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GN Focus technology supplements relaunch

GN Publishing, the specialist media division of Gulf News, has relaunched its consumer-facing technology supplements as #GNTech. The move is part of an ongoing strategy to refine the newspaper’s special reports, published under the GN Focus brand.

Distributed with the full Gulf News print run of over 108,000 copies, #GNTech will publish at the end of each month. Each issue will focus on a consumer-facing theme, beginning with laptops and software on August 30 to coincide with back-to-school season. The title will also include regular columns such as TOTM (Tech of the Month), as well as the country’s first mass-market gaming page. Special issues are also planned for publication around major local and international technology events such as GITEX Shopper and CES.

“With a history dating back to the launch of the newspaper, and over 100 supplements published each year we produce an incredibly varied portfolio of products,” says Keith J Fernandez, Editor, GN Focus. “By redefining these into niches we were able to better serve our audiences by giving them more focussed editorial and advertising propositions produced by dedicated teams. While #GNTech is the first to launch an all-new product, further niches are also being developed and we’re expanding our online and social media presence.”

Gareth Warren, Deputy Editor of #GNTech, adds “Packed with more data than a 1000TB HD and more fun than your first PlayStation, your inaugural #GNTech has everything readers could want, from the latest gadgets to the hottest new games. We’ve even got Batman!”

Sonam Basantani steps down at Gulf News

After three and a half years working as Beauty Writer & Stylist for Aquarius, Friday, Alpha and other contract publications, Sonam Basantani today steps down at GN Media. Sonam will move into a freelance role where she will focus on beauty styling and writing, plus fashion styling.

“I’m really looking forward to becoming a freelance stylist and writer,” says Sonam. “My time at Gulf News has really helped me grow in the areas I love and identify the direction I would like to move in. I am looking forward to some new and exciting projects.”

For further information, contact Sonam Basantani at sonam.basantani@gmail.com or follow Sonam on Instagram @sonambasantani

Gulf News appoints new Personal Finance Editor

Gulf News has appointed David George as Personal Finance Editor. In his new role, David will be editing a range of financial supplements under the Gulf News Focus brand of Gulf News. He will be managing all editorial output across these titles, together with any associated multi-platform activity.

David previously worked as part of the launch team at Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East, where he joined as Deputy editor in August 2013. In this role, he was responsible for editing and contributing to the fortnightly magazine. David also helped to launch the online and Arabic editions of Businessweek Middle East as well as the Focus On reports, which are industry-specific reports on key themes. Prior to this, he worked at the Middle East Economic Digest (MEED) for over three years.

“It’s an exciting time to join Gulf News and I hope to capitalise on my experience over the past years to support the supplements division in order to create great titles that appeal to our readers and extensive client base,” says David. “A key part of the role will be developing digital and live events around our existing print titles.”

 

Friday magazine to be relaunched

Friday magazine has been redesigned and relaunched. The glossy magazine launched in 1997, is published by GN Publishing every Friday alongside Gulf News. It printed an average of 115,000 copies weekly in 2014, and according to the Target Group Index UAE, the magazine has been read by 360,000 consumers in the last seven days. The relaunch is a culmination of six months market research by Friday magazine, resulting in a complete redesign lead by Editor Karen Pasquali Jones, with Art Editor Mark Setchfield.

“Friday has always been the market leader in the UAE, and I’m thrilled that it now looks world-class,” says Karen. “We have done six months of research all over the country to find out exactly what our readers want and give them a magazine to look forward to receiving every week. We have always carried thought-provoking stories, features on people making a difference, and campaigned on national and international issues and now it is wrapped up in a completely new, modern design.”

Gareth Warren is promoted at Gulf News

Gareth Warren has been appointed to the position of Deputy Editor – Technology, Gulf News Publishing. A Features Writer within the magazines, GN Focus and Contract Publishing department at Gulf News since 2012, Gareth has written across a range of topics including lifestyle, country and industry reports, sports and motoring, with a strong focus on technology. Working alongside the Editor, Gareth will now apply his extensive journalist experience to the technology sector of Gulf News Publishing.

“I’m lucky that my current role is the closest I’ll get to doing the things I love everyday,” says Gareth. “I would like to thank my colleagues and the region’s tech PRs for all the support over the past two years and apologise in advance for all the trouble I might cause them in years to come.”

Martin Fullard joins Gulf News

Martin Fullard has joined the Gulf News team as Guides Writer. Having started out as a freelance motoring journalist, Martin previously worked for Auto Middle East, Motoraty and Auto Trader in the UAE. In his new role, Martin will research and provide copy for the Gulf News online service relating to ‘everything UAE’, from upcoming events and features, to step-by-step guides and directories.

“I am really excited to be working at Gulf News,” says Martin. “If you had told me a year ago that I would be working for an internationally renowned service then I would have laughed you out of the room; it’s a dream come true!”

Media figures dominate Arabian Business Brit List

Media leaders have dominated the second edition of the Arabian Business Brits List – a study that lists the top 50 most influential British expatriates in the UAE.

While MBC Group’s CEO Sam Barnett has landed the top media spot, ranked 4th most influential Brit, Starcom MediaVest Group’s CEO John Antoniades isn’t far behind in 5th place. John Brash, owner of Brash Brands has also made the cut, ranked 17, Motivate Publishing’s Managing Partner Ian Fairservice comes in at number 27, while BBC Middle East Correspondent Mark Lobel snagged the 30th spot. Other notable media influencers who have made the top 50 include television and radio personality Tom Urquhart, DABO & CO Managing Partners Camilla and Lucy D’Abo, Face to Face agency owner Chris Bell and Francis Matthew, Editor at Large, Gulf News.

To see the full Arabian Business Brits List, click here

Frankie Rozwadowska joins Gulf News

Frankie Rozwadowska has joined the Gulf News team as Group Beauty Editor. Previously based in London, Frankie was Beauty Editor for fashion-focused, luxury magazine 1883, and Beauty Editor for online wellness magazine Hip and Healthy. In her new position, she will be working across the AquariusFriday, and Alpha magazines.
“I am delighted to be party of the beauty team at Gulf News, working across a range of exciting and unique titles that enjoy the diverse readership Dubai has to offer,” says Frankie. “I am excited to discover new beauty brands and to explore the possibilities of the region, as well as embarking on a new adventure here in the Middle east. The sunshine is an added bonus of course!”