Luxury bridal publication goes live

/in , /by

New bridal magazine, Dubai Wedding Planner – Insider has launched under the domain DWP-insider.com. With a focus on luxury bridal fashion, beauty, lifestyle and culture, as well as travel guides that will feature destinations for weddings and honeymoons, the online platform, will be complemented by an annual print magazine. The magazine’s print issue will be limited to 5,000 copies, which will be hand-delivered to its VIP readers and stocks will also be available in spas, golf and beach clubs, as well as selected first and business class lounges across the GCC.

The new launch sees the appointment of Aishwarya Tyagi to the role of Editor. Aishwarya, who has previously worked across media titles including MOJEH, Grazia Middle East and Masala!, will work across the magazine’s editorial content and contribute towards its development across the region.

Briar Prestidge Consultancy launches in the UAE

/in , /by

New personal branding agency, Briar Prestidge Consultancy launches in the UAE. Founded by Briar Prestidge, Editor-in-Chief of dealsinhighheels.com, the self-named consultancy aims to support entrepreneurs and business owners in marketing their product or service online. The agency will focus on providing personal branding strategies such as web design, business development, social media marketing, sales training and impression management.

“Many of our clients come to us as they know the importance of a personal brand yet find it daunting taking the first steps to put themselves ‘out there’ online,” says Briar Prestidge, Executive Director, Briar Prestidge. “We feel passionate to be supporting the entrepreneurs and business owners here in the region, contributing towards the growth of their business as well as their personal and professional growth as individuals.”

CNBC to launch Middle East Headquarters

/in , /by

CNBC is set to launch new headquarters for the Middle East in Abu Dhabi in Q1 2018. The global business and financial news network will begin broadcasting from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) studios and will see ten new appointments to build a new team ahead of its launch. The new headquarters will anchor its daily global business news programs while the network also establishes an on-the-ground editorial presence locally as well as across the region.

The Content Hub launches specialist divisions

/in , /by

Dubai-based content creation agency, The Content Hub has launched two new specialist divisions, The Yachting Hub and The Wheel Hub. Founded by Sam Richomme who most recently worked as CEO of Lux Media Group and Damien Reid who most recently was contracted by Lux Media Group to contribute for Edgar, Altitudes and Yachts Emirates, the two divisions will offer publishers and marketers ready-to-publish content packages that can be used on all communications channels including print, web and social media. The Yachting Hub will focus completely on yachting and yachting lifestyle while The Wheel Hub will focus on motoring and automotive content.

“Between the devil and the deep blue sea, the media industry’s growing need for immediate and top quality content are at odds with the industry’s continual drop in editorial budgets,” says Sam Richomme, Founder, The Content Hub. “The Wheel Hub and The Yachting Hub caters to the needs of today’s publishers to cover all their media channels in one go, with affordable and immediate access to content produced by media professionals who are experts in their respective fields.”

Damien Reid, Founder and General Manager, The Wheel Hub continues, “The Wheel Hub represents the changing face of media and a solution for time-poor editors who in many cases are either a one-person shop, or worse still, are forced to juggle multiple titles on their own. In 90 seconds, an editor will receive long form and short form text to suit both print and online layouts, 15 to 20 images all resized and colour-corrected to suit, pic captions for every image, headlines, sub-heads and pull quotes. We even include a 60-second, Instagram-friendly video with all the hashtags for their social media. There are no contracts to sign, no chasing late payments through accounts departments and no VAT paperwork issues as the PayPal process is as simple as ordering a home-delivery meal.” 

Shock Middle East launches new radio station

/in , /by

Dubai-based radio network, Shock Middle East has launched Heart 107.1 in the UAE. Heart 107.1 will focus on delivering interesting and relevant content, musical hits from the 90’s and the noughties, local and international news as well as inspirational topics with an aim to tap into all communities in the UAE.

The new station will also feature four main daily live shows and will see the appointment of a new team of presenters. Dave Cleary, previously Presenter at Dance FM will take on the role of Presenter for ‘Drive with Dave’ from 4pm – 8pm. ‘Mornings with Heart’ from 10am-1pm will be hosted by Jade Worsley, having previously worked in the UK with Dee 106.3 as Presenter. Tim Hartman and Faris Al-Raqqad who previously worked in Jordan with Bliss 104.3 will present ‘Breakfast with Tim and Faris’ from 6am-10am, along with Sheron Nanayakkara, joining them from Sri Lanka’s Red 107.8 Sky Media Network. Also joining the team is UAE-based Disc Jockey, Fadi Mansour who will host ‘Afternoons with Fadi’ from 1pm – 4pm.

“To say we’re pretty excited that this day has finally come is an understatement,” says Theo Makris, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Shock Middle East. “Heart 107.1 has been a long time coming – and we know it’s just what the UAE needs. Get ready to listen to some excellent music, the best of the best radio presenters – and a radio station which will always make you feel good.”

VICE Arabia launches operations

/in , /by

Global media brand, VICE Arabia has launched operations across the region. Headquartered in the UAE, vice.com./ar provides a mix of locally and internationally produced video programming, as well as editorial and social content targeted at the region’s youth population.

Islam Alrayyes takes on the role of Editor-in-Chief and brings a wealth of experience in the Middle East media industry, having previously worked as Editor-in-chief at Sport360 and Head of Digital Content at admcsport.com, part of Abu Dhabi Media. In his new role, he will lead the team of writers, editors, directors and producers to launch its digital operations across the region.

VICE Arabia’s Managing Director, Jason Leavy will handle broader operations and comes with over 20 years of media, communications, publishing and marketing experience. Jason most recently worked with Edelman DABO as Managing Director and will now work alongside the editorial, content and commercial teams. He will be responsible for VICE Arabia’s creative and strategic development across all mediums as a part of the brand’s expansion plan across the region.

Reporting to Jason Leavy is Firas Breais – Head of Sales, Ciaran Bonass – Creative Director and Anas Al Hakim – Senior Creative.

Also joining the new team from its UK office is Aws Al-Jezairy who holds the role of Managing Editor, having helped launch VICE News in the UK. Emma Hill is Head of Production, Badar Salem and Wael Mamdouh are Online Editors, Ameer Daou is Social Editor and Majd Abi Ali is Audience Development Manager.

“VICE Arabia will bring together pan-Arab youth and stand out as the platform for them to tell their own stories and talk about what matters to them,” says Islam Alrayyes, Editor-in-Chief, VICE Arabia. “In a region woven in a rich cultural fabric and with increasingly prominent new voices and talent – from innovators to artists – VICE will showcase the work of those making an impact.”

 

COPIA launches first global office

/in , /by

Dubai-based communication and lifestyle agency, COPIA Group has launched its first office in Canada as a part of its global expansion plan. The new office is based in Toronto and will focus on crafting creative content and experiences, whilst granting accessibility across Canada. The new launch will also see the appointment of Sherry Boisvert to the role of Managing Partner bringing with her over 20 years of PR and corporate communications experience. Sherry previously worked in Canada with Citizen Relations and most recently with NARRATIVE PR, holding the role of Vice President at both agencies. In her new role, she will work closely with COPIA’s Dubai partners, Rania El Sadek and Katherine Raso to oversee all the agency’s operations and expand its presence across Canada.

“COPIA’s position has always been one of ‘local presence, global network’ and we felt the time was right to strengthen that even further with an office in Toronto,” says Rania El Sadek, Founder, COPIA Group. “It’s a vibrant city in the heart of Canada and with our expertise and connections on an international level, it made sense for us to make the move and expand to a second home.”

Katch International launches new department

/in , /by

Dubai-based integrated communications agency, Katch International has launched new digital department, Katch Disruption. Katch Disruption will provide advanced marketing technology and help increase traffic to its client’s social media and online platforms. The new department will also include technologies such as interactive mobile advertising, geo-fencing, creative interactive ads and augmented reality as well as its own content creation team, which will be dedicated to creating videos and social content.

“Disruption to us is all about breaking the mould and innovating while generating humanising content, tingling the senses aesthetically and cashing in on real-time opportunities,” says Georgie Woollams, Managing Director, Katch International. “We strive to disrupt the way people in the region think digitally by localising our offering for the Dubai market.”

ITP launches social media division

/in , /by

ITP Media Group has launched new social media division, ITP Ignite. ITP Ignite will offer a range of services including social media management, content creation, brand enhancement and customer publishing. The new division will also work alongside digital talent division, ITP Live to promote content and develop brands.

“ITP Ignite is an exciting new addition to the company,” says Ali Akawi, CEO, ITP Media Group. “Leveraging our portfolio of brands and the vast editorial resources of the group, we are now able to offer content creation for a range of clients, which extends to developing and implementing fully integrated communication strategies. As the media landscape continues to radically change, our group is not only adapting to the change but leading it, with our commitment to innovative, digital first, solutions.”

Parker Design expands into the Middle East

/in /by

UK-based integrated advertising and digital agency, Parker Design has launched its Dubai office as part of its expansion plan into the Middle East. The new office aims to provide clients in the UAE with a professional but personal approach to business while helping them connect with their audience. The launch will also see the appointment of Dan Kendrew to head the Dubai office as Director bringing with him over 15 years of experience on B2C and B2B projects in a wide range of sectors.

“We have several UK and global clients with operations in the UAE: AstraZeneca, Thomson Reuters, Sage, to name a few,” says Dan Kendrew, Director, Parker Design. “So this, combined with the fact that Dubai is an exciting hub for global business, innovation and creativity, meant that it was a perfect match for us and a really easy decision to make. We’re delighted our international dream is now a reality, and can’t think of a better place than the UAE, and Dubai in particular.”