Image Nation partners with Discovery

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UAE-based content creators Image Nation has partnered with Discovery Communications to launch a new Arabic channel, Quest Arabiya, for the Middle East and North Africa.

Quest Arabiya will broadcast 24 hours a day, target Arab men aged between 16-44 years of age and will focus on male-oriented factual and reality programmes that are a combination of regionally-produced original material and Arabised content from Discovery’s library of non-fiction shows.

“In partnering with Discovery to launch a new TV channel in the Middle East and North Africa, we are doing what Abu Dhabi does best – marrying world-class expertise with regional knowledge,” says Mohammed Al Mubarak, Chairman, Image Nation Abu Dhabi. “Quest Arabiya will provide a needed boost to the private media sector in the UAE as we will be commissioning more content than ever before and producing at the highest international standards.”

Dentsu Aegis acquires John Brown Media

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Dentsu Aegis Network has acquired John Brown Media. The agency’s experience in creating and publishing content is hoped to enhance the network’s existing content capabilities, to create a differentiated and innovative integrated content offering for clients worldwide.

Established in 1987, John Brown Media is headquartered in London and has offices in South Africa, Hong Kong, Boston and Dubai. The company provides clients with services including print and digital publishing, content management, website strategy and film production. Following the acquisition, it will retain its brand identity and operate as an external entity from Dentsu Aegis Network MENA. John Brown Media will now also work with iProspect, the network’s digital performance agency, as well as Carat’s content partnerships team in order to integrate publishing capabilities into Dentsu Aegis’ offering in the region.

“By adding a specialist content agency to the network, we are proving just how much the lines have become blurred between agency disciplines,” says Michael Nederlof, CEO, Dentsu Aegis Network, MENA. “Quality content is increasingly rewarded within the media eco-systen, particularly within search, and we are very excited to work with John Brown to create differentiated and specialised content solutions for our clients.”

twofour54 welcomes ET Bil Arabi to its studios

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twofour54’s studios in Abu Dhabi are now the home of entertainment show ET Bil Arabi. The show comprises breaking news stories, exclusive set visits, first looks at upcoming film and television projects, as well as candid one-on-one interviews with some of the Arab World’s most famous talents and celebrities.

Brought to the Middle East by pan-Arab broadcaster, MBC Group, the show is the region’s version of Entertainment Tonight (ET) and will be produced in Arabic by twofour54’s campus partner Charisma Group. This is the group’s second locally-produced format, joining ET Canada, which has just launched its 10th season. ET Bil Arabi is shown on MBC4, from Sunday to Thursday, with a 90-minute compile on Saturdays and it reaches nearly 300 million viewers across 21 countries in the region.

“We have attracted several major international and regional productions to shoot in the Emirate over the last few years,” says Jamal Al Awadhi, Head of Commercial, twofour54 Film and TV Services. “The production of this popular entertainment show at our studios reinforces Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a world-class production hub and a centre for Arabic broadcast content.”

Entrepreneur ME hosts Achieving Women’s Forum

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Entrepreneur Middle East has hosted its first Achieving Women’s Forum, an industry intel event. Held at the Ritz Carlton Dubai, and supported by entities including the Dubai Chamber, Intercoil and Paris Gallery, the event saw a series of talks on the methodology of business. Panelists included businesswoman and TV presenter Rosemin Manji, President of Virgin Megastores MENA Nisreen Shocair, and CEO and founder of Souqalmal.com Ambareen Musa, amongst others. The event began with a keynote address by Noor Sweid, Partner at Leap Ventures, and concluded with a networking lunch.

TRACCS honoured by The Holmes Report

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TRACCS, the largest home-grown public relations network in the Middle East & North Africa, has been named ‘Best Consultancy to Work for’ in Continental Europe, the Middle East and Africa by The Holmes Report. This is the first time a regional agency has won the accolade.

Recognition from The Holmes Report is determined by a comprehensive survey of agency employees from around 40 PR firms throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The process solicits employee views on a wide range of issues, from the integrity of senior management and the quality of professional development to empowerment, risk-taking and compensation.

“This recognition is a huge vote of confidence in our approach to hiring and training Arab PR practitioners and our unwavering belief that a professional and sustainable communications industry needs to be built from the ground up, without relying overly on imported talent,” says Mohammed Al Ayed, Chief Executive Officer, TRACCS. “TRACCS is deeply committed to transforming itself from an ‘executing’ organisation to a ‘thinking and learning organisation’. This is a painstaking process that requires coaching, mentoring and integrating new talent with the core teams of the network.”

Transform announces awards nominees

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The Transform Awards Middle East North Africa (MENA) 2015, a showcase of exceptional new and evolving brand and rebranding campaigns, has revealed the organisations who have made its shortlist.

The awards recognise and share brand development work in the MENA region that is well thought-out, effective, innovative and creative. This will be the second time the event takes place in the region, having begun in Europe six years ago.

This year, Transform saw entries from a greater number of regional countries, including: the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Lebanon. Shortlisted companies include Careem and North 55, GGICO Properties and MBLM, and National Bank of Oman and Bellwether, for ‘Best Rebrand of a Digital Property’ as well as Abdul Latif Jameel and Siegel+Gale, Al Yuam and Bellwether, Asser Investments and Bellwether, Batelco and Unisono, GO Telecommunications and Bellwether, and Horizon & Co and Bellwether, for ‘Best Brand Evolution’. The most inspired and innovative project, as voted for by the Transform MENA judges, will receive the most prestigious award of the evening, the Grand Prix.

“We are proud to bring the Transform Awards to the MENA region once again to celebrate the growing brand industry and the superb work being done,” says Liz Foggitt, Publishing and Events Manager, Transform. “It’s always a pleasure learning about the nuances of branding and communications in different cultures and some of the work is of an exceptionally high standard.”

Sakshi honoured by HH Sheikh Mansoor

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Sakshi Advertising & PR was presented a Certificate of Honour by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Supreme Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, on behalf of Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs, at a ceremony held on 17 May, 2015. Sakshi has strategised and executed PR activities for the centre and maximised its exposure across the region.

“We at Sakshi have always believed that with social responsibility, you gain back what you put in,” says Atul Dhawan, CEO, Sakshi Advertising & PR. “I thank Al Noor, my team and our clients for their love and continuous support.”

Image Nation partners with Ali Mostafa

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Emirati filmmaker Ali Mostafa is re-partnering with Image Nation Abu Dhabi on his next feature, The Worthy, which will go into production later this year. The director will be joined by Hollywood veterans Peter Safran (Producer, known for his work on The Conjuring) and Steven Schneider (Producer, known for his work on Paranormal Activity and Insidious) who have come onboard to produce the project with Ali’s Regional Producer Rami Yasin, who also worked on his 2014 film, From A to B.

“As the first action/thriller I’m directing, The Worthy is a new adventure for me,” says Ali. “My producers are really at the top of their game right now and their expertise will be invaluable on The Worthy, so I’m excited to be working with them and Image Nation again.”

Peter Safan adds “The film industry in Abu Dhabi is at an extremely exciting time in its development, I am looking forward to playing a small part in its growth by working on this fantastic film.”

Ahlan! Awards 2015 final nominees revealed

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Following weeks of voting, Ahlan have revealed the top 10 nominees for each of the 20 categories in the Ahlan! Awards 2015. With awards for Best Fine Dining Restaurant, Best Bar and Best Club DJ, amongst others, the winners will be announced in June at the Ahlan! Awards 2015 ceremony.

The nominees in each category were narrowed down following weeks of initial online voting. One final round of awards voting has now commenced, and anyone can participate in order to support their favourite nominee from each category. To vote, head over to www.ahlanawards.com.

Dentsu Aegis Network partner with ICA

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Multinational media and digital marketing communications company Dentsu Aegis Network has formed a new partnership with the International Communications Agency (ICA), in Iran. The newly branded Carat-ICA, is the first official partnership formed by the two agencies, though they have worked together since January 2015. With offices based in Tehran, Carat-ICA will take full responsibility for the media planning and buying requirements of Carat and other Dentsu Aegis Network clients in the country.

The newly formed and exclusive Carat-ICA alliance aims to add value to both clients and media stakeholders in Iran, one of the fastest-growing countries in the Middle East.

“Moving forward, we forecast a bright future for the Iranian market,” says Michael Nederlof, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network. “The newly formed Carat-ICA partnership has on-the-ground capabilities and a ‘Generation Y’ team of digital and media experts. This, paired with our network’s global resources, skills and knowledge, will allow us to support the needs of our clients in Iran and add another key growth market to our offering.”

Ben Karmi, Managing Director, Carat-ICA adds “We were looking at ways we could further evolve and improve our offering to both new and existing clients. Carat’s, as well as the wider Dentsu Aegis Network’s focus on innovation and their entrepreneurial spirit made them the perfect fit.”