Limelight Networks opens office in Dubai

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Limelight Networks, a global leader in digital content delivery, has opened an office in Dubai, further consolidating its commitment to the MENA region. Following this, Limelight Networks has also appointed Ingo Lalla as its Regional Director, MENA. As Limelight Networks’ Region Director for Central Europe since 2012, Ingo has been instrumental in planning and implementing Limelight’s growth and expansion strategy.

“Reliable, high performance delivery of digital content is critical to the success of organisations doing business online,” says Ingo Lalla. “The content delivery networking industry is seeing unprecedented growth due to the increase in online video services such as OTT and iTV, the increasing use of video on enterprise websites and the need for fast website load time and responsiveness. With our new office, we can deepen our already established customer relationships and extend our services to better serve our customers in the MENA region.”

Transform MENA awards now accepting entries

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The Transform MENA awards – for new and evolving brand and rebrand campaigns – is now accepting entries from companies, agencies and organisations in the Middle East and North Africa region. Returning to Dubai for the second time this June, Transform aims to recognise brand development work that is well thought-out, innovative and creative.

“2014 was an incredible year for Transform – with the launch of the magazine and the awards programmes in both the MENA and Asia-Pacific regions,” says Liz Foggitt, Publishing and Event Manager, Transform magazine. “We’ve had an extremely positive reaction to our publication and events, so we’re excited to launch the 2015 MENA programme. This year, we’re expecting to see the events grow and commend the most outstanding and inspiring branding work done in the past 18 months.”

For discounted entry to the awards, entries must be placed before February 24, 2015, with the final deadline set for March 10, 2015. Full entry details and applications can be found on www.transformmagazine.net/awards/mena.

Elevision Media partners with Bloomberg

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Bloomberg has signed a content agreement with Elevision Media to provide dynamic financial data and market-moving headline news, which will be streamed over its outdoor LED digital display adjacent to the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Gate Building.

Known as the ‘DIFC ticker’, the digital display is the longest of its kind in the Middle East. Under the agreement, it will broadcast a wide range of Bloomberg content complementing the Nasdaq Dubai market data already on display, including indices and currencies data.

“The DIFC ticker is designed to deliver valuable content to Dubai’s financial hub and there is no better or more relevant content producer than Bloomberg,” says Niall Sallam, Founder and CEO at Elevision. “With its up-to-the-minute news and market data featuring on the ticker, we can create an effective and dynamic advertising opportunity for brands. Likewise, Bloomberg will enhance its ability to communicate with its target audience using a unique platform in an iconic location.”

The financial data and news headlines supplied by Bloomberg will be supplemented by DIFC branded content, as well as a revolving stream that will allow brands to leverage the digital media platform with targeted messages suited to a professional demographic.

 

Kris Fade collaborates with Two Tone

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Award winning Virgin Radio Dubai DJ Kris Fade has partnered with Moroccan hip-hop artist Two Tone to release a new single. With Two Tone having collaborated on writing the single –  ‘In It For Love’ – as well as producing it, the song pokes fun at the gold-digging women and flashy men who are ubiquitous on the Dubai scene. Making its debut on Virgin Radio today, it will be released across the region on iTunes Middle East on February 2, 2015, and on worldwide iTunes on February 11.

“We’re really excited about releasing this song to the public and hope that they will love listening to it as much as we enjoyed making it,” says Kris Fade. “It’s been a work in progress for some time now and while it’s just a bit of fun as a music endeavour, I think it really captures some of the characters you find here in Dubai.”

Two Tone adds, “Kris Fade is one of my best friends and it’s always fun to get the chance to hit the recording studio with one of your closest friends. I’m really excited for him. I think ‘In It For Love’ is a great track, it represents the region well and we hope the fans will enjoy it.”

Kris Fade and Two Tone are set to perform their single live at RedFestDXB 2015.

DMF 2015 & MENA Digital Awards agenda announced

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The fourth annual Digital Media Forum (DMF) 2015 is set to focus on rapid advancements in digital technology and its application in the region’s marketing sector, taking place on March 24, 2015, at The Westin hotel in Dubai. Held under the banner ‘Digital Technology: Bringing the Future Closer,’ DMF 2015 will assess the influence of the evolving digital landscape on businesses, brands and consumers in the region and examine the challenges it presents moving forwards. The event will host an array of renowned speakers and international experts from well-known marketing organisations in Europe and the US.

“The last decade has witnessed seismic changes in business, society and marketing,” says Najla Semaan Mazboudi, Managing Director of SpotOn, Owner and Founder of DMF. “If this is any indication of the future, the next few years will encompass more changes than the past decade alone. Triggered by advancements in technology and changing consumer adoption habits, the digital universe is taking a central role in every facet of our lives.”

Specific topics under the DMF banner this year include: ‘rise of the user architect,’ ‘social commerce vs. e-commerce,’ ‘rise of the content officer,’ ‘harnessing the power of big data analytic in building business and brands’ and ‘the future of search and social media algorithms in the changing landscape of communications.’ Presenters are chosen for expertise in their specialised area of the digital sector.

The 2015 MENA Digital Awards Ceremony is to take place at the same venue on the evening of March 25. Regarding this, Najla adds, “The MENA Digital Awards is the only marketing industry awards programme in the region that focuses solely on the digital sector. It was established last year to honour success and excellence in the sector, thereby helping to promote the best in digital marketing planning, creativity, innovation and effectiveness. Our jury this year is composed of 14 international industry experts who will be lending their vast knowledge and experience in the judging of various categories.”

Full details and information on registration can be found at www.digitalmediaforum.me.

Sky News Arabia partners with Al Ahram

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Sky News Arabia has partnered with news organisation and publishers Al Ahram Establishment to broaden its scope of programming. A high-level delegation from Egypt-based Al Ahram Establishment visited the headquarters of Sky News Arabia in Abu Dhabi to sign a strategic media partnership that mandates the two sides to share knowledge, expertise and build synergies in training, advertising and programming.

Signed by Ahmad Sayed Al Najjar, Chairman of Al Ahran Establishment and Nart Boran, Head of Sky News Arabia, this was conducted in the presence of Mohammed Abdulhadi, Chief Editor, Al Ahram Newspaper and Mostafa Al Saeed, Editorial Director, Sky News Arabia.

CNN partners with McLaren Technology Group

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CNN International has officially entered into a multi-year global partnership with McLaren Technology Group and is McLaren-Honda’s new partner for the 2015 Formula One season and beyond. For the 2015 season, this will see CNN’s branding appear on the front-wing endplates of the new McLaren-Honda MP4-30 Formula 1 car, which will be unveiled in an online launch on January 29, 2015. The partnership also allows for CNN’s use of McLaren’s soon-to-open thought leadership centre, based within the McLaren Technology Campus in Woking, Surrey, UK, from which CNN International will produce several programmes to be broadcast globally across its network.

“This is a groundbreaking partnership between two trusted brands with a passion for high performance and continued innovation,” says Rani Raad, Chief Commercial Officer, CNN International. “Committed to being first, we share a mutual respect for each other’s operations – whether that’s the tenacity of CNN journalists in going to the heart of a story or McLaren’s forensic focus for every F1 race. With a shared global footprint and highly engaged audience, there’s a lot of expertise and best practice that we can both invest in this partnership. The added exposure that CNN International will gain through our association with McLaren is part of an expansive consumer engagement initiative to capitalise on the power of our brand. The additional business, broadcasting and cross-marketing opportunities made possible by this multi-year deal will forge a close relationship between two companies on the world stage.”

Rob Dennis, Chairman and CEO of McLaren Technology Group adds, “There is an inherent symmetry between McLaren and CNN that makes us perfectly attuned for partnership. Like McLaren, CNN is a tremendously powerful and influential global network, one that has spent decades pioneering the latest technologies and techniques in a relentless, unforgiving, fast-paced environment. I think we understand each other on many levels. The partnership between McLaren and CNN is unique in that it operates on a very broad scope. Our shared love of technology has united us: together we will pursue new opportunities far beyond the conventional scope of a Formula 1 partnership.”

MEAComS joins Edelman affiliate network

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Edelman and MEAComS have signed an agreement naming MEAComS as Edelman’s exclusive affiliate in Eygpt. MEAComS will form an integral part of the Edelman network of affiliates by providing local expertise and on-the-ground market support to Edelman. MEAComS’ staff and clients will have access to Edelman’s regional and global network of experts, best practices and professional development and training programs.

“Edelman is renowned for setting industry standards,” says Fatma Z. Ahmed, Managing Director, MEAComS. “We are proud to affiliate with a global firm whose reputation for innovation and an integrated approach to strategic communications in meeting client needs proceeds them. We at MEAComS share many of Edelman’s core values and work diligently to ensure the same success for our clients. Our partnership will give Edelman greater insight into Egypt and the Middle East while we gain important know-how and experience as we continue to grow our own influence regionally. We look forward to a fruitful relationship that is win-win for Edelman and MEAComS.”

Robert Holdheim, CEO of Edelman South Asia, Middle East & Africa adds, “Egypt is an exciting, rapidly emerging and important market in the Middle East and North Africa region. As a long-standing partner of Edelman in Egypt, we know that MEAComS shares Edelman’s commitment to excellence and quality in meeting our clients’ needs. This affiliation marks a new chapter in our alliance, adding considerable value to our present client portfolio in Egypt and enhancing the significant future growth potential in this important market for Edelman. We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership in Egypt.”

Etisalat spotlights local production by twofour54

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As a result of the ongoing partnership between twofour54 and Etisalat, an extensive collection of films produced by twofour54 is now available for subscribed viewers on Etisalat’s video on demand platform (VOD), eLife on Demand, as well as Etisalat’s eLife Video Packs. The aim of this is to highlight local talents from the filmmaking industry, as well as reinforce Arabic content.

40 creative lab films and music videos will be shown, some of which have previously participated in Abu Dhabi Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival in New York and the Encounters Short Film & Animation Festival in the UK.

“twofour54’s creative lab intends to support young talent and provide them with opportunities to develop their skills and experiences through the appropriate media platforms,” says Maryan Al Mheiri, Chief Operating Officer, twofour54. “This initiative is an opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to highlight their creative work through an established platform, showcase their projects to broader audiences and motivate others. twofour54’s creative lab films can now be accessed on Etisalat’s VOD, which is a testament to the quality of work our members are achieving and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Etisalat.”

Rashed Al Abbar, Vice President of Home Services at Etisalat adds, “As well as delivering top class TV content and entertainment to homes in the UAE, Etisalat is actively seeking new means of supporting the community of local artists and filmmakers. Through our wide reach in the UAE, we are excited about introducing a new platform for award-winning, homegrown talent to showcase their skills and creativity. Overall, our partnership with twofour54, one of the leading media hubs in the UAE, helps promote locally produced content and enhances the UAE’s film industry.”

For further information, contact William Royce at william.royce@twofour54.com / +971 (0)50 614 6653

Mediaquest & C Squared to launch Festival of Media

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Mediaquest has joined with C Squared to launch the first-ever Festival of Media in Dubai. The partnership between two of the region’s leading publishers and events companies will bring the internationally renowned industry awards and networking programme to the city, with the inaugural event scheduled to take place on April 15, 2015.

“The Festival of Media has a well-earned reputation as being one of the foremost marketing and media events in the world and one that celebrates the very best in industry thinking,” says Alexandre Hawari, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Mediaquest. “The Festival comprises a number of components that marks it out as a global leader. These include an awards programme that recognises the very best marketing campaigns, an exhibition that enables vendors to promote initiative to prospective clients and several platforms that provide networking and thought-leader opportunities. In fact, the high quality of discussion and debate at the Festival has led to it becoming known as ‘the Davos of advertising.’

Launched in Venice in 2007, the Festival of Media Global was created to highlight key developments in the media sphere, such as consumer trends, branded content, advertising and social media. The Awards element was added in 2009, establishing the Festival as a leading media event on the international marketing calendar. The Festival of Media MENA will add to the pantheon of global Festival of Media events, which currently take place in Rome, Singapore and Miami.

Charlie Crowe, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of C Squared adds, “The Festival of Media is more than just an event, it is a movement. Since 2007, we have not only been reflecting the changes taking place in media, but we have also been part of shaping this change. After our partnership with our friends at Mediaquest, we now have the Festival of Media in four regions and we look forward to inviting media professionals and advertisers across the MENA to be part of the conversation.”

The Festival of Media Global Awards is one of the world’s largest advertising ceremonies, attracting work from more than 40 countries. The awards are judged by a senior panel of media agencies and advertisers and are open to all who are involved in advertising. The MENA edition of the Awards is expected to attract a multitude of entries that reflect the diverse array of media operators producing high-quality work in the pan-Arab region. Alongside the awards programme, The Festival of Media MENA’s one-day conference is set to feature seven to nine global media leaders who have been invited to offer their thoughts and expertise on a number of topical and pertinent MENA media subjects.