Las Vegas-based PR firm Digital 86 will open offices in Dubai as well as New Delhi, in order to meet demand for services in the Middle East and Asia. Founded by Alex Simon, the firm specialises in online reputation management, with a team of PR executives and technology experts who aim to improve the digital presence of high profile clients such as executives, celebrities, doctors and politicians.
GN Publishing has announced the launch of an all-new technology blog, GNTECH.ae. The fully responsive site, which works seamlessly across desktop and mobile, will give readers in the UAE up-to-the-minute tech and consumer electronics news and reviews. The website is the digital platform of #GNTECH, Gulf News’ consumer technology brand, and builds on the success of the existing monthly print title, which was launched in August and distributed with Gulf News.
The brand covers consumer electronics topics ranging from gaming and product reviews to buying guides and apps. GNTECH.ae will feature news and launches in the world of technology as they happen, provide in-depth content from experts in the industry as well as live coverage from key events in the technology sector, such as CES.
“Technology is driving massive change in our society and I’m incredibly delighted that we’re launching GNTECH.ae in this sector – a genuinely digital first offering,” says James Hewes, Publishing Director, GN Publishing. “This is a very exciting project for GN Publishing, one that we’re confident will become a key player in a competitive marketplace.”
Gareth Kurt Warren, Editor, GNTECH.ae adds “The region has experienced rapid transformation to become more technologically advanced. Our readers are now constantly on the go and are looking for quick media consumption; they are increasingly relying on web-based, digital and social media platforms for their news fix, especially when it comes to technology. Our new website is GN Publishing’s response to this dynamic dependence on digital content in our readers’ fast-paced lives.”
ITP Publishing has launched new digital platform HarpersBazaarArabia.com, which aims to unite various Harper’s Bazaar brand identities from across the Middle Eastern region. The online space will feature Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s monthly fashion, personal style, beauty, high society and lifestyle expertise, as well as luxurious living features from Harper’s Bazaar Interiors’ and insights into the art and design industry from Harper’s Bazaar Art. The website will also include daily news stories and dedicated sub-sections for the brand’s bridal and children’s content. Launch parters for HarpersBazaarArabia.com include Cartier, Tanagra and Samsung Gulf.
PR professional and Co-Founder of coffee communications, Natasha Ekstedt, has launched lifestyle blog www.natashaekstedt.com. The blog is a journey through Natasha’s passion for the arts, fashion, beauty and food with seven sections:
– Fashion: latest trends in the fashion Industry
– Primp: hair & beauty
– Get Fit: health & fitness
– Edible Obsession: Recipes (healthy & treats)
– Decorate: interior decorating ideas
– Craft: DIY for home fixes to festive occasion gift ideas
– Obsessed: current obsessions
“Being of Saudi, Indian and French origin, I got a golden chance to travel around the world and closely observe fashion sense of people living in different countries, says Natasha. “My keen interest in beauty & lifestyle encouraged me to learn varied cultural aspects that go behind wardrobe building, beauty treatments, home décor, art & crafts designing and food as well.”
London-based integrated communications agency, Plus 1 Communications, has taken its first step in the Middle East market with a new office in Dubai. Offering both PR and digital marketing solutions, Plus 1 Communications’ clients include Etihad Airways, The Imaginarium Studios and RainFin (Innovation by Barclays). The Dubai office will be headed up by PR professional Anna Hope.
“This is an exciting time for Dubai with its rapid growth and continuous development,” says Anna Hope, Managing Director, Middle East, Plus 1 Communications. “We believe there is a gap in the market for a boutique integrated communications agency that offers both first class PR and digital marketing solutions with worldwide reach. We look forward to bringing our skills to the emirate.”
HOT Media Publishing will launch new Dubai guide, DXB City Expert on December 2, 2015. The new 80-page monthly guide will be available to dnata Travel customers with a circulation of 40,000 copies and will showcase Dubai’s must-have visitor experiences to inbound tourists through its print and digital versions.
“As a large travel company in the Middle East, dnata Travel welcomes over 3 million visitors to Dubai each year. It’s almost impossible to travel to Dubai without enjoying the services of one of dnata’s entities – even if you didn’t book with one of our international travel agency and holiday brands, you could be greeted on arrival by our Marhaba services, transfer to your hotel in one of our chauffeured cars, explore Dubai on one of our City Sightseeing buses, or enjoy one of our market-leading activities booked through Arabian Adventures,” says Iain Andrew, Divisional Senior Vice President, dnata Travel. “We love Dubai, and we want to make sure our guests love our home as much as we do. That is why we are launching the ultimate tourist guide to Dubai exclusively for our customers. DXB City Expert will be an edit of the city’s best restaurants, activities, events, shopping and tours, and will be handed and emailed to our customers. The guide’s monthly frequency, and vastly experienced editorial team, will ensure DXB City Expert is always up to date with the latest additions to this uniquely brilliant city of ours.”
Victoria Thatcher, Managing Director, HOT Media Publishing adds, “Following the ongoing success of World Traveller magazine, HOT Media is delighted to once again partner with dnata Travel to produce a publication for its customers. As we approach our 10th year of publishing in Dubai, we can’t wait to launch this exciting guide and ensure that dnata’s customers maximise their holiday experiences in our favourite city. DXB City Expert will showcase all that Dubai has to offer in a monthly format and will give Dubai’s tourism stakeholders unprecedented access to affluent Dubai visitors. The guide will reach visitors via multi platforms, both offline and online but, more importantly, it will reach them before they have even made it to their hotel, giving advertisers the chance to make a lasting first impression.”
Amman-based PR and event management agency, Bidaya Corporate Communications has launched a Digital Marketing department. The new department will enable clients to connect with their target audience through a variety of platforms, deploying online campaigns through Google, YouTube, relevant websites and mobile applications.
Bidaya will look to significantly increase its clients’ brand visibility by driving traffic and converting trackable, easy-to-monitor online leads into customers.
“Over the past decade, Bidaya has made a name for itself by fueling our clients’ relationships with the general public,” says Raed Nimri, Director of Client Servicing and PR Advisory, Bidaya Corporate Communications. “The people of today’s world want to engage with brands that can offer a sense of familiarity and that can address them according to their needs and preferences. Through our Digital Marketing department, we are now capable of helping our clients meet their customers halfway, putting them in the sight of anyone using digital methods to seek out their services.”
Lopamudra Kundu, formerly Vice President at IKON Advertising, and Shantesh Row, formerly Executive Creative Director at IKON, have launched advertising and communications agency, Slant. The agency will provide 360 degree thinking in ATL, BTL and TTL, including all creative and strategy – from press & OOH campaigns to TVCs and Radio, as well as content creation to complete marketing, identity and design plans.
Founding Partners Lopamudra Kundu, Shantesh Row and Prabhangshu Kundu, have worked across 250 brands throughout the Middle East, India and Australia and together possess over 50 years of experience in advertising.
“We’re a new-breed communications agency,” says Lopamudra. “We are independent, agile, collaborative and forward thinking.”
Shantesh adds, “Slant brings an edge, a different way to offer solutions to our clients. As ‘Slanters’, we are sure this off-centre approach will add value and impact to our clients.”
Ahmed Krounz has launched Solo Zone Design in Dubai. The agency will provide consulting, brand communication and visual design services including production when required, working within IT, banking, food and beverage, retail and hospitality industries. Ahmed Krounz will be working as Art Director, as well as Founder, for the company, bringing with him over 12 years of experience in media, where he has worked across clients such as Dubai Silicon Oasis, DIFC and Etihad Airways. Solo Zone Design is now open in Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre (DTEC), located in Dubai Silicon Oasis.
“My previous experience working with international agencies has formed the mentality I’ve taken with creating Solo Zone Design,” says Ahmed. “Yes, we’re a small agency, but we’re equipped with a quality of invention and execution for which you’d usually have to pay top dollar. Our size affords us a competitive edge and a flexibility not available to others in the market with whom we aim to compete.”