Luxury lifestyle blog launches

/in , /by

Dubai-based PR professional, Manon Isabella has launched a new digital platform under her name, manonisabella.com that features topics ranging from fashion and beauty to travel and lifestyle. Previously Director of PR & Communications for lifestyle and travel quarterly, Horizon & Beyond, Isabella aims to communicate her interests and experiences in Dubai through her new personalised blog.

“Starting my blog was a very spontaneous decision, but definitely my best decision of 2016!” says Isabella. “I only work together with brands that I truly believe in and can identify myself with. It is important for me to stay genuine and honest about my personal interests.”

New industry event series launches

/in , /by

Dubai-based PR, marketing and communications agency, Fekra Communications has launched a new industry-related event series called Let’s Talk! With the first event to take place in March 2017, the new division aims to bring together communication and media experts of the region as well as senior officials and policy makers to shed light on trending topics in the industry.

“We are truly delighted with the recent launch of our new industry events arm in the region,” says Mohammed El Batta, Managing Director, Fekra Communications. “Our conferences are designed to present today’s professionals with an expert perspective and learning opportunity that they need to keep abreast of the latest trends and stay competitive in this digitally wired world. From the preeminent thinkers whose work has defined the field to the rising stars who will redefine the way we think about our business, our conferences will offer a platform for the industry’s leading minds to share their insights and best practices.”

New training academy launches

/in , /by

The Middle East arm of Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA MENA) has partnered with Instinctif Partners to launch its own training academy. The CPD-accredited programme aims to educate and update Middle East media professionals on new skills, practices and developments in the industry through face-to-face training as well as webinars.

“I am thrilled that Instinctif Partners have put together a comprehensive training plan and are investing in their staff with both internal and external training, thus developing talented PR and communications professionals,” says Leanne Foy, General Manager, PRCA MENA. “It’s truly great to see the shift in traditional learning and using creative ways of continuous professional development.”

New radio station at ARN

/in , /by

Arabian Radio Network (ARN) has launched a new digital radio station, RedFest Radio to celebrate the success of Virgin Radio’s RedFestDXB. Available for digital streaming online and on the Virgin Radio app, the new station will feature talent including this year’s headliners and some of the biggest artists from previous years’ festival as well as broadcast exclusive interviews with artists. Virgin Radio RedFestDXB will take place at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on February 2-3, 2017.

“As the largest radio network in the Middle East, we serve an audience of over 3.8 million listeners a day,” says Steve Smith, COO, Arabian Radio Network. “Our investment in digital has been significant as we aim to super serve specific demographics, while keeping them engaged with our core radio brands. Virgin Radio RedFestDXB is a great example of a brand we have grown and developed, which we are now turning into a pop up radio brand itself.”

BNC Publishing launches new title

/in , /by

Media production and digital house, BNC Publishing has launched Design Middle East, a new title for professionals involved in the commercial interior sector. The monthly print magazine will feature insightful interviews with the industry’s leaders on the major developments within the region and include pieces on furnishings, fit-outs, lighting, architecture, ceramics and textiles.

“BNC Publishing is delighted to announce the addition of Design Middle East to our fast-growing B2B portfolio,” says Wissam Younane, CEO, BNC Publishing. “We look forward to providing the commercial interior design talents of the region with a fresh and inspiring perspective on the innovations, trends and intelligence shaping this vibrant sector.”

ewmoda website goes live

/in , /by

UAE-based women’s forum ExpatWoman.com has launched fashion and lifestyle website, ewmoda.com. Working closely with an editorial team, bloggers and influencers, the new website features local and international news and features as well as the latest trends from the fashion, beauty, home, lifestyle and travel industry.

“ewmoda is a natural extension of the ExpatWoman brand,” says Gail Livingstone, COO, ME Digital Group. “With over 600,000 unique visitors a month and an increasingly younger and mobile demographic, we are excited to provide a new website that will become the go-to source for current happenings in the fashion and lifestyle arenas both locally and internationally.”

New beauty platform at Gulf News

/in , /by

Falling under the umbrella of Gulf News Publishing, leisure title tabloid! has introduced a new dedicated beauty platform, The Beauty Beat. The new launch will be available online under the ‘Life&Style’ section of Gulf News’ website with a weekly printed version included in tabloid!’s Friday issue.

“The beauty world can be big and brash, especially for someone who is keen to explore the world of makeup and skincare,” says Jennifer Barretto, Copy Editor, Tabloid!. “There is no dearth of bloggers talking about products, and in this glammed-out world of selfie-perfect looks, we wanted to offer a simpler take on things. I’m just a regular girl with a lot to say about makeup. Hopefully, people will enjoy the column and connect.”

iProspect launches in KSA

/in , /by

Digital performance agency, iProspect has launched a new operation in Saudi Arabia. Part of Dentsu Aegis Network, the new agency headquarters will be located in Jeddah with support from the Dentsu Aegis team in Riyadh as well as the iProspect Hub office in Dubai. Headed by Digital Performance Director, Ruark Williams, the agency aims to introduce a wide range of digital marketing services to the Saudi market.

“As the second largest Middle Eastern market, Saudi Arabia presents a huge opportunity,” says Ruark Williams, Digital Performance Director, iProspect. “Digital spends have increased by more than 200% from 2015 to 2016 with continued exponential growth predicted moving into 2017 and beyond. The momentum highlighted the need for an on-ground presence of digital specialists who are able to proactively educate the market and ensure our clients are getting real ROI across all digital platforms.”

New advertising industry association launches

/in , /by

New advertising industry association, Advertising Business Group (ABG) has launched to promote ethical and responsible advertising in the Middle East. Established as a self-regulatory body which includes Omnicom Media Group, Google, Choueiri Group and Facebook, ABG will also work with bodies in the region, such as the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and the International Advertising Association to encourage self-regulation among advertisers, agencies and publishers as well as provide consumers with the ability to challenge false or harmful advertising.

“Ethical advertising builds consumer trust in companies and brands, improving sales and strengthening the market share, while helping maintain a level playing field that is important for fair competition,” says Sanjiv Kakkar, Executive Vice-President, Unilever MENA, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus and Chairperson, ABG. “Irresponsible marketing on the other hand damages consumer confidence and provides little or no sustained return on advertising investment. Responsible advertising benefits everyone – consumers, society and advertisers. This belief in responsible advertising and its benefits for consumers and the society has spurred the GCCs advertisers, agencies and media to establish the ABG.”

A2Zarabia.com launches in the UAE

/in , /by

Dubai-based entrepreneur team launches A2Zarabia.com, a consumer-based online platform in the UAE. A2Zarabia.com is a one stop online shopping hub that aims to combine the functionality of different categories to effectively make life easier for its users. The new platform will be headed by Syed Sarfraz and Parvez Ahmed as the co-founders and it will feature categories that include properties and motors, as well as sections for jobs, exclusive deals, events and other classifieds.

“There are multiple existing websites for each category separately giving its users significant value,” says Syed Sarfraz, Chief Executive Officer, A2Zarabia.com. “However, there isn’t a single website, that satisfies all these daily requirements at a single portal for the user which will make their life easier. We wanted to provide this service to the users across the UAE and beyond. The website has already received a good reception with vendors and strategic partnerships with major brands.”