Smartly.io launches first Middle East office

/in , /by

Finnish-based Facebook marketing platform, Smartly.io, has launched its first Middle East office in Dubai. The marketing platform provides Facebook and Instagram advertising optimisation tools for leading advertisers in the region. The new office will help brands create and optimise campaigns with first-to-market solutions and features. Tegan Kerr, who previously worked with Effective Measure, takes on the role of Head of MENA along with the new MENA Customers Lead, Valtteri Virtanen, who previously worked in Finland with Dingle. Both will work together to oversee the operations of Smartly.io across the region.

“The explosion of e-commerce and locally-built startups in the Middle East has driven ever-increasing investment in Facebook as a channel, which reaches over 42 million people in the GCC alone,” says Tegan Kerr, Head of MENA, Smartly.io. “Our clients are looking for a partner, not just a tool, that gives them the ultimate competitive edge. They’re looking for significant performance improvements and automation across what can often be large-scale and complex campaigns.”

Mydubai-wedding.com launches

/in , /by

New wedding vlog, mydubai-wedding.com launches in the UAE. Founded by Dubai-based Wedding Planner, Tania Kreindler, mydubai-wedding.com aims to grow content constantly by covering new venues and showcasing styling ideas with the help of hotels and suppliers that has been tried and tested, helping couples make an informed choice on their wedding plans.

“As huge believers in paying it forward and helping incredible couples all over the world wherever we can, we are delighted to launch mydubai-wedding.com,” says Tania Kreindler, Founder, mydubai-wedding.com. “Our intentions are simple – to give couples and families as much information and inspiration as we can to create the perfect wedding.”

Spotlight Productions launches in the UAE

/in , /by

New production company, Spotlight Productions launches in the UAE. Spotlight Productions aims to offer videography and photography services to meet the requirements of clients and help communicate their message in an engaging manner as well as creating captivating content to bring their stories and announcements into the spotlight. The new company will see its co-founders Abdul Karim Hanif with broadcast journalism experience take on the role of Managing Partner and Producer, Melville Picardo with TV production experience as Head of Post Production and Muhammad Adnan having worked in the television industry as Production Manager. The new team will work towards partnering with communications and PR companies by bringing the news team’s support to produce video news releases for press conferences and events.

“Video content has become a crucial element to take a press release forward an extra mile, particularly with the rise of social media influencers,” says Abdul Karim Hanif, Managing Partner and Producer, Spotlight Productions. “We aim to bring our TV production knowledge to create that appealing content together with the interviews of our clients. Over the years we have developed strong relationships with PR firms in our network and we would now like to enhance those ties further by providing them with the support they require for their written content.”

CIPR and MEPRA launch new training programme

/in , /by

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has partnered with the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) to launch new training programme, MEPRA Academy. MEPRA Academy aims to provide professional development opportunities across the region and will see CIPR provide exclusive access to MEPRA members on its continuing professional development (CPD) online portal. The new academy’s courses will be led by international experts and CIPR certified senior communications professionals across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan.

“We know through our research that continued learning and internationally recognised professional accreditation is critically important to the regional public relations practitioner,” says Ray Ellington, Chairman, MEPRA. “We have developed the new MEPRA Academy and our partnership with CIPR to answer this need helping individuals develop their careers and our industry to raise its standards.”

BUZ MMC launches new integrated communications platform

/in , /by

Dubai-based full-service marketing and events agency, BUZ MMC has launched new integrated communications expertise concept, ICE by BUZ. The new division aims to offer full 360-degree market exposure and deliver projects at a fast pace across social, digital and on-line platforms as well as for classic PR. The new division launch will also see the appointment of Houssam El Boutary to the role of Digital Group Account Director having previously worked with Mullenlowemena as Account Manager and most recently with Commonwealth//McCann as Regional Integrated Senior Account Manager. In his new role, he will head the new division and oversee the integration of BUZ MMC’s existing PR, digital and social, and creative divisions under one umbrella. 

“This is the age of boutique agencies offering a seamless, comprehensive service and we are striving to become one that is backed by a high level of professional skill and standard,” says Houssam El Boutary, Digital Group Account Director, BUZ MMC. “The agency has hired global talents with expertise in branded content, creative, digital media buying, content creation and analytics to add to the already fantastic team within BUZ.”

TishTash Tots launches in the GCC

/in , /by

Dubai-based specialist boutique PR agency, TishTash has launched new specialist division, TishTash Tots. TishTash Tots aims to provide a range of PR and integrated marketing services needed to connect brands and businesses with the children and family market across the GCC. The new division will also work across clients such as Water Wipes, ClevaMama and Aventura Parks as a part of its plan to specialise in a portfolio of children and family brands.

“TishTash is an agile agency, “says Natasha Hatherall-Shawe, Founder and Managing Director, TishTash. “We strive to anticipate industry trends and new areas of accelerated growth. Our strategy, at this time, is to take our proven specialist approach to those sectors that present the biggest potential.”

EWmums goes live

/in , /by

ExpatWoman launches new focused brand extension, EWmums. The new platform will be in Arabic and English and aims to provide vital information, interactive tools and interesting content to mums-to-be and mums-already audiences. The website will also feature insightful articles, news, reviews and tips from mummy bloggers as well as forums for sharing and guides on topics related to pregnancy, birth, babies, toddlers and children along with advice from experts and parents.

“This relaunch – a whole new dedicated site with bespoke functionality, marks a significant new step for ExpatWoman with EWmums being our first dual language digital publishing site,” says Jane Drury, CEO, ME Digital Group and Founder, ExpatWoman.  “We’re meeting the needs of brands focused on a pan-demographic, GCC reach, particularly in FMCG and retail. This brand extension will support and inform both Arabic and English- speaking parents, and mums to be.”

Lovin Saudi launches in the Middle East

/in , /by

New media advertising company, Augustus has launched Lovin Saudi as a part of its expansion plan in the region. Following the launch of its Dubai operations in 2015, Lovin Saudi will operate with local partners and contributors based out of Saudi Arabia with support and back office functions being completed from the group’s regional headquarters in Dubai. The launch will also cover news and lifestyle in Dammam, Khobar, Riyadh and Jeddah as the main cities with content published in English, and officially open its first Saudi-Arabian based office early 2018.

“By understanding and keeping abreast of the ever-changing media landscape, Augustus has cemented Lovin Dubai’s place within the UAE market in what is a short space of time,” says Richard Fitzgerald, Managing Director, Augustus. ”This was done by focusing on quality online and social content. With the launch of Lovin Saudi, the brand will look to do the same in Saudi Arabia, shaking things up and further driving a digital approach within the region.”

Arab News launches new Hajj App

/in , /by

Saudi Arabian-based newspaper, Arab News has launched new smartphone application, Hajj App. Officially sponsored by the Muslim World League, the Hajj app aims to provide comprehensive coverage of the Hajj pilgrimage and will offer the latest news updates from Arab News as well as live broadcast service. The application will also include features such as an optional pilgrim tracker function to enable users to switch on and share their location, follow family and friends in real time, get emergency call number and a list of all embassies and other important services during Hajj.

“This Arab News and Muslim World League cooperation is an ideal and practical example of a media outlet working with a non-governmental organisation for the public good,” says Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief, Arab News. “Launching this app is part of Arab News’ digital transformation and provides readers and English-speaking pilgrims added value and a very useful service.”

LinkedIn’s new video feature launches

/in , /by

LinkedIn has launched a new video feature that allows users to record upload and post native videos directly from their LinkedIn mobile applications to their feed. The new addition to the platform would be available to users globally and would enable them to start conversations, and share their professional knowledge as well insights through videos. To record a video or upload an existing video, users can click on the share button and tap the video icon directly from their iOS or Android devices to start recording or uploading a video to post on their feed.