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20/20 Productions opens Dubai office

Creative agency 20/20 Productions has launched in Dubai following an increase in demand from clients looking for communications support in the Middle East. With head offices in Edinburgh, as well as a team in San Francisco, the agency offers creative communications, with expertise in digital and graphic design, as well as film and events. The new 20/20 Productions Dubai office will be located in DMCC.

“Increasingly, clients are looking for global expertise,” says Andy MacKay, Co-Founder and CEO, 20/20 Productions. “We have two very successful bases in Edinburgh and San Francisco and have already produced several events in Dubai with another taking place this month, so establishing a physical presence was a natural progression.”

Alastair Scott, Co-Founder and Managing Director, 20/20 Productions, adds “Over the years we have evolved our business based on the needs of our clients. The launch in Dubai is yet another example of delivering value at every turn. We look forward to imparting our unique 20/20 Productions stamp on events and communications in the Middle East.”

 

AVIAMOST magazines get new look

AVIAMOST – Russian and AVIAMOST – Chinese magazines have both been given new looks as well as a newly launched digital platform, www.aviamost.ae, which will be available in English, Russian and Chinese. Written by Russian Editors for Russian-speakers, and Chinese Editors for Chinese-speakers respectively, the magazines boast more room for fashion and lifestyle pages, to reflect on increased offerings from the Dubai-based retail market.

AVIAMOST magazines are available to tourists traveling to Dubai through tour operators, as well as within over 100 four and five–star hotels in the UAE. They will also be available through Emirates Airlines, in First and Business class cabins on Dubai – China and Dubai – Russia routes and in business lounges at Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports.

“We have always believed in the strength of the Russian and Chinese tourist markets in Dubai, since we first published AVIAMOST – Russian in 1995,” says Fady Boustany, Executive Director, MediaMost Publishing. “With the Chinese and Russian markets showing significant improvements, Dubai will continue to be one of the preferred destinations for high-end tourists.”

 

Empire Arabia launches

Bauer Media has agreed to a new licence for Dubai-based Origami Publishing and Events to publish Empire Arabia magazine. Empire already has editions published in the UK and Australia, and the new licence agreement will see copies of Empire Arabia distributed across the Middle East and North Africa on a monthly basis, in both English and Arabic, at a cost of AED25. International editorial editions of the movie magazine operate independently from the flagship edition of Empire in the UK, but still have access to world-exclusive content, as well as the ability to curate bespoke local content. The first issue of Empire Arabia was released this week and features the latest Bond release, Spectre.

“Nine years ago I bought my first issue of Empire from a small news stand in Damascus,” says Khaldoun Qaddoura, Editor-in-Chief, Empire Arabia and Managing Director, Origami Publishing and Events. “I fell in love with the brand and it wasn’t long before the idea of bringing Empire to the Middle East came to mind. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have fast become bridges between the Middle East and Hollywood, with many recent blockbusters choosing both cities as preferred shooting locations. We are happy to join forces with partners such as Dubai International Film Festival and Middle East Film & Comic Con.”

Gareth Cherriman, International Publisher, Bauer Media, adds “We are really excited to be launching Empire Arabia with Origami Publishing & Events. The team at Origami have extensive knowledge of the film industry and have put together a fantastic plan which will bring the brilliant Empire brand to a whole new audience.”

House of Comms Acquires RUA Digital

House of Comms has acquired international digital communications agency, RUA Digital and rebranded to House of Comms Integrated Communications. Following the rebrand, the agency will also be launching its new website – www.houseofcomms.com. Launched in 2012, House of Comms has a client portfolio that includes global, regional and local brands such as Virgin Atlantic Airlines, Grosvenor House Dubai, TDIC Abu Dhabi and BOUNCE Trampoline Park. Naomh McElhatton, former Managing Director of RUA Digital, will be joining the new House of Comms Integrated Communications team as Director of Strategy and Education, where she will lead on providing strategic guidance for clients and consultants alike while also spearheading the agency’s newly-founded Digital Training Academy.

“We established House of Comms to work with clients that we feel truly passionate about,” says Kaja Weller, Managing Partner, House of Comms. “Over the past three years we’ve been committed to delivering highly creative, innovative and strategic campaigns for clients across the Middle East. The acquisition of RUA Digital is testament to our vision for House of Comms and through this partnership we look forward to meeting the demands by brands for a truly integrated approach.”

Jamie Wilks, Managing Partner, House of Comms, adds “We’ve been planning to diversify into the digital space for quite some time as a natural step for the business, given the constant demand from our clients for support with digital content, complex social media strategies and SEO support. 2015 has been a huge year for House of Comms and we’re looking forward to the next chapter in the evolution of the agency. Watch this space.”

entourage welcomes Eyad Alsheikh

entourage marketing and events has welcomed Eyad Alsheikh to the role of Finance Director. With over 20 years of experience across the MENA region, Eyad was most recently the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Boloro MENA. In his new role, he will be responsible for financial strategy, planning and reporting for entourage. Eyad will also be covering the agency’s development and implementation of financial policies, systems and processes.

“I’m very excited about joining entourage’s highly qualified and motivated team,” says Eyad. “I look forward to working with the team to achieve the company’s vision and goals.”

 

Alin Constantin joins The Media Network

The Media Network has welcomed Alin Constantin to the role of Chief Photographer. Having worked with a number of high profile clients in the UAE including Topshop, Sport 360, Formula 1 Abu Dhabi, Adidas and HSBC, Alin has an impressive portfolio across a number of genres.

In his new role, Alin will be utilising his experience in order to launch and oversee a new photography division for The Media Network, expanding the company’s service offerings. The Media Network’s photography division will provide members with competitively priced photographers to cover events, corporate portraits, cut outs and more.

“The Media Network has made a huge impact in the media industry since launch, and is a much-needed resource,” says Alin. “I’m very excited to begin contributing to the growth of the company through the newly launched photography division.”