DJ Bliss is newest Contributor on Yahoo! Maktoob

Marwan Parham Al-Awadi, aka DJ Bliss, has been officially announced as a Guest Contributor on Yahoo! Maktoob. In his new role, the Emirati DJ and TV personality will be talking about what’s hot and what’s not in the local and international entertainment scene.

“I’m grateful that Yahoo! Maktoob chose me as their contributor,” says Marwan. “I do several things at the moment from being a Presenter for Dubai One TV’s That’s Entertainment, to DJing, producing, and supporting local talents. These have given me a lot of exposure in the entertainment industry and allowed me to develop good relationships with local and international personalities. My page on Yahoo! Maktoob will be a platform for me to share all the most exciting news and information I gather, so please keep watching this space for more updates and thank you so much for all the support!”

Maryan Abdinur joins Aziza Communications

Maryan Abdinur has joined Aziza Communications as PR Assistant. Maryan has previously worked on The Big Issue, Malawi, a street newspaper dedicated to fostering small enterprise and reporting on issues affecting lower income groups. In her new role, Maryan will oversee social media for all client accounts as well as support the PR team with daily workflow.

“I’m really excited to be working with such a prestigious group of clients, all in the fashion, beauty and luxury lifestyle sector, which is where my passion lies,” says Maryan. “I have always been naturally drawn to communications, and I know this role will let me develop exponentially. I am looking forward to assisting the Aziza Communications team in delivering even greater results to our clients, year-on-year.”

Nada Kabbani joins ELLE

Nada Kabbani has joined the ELLE Arabia team as Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Editor for ELLE Arabia online. Previously Fashion Director for OK’s Red Carpet magazine, Nada most recently spent time freelancing, largely as the Fashion and Beauty Editor for Arabia.com. 

“Moving forward with my career, a beautiful opportunity was opened with ELLE Arabia,” says Nada. “It was a dream to work for such a global and successful name, so I made sure to put all my efforts into the challenge, and I was assigned as Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Editor for ELLE Arabia online.”

Mojo PR partners with SERMO

Mojo PR has been signed by SERMO Communications as its exclusive partner in the Middle East. SERMO Communications was founded in 2009, and the global lifestyle and communications network currently has 12 partners in 17 cities across 14 countries. In addition to Mojo PR in the Middle East, SERMO has most recently appointed a partner in France, L’Agence Lorraine de Boisanger. Both new agencies will join the other SERMO partners in Mumbai, India on 30 April for the network’s fourth annual conference, organised by the founders of SERMO, Talk PR.

“SERMO is now almost five years old and I feel really proud of what we have all achieved in creating a unique PR network that offers a viable alternative to the big global players,” says Tanya Hughes, President, SERMO Communications. “One thing that really stands out is the collaborative nature of the network – the fact that the network’s built on mutual understanding and respect, not ownership. Our new partners in Dubai and Paris share the sensibility and ambition to build global relationships. I relish the prospect of taking the network to the next level.”

Tara Rogers, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Mojo PR adds “We are delighted to be part of a network of like-minded agencies with the global reach that SERMO has developed. Increasingly, our clients require support in markets around the world and to know that we have immediate access to partners with a similar approach is both exciting and reassuring. We hope to contribute as much as we gain.”

Louise Mezzine, Co-founder and Partner of Mojo PR also adds “Joining SERMO marks a major milestone in the development of Mojo PR. We are really looking forward to using the collective intelligence of the network to add value to our team, clients and partners.”

George Eid joins Murr TV

George Eid has joined the Murr TV team as Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Senior Correspondent. George, who previously worked as Deputy News Editor and International Correspondent for Sky News Arabia, will be managing the editorial teams and assisting the Editor-in-Chief in daily editorial tasks, as well as reporting on war coverage, political and social coverage, and feature and investigative reports.

“I am very excited to be joining the news department at Murr TV Lebanon, on of the leading channels in the country,” says George. “I’m also looking forward to working closely with professionals in Lebanon and across the Middle East in my capacity as Deputy Editor-in-Chief. Assuming the position of Senior Correspondent, I will be covering news across Lebanon as well as internationally.”

Arabian Business announces Power 100 2014

For the tenth consecutive year, Arabian Business has compiled the names of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Arabs. Unlike previous years, the 2014 list has been broken down into nine categories – Leaders; Pioneers; Legends; Heroes; Geniuses; Creatives; Entertainers; Thinkers and Generation Next.

With a shortlist of over 1200 candidates, some of the names include Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum in the Legends category; Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation & Development as one of the top Arab Leaders; Elie Khouri, CEO of Omnicom Media Group (MENA) in the Pioneers category; Maryam Matar, Founder of the UAE Genetic Diseases Association is named as one of the leading Arab women in the Geniuses category; Mo Farah, the Olympic winning athlete is assigned to the Heroes category; Elie Saab, the Syrian fashion designer for the Creatives category; Somayya Jabarti, in the Thinkers category, is the first female Editor-in-Chief of English newspaper Saudi Gazette; Fairouz, the renowned Lebanese singer takes proud place in the Entertainers category; and in Generation Next, Lina Ben Mhenni the Tunisian Blogger and Activist.

Mohammed Halawi promoted at PHD Abu Dhabi

Mohammed Halawi has been promoted to the position of General Manager at PHD Abu Dhabi, the media agency network division of the Omnicom Media Group. Previously in the role of Planning Director and employed at PHD since 2003, Mohammed will now lead the PHD Abu Dhabi office,  spurring further growth by actively contributing to both clients and teams’ performance.

“It’s a tremendous honour but also a great responsibility to have been promoted to this role,” says Mohammed.”Based on the journey so far, I can only look forward to what is ahead of us. My ambition is to continue to create an environment that will stimulate the growth and performance of our clients, our teams, as well as all our business partners.”

Elda Choucair, Managing Director of PHD UAE adds, “Mohammed has developed an in-depth understanding of the unique features and challenges of the Abu Dhabi market and is ideally prepared to lead our operation in the capital. With his passion, dedication and commitment to drive business forward, I am confident he will sustain the virtuous circle we have seen in Abu Dhabi. On a more personal note, I am thrilled to see someone as talented as Mohammed rise through the ranks to ultimately assume leadership. It’s hugely gratifying and a vivid expression of our focus on talent.”