Smart Living City Exhibition Dubai 2014

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With the inaugural Smart Living City Exhibition Dubai just around the corner, Team TMN caught up with Masood Al Awar, CEO of TASWEEK Real Estate Development and Marketing, and organiser of the exhibition, to discuss what we can expect… 

This will be the first Smart Living City (SLC) Exhibition in Dubai. When will it take place and where will it be held?
The Smart Living City Dubai Expo will be held from September 15-162014 at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai.

What is the concept behind the Smart Living City Exhibition?
Smart Living City was created as a forum and platform for the latest technologies and innovations related to smart cities and smart human capital.

What do you hope achieve from this exhibition?
We aim to showcase the major initiatives transforming Dubai into one of the smartest cities in the world. We want it to be a proactive stage for the integration of technology into all public services and key sectors, including real estate development, infrastructure, transport, and communications. The exhibition is intended to generate heightened awareness on the potential of ‘smart’ technologies providing the most advanced living and business experiences possible.

The SLC Exhibition also being held in San Francisco and Singapore from 2014-15. How does Dubai stand out as an ideal location for this exhibition?
The UAE was recently ranked first among Middle Eastern countries for overall performance in the 2014 Global Innovation Index – a report published by Cornell University, Insead, and the World Intellectual Property Organisation in Dubai.

How will attending the SLC Dubai Exhibition benefit media professionals?
The SLC Exhibition will provide media professionals with insights into regional and global trends in ‘smart’ technology, the latest and best tools and techniques and Dubai’s own unique vision of a ‘smart’ society. It will also offer opportunities to interact with and hear experiences from leading experts and decision makers in the field. 

Who will be participating in the panels and discussions, and what sort of workshops will be on offer?
Representatives from various technology leaders such as Microsoft, Siemens, and Cisco will conduct workshops. Attendees can look forward speeches from Dr. Mitchell Joachim, Associate Professor at NYU and Co-Founder of Terreform ONE, an architectural design group that incorporates ecological and synthetic biological concepts into urban environment, and Dr. Ryan Chin, Managing Director of the City Science Initiative at the MIT Media Lab, an interdisciplinary research laboratory that explores the convergence of technology, multimedia, sciences, art and design.

There will also be three competitions held for startups to pitch their ideas on how to address challenges in creating a smart city and implement innovations.

Which panels and workshops will be of particular interest to those working in the media industry?
The panels and workshops focusing on how Dubai plans to develop new urban systems for a post-oil, connected world in the areas of sustainable mobility, resilient energy systems, urban food production, transformable live/work space and Big Data urban analytics will be highly interesting for media professionals. Workshops including experts and influencers from Stanford, MIT, NYU, NovoEd and leading public and private companies from Dubai also offer various media opportunities.

How can members of the media industry attend the exhibition?
Media members can attend the exhibition by registering online at www.smartlivingcity.com, or on the spot during the event.

Are there any future plans for Smart Living City in Dubai?
Moving forward, the vision is to turn the exhibition into a live forum consolidating international experiences that integrate knowledge across global cities. It will be a high-profile event that will share the best ‘smart’ solutions for a changing world.

 

Head of Marketing and Communications, Paul Mampilli

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Name: Paul Mampilli
Age: 45
From: India
Current job title: Head of Marketing and Communications, Noor Bank

When did you arrive in the UAE?
I left Singapore for Dubai in January 2009.

Where did you work prior to joining Noor Bank?
I was previously General Manager (MEA) at Resultrix – A Publicis Company, and prior to that was Head of Marketing, PR & Communications (MEA) for Mastercard Worldwide. I’ve also worked with Zenith, Visa, BBDO and TBWA.

What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?
When I first moved here, I compared the region to South East Asia (SEA) and the rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC), and because of this I felt this region had a lot of catching up to do.

Have these impressions changed much?
The industry has transformed a lot in the last two years. I experience a lot of sophistication coming into the industry and this is primarily being driven by the digital space. A lot of talent has moved into this market and that has also resulted in local talent being up-scaled.

Tell us about your new position as Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications…
Noor Bank has rebranded itself and is on an exciting path to grow itself. The senior management and employees within the organisation are very switched on and this makes it an immensely satisfying place to work. Given we are a fairly young bank, there is a lot of appetite to try out new things which you would not find in larger organisations. I am looking forward to bring several digital practices to the fore as part of our efforts.

What challenges do you face?
Ensuring that the philosophy of the brand “Noor gets it done” is consistently delivered through every single consumer activity and touch point of Noor Bank.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Every time I am able to impact a change in the way we plan and implement our philosophy across the bank in the way it reaches its consumers.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen so far?
The planning and engagement of digital marketing practices.

What do you think of the quality of media publications in the region?
I think they are fairly good compared to Asia, but need more than the regular sales push.  As the Middle East is a highly connected region, more efforts to bring in sophistication on the digital front would do well.

What sets you apart from other marketing professionals?
I took the decision to dive into the digital agency space two years ago to learn about what makes it tick. Now back on the client’s side, it would be fair to say that I would probably be one of the few professionals who bring with them an in-depth knowledge of digital marketing, advertising, media and marketing practices.

Work calls via landline, mobile or both?
Both.

What’s your most overused saying?
Plan and persevere to succeed.

Five things you can’t live without?
Aside from my family, my iPhone 5s, iPad Air, Mac Book Pro, Nexus 5 and Garmin Fenix 2 devices.

If you weren’t in marketing and communications, what would you be?
A running coach. I coach around 40 kids and adults as a hobby and it’s my way of giving back to society. Running is a passion.

Dimitra Ampela joins Downtown Design

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Dimitra Ampela has been appointed as the Marketing Manager for Downtown Design in Dubai. In her previous position, Dimitra was Communications and Media Manager for Reed Exhibitions Middle East, where she managed communications for the International Water Summit, the World Future Energy Summit and the Airport Show. As Marketing Manager, Dimitra will handle communications and marketing initiatives such as social media, PR and media relations.

“The team behind Downtown Design aims to create a culture that fosters original design and turn Dubai into an international design destination,” says Dimitra. “It is a rare opportunity to be involved in such a creative and exciting project and I look forward to contributing to its success.”

Cheil unveils Samsung campaign on Sheikh Zayed Road

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Cheil MENA, a communications partner of Samsung Electronics, has unveiled a three-month integrated campaign on the Sheikh Zayed Road, which includes a digital billboard that will display consumer-generated content to promote the photographic capabilities of the new Samsung Galaxy S5.

The ‘Super Selfie’ campaign encourages Samsung Facebook fans to upload their personal photos onto the social media platforms, and those with the most shares and likes will be streamed onto the screen via the purpose-built billboard. The billboard is located on Sheikh Zayed Road facing the Dubai Garden Centre and consumers can upload their selfies until September 30, 2014.

“We wanted to create an idea that would move people into action whilst achieving significant awareness for the new phone,” says Nitin Baweja, Account Director, Cheil MENA. “The partnership with the Dubai Municipality has been a one-off opportunity to push the boundaries like no other brand has ventured to do before, for which we are grateful.”

Omar Al-Jabi, Creative Director at Cheil MENA adds, “We wanted to invite our audience to explore the capabilities of Samsung Galaxy S5 by capturing their best sides and sharing what they love. This campaign is designed to provide people with a platform where they can share their fun moments and be given the opportunity to be seen by the world.”

Daisy Omissi joins Qatar Airways

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Daisy Omissi has been appointed as Manager of Onboard Reading Materials for Qatar Airways. Daisy joins the team in Doha from Spain, where she was most recently Marketing Director at Landcorp International and acted as the European marketing agent for large developmental projects in Canada, Argentina and Brazil. Daisy also spent many years in the UAE both in an editorial capacity and in PR. In her new position, Daisy will oversee the publication of Oryx and Oryx Premium, in addition to overseeing other communications and press releases distributed by the company.

“I am very happy to be back working in the Middle East after a four-year hiatus in Europe,” says Daisy. “It is especially exciting to be working for one of the world’s fastest growing airlines and I feel very privileged to have been chosen to join their dynamic team.”

Middle East PR Awards 2014 open for entries

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The Middle East PR Awards 2014, hosted by the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA), is now open for entries. The deadline for entries is October 9, with the finalists to be announced on November 2 . The awards, which seek to recognise agencies, teams and individuals in the public relations sector in the Middle East, will be announced on November 25 at an awards ceremony and gala dinner held at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi.

The categories for this year’s Middle East PR Awards are split into the following:

Sectors & Services
Consumer Goods, Consumer Services, Corporate Reputation & Image, Corporate Social Responsibility & Environment PR, Government & Communications, Health Care & Services, Internal Communications and Business to Business.

People & Agency
In-House Team of the Year, Agency of the Year and Young Professional of the Year.

Techniques
Best Use of Sponsorship, Best Launch Live Event/Stunt, Best Use of Media Relations – Consumer or Trade, Best Use of Social Media/Digital PR and Best Integrated Campaign.

Not Open to Entries
Overall Campaign of the Year and Chairman’s Award – Contribution to the PR Profession in the Middle East.

For more information and to register, visit www.mepra.org/en/awards/

JCDecaux unveils digital screen network in Oman

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JCDecaux, the worldwide outdoor advertising company, has unveiled a new network of HD digital screens at Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport, in conjunction with Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC). The premium quality screens are located in the baggage reclaim areas of both airports, offering a unique proposition for advertisers. The new network of screens will feature JCDecaux’s specialised content management system, which allows tailored advertising in the form of targeted or live campaigns. The system will be able to target specific flights from specific countries, change the creative from day to night and broadcast live content.

“We are pleased to see these impressive screens, which are the first of their kind in Oman, going live in Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport,” says Samer Ahmed Al Nabhani, Chief Commercial Officer, OAMC. “Our partnership with JCDecaux means that this impressive network of screens will place us at the forefront of innovation and creativity, whilst also enhancing the advertising landscape and creating a more enjoyable passenger experience.”

David Bourg, CEO Middle East of JCDecaux adds, “The installation of the new network of high-definition digital screens marks a significant step forward in enhancing the outdoor advertising landscape in Oman. In addition, this new advertising solution strengthens our digital footprint in the Middle East, now with 500 digital screens across airports in the region.”

PHD partners with YouTube for data integration

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PHD Worldwide has agreed to integrate YouTube data into their global media operating system, Source. YouTube will now become a channel in its own right in PHD’s propriety planning and buying operation used by all its planners, spanning 81 offices in 66 markets, and covering their major clients such as Unilever and GSK.

Talks between PHD and YouTube began in 2013, and since then YouTube engineers have integrated the latest YouTube reach data into PHD’s operating system. This is the first time that YouTube data has plugged directly into an agency’s own planning system at scale. PHD planners will now be able to optimise their channel mix using the latest and most accurate YouTube reach data to select how much to invest in YouTube in terms of reaching the maximum number of consumers at the minimal cost.

“We have so many clients now wanting to consider online video, and in particular YouTube, alongside TV,” says Malcolm Devoy, International Strategy Director, PHD. “The question is always on how much to invest. To establish this you need various pieces of data, which Google have now provided. Embedding this directly into our planning system now allows our planners across the world to make accurate decision on video channel allocation.”

Luca Allam promoted at PHD

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PHD, the media agency network part of Omnicom Media Group, has promoted its Group Director and Head of Digital, Luca Allam, to the position of General Manager of its Dubai office. Luca was instrumental in establishing PHD’s digital agenda, and as Group Director, he managed the integration of digital with offline media thinking and driving the agency’s digital product forward for clients. In his new role, Luca will oversee all accounts and lead on the Unilever digital business.

“Luca played a key role in leading several pitches to success with work that was seen as the very best,” says Elda Choucair, Managing Director, PHD UAE. “Luca will continue to drive new business and further our digital agenda, and I am sure that we will all continue to grow together and achieve even greater things.”