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Virgin welcomes new PR and Events Specialist

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The Middle East branch of international entertainment retail chain, Virgin Megastore has appointed Rohma Nomani to the role of PR and Events Specialist. Previously working on Luxury Fashion PR at Al Tayer Group, in her new role, Rohma will be responsible for the management and implementation of Virgin Megastore’s communication and events strategy across the MENA region.

“Virgin Megastore has always been considered one of the coolest brands in the region and I feel like one of cool kids now!” says Rohma. “The company’s corporate culture is exceptionally proactive and progressive – exactly what you would expect of the Virgin brand. I am honoured to be working with such a supportive and inspiring team.”

Arab News makes new appointment

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Saudi Arabian daily newspaper Arab News has appointed Khaled Almaeena to the role of Editor Emeritus. Former Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper, Almaeena will now play an advisory role in newsroom management, staff coaching and documenting the history of the newspaper.

“Arab News is undergoing a major transformation with the intention of taking it forward, international and more digital,” says Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief, Arab News. “However, we are equally proud of our history and keen to preserve it. We believe that there is nobody better suited than Mr. Almaeena – who has served as Editor for more than half of the 41-year old newspaper’s history – to help with that task. In addition, as our new Editor Emeritus, he will be an invaluable mentor to a whole new generation of journalists who will carry Arab News forward in the future.”

In The Hot Seat – Loubo Siois

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Team TMN sits down with Loubo Siois, TV Host and Executive Producer of The Dubai Talk Show, who talks about his new TV show and his view of the media industry in the region…

Name: Loubo Siois

Age: 26

From: Greece

Current Job Title: TV Host and Executive Producer of The Dubai Talk Show on Fox Channel

 When did you first arrive in Dubai?

In 2011, I was inspired after watching a movie about Dubai.

Where did you work prior?

My career has evolved around brands such as The Walt Disney Company, Nestle and Nike from the Marketing side, but nowadays I’m aiming for a TV salary of Jimmy Fallon’s level.

What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?

My first encounter with the media industry was during the Abu Dhabi Film Festival in 2011. I was fascinated by the variety and diversity of the people involved in the media and film industry here and around the region.

Tell us about your new late night talk show…

The Dubai Talk Show is an English-speaking late night talk show, showcasing celebrity interviews, topical monologue jokes and comedy sketches. In summary, giving a reason for celebrities like Nicki Minaj to look at my face for one hour and not feel awkward about it.

What challenges do you face?

Multitasking. Just think that The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon has 200 permanent employees, I won’t say how many we have.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

The influence, instead of having a coffee at Costa with hundreds of different people to pass on a message. I just have two to three interviews with well-known celebrities and pass on the message much faster.

What advice would you offer to someone looking to start a career in media in the UAE?

Be prepared to knock on every door in Media City, Internet City, Business Bay etc. to promote yourself.

What do you think of the quality of TV shows in the region?

Very many people have ideas and try to pursue them but only a few succeed in the long run like Arab’s Got Talent and Arab Idol, I wonder why.

How do you find PRs in the region?

I find them to be decent people.

What’s your pet PR peeve?

Example of a recent communication with PR agency, regarding product placement in our TV Show
Loubo: Can we do paid produce placement?

Client: Sorry, no money but we can offer a barter deal (suits)

Loubo: OK, give me suits

Client: Sorry, no budget

Loubo: Budget? as in money or suits?

Client: Both

What advice can you offer PRs seeking coverage on your show?

I am a very business-minded TV Host. Just get in touch through our website, Facebook, Instagram and we can create a win-win situation.

What’s your most overused saying?

At the end of the end, it doesn’t matter.

Five things you can’t live without?

Internet, beef steaks, hair gel, cotton socks and greek yogurt

If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?

Either working for a corporate brand or a small agency.

What is your favourite form of media (i.e; TV, radio, print)?

Radio when driving, newspaper in the toilet and TV at night.

What’s your favourite TV show?

House of Cards, Narcos, Suits

What’s your most used social media platform?

Instagram

hug digital promotes Ramy Kandil

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Regional digital agency, hug digital has promoted Ramy Kandil to the role of Deputy General Manager. Having joined the agency’s Dubai offices in August 2015 as Senior Social Manager and then Head of Social in Dubai, Ramy will now be in charge of operations within hug digital’s Egypt branch.

“I’m beyond honoured to be chosen for this role in hug digital,” says Ramy Kandil, Deputy General Manager, hug digital, Egypt. “After more than a year and a half with hug digital, I can proudly say that there’s no other team I’d rather belong to and I’m very excited for what’s to come and what this team can accomplish together on transforming the digital front, locally, regionally and globally.”

Hussein M. Dajani, Chief Operating Officer, hug digital adds, “hug digital is fuelled with talent so it is hugely gratifying to see Ramy’s accomplishments being rewarded with such a promotion. This move to Deputy General Manager of our Egypt operation reflects Ramy’s hard work, dedication and commitment over his time with hug digital. Ramy will play a key role in facilitating our continued growth in Egypt and our commitment to the region as a key hug digital market.”

The Entertainer wins App of the Year Award

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The Entertainer has been named App of the Year at the first Shortlist Mobile App Awards on November 6, 2016 at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. The event saw The Entertainer along with 18 of UAE’s best mobile apps including, Etihad, Emirates NBD and Hype Ten being awarded for the technological advancement and innovation of their apps across the UAE.

“When I printed the first Entertainer book in 2002, I couldn’t have imagined the technological advancements on the horizon,” says Donna Benton, Founder and Chairman, The Entertainer. “The development of the app launched the brand into the digital and social age, which has been invaluable to both our customers and merchant partners. Thank you to Shortlist for the recognition.”

Five Minute Focus – PRCA Awards

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With the launch of the PRCA MENA Awards coming up, TMN sat down with Loretta Ahmed, Chairperson PRCA MENA, to find out more about what to expect from the upcoming event…

When is the launch of the PRCA MENA Awards and where will it be held?

The PRCA MENA Awards will open for entries from November 7, 2016 – December 13, 2016. The Awards will be held at the H Hotel, Dubai on February 8, 2017.

Tell us the concept behind the awards…

We wanted to have an awards night with a difference, to recognise the good work that PR and communications professionals are doing in the region. We also wanted to mark our first year in the region by looking for creative strategies that achieve results and recognising the talent here to ensure the region is profiled globally for the world-class campaigns undertaken here.

What makes an award event such as the PRCA MENA Awards different from other regional PR awards?

We have a totally different concept and variety of awards which will be judged by an international judging panel.  The night itself is a fresh take on awards and we’ve done away with a long sit-down meal in favour of an event that encourages networking.

Can you give us some details about the nomination process?

To enter is easy, it’s all online. Submissions are the standard 1000 word entry, but we are looking for creative strategies, execution and most importantly results.

How can non-members participate in the awards?

We have a rate for members and non-members. We encourage all PR and communications professionals to take part.

Can you tell us more about the awards/categories themselves?

There will be twelve categories. Eight campaign awards and four awards focused on teams and individuals. The award categories will include, Rising Star of the Year, Results on a Budget, Best Integrated Campaign of the Year and Best Regional Campaign of the Year.

Who judges the entries for the PRCA MENA Awards?

The Judges will be announced next month. Our panel will be an international judging panel with experience in the region. Some will be based here and others will be from our other key global PR markets.  This is key for us as we are a global organisation committed to raising the profile of the MENA PR industry across the world.

What has been your advertising strategy for the UAE/Middle East?

We don’t have a traditional advertising campaign for PRCA MENA and we rely heavily on our networking events programme and word of mouth.

Did you face any challenges establishing the event in the Middle East?

We have had a great response so far and we are seeing participants very focused on budgets and resources. For this reason we’ve kept our entry fees low and the entry process as simple as possible.

How do you think the PRCA MENA Awards will develop in the future?

PRCA MENA Awards will develop by being held in different parts of the region, and attract PR and communications professionals from different areas to nominate their work for the awards. The UAE is a key regional hub but there is exceptional work undertaken right across the region and we see no reason why the UAE should always be the host country.  We will have new innovative categories and dedicated specialist awards in the future.

Nominees announced for MEPRA Awards

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The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) Awards 2016 shortlist has been announced. The awards have been divided into 17 categories – including Best Integrated Campaign, Best Use of Social Media and newly added category for in-house professionals, Outstanding Young Communicator – each award is designed to recognise exceptional returns on investments, creativity and strategic impact by agencies, corporates, teams and individuals. Shortlisted companies include: Four Communications, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Edelman, Mubadala, Seven Media and Weber Shandwick MENA. The winners will be announced at the award ceremony on November 23, 2016 at the JW Marriott Marquis, decided by a panel of renowned industry judges.

“Judging this year was even more challenging than ever,” says Jamal Al Mawed, Head of Corporate Communications, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “The industry has advanced in terms of its use of data analytics to measure the performance of campaigns. This means we had greater access to real figures than ever before making the judging process more about the cold hard results, than about the creativity of the idea. We are delighted at the progress made and we see a very strong future for the communications industry across the region.”