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New Editor-in-Chief at Motoraty

Online automotive magazine, Motoraty.com has appointed Ahmad Al-Nashash to the role of Editor-in-Chief. With over six years of experience in the automotive media and PR industry, Ahmad previously worked with various online platforms catering to the automotive industry including Yallamotor.com, DriveArabia.com and most recently Petrolheadarabia.com. In his new role, Ahmad will be responsible for creating engaging and creative automotive content covering all key happenings in the industry across the UAE, while building the platform to make it a one-stop-shop for all things automotive.

“As someone that has racing fuel running through his veins, I am confident that Motoraty.com will be a force to be reckoned with, especially with the support of the hard-working team,” says Ahmad.

Johny Giacaman, Motoraty.com Founder and CEO continues, “We are happy to have Ahmad on-board – with the current state of the Automotive industry it is important to have some new blood in a leadership role to really make an impact as a publication.”

In The Hot Seat – Ahmad Al Nashash

Team TMN sits down with Ahmad Al-Nashash, Editor at Petrolhead Arabia, who talks about transitioning from PR to journalism and what he thinks about the media industry in the Middle East…

Name: Ahmad Al- Nashash

From: Jordan and Palestine

Current Job Title: Editor at Petrolhead Arabia

When did you first arrive in Dubai?

In 1997.

Where did you work prior?

Prior to my current role, I worked with Drive Arabia as Arabic Editor and most recently with Secret PR as PR Executive.

What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?

It is different and tough. I assumed that working with and in media would be similar to other industries related to business, but in reality it is different. I realised this from my time as a PR executive, dealing with media has somewhat of an art to it in order to keep them happy and get what you want at the same time.

Has your opinion changed much?

Not much, I also just noticed how competitive the media industry is.

Tell us about your current role…

I make sure anything automotive-related happening in the UAE is covered. I also review cars for potential buyers and petrolheads alike.

 What challenges do you face?

Finding a perfect balance to have the review readable by auto enthusiasts, while remaining attractive to your everyday person looking to buy a car.

How do you overcome writer’s block?

I simply go for a long drive.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

To experience magnificent cars and put that experience down on paper.

How would you rather be contacted at work?

Email, phone or text. I am not picky!

What is one of the things you know about journalists that you didn’t know as a PR professional?

I have noticed the comradery amongst them.

As an Editor now, do you have a PR pet peeve when working with PR professionals or agencies?

Yes, confirmations that falls through at the last minute!

What have you taken from previously working in the PR industry to your journalism career?

I know what PR professionals go through with their senior colleagues and clients when journalists do not come through with promises. So I try to be as cooperative as possible to turn things around and make life easy for them.

How would you describe yourself at work?

I have been told that I am positive and easy to talk to.

What inspires you?

Progress.

What’s your most overused saying?

If you can’t take the heat, just get out of the kitchen.

Five things you can’t live without?

Family, cars, engine grease, car lifts and the desert.

If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?

I would be elbow deep in grease working in a garage!

If you could have one work wish granted, what would it be?

Constant music in the office.

What’s your most used social media platform?

Facebook

What advice would you offer to someone looking to start a career in the media industry in the UAE?

Starting a career in the media industry is not as easy or as glamorous as you may think.

New Editor at Petrolhead Arabia

Online automotive magazine, Petrolhead Arabia has appointed Ahmad Al-Nashash to the role of Editor. With over five years of experience in the automotive media and PR industry, Ahmad previously worked with various online platforms catering to the automotive industry including YallaMotor.com, AutoMiddleEast.com and most recently with DriveArabia.com. In his new role, he will be responsible for writing engaging automotive articles and covering all the key happenings in the industry across the UAE.

“As someone that has racing fuel running through his veins, I am confident there is so much we can do as a team to take Petrolhead Arabia to new heights, especially with such a creative team,” says Ahmad.