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Xpress to cease print publishing

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Dubai-based weekly tabloid newspaper, Xpress has ceased print publications. Published by Gulf News, the final edition was published on August 30, 2018 and will continue to exist online. 
“Xpress lived on for more than 11 years, bringing readers quality community stories and investigative reports of high international standards,” says Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief, Gulf News. “And for most of these reports, we had to dig deeper to collect information and meticulously check the facts before we published them. Many of these reports were picked up by the foreign media. The stories exposed fraud, they uncovered crime, and they put the spotlight on unfair dealings. I would like to thank our readers, who placed their trust in us, the editor of Xpress and all the staff, who were a part of its launch, its journey and its success.”

Vogue Arabia makes new appointment 

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Vogue Arabia has appointed Ravi Raman to the role of Associate Publisher. With over 20 years of experience in content strategy, revenue generation and brand marketing, he has previously worked with Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East and The Telegraph and most recently worked with Khaleej Times where he held the role of Senior Vice President. In his new role, he will deliver influential content and brand experience for readers.

“I am excited to join such an iconic brand and an immensely talented team,” says Ravi. “Within a short span the premium portfolio of Vogue Arabia, Pop Sugar and other experiential platforms have been established as the strongest voice in the region. In an increasingly connected world, readers are getting extremely choosy about where they spend their time.”

EmiratesWoman.com makes new appointment 

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EmiratesWoman.com has appointed Salma Haidrani to the role of Features Editor. Awarded with ‘Young Journalist of the Year,’ ‘Young Stationers’ Prize for Journalism and Communications’ and ‘Best Feature’ at the End Violence Against Women Media Awards, Salma has most recently worked with publications such as Cosmopolitan, Refinery29, The Pool and Vice. In her new role, she will work across multi-platform news and features for EmiratesWoman.com including lifestyle, culture, fashion and beauty.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the team at EmiratesWoman.com, and look forward to writing quality content for stylish, sophisticated women in the Gulf,” says Salma. “Emirates Woman is the longest-running women’s title in the UAE, and it’s a big part of life in the Emirates for so many women here, so I’m excited to become part of  the team and add my voice to the title.”

MCN MEDIABRANDS appoints new CEO 

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MCN MEDIABRANDS has appointed Shadi Kandil to the role of Chief Executive Officer across the MENAT region. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, Shadi initially worked with Omnicom Media Group where he moved to the role of CEO OMD MENA. In his new role, Shadi will increase the MCN MEDIABRAND’s offering and contribute greater value to client businesses.

“I’m honoured and thrilled to lead MCN MEDIABRANDS across MENAT and to work with our talented and passionate team to advance our clients’ missions,” says Shadi. “We live in exciting times and this gives us greater incentive to effect change and build for the future.”

Elevision Media partners with DIFC 

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Elevision Media has signed a 10-year contract with Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to handle all advertising solutions across the region. The partnership with DIFC will see Elevision install more than 80 formal digital display screens across DIFC. Elevision will deliver the project in multiple phases, the first of which will go live in Q3 2018 and will cover the Gate District.

“We are now embarking on a new and exciting phase of growth with DIFC; one of the world’s top ten financial centres,” says Niall Sallam, Founder and CEO, Elevision Media. “The new partnership validates DIFC’s endorsement of our vision and supports the direction of our strategic growth.”

Viu makes new appointment 

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PCCW Media’s Viu from Vuclip has appointed Abe Shady Abdul Naga to the role of Middle East General Manager. With over 17 years of experience in broadcasting, he most recently worked with Middle East Broadcast Corporation (MBC) as Director of Digital Business. In his new role, he will lead a region-specific growth strategy and oversee all of its operations in the region.

“Viu has been on a trajectory of success, and its local approach to the region combined with its remarkable local and global teams is a clear recipe for continued success,” says Abe Shady Abdul Naga. “Increasing demand for digital entertainment from youth proves that the market for such services in the MENA region is promising. It’s an exciting time for the industry as a whole, and I am particularly excited about the days ahead.”

Salman Hussain, Chief Revenue Officer, Vuclip, continues, “Abe’s leadership and digital media industry expertise is a strong match for Vuclip. This is a very exciting time for Viu with our rapid expansion to various markets and millions of raving fans. In this region we are just getting started and our first set of Arabic Viu Original shows such as Hob El Tayebin and Wahid:Wahid saw an overwhelmingly positive response from both consumers, as well as the industry ecosystem and partners. With Abe’s leadership, we look forward to bringing a compelling wave of on demand entertainment to the region, and Viu’s rapid expansion across the Middle East.”

GQ Middle East announces launch Editor

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With GQ Middle East due to launch this September, ITP Media Group has announced the appointment of Adam Baidawi to the role of Editor-in-Chief. With a wealth of experience, Adam previously worked with GQ Australia as a writer and photographer, where he profiled celebrities, athletes and politicians, and wrote feature stories from Colombia, Iraq, the United States and North Korea for the magazine. He most recently worked with the New York Times where he held the role of Australia correspondent.

Born in Abu Dhabi but raised in Australia, at the age of 28 Adam joins GQ Middle East as the youngest Editor of the global brand. In his new role, he will oversee the editorial direction of the brand across various platforms including a bi-lingual website, social media platforms and a monthly magazine.

“GQ has been an integral part of my life for nearly a decade,” says Adam. “It’s a huge honour to be chosen to launch the brand into the region where I was born. We’re looking forward to creating a magazine that’s relentlessly smart and stylish – and also something that will start and support important conversations in the region.” 

What’s On Dubai welcomes Layla Haidrani 

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What’s On Dubai, Part of Motivate Publishing Group, has appointed Layla Haidrani to the role of Features Editor. As the winner of the PPA New Business Journalist Of The Year in 2017, Layla has worked with publications such as Refinery29, Time Out London, Grazia and Cosmopolitan Middle East and most recently worked with the Mayfair Times in the UK where she held the role of Lifestyle Writer. In her new role, she will be working on a variety of features including events, culture, art and travel, as well as contribute to What’s On Abu Dhabi and WhatsOn.ae.

“I’m thrilled to be joining team What’s On, and I can’t wait to get stuck into Dubai life,” says Layla. “I’m excited to join a talented team and seeing what’s new and exciting in the city.”

Turret Media welcomes Hayley Skirka 

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Turret Media has appointed Hayley Skirka to the role of Special Projects Editor. With a wealth of experience, Hayley previously worked with Swiss Media Group as Senior Editor of Equestrio magazine and SWR magazine and most recently worked with Hot Media as the Editor of World Traveller. In her new role, she will create editorials for all projects, while overseeing the work of in-house writers and support the editorial team at Abu Dhabi World.

 

“I’m really excited to be starting with Turret Media and ONE CMG as Special Projects Editor, a role that will let me do a little bit of everything that I love,” says Hayley. “From creating quality, community-focused editorial for Abu Dhabi World, to providing a variety of clients with tailored solutions and products that they can be proud of.”

phocal Media launches new image collection

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Dubai-based photo platform, phocal Media has launched a new image collection that aims to illustrate the recent changes in attitudes in Saudi Arabia regarding women driving. A regionally-authentic visual media specialist, phocal Media is best known for its arabianEye collection that covers the Arab world. The company also works with a portfolio of strategic international partners including Alamy, Reuters and Magnum Photos.

“We’ve been gathering market feedback for some time, and it became clear from our creative partners that some fresh perspectives and faces were needed for client projects,” says Greg Aslangul, Managing Director, phocal Media. “The changes in Saudi Arabia have resulted in a shift in content needs for the region, and we wanted to adapt our content to reflect this.”