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Arab News partners with online polling firm

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Saudi Arabian-based newspaper, Arab News has signed an exclusive partnership with online polling firm, YouGov. The new partnership will see YouGov conduct regular polls in relation to the MENA region to help shed light on regional views towards international events. The agreement will also produce credible research on international opinions on Arab affairs and allow its findings be published on Arab News’ print and digital platforms starting in May, 2017.

“In an era of fast-moving news cycles, information overload and ‘fake news’, there could be no better time for a media brand to invest in quality, credible research such as that produced by YouGov,” says Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief, Arab News. “This inevitably means that Arab News readers will enjoy a series of highly insightful research-based reports which will, in turn, bring us closer to understanding the hearts and minds of the region.”

Times of Oman wins at Asian Media Awards

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Times of Oman has been awarded a gold medal at the Asian Media Awards 2017 in Malaysia. Held by the World Association of Newspapers (WanIfra), the event saw Times of Oman win a gold medal in the category of magazine infographics to recognise its high publishing standards for it’s 2016 national day’s detailed supplement, as well as a silver medal in the newspaper graphics category.

“The graphics team can be rightly proud of their work, especially for the ‘land of frankincense’ supplement that not only looked amazing, but smelled good too – as the pages were infused with frankincense,” says Scott Armstrong, Chief Executive Editor, Times of Oman. “It was a beautiful product and worth remembering that the online version of this project also scooped Gold for Data Visualisation at the Middle East Digital Awards in Dubai just last month.”

City 7 TV changes ownership

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Following the recent announcement that well-established Saudi-Arabian news channel, Al-Arab has ceased operations, another channel in the region has been on the brink of closure leading to a change of ownership. Dubai-based English language television channel, City 7 TV formerly part of BinHendi Enterprises, will now operate under the umbrella of WeTel-TV, a TV platform for global educational news and current affairs. The new acquisition will be headed by President and Editor-in-Chief of WeTel-TV, Adil Matin and will also see City 7 TV continue operations, but as a new educational TV in the UAE.

New Director of Communications at Ford

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Ford Middle East and Africa has appointed Katie Dove to the role of Director of Communications. With a diverse experience in consumer and corporate campaigns, Katie previously worked with Weber Shandwick as Director and most recently with Motorola as Communications Director of Europe-Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia-Pacific regions, where she led all communications across the two regions and directed product launches for the global media and influencer audiences. In her new role, she will oversee the operations of the communications team and work towards developing strategies to strengthen Ford’s existing presences across the region.

“As we transition to an auto and mobility company, Katie’s expertise will be essential in helping us deliver on our vision,” says Jacques Brent, President, Ford Middle East and Africa. “We’re excited to welcome her to the team and look forward to her sharing her wealth of experience with the wider communications team we already have in place.”

New Senior Vice President at Khaleej Times

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UAE-based newspaper, Khaleej Times welcomes Ravi Raman to the role of Senior Vice President. With a wealth of experience in the media and publishing industry, Ravi previously worked as Vice President and Associate Publisher at Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East, where he led the launch and growth of the edition as well as oversaw every aspect of the publication including digital, content and commercial. In his new role, he will head the Khaleej Times group and oversee its operations by spearheading the group’s strategic direction and conceptualising as well as leading its growth into new segments and markets. He will also further direct the group’s plans of acquiring and launching new titles across the region.

“Taking charge of such a well-respected brand is both an honour and a great responsibility – especially at a time when legacy media brands are being forced to reinvent themselves,” says Ravi. “With the brand equity that Khaleej Times commands, I am excited of the possibilities and opportunities. The market can expect some innovative offerings from the group.”

CARMA makes new acquisition

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Global media intelligence agency CARMA has acquired strategic communications consultancy, Argento Strategies. The new acquisition will see CARMA expand and restructure its media analysis capabilities as well as incorporate well-curated research to deliver accurate and relevant client insights. The acquisition will also see the Founder of Argento Strategies, Fares Ghniem, join CARMA as Managing Director, bringing with him over 20 years of experience in corporate affairs and working with public and private sector clients across the GCC.

“CARMA is distinctive in that it not only provides the tools to monitor and capture information, but also the critical thinking needed to interpret the data and convert it into actionable insights,” says Fares Ghneim, Managing Director, CARMA. “I very much look forward to working with CARMA’s team of analysts to build and expand the company’s offering in this area.”

New Managing Director at UM and FP7 Kuwait

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UM MENA and FP7, the flagship agencies of MCN, has promoted Simon Bowthorpe to the role of Managing Director of UM Kuwait and FP7/KWI. With over 25 years of experience working with creative, digital and events agencies, Simon joined UM Qatar as General Manager and currently holds the position as the agency’s Managing Director. In his new role, he will continue to oversee UM’s media operations in Qatar as well as take on the new responsibility for both creative and media businesses in Kuwait. He will focus on driving the digital transformation of FP7 and UM’s operations in Kuwait by improving the integration strategy and social media into the agency’s overall product offering.

“My time in Qatar has given me extensive experience in developing UM’s product offering, as well as improving our creative potential,” says Simon. “I’m confident that both our current clients and future prospects will be impressed as we further expand the capabilities of our office in the Kuwaiti market.”

New appointment at AMEinfo

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AMEinfo, part of Mediaquest Corporation, has welcomed Hina Latif to the role of Journalist. With over six years of experience in the media and publishing industry, Hina previously worked with Ahlan! magazine, a publication of ITP Media Group, 7DAYS and most recently with dmg events. In her new role, she will write across AMEinfo’s digital platforms and work towards gaining coverage of the biggest stories of the day, the week and the year.

“We have ambitious plans for the future and with my appointment, I am confident that I will contribute to the continued positive development of AMEinfo,” says Hina.