Performance marketing technology company Criteo has started operations from its new Dubai offices in Media City, aiming to offer opportunities to a growing local workforce. The company has also welcomed the move of its Managing Director of Emerging Markets, Dirk Henke, from Munich to Dubai – where he will continue to run operations in the MENA region as well as in Turkey and Russia, amongst other markets.
“This is a very exciting time, both personally and professionally,” says Dirk. “Criteo is very eager to tap into the potential of the Middle Eastern markets in the midst of an ongoing e-commerce and m-commerce surge. Joining the Dubai office allows us to focus on the region, and being here makes it easier to dig deeper and get more involved in the rise of digital programmatic advertising. I look forward to supporting our existing and potential clients.”
GN Publishing has announced the launch of an all-new technology blog, GNTECH.ae. The fully responsive site, which works seamlessly across desktop and mobile, will give readers in the UAE up-to-the-minute tech and consumer electronics news and reviews. The website is the digital platform of #GNTECH, Gulf News’ consumer technology brand, and builds on the success of the existing monthly print title, which was launched in August and distributed with Gulf News.
The brand covers consumer electronics topics ranging from gaming and product reviews to buying guides and apps. GNTECH.ae will feature news and launches in the world of technology as they happen, provide in-depth content from experts in the industry as well as live coverage from key events in the technology sector, such as CES.
“Technology is driving massive change in our society and I’m incredibly delighted that we’re launching GNTECH.ae in this sector – a genuinely digital first offering,” says James Hewes, Publishing Director, GN Publishing. “This is a very exciting project for GN Publishing, one that we’re confident will become a key player in a competitive marketplace.”
Gareth Kurt Warren, Editor, GNTECH.ae adds “The region has experienced rapid transformation to become more technologically advanced. Our readers are now constantly on the go and are looking for quick media consumption; they are increasingly relying on web-based, digital and social media platforms for their news fix, especially when it comes to technology. Our new website is GN Publishing’s response to this dynamic dependence on digital content in our readers’ fast-paced lives.”
Rawaj International has been appointed as the official PR Agency for OBS Group’s lifestyle brands in the UAE. The agency will be representing and boosting awareness of brands such as Ormonde Jayne, Maison Francis Kukdjian, Herve Gambs Raw Spirit and Prestat that are available from outlets such as Harvey Nichols, Galleries Lafayette and House of Fraser.
“We are very pleased with this partnership with OBS Group’s lifestyle division,” says Lale Ansingh, Managing Director, Rawaj International. “OBS Lifestyle has some extraordinary brands that fit perfectly with this country’s vibrant and luxurious spirit. We look forward to working with their passionate team and being a part of their success.”
AVIAREPS has partnered with UK-based travel trade car rental specialist and supplier, Flexible Autos, to promote the company’s booking engine within the UAE. The partnership will mean that AVIAREPS will offer exclusive access to Flexible Autos competitive car rental rates to travel agents across the region. Flexible Autos has expanded over the last two years and in addition to the UK, now operates in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, Nordic Countries and Thailand, as well as the UAE.
“We are extremely excited to partner with AVIAREPS as we expand our presence here in the UAE,” says Asoka Ponnuswamy, International Director, International Sales, Middle East, Africa, Asia, CIS, Flexible Autos. “AVIAREPS is renowned for its experience and networks within the market. We are confident that through this partnership Flexible Autos will be able to expand and deepen our market presence within the region.”
Q Communications has partnered with the Burj Al Arab to work on a top secret new concept bar which will officially open in early 2016. The distinctive sail-shaped hotel is set to embrace a programme of refurbishment and upgrades in 2016, as well as a number of new additions – one of which being a bar located on the 27th floor. Q Communications will be working closely with the Burj Al Arab to get its target audience talking about the mysterious new launch, plus drive brand loyalty and frequent visitors to the venue.
“Burj Al Arab is one of the most well-recognised hotels in the world,” says Katie Harvey, Co-Founder, Q Communications. “The brand has ambitious plans for 2016 so to be involved in them is massively exciting. The new bar is guaranteed to have people talking. It will be a destination in itself and will lead the way in bringing new technologies in the hospitality industry to life. Q Communications has vast experience in this market and we are delighted to be part of the Burj Al Arab’s next chapter of growth.”
TishTash is to handle all day-to-day management of Functional Medicine Specialist Dr Shefali Verma. Specialising in the treatment and management of a variety of chronic conditions such as food intolerances and allergies, prevention of disease and weight management, TishTash will handle all press and publicity for the doctor, as well as brand partnerships and management of all public speaking engagements and opportunities.
“Not only is Dr Shefali one of the most accomplished and respected doctors in the UAE, but she is also a wife, mother of twins and a brand ambassador for Hauletic – she is a fantastic example of a smart, successful woman who embodies all that we love at TishTash,” says Natasha Hatherall, Managing Director, TishTash. “We love the passion Dr Shefali shows for all she does and are excited to have her as part of the TishTash family.”
Dr Shefali adds “Instantly Natasha got me and understood what I wanted. She also has a ‘no nonsense’ approach which I liked and her clients mean a lot to her. I believe there are people who could benefit from my knowledge and if so, it’s time to give back. I really am looking forward to our partnership.”
Abdul Karim will be producing and presenting Sport on 7 for City 7TV, in addition to covering sports news for the channel, as of January 11, 2016. The show was previously hosted by Graham Clews and Tom Bushell and broadcasts live from sporting events across Dubai on the second Sunday of every month. Abdul has been with City 7TV for over two years and has over three years of media experience in total. In his new role, he will cover international as well as community-based sporting events held in the UAE, offering insights into atmosphere and spectator opinions as well as results.
“I’m so excited to be a part of Sport on 7,” says Abdul. “As an avid sports fan, it’s great to be involved with a show as dynamic as this one, with a fresh take on sporting events in the Emirates.”
Eleanor Joslin will step down from her role as Editor at Harper’s Bazaar Interiors, part of ITP Publishing, in order to pursue freelance projects. With over five years of experience in journalism, Eleanor worked as Editor for the Better Homes portfolio at HOT Media Publishing before joining ITP. She will now be working on providing a range of Editorial solutions and services, such as editing print and digital content, producing magazines and supplements and writing features.
MVM Co have secured the PR account for new beauty booking app, BEEM. The app was created by former beauty Editor, Samantha Hamilton-Rushforth and acts as a digital solution to booking women’s beauty salon appointments at grooming hotspots across Dubai. MVM Co will be working with BEEM to increase brand awareness of the app across the region, as it grows into other cities in the UAE.
“MVM Co is thrilled to be working with BEEM, it is so exciting to support locally grown brands who are paving the way in the beauty industry, as well as being extremely innovative in the digital world,” says Morgan Venison, Founder, MVM Co.