20/20 Productions opens Dubai office

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Creative agency 20/20 Productions has launched in Dubai following an increase in demand from clients looking for communications support in the Middle East. With head offices in Edinburgh, as well as a team in San Francisco, the agency offers creative communications, with expertise in digital and graphic design, as well as film and events. The new 20/20 Productions Dubai office will be located in DMCC.

“Increasingly, clients are looking for global expertise,” says Andy MacKay, Co-Founder and CEO, 20/20 Productions. “We have two very successful bases in Edinburgh and San Francisco and have already produced several events in Dubai with another taking place this month, so establishing a physical presence was a natural progression.”

Alastair Scott, Co-Founder and Managing Director, 20/20 Productions, adds “Over the years we have evolved our business based on the needs of our clients. The launch in Dubai is yet another example of delivering value at every turn. We look forward to imparting our unique 20/20 Productions stamp on events and communications in the Middle East.”

 

AVIAMOST magazines get new look

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AVIAMOST – Russian and AVIAMOST – Chinese magazines have both been given new looks as well as a newly launched digital platform, www.aviamost.ae, which will be available in English, Russian and Chinese. Written by Russian Editors for Russian-speakers, and Chinese Editors for Chinese-speakers respectively, the magazines boast more room for fashion and lifestyle pages, to reflect on increased offerings from the Dubai-based retail market.

AVIAMOST magazines are available to tourists traveling to Dubai through tour operators, as well as within over 100 four and five–star hotels in the UAE. They will also be available through Emirates Airlines, in First and Business class cabins on Dubai – China and Dubai – Russia routes and in business lounges at Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports.

“We have always believed in the strength of the Russian and Chinese tourist markets in Dubai, since we first published AVIAMOST – Russian in 1995,” says Fady Boustany, Executive Director, MediaMost Publishing. “With the Chinese and Russian markets showing significant improvements, Dubai will continue to be one of the preferred destinations for high-end tourists.”

 

Empire Arabia launches

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Bauer Media has agreed to a new licence for Dubai-based Origami Publishing and Events to publish Empire Arabia magazine. Empire already has editions published in the UK and Australia, and the new licence agreement will see copies of Empire Arabia distributed across the Middle East and North Africa on a monthly basis, in both English and Arabic, at a cost of AED25. International editorial editions of the movie magazine operate independently from the flagship edition of Empire in the UK, but still have access to world-exclusive content, as well as the ability to curate bespoke local content. The first issue of Empire Arabia was released this week and features the latest Bond release, Spectre.

“Nine years ago I bought my first issue of Empire from a small news stand in Damascus,” says Khaldoun Qaddoura, Editor-in-Chief, Empire Arabia and Managing Director, Origami Publishing and Events. “I fell in love with the brand and it wasn’t long before the idea of bringing Empire to the Middle East came to mind. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have fast become bridges between the Middle East and Hollywood, with many recent blockbusters choosing both cities as preferred shooting locations. We are happy to join forces with partners such as Dubai International Film Festival and Middle East Film & Comic Con.”

Gareth Cherriman, International Publisher, Bauer Media, adds “We are really excited to be launching Empire Arabia with Origami Publishing & Events. The team at Origami have extensive knowledge of the film industry and have put together a fantastic plan which will bring the brilliant Empire brand to a whole new audience.”

The ULTRAs launched

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Ultratravel magazine, a UAE-based publication focusing on regional and international luxury travel destinations, has launched the Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards (The ULTRAs). With 20 categories including: airlines, airports, hotels, travel agencies and services, as well as specialised categories across UAE hospitality and tourism sectors, Ultratravel will determine one winner and four runners-up per category, culminating in the Ultratravel 100 list.

Winners will be announced at the Ultratravel 100 Awards, hosted in the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah on November 25, 2015. They will also be published in the Winter 2015 issue of Ultratravel, available from November 26 and distributed by The National and Aletihad newspapers. Voting for the awards is currently open to the public until October 31, and readers can vote online at www.thenational.ae/ultras.

 

Anna Roberts launches Nudge

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International Radio and TV Broadcaster Anna Roberts has launched Nudge, a communications advisory agency specialising in public speaking and media training. Nudge will provide one-on-one training for CEOs and workshops for entrepreneurs wanting to improve their communication techniques, as well as event moderation, hosting and MC services. The agency can also creatively plan and script media campaigns and work with clients to build brand presence.

“With more than a decade of broadcasting experience and 21 years in the Middle East, I wanted to make more of an impact on the media landscape by sharing my skills and practical advice,” says Anna. “I believe in empowering everyone, from entrepreneurs to CEOs to speak publicly with their authentic voice to create more platforms of shared knowledge. When you know better, you do better. Nudge is unique because it offers a wealth of industry experience, incredible knowledge of the region and the ability to tailor offerings specifically to the client.”

 

The Red Bulletin to launch

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International men’s active lifestyle magazine, The Red Bulletin is set to launch in the United Arab Emirates in April 2016. Covering sports, culture, arts, music and lifestyle features, the magazine offers a range of global content as well as national interests, with a visual storytelling approach to journalism. The Red Bulletin will begin with an initial print run of 12,500 copies, and will be under BPA audit from its launch. Priced at AED 15, the monthly publication will be available from retail outlets, sports retailers, Virgin stores, Vox Cinemas, Red Bull events, universities, hotels and airline lounges, as well as bars, clubs and other selected partners.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Red Bull Media House and Awesome Media to provide a fresh, new publication to the UAE and beyond,” says Chris Haill, Publishing Director and Partner, Awesome Media UK. “The magazine fits the ethos of the UAE, offering aspirational editorial and visual storytelling from a worldwide brand. Already distributed in 11 countries, we feel the ‘gives you wings’ approach of Red Bull perfectly fits the UAE way to life, culture and business.”

TishTash launches TishTash Talent

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Dubai-based marketing and PR agency TishTash has launched TishTash Talent, a new talent management division. The agency, founded in January 2012 by Natasha Hatherall, already represents several local personalities including Dubai-based rapper Two Tone and Channel 4’s Eve Jaso. TishTash Talent aims to establish itself as a professional source for local and international actors, personalities, musicians and performers, offering a tailored service for each client and corporation with whom they work.

“TishTash has made it’s name providing a personal service for brands and companies with attention to every detail and this is something I’m committed we continue with our new talent division,” says Natasha Hatherall, Managing Director, TishTash. “We’re excited to fill this much needed gap in the market and to drive new standards in talent management in the region.”

Dan Bolton launches new creative consultancy

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Dubai-based talent management and creative consultancy, Dan Bolton FZ LLC has launched. The agency was founded by Dan Bolton, an events professional with over seven years of experience in the entertainment and events industry in the Middle East, and Kaveh Anooshiravani, a serial entrepreneur and partner in a venture capital firm.

Dan Bolton will manage the careers and opportunities of talent represented, as well as becoming involved with clients in a consulting capacity, from the initial pitch stage through to implementation. The agency is already working on events with partners such as The Act Dubai and US-based Style Fashion Week.

“I literally fell into the entertainment and events industry straight from high school and it has consumed my life ever since,” says Dan. “The last seven years in the Middle East have given me an incredible platform to be able to embark on this journey, as we work hard to develop an international brand that will support performance and artistic talent as well as the diverse live event clients we work with.”

For further information, contact Dan Bolton at dan@danbolton.me / +971 (0)50 708 9088

 

Omnia launches strategic PR division

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Branding and digital communications agency Omnia has created a new PR division, Omnia PR. Headed up by Hollie Thomson, former Group Director for Seven Media’s lifestyle division, the new agency will produce commercially creative campaigns aiming to bridge strategy, creativity and technology.  Omnia PR will offer English and Arabic PR as well as social media services with a tailored approach, customising client communications via multi-channel, content rich campaigns. The division’s team will work on clients across a variety of sectors on various platforms and will be detailed on the agency’s website, to be launched next month.

“Omnia is now a fully holistic and integrated communications agency with a 40-strong team of branding, digital, content and PR experts,” says Hollie Thomson. “I feel honoured to be a part of this rapidly growing agency as we add commercial value for our clients through insightful creativity. The agency is already well known in the region, and we look forward to the new PR division adding to the client portfolio.”

The Lipstick Make Up Institute launches

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The Lipstick Make Up Institute has been launched in Dubai as part of the YH Group, with the aim to provide Make Up Artists with a foundation for working in media. Courses offered focus on teaching effective make up application techniques as well as speed, precision and practicality in order to build enough experience and confidence to work within any media production company.

The Lipstick Make Up Institute is affiliated and supported by professional make up brand Kryolan, which has been supplying film, theatre and television industries for over 66 years. Students are supplied with enough product knowledge to work across a variety of mediums, such as Stage, TV, Fashion and Catwalk shows.

“After three years of running a photography studio where we incorporate make up into every shoot, I thought why not expand and open a media make up institute that offers our students the added benefit of being on a live set, giving them experience working with professional photographers,” says Yasmin Hussain, Managing Director, YH Group. “Students leave our school not only with qualifications to work in the media industry, but with the experience and confidence to work within any media production company or solely as freelancers.”