WatchTime Middle East launches app edition

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Watch and horology magazine WatchTime Middle East has launched the first fully interactive digital app edition of the title, available exclusively for iPad in the Apple App Store. The app edition, which launches with the latest issue of GN Publishing’s quarterly magazine, is available to download across the GCC. It will include the same content as the print edition, as well as app-only content such as videos featuring regional collectors and industry experts. Future issues of the app edition will publish simultaneously to the print edition and are priced at AED29.99 for a single issue, or AED69.99 for an annual subscription.

“It was important that the reader has a completely new experience on the iPad with interactive content and exclusive videos; I’m happy to say that we’ve managed to do that on our digital app edition of the magazine,” says Nitin Nair, Editor, WatchTime Middle East. “It’s an exciting new format for us and initial feedback from readers and the industry has exceeded our expectations.”

James Hewes, Publishing Director, GN Publishing, adds “I’m delighted that WatchTime Middle East has extended its reach with the new fully interactive digital app edition. It is our first move into fully interactive, paid-for apps as readers look for more than just digital page-turner replicas of their favourite magazines. The interactive format of the app also gives us the ability to offer clients an exciting new platform to reach engaged watch enthusiasts in the GCC.”

Recto Verso launches Curve and Unique

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UAE-based boutique model and talent agency, Recto Verso has added two new segments to its model portfolio – Curve and Unique. The new offerings will create a point of difference for the agency, with Curve featuring models size UK 12 and above and Unique focusing on finding models with an edgy look and striking features for brands who want to take a fresh approach.

“As well as offering the best models within our more traditional segments, we wanted to break out into other areas that are not as common here in the UAE as they are in Europe or the US,” says Clair Gilbody, Founder and Managing Partner, Recto Verso. “Our clients regularly tell us that they are looking for something different to stand out from the crowd and we believe this will help fill that gap. The fashion and entertainment industry is highly competitive and it is important that our clients and partners can trust us to stay one step ahead.”

GN Focus technology supplements relaunch

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GN Publishing, the specialist media division of Gulf News, has relaunched its consumer-facing technology supplements as #GNTech. The move is part of an ongoing strategy to refine the newspaper’s special reports, published under the GN Focus brand.

Distributed with the full Gulf News print run of over 108,000 copies, #GNTech will publish at the end of each month. Each issue will focus on a consumer-facing theme, beginning with laptops and software on August 30 to coincide with back-to-school season. The title will also include regular columns such as TOTM (Tech of the Month), as well as the country’s first mass-market gaming page. Special issues are also planned for publication around major local and international technology events such as GITEX Shopper and CES.

“With a history dating back to the launch of the newspaper, and over 100 supplements published each year we produce an incredibly varied portfolio of products,” says Keith J Fernandez, Editor, GN Focus. “By redefining these into niches we were able to better serve our audiences by giving them more focussed editorial and advertising propositions produced by dedicated teams. While #GNTech is the first to launch an all-new product, further niches are also being developed and we’re expanding our online and social media presence.”

Gareth Warren, Deputy Editor of #GNTech, adds “Packed with more data than a 1000TB HD and more fun than your first PlayStation, your inaugural #GNTech has everything readers could want, from the latest gadgets to the hottest new games. We’ve even got Batman!”

ShortList launches Creative Cover Wrap competition

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To celebrate ShortList’s print launch in the UAE, the magazine is running an inter-agency competition to win a full cover wrap and a website home page takeover for one agency to win on behalf of a client. The cover wrap design deemed to best speak to ShortList readers – males and females aged between 20 and 45 – will be used on the ShortList issue scheduled for release on September 29, 2015. The last date for submissions is September 10, 2015, and the best cover wraps per agency will be showcased on www.ShortListDubai.com

Shortlist launches new listings tool

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ShortList UAE is launching its self-administered online listings tool, which allows PRs, brand managers and venue owners to add, amend and update listings, as well as upload menus and images. The website – that features restaurants and cafes, bars and clubs, film and TV, events and attractions, as well as shopping and style – is the first publication from APP to offer this unique listings tool.

Editor-in-chief Eddie Taylor will be revealing the new online listing function via a webinar with The Media Network this Wednesday. To register, email tmnwebinars@tmnme.com.

Differing from Shortlist’s UK website, the UAE counterparts are aimed at both women and men. Both websites are updated regularly and include searchable entertainment listings for each city.

Clique unveils new brand identity

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Digital communications company Clique Communications Group has unveiled its new brand identity, Clique. Headquartered in Dubai, with offices in Mumbai, Pune, Doha and Singapore, Clique was established in 2008 offering services to advertisers and agencies across various digital disciplines including display advertising, social media, mobile marketing and web design and development.

As part of the rebrand, Clique has merged two subsidiary units – Deviate Interactive and 5th Bar mobile agency – to build a full service digital agency, Clique Interactive. The company is also home to an incubation arm, Clique Labs, and to Clique Media, a media representation company. Clique Media is the official media sales representative for LinkedIn, WebTeb, Vuclip and Supersonic Ads, among others.

“We wanted to create an identity that truly represented who we are,” said Ashwin Salian, Managing Partner and Co-founder, Clique. “After six years in the region, we have changed and grown a lot. The rebrand process was an opportunity to tie all we’ve learned together and set ourselves up for all that’s next.”

 

In Touch magazine to launch in September

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In Touch magazine, a premium lifestyle publication catering to the high-end and luxury consumer audience in the UAE is set to launch in September. The magazine will have an initial print run of 10, 000 copies and will be distributed free of charge to recipients in their home, as well as within lounges of leading establishments. An online version will also be available through a subscription mailing list.

The publication will cover a number of topics, including news and events, as well as features on hospitality, fashion, cars and travel, and will  be available in both Arabic and English. In Touch will be headed up by Umaima Tinwala, Managing Editor of the In Touch Group, and will be published by Media Touch. A website will be launched following the September issue’s release.

“It’s always a challenge to launch a new publication in a market that most people think is already saturated,” says Umaima. “But I believe that quality always trumps quantity – when you see and read the magazine, you will know what I mean. I’m looking forward to working on this very exciting new venture.”

MMG to launch MMG Talent Connect

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Model Management agency MMG Models and Eventz will launch its new talent portal MMG Talent Connect – www.mmgtalent.com – on August 1, 2015. The new portal will connect directors and clients from the fashion industry, such as Editors and Events Co-ordinators, directly to models, hosts, photographers, hairstylists, stylists, make-up artists, actors and cast. Clients will be able to browse portfolios of talents registered with MMG Talent Connect, and start booking directly through the portal.

“We have been a part of the talent business for 10 years now,” says Gosia Golda, Managing Director, MMG Models and Eventz, Director, MMG Talent. “The portal is a direct response to the frustrations of casting directors who are constantly presented with the same pool of talent over and over again. The enthusiasm that we have received is quite overwhelming on both sides of the spectrum!”

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.”