i newspaper to Johnston Press, owner of other British regional titles including the Eastbourne Herald, The Herald Express and the Londonderry Sentinel.

 

GN Broadcasting welcomes Director

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GN Broadcasting has welcomed Steve Pulley to the role of Broadcasting Director. With 30 years of international radio experience across companies such as Virgin Radio International and Arabian Radio Network, Steve was most recently General Manager of Bamboo Media, where he provided services to international radio stations and local businesses looking to improve premium content services. Having recently returned to Dubai, Steve will now be working across UAE radio stations Radio 1, Radio 2, Josh and Hayat FM in his role as Broadcasting Director.

“It is an exceptionally exciting time for the radio business,” says Steve. “Radio remains a key medium for all UAE residents who want music, fun and information – when and where they want it. On whatever platform, it’s still the most affordable way for advertisers – big and small – to consistently reach new and existing customers, especially those who are increasingly on-the-go. GN Broadcasting will be working smarter and harder than ever to entertain listeners and provide innovation for Advertisers.”

 

 

Will McMichael joins GN Broadcasting

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Will McMichael has joined GN Broadcasting as Head of Advertising. Having previously worked as General Sales Manager at the Australian Radio Network in Sydney, Australia, Will was responsible for revenue generation cross all of the network, including 12 radio stations and its digital assets. In his new role as Head of Advertising, he will oversee both direct and agency sales teams for GN Broadcasting, as well as support departments including Creative, Traffic, Commercial Production and Sponsorship/Promotions/Integration. Will will also be handling revenue generation across direct and agency sales and developing and implementing strategies for internal structure, processes and communication.

“Relocating to another country was not an easy decision, however I have been made to feel extremely welcome and I already feel like a part of the family,” says Will. “There are some very talented people here and when you combine this with the strength of the brands throughout the company, we have a real opportunity to provide multi-platform solutions to our clients.”