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Seven Media launches video production company 

UAE-based communications agency, Seven Media has launched a new video production company, Seven Studios. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Seven Studios will produce cutting-edge social media content, consumer-focused multimedia campaigns, animations and innovative corporate videos across multiple sectors including government, sport, entertainment and hospitality. The company aims to satisfy the demand for multimedia content in the region and has already signed contracts to produce video content for international brands. The new company will also see the appointment of Jim Bartle to the role of Creative Director, where he will work closely with bands, create complex video projects and brainstorm fresh ideas with the creative team.

“This is an exciting and challenging time to work in this market, where we have really ‘seen it all’ and I find that clients are ready to be pitched ever more creative ideas to stand out from the crowd and tell their stories,” says Jim. “I’m certainly looking forward to meeting this challenge as Creative Director of Seven Studios.”

“The power of video story-telling is particularly strong in the Middle East, with 35% of all online time here spent watching video,” says Gregg Fray, Co-Owner, Seven Studios. “There has been a 90% year-on-year increase in mobile watch time and that trend is set to continue, so clearly organisations who want to cut through the noise need to be putting innovative, relevant and shareable video content out in that space. Seven Media has produced video for its PR clients for some time, but we launched Seven Studios in response to a growing demand for stand-alone video and video-led campaigns to really tailor that service.”

 

Sharjah’s first English language radio station makes new appointment 

Abdul Karim Hanif has been appointed to the role of News Presenter at Pulse 95 Radio. With a wealth of experience in the media industry, Abdul previously worked with City 7 TV where he held the role of News and Sports Presenter and most recently worked with Euronews in Abu Dhabi where he was a freelance correspondent. In his new role, Abdul will produce and present news content that focuses on all the latest developments in Sharjah.

“It is an exciting opportunity to work with the team at ‘Pulse 95 Radio’ under the leadership of Mohammed Yanez, Head of the Station who has helped shape the radio scene in the UAE and GCC, launching some of the most successful radio brands,” says Abdul. “I look forward to bringing interesting stories and announcements from the Emirate of Sharjah.”

What’s On Dubai welcomes Layla Haidrani 

What’s On Dubai, Part of Motivate Publishing Group, has appointed Layla Haidrani to the role of Features Editor. As the winner of the PPA New Business Journalist Of The Year in 2017, Layla has worked with publications such as Refinery29, Time Out London, Grazia and Cosmopolitan Middle East and most recently worked with the Mayfair Times in the UK where she held the role of Lifestyle Writer. In her new role, she will be working on a variety of features including events, culture, art and travel, as well as contribute to What’s On Abu Dhabi and WhatsOn.ae.

“I’m thrilled to be joining team What’s On, and I can’t wait to get stuck into Dubai life,” says Layla. “I’m excited to join a talented team and seeing what’s new and exciting in the city.”

Acorn Strategy welcomes Emma Easter 

Marketing and communications consultancy, Acorn Strategy has appointed Emma Easter to the role of Content Manager. With a wealth of experience in digital and SEO copywriting, Emma previously worked with Best Bites Abu Dhabi and most recently worked with eWavelength digital marketing. In her new role, she will join the TwoFour54 team and oversee all digital content strategy, planning and creation.

“I’m delighted to join the dynamic Acorn team at TwoFour54,” says Emma. “This is a fabulous opportunity to help our clients focus on creating high-quality engaging and optimised content, which is aligned with their key marketing goals, plus doing what I love best – writing!”

 

Sharjah Media Corporation launches first English language radio station

Sharjah Media Corporation has launched the first English language radio station, Pulse 95 in Sharjah. Pulse 95 will focus on presenting a mix of local and international news, interviews, features, chart-topping hits and popular music in acoustic format.

The new station will also feature three main daily live shows and will see the appointment of a new team of presenters. Omar Al Busaidy, who most recently worked with AbuDhabi Tourism Authority, Sara Al Madani who previously worked with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Sally Mousa, who was previously a Presenter for Dubai Today will be presenting ‘The Morning Majlis’ from 7am – 10am. Anna Roberts having previously worked at Dubai 92 and Virgin Radio will host ‘Musafir in the City’ from 4pm – 5pm. Hassan Dennaoui also known as Big Hass and Ana Schofield who most recently worked with Dubai 92 will present ‘Yalla Home’ from 5pm – 8pm.

“We have ensured that every aspect of the content is consistent and the introduction of the acoustic music element follows that perfectly, being complementary rather than intrusive,” says Mohammad Yanez, Head of Pulse 95. “Our goal is to be a totally inclusive, fun, trusted, feel-good station, bringing the listeners positive upbeat stories of real people. We are the first English station in Sharjah, but we are not aiming purely at listeners who are native English speakers. Pulse 95 is still very much an option for people who understand English and still enjoy the format and content of the shows even though it may not be their first language.”

Al-Ittihad partners with The Wall Street Journal

Abu Dhabi-based Arabic newspaper Al-Ittihad, part of Abu Dhabi Media, has partnered with The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) to expand its readership across the MENA region. The new partnership will grant Al-Ittihad access to additional news stories, features, opinion pieces, videos and infographics to share in English and Arabic across its digital platforms. The collaboration will also see Al-Ittihad subscribers after January 19, 2018 enjoy a one-year subscription to access the digital edition of WSJ.

“This strategic partnership between Abu Dhabi Media and The Wall Street Journal is in line with our efforts to reach a wider audience and to position us as the leading and most diversified media organisation in the UAE and the wider region,” says Ali Bin Tamim, Director General, Abu Dhabi Media.

Jonathan Wright, Global Managing Director, The Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones, adds “Al-Ittihad continues to set the standard for Arabic-language news as the first and oldest newspaper in the region. This partnership enables us to deliver The Wall Street Journal’s world-class business, economic and political news and commentary to Al-Ittihad readers, reaching an even wider audience in the UAE. I look forward to seeing our collaboration with Abu Dhabi Media grow and mature as we move forward together.”