Bruce Clay Middle East opens new office

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Dubai-based digital marketing agency, Bruce Clay Middle East has launched its first office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as a part of its expansion plan across the Middle East. Following the launch of its new office, Bruce Clay Middle East has appointed Bassam Khaiwi as the General Manager of its Saudi office to help manage and expand operations for the agency in the country and build a strong team as well as offer regional and local clients personalised services to suit their requirements.

“We welcome the addition of Bassam Khaiwi to the Bruce Clay Middle East family,” says James Gaubert, CEO, Bruce Clay Middle East. “Bassam brings a wealth of experience and local knowledge to our team and we are looking forward to replicating our success in the UAE and go beyond that, in Saudi Arabia in the coming months.”

CNN launches new forum

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CNN hosts its first Middle East Business Forum this week at the Four Seasons, Abu Dhabi. The theme for the forum was Beyond Oil in the Changing World with over 350 members in attendance and started out with keynote speeches by former President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso and Mubadala’s Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, H.E Khaldoon Al Mubarak. The forum served as a platform for discussions among key influencers in the Middle East in the field of business and will be aired on CNN International on December 9, 2016.
“This inaugural CNN Middle East Business Forum was a platform of informed and intelligent discussion amongst key influencers about the opportunities and challenges in the Middle East during a time of seismic change,” says Rani R. Raad, President, CNN International Commercial. “We are proud to have worked with our partners Mubadala and twofour54 to bring together news-makers, agenda-setters and business leaders for meaningful debates about what the future holds.”

Arab Woman Awards UAE 2016 pays special tribute

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The Arab Woman Awards UAE 2016 is set to take place on Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Sharjah in honour of the late Vice-chairperson of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, Ameera BinKaram. The private event will include an exclusive video of Ameera as a special tribute from the establishment itself. The awards will also focus on raising public awareness of the significant achievements by Arab women and to provide young women with inspirational role models.

“Like everyone we were shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Ameera BinKaram,” says Sue Holt, Executive Director, ITP Publishing. “Ameera was a previous Arab Woman Award winner, who then became the chair of our judges’ board. She was an amazing and passionate person, who celebrated the successes of women from across the region. It is with great pride that we are taking this year’s award ceremony to Sharjah as a sign of respect and to honour her significant contributions.”

UAE newspaper announces closure

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UAE-based newspaper, 7DAYS has announced the closure of its newspaper and online news publication. The news brand will cease operations after 13 years of publishing in the UAE with its final print issue to be published on Thursday, December 22, 2016.

“Whilst it was our stated intention to re-focus and restructure the business for 2017 and beyond, it has since proved not possible to create an acceptable cost base that could deliver a viable and sustainable business,” says Mark Rix, CEO, 7DAYS. “It is therefore with great sadness that we announce the unique 7DAYS news brand will close and thus, cease to inform and entertain the UAE in its refreshing and inimitable way. I have only praise and admiration for the dedicated and talented team that have created such a popular media portfolio over the past 13 years and I wish each of them every future success and happiness.”

PRCA MENA Awards 2017 now open for entries

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Nominations for the PRCA MENA Awards 2017, hosted by Public Relations and Communications Association Middle East and North Africa (PRCA MENA), are now open for entries. The deadline for the entries is December 13, 2016, with the finalists to be announced on January 4, 2017. The awards aim to recognise teams and individuals for campaigns that have taken place between November 1, 2015 to November 2, 2016, that can demonstrate strategy, creativity and originality across 12 categories including Best Integrated Campaign, Rising Star of the Year and Best PR Campaign: Media Relations. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony to be held on February 8, 2017 at the H Hotel. Nominations for the awards are currently open and can be made through prca.mena.global/how-to-enter/.

“I am delighted that the first PRCA MENA awards are open for entries, celebrating excellence in PR and communications across the region,” says Leanne Foy, General Manager, PRCA MENA. “We have a range of new categories to bring to the region and entries will be judged by our international judging panel.”

Hello! Arabia secures royal exclusive

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Hello! Arabia has secured an exclusive interview with Her Highness Sheikha Futtaim Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, daughter of the Ruler of Dubai set to be published next week. The interview features HRH Sheikha Futtaim speaking about her passion for horses, painting and arts as well as the progress made in the UAE for women’s empowerment, whilst paying tribute to the vision of both her father, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Founder of the UAE, HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

“Her Highness is a role model to so many people not just in the UAE but across the world,” says Gina Tadros, Editor-in-Chief, Hello! Arabia. “Her interview is a wonderful insight into her dreams and passions and we are very proud to be publishing it.”

IAA UAE elects new Board of Directors

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The UAE Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) has appointed a new board of directors for 2016 until 2018. A mix of newly elected and returning members, the new board aims to support communication and advertising in the region for a positive impact on the UAE economy.

“I am very pleased with the outcome of the recent board elections and honoured to be a part of this distinguished team,” says Hani Ghorayeb, President, IAA UAE Chapter. “The 2016-2018 IAA UAE Board will continue to focus on inspiring and empowering the talented young professionals within our industry and building stronger collaboration between clients, media, MBUs and agencies, with the aim of advancing standards and growth prospects for the entire industry.”

The National shifts ownership

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A subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Media Investment Corporation, International Media Investments (IMI) has secured ownership of The National. Previously falling under Abu Dhabi Media (ADM), the daily newspaper title will continue to operate under ADM until arrangements for their transfer to the new premises has concluded.

Grazia Middle East goes live

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Women’s weekly publication, Grazia Middle East, part of ITP Publishing Group will be going live at Dubai Festival City from November 4 – 12, 2016. The editorial team will host a week-long event at the mall, giving visitors an opportunity to experience the different elements of magazine creation for their special live issue.

“This partnership with Grazia is ground-breaking, as for the first time ever we are allowing readers, fans and visitors the chance to be a part of the production of one of their favourite magazines,” says Steven Cleaver, Director, Festival City Shopping Malls. “We believe that Festival City is more than just a shopping destination – we are leading from the front by giving people the chance to have unique experiences and create lasting memories. We are delighted to showcase the mall’s new fashion offering and are very much looking forward to seeing the result.”

Alison Tay, Editor-in-Chief, Grazia Middle East adds, “I’m so excited we’re launching such a pioneering event for the region through the Grazia Middle East brand. As well as bringing together the region’s best-loved influencers and experts in the fields of fashion, beauty and lifestyle, visitors will be able watch the magazine come to life, alongside our exclusive cover star Alanoud Badr. And for the first time ever in the Middle East, readers will be able to vote their preferred Grazia cover. We can’t wait to see everyone there.”