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Dentsu Aegis launches Amplifi in MENA

Dentsu Aegis Network MENA has launched Amplifi, a newly established division responsible for media investment and strategic partnerships for the group. Amplifi will bring together the group’s investment management, media partnerships, programmatic buying (AMNET) and content capability functions into a consolidated unit, with data as its foundation. It’s primary goal will be to deliver maximum performance for the group’s clients by working collaboratively with media, technology and infrastructure partners.

“It’s an important milestone for us to officially launch Amplifi in MENA,” says Michael Nederlof, CEO, Dentsu Aegis Network MENA. “To form that matrix integrating investment management, media partnerships, technology and content empowered by data under Amplifi allows us to leverage the group’s scale and develop innovative solutions for our clients across all of our agencies.”

For further information, contact Sara Paye at sara.paye@dentsuaegis.com / +971 (0)4 447 4996

dubizzle launches Brand Stories

dubizzle has launched its native advertising solution Brand Stories, designed to deliver tailored branded content to specific audiences. The advertising placement will be nested within the listings pages on the dubizzle UAE website, across both desktop and mobile, and content can be in the form of short or long form blog posts, infographics, research or sponsored articles with integrated video and photography. This can be created by dubizzle’s content team or content partners, or the advertiser’s creative agency.

“Brands are starting to look for new ways to forge a connection with consumers, whilst consumers are engaging more and more with premium integrated content,” says Sonel Ajayi, Head of Advertising Operations, dubizzle. “We are building a new generation of dubizzle ad experiences and hope to refresh the advertising landscape in the UAE.”

For further information, contact Abdalla Touqan at adballah@dubizzle.com / +971 (0)56 102 3140

Lena ter Laare joins The Dubai Mall Magazine

Lena ter Laare has joined Emaar as Content and Publishing Manager of The Dubai Mall Magazine. Having previously worked as Editor in Chief of Good Housekeeping Middle East and launch phase Group Editor of Hello! Middle EastHello! Indo-Arabia and Hello! Arabia at APP, Lena takes up her new role on The Dubai Mall publication that is published by Mediaquest.

For further details, contact Lena ter Larre on llaare@emaar.ae / +971 4 362 7737

InsideOut Awards 2015 winners announced

InsideOut magazine revealed the winners of its first reader awards at a gala dinner on Sunday, June 7, 2015, at the Sofitel The Palm, Dubai. After three months of voting and with over 15, 000 individual votes casted, InsideOut revealed the UAE’s favourite brands, as voted for by readers.

Winners on the night included The White Company, Maison D’Art, ID Design and Marina Home Interiors. The Editor’s Choice Award was presented to Jotun.

“After 12 years in the market, last summer saw a major new direction for InsideOut magazine, and since then the title has gone from strength to strength,” says Sharon Parsons, Editor, InsideOut. “These developments have allowed us to forge strong relationships with our readership and as part of that commitment we launched The InsideOut Awards to recognise just how passionate our readers are about their homes. The response has been amazing and the voting has surpassed all our expectations.”

For further information, contact Katie Heskett at kheskett@gulfnews.com / +971 (0)4 406 7361

 

CNN to launch The Silk Road series

CNN is set to launch a new series uncovering the cultural traditions and commercial trading synonymous with The Silk Road trading route – The Silk Road: Past, Present, Future. Each month, CNN International correspondent Sumnima Udas will visit a different country along The Silk Road, uncovering stories of innovation, culture and business. The format of the 30–minute show will combine the modern world with historical context to bring the region alive.

A dedicated microsite for the series will be hosted on CNN.com featuring video from the show and a host of bespoke content about the topics, cultures and business practices covered in the series. CNN’s audience will also have the opportunity to engage with the series through accounts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

“’The Silk Road: Past, Present, Future’ is where rich, historic cultural context meets modern business and trading against the backdrop of visually stunning landscapes and destinations,” says Ellana Lee, Senior Vice President, CNN International. “Part business show, part travelogue – this series will be an important part of CNN International’s output.”

For further information, contact Kimberly Lobo at kimberly.lobo@ketchum-raad.com / +971 (0)4 425 8979

MEPRA announces Visionary Award shortlist

The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) has named the nominees for its 2015 Visionary Award. Winners of the award, which recognises leaders for their impact and thought leadership over the previous year, will be announced on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at the MEPRA Leadership Majlis in Abu Dhabi.

Nominees have been split across three categories – Government/Not-For-Profit, Communications Agency and Corporate – and include Ibrahim Al-Zu’bi, Executive Director, Emirates Driving Association, Atul Dhawan, CEO, Sakshi Advertising & PR and Ala’a Eraiqat, Group CEO, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.

For further information, visit www.mepra.org

Grow promotes Dylan Fitz-Gerald

Grow Digital Services have promoted Dylan Fitz-Gerald to User Psychology Specialist. Formally an intern with the company, Dylan joined fresh from the University of Reading, where he graduated with a Bsc (Hons) in Psychology.

In his new role, Dylan will contribute his knowledge of user psychology to enhance the effectiveness of all websites and online marketing campaigns deployed by Grow. He will also contribute to the company’s workplace culture, as well as its rebranding.

“I have always been extremely interested in the role that psychology plays within the commercial and economic landscape, “ says Dylan. “My experience with Grow has truly given me the opportunity to exercise and refine these skills in a fast-paced environment. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the fascinating and every-evolving industry that is digital marketing.”

twofour54 welcomes ET Bil Arabi to its studios

twofour54’s studios in Abu Dhabi are now the home of entertainment show ET Bil Arabi. The show comprises breaking news stories, exclusive set visits, first looks at upcoming film and television projects, as well as candid one-on-one interviews with some of the Arab World’s most famous talents and celebrities.

Brought to the Middle East by pan-Arab broadcaster, MBC Group, the show is the region’s version of Entertainment Tonight (ET) and will be produced in Arabic by twofour54’s campus partner Charisma Group. This is the group’s second locally-produced format, joining ET Canada, which has just launched its 10th season. ET Bil Arabi is shown on MBC4, from Sunday to Thursday, with a 90-minute compile on Saturdays and it reaches nearly 300 million viewers across 21 countries in the region.

“We have attracted several major international and regional productions to shoot in the Emirate over the last few years,” says Jamal Al Awadhi, Head of Commercial, twofour54 Film and TV Services. “The production of this popular entertainment show at our studios reinforces Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a world-class production hub and a centre for Arabic broadcast content.”

Entrepreneur ME hosts Achieving Women’s Forum

Entrepreneur Middle East has hosted its first Achieving Women’s Forum, an industry intel event. Held at the Ritz Carlton Dubai, and supported by entities including the Dubai Chamber, Intercoil and Paris Gallery, the event saw a series of talks on the methodology of business. Panelists included businesswoman and TV presenter Rosemin Manji, President of Virgin Megastores MENA Nisreen Shocair, and CEO and founder of Souqalmal.com Ambareen Musa, amongst others. The event began with a keynote address by Noor Sweid, Partner at Leap Ventures, and concluded with a networking lunch.