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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.”

Men’s Health Urbanathlon to debut in the UAE

The Men’s Health Urbanathlon, presented by Daman’s ActiveLife, has announced its first ever event to be held in the region, coinciding with the launch of Men’s Health Middle East earlier this month. With the Urbanathlon already held in over 25 countries across six continents, the 10km obstacle race is set to be held at Yas Marina Circuit on October 24, and will be a test for elite athletes and weekend joggers alike.

“I’m delighted that we’re able to kick off Men’s Health in the region with such a flagship event as the Urbanathlon,” says Andrew Nagy, Editor, Men’s Health Middle East. “The thing to remember though, is that this isn’t just for elite athletes, it’s a test thrown out to people of all fitness levels and I’m certain that it’s set to become a firm fixture in our annual fitness calendar.”

Nick McElwee, Sales and Marketing Director of Yas Marina Circuit adds, “We are very pleased to add the Urbanathlon to our extensive health and fitness calendar at Yas Marina Circuit. It is exciting to be part of the first Urbanathlon held within the UAE and it adds a new dimension for our health and fitness community to engage with. In particular, we are keen to encourage corporates to take up this challenge and see if they are tough enough, we think company engagement in health programmes is key to a healthier Abu Dhabi.”

With a dedicated website – www.urbanathlonme.com – participants can register for AED250 per person or AED800 for a team of four to undertake the fitness challenge.

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.”

Stylist Arabia announces launch party competition

Stylist Arabia has announced its ‘Show Us Your Shoes’ competition to win tickets to the launch party of the women’s weekly publication. For a chance to win tickets, those entering simply need to snap themselves in their favourite pair of shoes and tag @Stylist_Arabia on Instagram along with #StylistArabia by October 7, 2014, when the winners will be revealed. The Stylist Arabia launch party will be held on Wednesday October 8, while the magazine hits the newsstands on October 14, 2014.

Devinder Bains announced as Stylist Arabia Editor

Devinder Bains has joined the Arab Publishing Partners (APP) team – part of ITP Publishing Group – as Editor of Stylist Arabia. Launching in October this year, Devinder will head up the Gulf version of the Stylist publication, overseeing the first ‘freemium’ weekly magazine in the region. Devinder brings extensive experience to her new role, formerly as Features Director of Fabulous, the UK Sun on Sunday newspaper’s magazine, and prior to this as Features Editor of Look magazine and Head of Features at IPC Media’s Real Life Group in the UK.

“I couldn’t be more excited about launching Stylist Arabia,” says Devinder. “I’ve loved the UK edition of the magazine since its launch issue, nearly five years ago. My team and I can’t wait to emulate the high production values, strong personalities and intelligent journalism achieved by Stylist in the UK and France. Expect a world-class magazine that celebrates women and mixes the hottest fashion and beauty trends, with all the essential know-how about local events, culture, food and travel.”

Arab Woman Awards Qatar 2014 judges revealed

For the third consecutive year, Arab Woman Awards will pay tribute to the high achieving women of Qatar. Launched by ITP Publishing Group in 2009, the Arab Woman Awards recognises Arab women’s achievements in different fields of business, arts, medicine and charity. The 2014 Awards will by hosted by Al Jazeera Anchor, Fairouz Ziani, and will take place on October 20, 2014, at the Intercontinental Doha – The City.

This year’s judges board members will be chaired by Bothaina Al Ansari, HR Director for Ooredoo and Board Member of the Qatar Businesswomen Association, and include Dr. Elman Al Ansari, Director of National Development at Sidra Medical and Research Centre; Mishael Al Ansari, Marketing and Communication Director at Anti-Doping Lab Qatar; Aisha Al Bedded, Creative Director for DarzDesigns; Amal al Athem, Visual Arts Expert at Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage and Nadine El Chaer, Chief Editor of Ahlan! Arabia.

The winners of Arab Woman Awards Qatar 2014 will be announced from a shortlist selected by ITP Publishing Group, based on the nominees’ integrity, expertise in their particular field and as respected members of society. The judges board will follow a strict criteria which includes the nominees’ achievements in the past twelve months, as well as the impact of their work to Qatar.