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Hotel News Middle East magazine launches

BNC Publishing has debuted Hotel News Middle East magazine across the UAE. Launched this week alongside the Hotel Show in Dubai, the publication is geared towards discerning hoteliers and will act as a vital resource for industry professionals seeking reliable, current information about the region’s burgeoning hospitality space. Covering the latest industry news and analysis, information about new products, trends and services, 6,850 copies of Hotel News Middle East will be circulated across the GCC monthly, with the majority concentrated in the UAE and KSA. The publication will be distributed on a complimentary basis to hospitality industry professionals, reaching key opinion leaders across the GCC.

“The initial response we have received from the market has been exceptional,” says Diarmuid O’Malley, Group Publishing Director, BNC Publishing. “Between myself and a few of my colleagues at BNC Publishing, we have over 50 years of experience publishing hospitality-centric mediums. Our initial warm reception and our long-term vision both rely on our relationships with our readers, valued contributors and commercial partners.”

Architectural Digest to launch in the Middle East

Architectural Digest is set to launch in the Middle East in Spring 2015, announced today by Jonathan Newhouse, Chairman and Chief Executive of Condé Nast International. Published under license agreement with Arab Publishing Partners (APP), a division of ITP Publishing Group, this will be the eleventh edition of the magazine available globally.

Architectural Digest is hugely respected as the international authority on decoration and design,” says Jonathan Newhouse, Chairman and Chief Executive, Condé Nast International. “It is exciting to bring this publication to the Middle East.”

Ali Akawi, Managing Director of APP and ITP Consumer adds, “The GCC has some of the fastest growing cities in the world, with ambitions to create entirely new modern landscapes and ‘cities within cities’ in the next ten years. Architecture and design will be key to fulfilling this vision and the recent expansion in the number of commissioned projects – both residential and commercial – is evidence that there is now a need for individuality and unique brands. Architectural Digest Middle East will showcase global and regional unique design to both inspire and educate its readers.”

Architectural Digest currently has editions in the USA, Germany, France, Mexico, Latin America, Russia, Spain, China and India, with a global readership of over 6.8 million a month.

Women’s Health ME announces Next Fitness Star

Women’s Health Middle East, in association with the National Health Insurance Company – Daman and their ActiveLife initiative, has announced the winner of the region’s first campaign for the Next Fitness Star. In a search for the UAE’s ultimate fitness personality, the title has been awarded to Heba Abel Gawad, who was selected by readers from among five finalists during a two-month online voting campaign and workout series. Heba, 32, from Egypt and Spain, is a former two-time Olympic athlete, NeuroPilates instructor and fitness educator who specialises in targeting the brain and nervous system to get the most out of the body. Heba is starring in her own fitness DVD, which will be given away with the next issue of Women’s Health Middle East – out on October 1, 2014.

“We are so thrilled to announce Heba as Women’s Health Middle East’s Next Fitness Star!” says Yi-Hwa Hanna, Editor-in-Chief, Women’s Health Middle East. “All of the finalists were amazing candidates and it was an exciting and tough competition, but we can’t wait to share Heba’s incredible workout with the region. She’s an inspiration.”

Heba, the Next Fitness Star winner adds, “This competition has been an amazing opportunity for me to be a part of, and I feel very grateful and supported by everyone who voted for me. It’s a great honour to be part of the movement in the Middle East to promote a healthy lifestyle, and it’s been really great meeting the four other finalists who are all stars.”

Hospitality Business Middle East launches redesign

CPI Media Group has announced a fresh new look and expanded editorial scope for Hospitality Business Middle East magazine. Renamed HBME, the magazine will diversify its editorial focus from the business of hotels to the business of tourism across the GCC.

HBME will now report on the business of hospitality as both a pillar of Arabic culture and a vital economic driver, whilst including greater analysis on the factors driving hotel performance – from destination development to global political, social and economic trends. Specific attention will be paid to the hotel, F&B, aviation, cruise, leisure and corporate tourism markets, with the same data, commentary and industry interviews readers have enjoyed over the previous 29 editions of the title.

The structure of the magazine will comprise of the following –

  • Data: The latest benchmarking, analysis and performance metrics in collaboration with partners STR Global, Colliers International, EY and UNWTO among others
  • Procurement: Product news from the industry’s top brands and in-depth supplier profiles each month
  • Design and Technology: The latest innovations in IT, architecture and interiors, and how they are being utilised in the hospitality industry
  • Development and Investment: With emphasis on the pre-opening stage of a hospitality asset
  • Analysis: In-depth on market feasibility and the impact of new social and economic trends
  • Operations: Behind the scenes with business leaders and operational and corporate managers
  • Trend Talk: Submitted content from HBME’s editorial contributors and industry analysts

“The hospitality industry contributes 10 percent towards global GDP and in the Middle East the World Travel and Tourism Council predicts an 89 percent increase in annual travel and tourism revenues over the coming decade,” says Melanie Mingas, Editor, HBME. “This exponential growth will benefit both the leisure and business sectors, which are predicted to see a 100 percent increase in activity and revenues over the same period. Infrastructure and accommodation investments will hit $3trillion in the Middle East and the region’s airlines will buy 870 aircraft by 2027. So it’s vital that, as a central reference point for the hospitality industry, HBME is poised to cover these developments and their impact on GCC hotel performance.”

ShortList to launch in the UAE

Arab Publishing Partners (APP), part of the ITP Publishing Group, has announced that a UAE version of ShortList – the UK’s largest circulation lifestyle and entertainment title – will launch in March 2015. ShortList UAE is the region’s second ‘freemium’ publication to launch in the UAE, and targeting both residents and tourists, it will be an authority on the best in shopping, fashion, entertainment, lifestyle, technology, dining and sport.

ShortList UAE will be published every Wednesday, reaching men and women aged 20-50 in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Complimentary copies of the magazine will be widely available, with the website and app to follow in 2015 including searchable and bookable entertainment listings.

“We live in a fast-paced country with endless entertainment choices – from the world’s largest malls and top restaurants to world-class music and theatrical events,” says Ali Akawi, Managing Director, APP. “ShortList readers are busy people so the magazine will be their definitive guide to what they should be doing to make the best of their valuable leisure time.”

Tim Ewington, International Development Director of ShortList Media adds, “We’re delighted to be launching ShortList’s first international edition in such fast growing, vibrant cities as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. ShortList has the proven ability to connect powerfully with millions of affluent urban consumers both in print and digital forms. I am sure that the brand will be a potent and popular edition to the region’s media mix.”

Myfashdiary undergoes redesign

Myfashdiary.com is undergoing a full revamp to celebrate its fifth birthday, inclusive of a new logo and sleek new design. Set to go live fully Saturday September 27, 2014, Founder Tala Samman has pushed for a design refresh of the renowned UAE-based platform and created greater ease in browsing through the categories on the site, from fashion and beauty, to travel and food.

“This is such an important milestone for myfashdiary.com to turn five years old!” says Tala, Founder and Editor, Myfashdiary. “The is an exciting new step for the site and I look forward to releasing our revamp soon.”

Tabitha Barda appointed Deputy Editor of Aquarius

Tabitha Barda has joined the team at Aquarius as Deputy Editor. Having been with Gulf News Magazines for a number of years, Tabitha was most recently Lifestyle Editor for Gulf News’ weekend supplement, Friday, where she covered a wide range of features and topics. In her new position, Tabitha joins Editor Louisa Wilkins in producing and editing lifestyle content, working across all areas of the magazine and its supplements, such as Aquarius Baby and Aquarius Beauty Heroes.

“I’m so excited to be on the Aquarius team and really pleased to be re-joining all my colleagues at Gulf News Magazines,” says Tabitha. “I’ve always been a great fan of the Aquarius brand and it’s brilliant to now be playing a part in it myself. Having just had a baby, it also feels like the perfect title for me to be working on at this time in my life.”

Louisa Wilkins, Editor of Aquarius adds, “With her experience on Friday, Tabi joins the team with a strong knowledge of local lifestyle issues, brands and experts. Additionally, as a new mother herself, she perfectly fits the profile of an Aquarius reader, meaning that she has first-hand experience and empathy on the topics and issues that are so close to the hearts of our readers. I’m delighted to have her on the Aquarius team and look forward to seeing her make her own personal stamp on the brand over the coming months.”