Falling under the umbrella of GN Media, women’s monthly, Aquarius has ceased operations. A long-term staple in the lifestyle sector, the magazine featured content on topics ranging from relationships, health, parenting and careers to fashion, beauty and travel. With June 2017 being its last print issue, the UAE-based title’s digital edition, aquarius.ae, will also be discontinued.
Dubai-based digital communications agency, Create Media Group has welcomed Salma Ihab and Asima Majeed following the launch of the group’s customer relationship management (CRM) department. Salma joins the team as Account Director, with over eight years of experience in the region’s digital and social industry and having previously worked with Meraas, Magrabi Hospitals and Al Futtaim Group. In her new role, she will work alongside the digital team to define the requirements for effective use of CRM and its infrastructure, as well as devise and execute B2B and B2C environments to encourage customer retention and loyalty.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Heriot-Watt University and seven years of experience managing digital campaigns, Asima will also join the team as Account Manager, having previously worked with Fitness First Middle East as Marketing Operations Manager. In her new role, she will work on Create Media’s key accounts with a focus on email and display marketing.
“As we become increasingly data driven and signified by our new CRM department as well as soon to be announced software partnerships, it is essential to make sure we maintain our focus on hiring great people,” says Tom Otton, Managing Director, Create Media Group.
Dubai-based PR and communications agency, AllDetails has welcomed Jinith Joy to the role of PR Account Manager. Previously PR Manager at Percept Gulf, Jinith has a diverse experience in India and the UAE’s PR, marketing and advertising industry. In her new role, she will focus on developing strong PR strategies for the agency’s portfolio of GCC clients along with emphasis on driving in new local businesses.
“AllDetails has an impressive portfolio of hospitality clients across the world and I’m excited to work on these international luxury brands,” says Jinith. “There is an inclination towards digital media now and I’m thrilled to be part of an agency that understands this change and incorporates the same in PR strategies.”
Full service global media agency, Initiative MENA has been appointed as the media partner for PINAR in the MENA region. Established in 1973, PINAR is a Turkish brand that specialises in producing a variety of dairy, meat and drinking water products to meet different consumer needs across the region. Initiative MENA will be responsible for carrying out the offline and online media planning as well as trading activities for PINAR across the region.
“As a market leader, PINAR provides endless opportunities for highly effective media campaigns,” says Raffoul Mattar, Managing Director – UAE, Initiative MENA. “We will be working closely with the marketing team for mutual success by creating and delivering innovative solutions as well as world class strategies and campaigns for the brand.”
Integrated creative communications agency, House of Comms has appointed Kate Bevan to the role of Account Director. With nine years of experience in the UK and the UAE, Kate offers a holistic approach to marketing having worked across brand, digital, experiential and advertising for a portfolio of clients including Coca-Cola, Nestlé and Majid Al Futtaim. In her new role, she will join House of Comm’s senior management team and focus on delivering strategically led brand and digital communications solutions.
“I’m excited to be part of an up and coming consultancy that offers an agile and integrated approach, reflecting the needs of the industry,” says Kate. “House of Comms believes in working in a collaborative manner between accounts and creative teams and I feel confident about the value we can add to our world class clients.”
UAE-based organic food company, Ripe Organic has appointed Soul Communications as its PR partner. Established in 2011, Ripe Organic provides local organic fruit and vegetables hand-picked from farms in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for a healthy lifestyle. Soul Communications will be responsible for handling the PR activities of Ripe Organic and will work with the in-house team to assist in strategy development, menu consultation and creative solutions to help the brand maximise exposure across the UAE.
“For years, I have been a customer of Ripe Organic and witnessed first-hand the concept growth from selling a few boxes at different locations, all the way to bringing communities all over the region together,” says Farah Sawaf, Managing Director, Soul Communications. “They have been the launch pad for several homegrown brands, allowing smaller businesses to reach the targeted masses.”
South Africa based education brand, Educor Group has appointed Think Liquorice to handle the launch of its online offering in the Middle East. With two tertiary education brands, Damelin and CityVarsity, the courses aim to offer cost effective and efficient learning opportunities for students across different fields. Along with traditional PR activities, Think Liquorice will also handle the brand’s social media and influencer marketing for the launch.
“Think Liquorice has always had a special interest in empowerment, and we’re so excited about launching these brands in the market,” says Zahirah Variawa, Managing Director, Think Liquorice. “Summer is the perfect time to add on additional skills and diversify – either personally or professionally. The courses offered cover a variety of industries and subjects – the team and I also plan on taking up a few over the summer!”
Dubai-based PR and marketing agency, Soul Communications has been appointed as the PR partner for Clinton St. Baking Company. Founded by Neil Kleinberg and DeDe Lahman, Clinton St. Baking Company is a New York-based baking company that offers American classics served with a southern twist. Soul Communications will be responsible for all PR operations including menu consultation, promotional ideas and creative solutions to maximise the brand’s exposure in Dubai.
“This is a brand that is ever-evolving and an opportunity to work with such an innovating and passionate team allows us to stretch our abilities as an agency,” says Farah Sawaf, Managing Director, Soul Communications. “We have been fans of the brand long before working with them and we are truly excited.”
Shweta Bhatia, Founder and Chief Creative Officer at newly launched fashion and lifestyle platform, www.hubb.fashion talks to TMN about her career and her views of the media industry in the Middle East…
Name: Shweta Bhatia
Age: 34
From: India
Current job title: Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Hubb
When did you first arrive in Dubai?
When I was 28 days old.
Where did you work prior?
Prior to my current position, I was a freelance Fashion Writer and most recently Fashion and Beauty Editor at Femina Middle East.
What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?
The media industry is pretty much the same everywhere in the world, with specifications varying depending on each country or region. The people are more or less the same – a bunch of them are cut throat, competitive and beings that rule and lead, while the remaining just try to stay afloat.
Has your opinion changed much?
Not so much, except that I feel some people have become a little more accessible from where they were before.
Tell us about your current role…
At Hubb, I oversee everything — from the tone of the website to the design and articles posted. I also work on stories and video edits as well as organise schedules for each week.
What challenges do you face?
I think the main challenge is to get subjects for my readers that interest them. I want to be able to tell stories that resonate with the reader. Not just report things for the sake of it. Everything is so proper nowadays. I like mess-ups, I like that people are not perfect or super articulate. It drifts away from the reality of the story. There are many real stories to tell if we find them but finding them is a task. Even if it’s a light and humorous article, I’d like the reader to look forward to the next edition — and in order to do that, I love to cover personalities that are engaging.
How do you overcome writer’s block?
With a big jar of Nutella and binge watching a favourite show
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Definitely the people! The people I meet always stay in my mind. I read their body language and observe their behavior. Sooner or later, you will find a trait here or there mentioned in my stories when I sit to write. I never forget anybody who I meet once. Other than that? The paychecks at the end of it!
How would you rather be contacted at work?
I prefer to be emailed or contacted via WhatsApp.
What impact has culture had on the UAE’s media industry?
UAE is a multi-cultured society, so meeting all standards without hurting any particular group’s sentiment is a challenge in itself. This ensures that all segments are aware of each other and work together in order to present the right information. It has the perfect mix of the east and the west.
If you could change something about the media industry in the UAE, what would it be?
It would definitely be certain people and their attitude.
Describe yourself in five words…
Passionate, loyal, affable, straightforward and a foodie.
What inspires you?
People who are fearless inspire me the most. Those who aren’t afraid to try anything and have a very different take on life. I love that hunger for adventure in them. I can’t ever connect with anyone who says, “I’m satisfied with what I have in life.” People who don’t give up make for great stories and that’s what inspires me.
What’s your most overused saying?
No worries.
What’s the most exciting thing that has happened to you in your career?
My team. I met all the members of my team in my journey here. They are the most exciting part of my journey.
Five things you can’t live without?
My phone, watching TV, food, fashion and my family.
If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?
I’d be travelling around the world.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be?
I wanted to be a Bollywood actress!
What is your favourite form of media?
Definitely the television.
What advice would you offer to someone looking to start a career in the media industry the UAE?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t let rude personalities affect you, this is their shortcoming, not yours. Stay grounded and grow a thicker layer of skin to stay sane.
Dubai-based PR and marketing agency, White Label Media has been appointed as the media partner for the launch of Berri’s in Abu Dhabi. Founded in 1996 by Raphael Berry and his wife Hortensia Magana, Berri’s is a Los Angeles-based restaurant that is set to offer a Mediterranean and home-style menu in a relaxed atmosphere to food lovers in Abu Dhabi. White Label Media will be responsible for handling the press and digital presence for the launch of Berri’s in the region.
“Berri’s LA has a very strong following from discerning clientele of Middle East and we are truly thrilled to launch their first ever branch in the region,” says Shraddha Barot Amariei, Founder, White Label Media. “White Label Media will be looking after Berri’s press and digital presence. With stunning views of the Al Raha beach, coveted lobster pizza and close proximity to Dubai, we have already received great attention and support from our friends and peers in the industry.”