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Al Scene launches across the Middle East

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Creative and media agency, MO4 Network has launched Arabic online magazine, alscene.com across the Middle East. Based in Egypt, Al Scene is an Arabic culture and lifestyle platform that aims to provide high quality, engaging and dynamic content across the region. The new online magazine comprises of a team of Arabic writers from across the region and will feature in-depth stories, news, op-ed pieces, interviews and exclusives.

“Al Scene is brave and aware,” says Ahmed Fares, Managing Editor, Al Scene. “With an increase in the amount of Arabic content online, there has been a high demand regionally for a website that speaks our common language without limits or reservations. Thus, Al Scene is comprised of a team of trailblazers who voice everything our audience wish they could say through a plethora of engaging and diverse content.”

ARN launches new Arabic radio stations

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Dubai-based radio network, Arabian Radio Network (ARN) launches Al Khaleejiya Classic and Al Arabiya Cassette in the UAE. With a focus on serving its Arabic audience, Al Khaleejiya Classic will play 80’s and 90’s GCC music tracks, while Al Arabiya Cassette will broadcast 60’s to 90’s Arabic hits from across the region for local and expat Arabs. The new digital-only radio stations will also be available as an extension of local radio stations, Al Khaleejiya 100.9 and Al Arabiya 99 mobile apps to its audience across the UAE.

“ARN serves a wide audience of over 190 nationalities, in the world’s most cosmopolitan city, Dubai,” says Mahmoud Al Rasheed, General Manager, ARN. “This launch follows our first phase of digital brands launched last year and we are proud to launch these two digital stations to meet audience and advertiser demand and position ARN for further growth in the digital broadcasting industry in the coming years.”

To Be Announced launches in the region

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To Be announced (TBA), a creative solutions provider, founded by Mahmoud El Abed, has launched. With over seven years of experience, Mahmoud, previously worked with Addmind Group as PR Manager and most recently with COPIA Group as Communications Manager where he worked in client servicing and created marketing and PR strategies for clients. The new agency will operate from UAE and Lebanon with the aim to offer tailored strategies by forging relationships and delivering personalised services to clients.

“At a time where the current market is saturated with brands competing for attention, To Be Announced – (TBA) sees that the only way forward is with more customized and tailor made strategies,” says Mahmoud. “My idea is to collaborate and work closely with businesses to make their brands more relatable, connectable and desirable.”

Creative and technology agency launches

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Creative and technology agency, Omobono launches in UAE. Established in 2001 in the UK, Omobono delivers global projects across an expanding service offering for a roster of clients including DMCC and Sadara and will now open its first office in the UAE. The agency will also see the appointment of Hadley Newman to role of Managing Director with over ten years of experience to support clients with specialist business expertise.

“I am delighted to have joined Omobono at an exciting period in the company’s growth,” says Hadley Newman, Managing Director, Omobono Middle East. “I was attracted to the agency because it has digital in its DNA, strength in strategic planning and focuses on delivery – not only the deliverable. Omobono has developed fantastic relationships and delivered brilliant work and I look forward to continuing this success for global brands throughout the region.”

Ford MENA launches media platform

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Ford Middle East and North Africa has launched a new platform to reach members of the media. The website aims to provide journalists with fast and easy access to region-specific industry news, model launches and CSR programme details in both languages, English and Arabic.

“The Middle East tab on the Ford media website is a welcome addition to our arsenal, and it will no doubt help our friends in the media to tell and illustrate our story with much greater ease and improved efficiency,” says Sue Nigoghossain, Communications Manager, Ford Middle East and North Africa. “Be it searching for the perfect Ford Mustang cover image, or looking for a quote direct from the horse’s mouth, the immediacy with which regional information can now be shared can only benefit Ford, the media, and our combined audiences.”

BPA introduces B2B advertising marketplace

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Global business media auditing company, BPA Worldwide has announced the launch of a private digital ad marketplace (PMP) for its B2B members. Set to launch in the second quarter of 2017, the platform aims to provide buyers better access to quality data and efficiency in the digital marketplace.

“In the case of buying ad space programmatically, BPA will establish a vertically focused PMP comprised of BPA’s B2B members’ audited sites,” says Glenn Hansen, President and CEO, BPA Worldwide. “According to our findings, individual members are not able to reach scale on their own and appeal to the technology vendors. However, when put together, BPA’s B2B membership can create a significant impact in the marketplace. The top reasons publishers don’t currently use programmatic selling is scale, lack of familiarity with the process and the challenge of establishing independent third-party differentiators. The BPA PMP addresses those challenges. Already an established and trusted audit partner, the BPA PMP offers B2B buyers quality audited audiences and an automated way to reach them.”

Integrated content and communications agency launches

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Dubai-based PR professional, Natalie Johnson has launched a new content creation and communications agency, The Y Project. Previously Senior Account Manager at Edelman DABO and most recently, Marketing Manager at Bull & Roo, Natalie has over seven years of experience in marketing and communications. The agency aims to offer its clients creative communication services ranging from copywriting and content creation to planning, art direction and photography.

PRCA launches mentoring scheme

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Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has collaborated with PRWeek to launch a new mentoring scheme in the UAE and UK. Aiming to inspire the next generation of PR and communication leaders, the Fast Track mentoring scheme will launch with an initial 21 mentors including Yiannis Vafeas, Managing Director at Golin MENA and Alex Malouf, Corporate Communications Manager for the Arabian Peninsula at Procter & Gamble.

“We are very proud to launch the latest stage in the Fast Track mentoring scheme, aimed at inspiring mentees to go even further with their careers,” says Francis Ingham, Director General, PRCA. “Mentoring is a fantastic way of passing on the expertise and knowledge held within the industry to a new generation of hopefuls.”

The Agent launches in UAE

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Talent management professional, Abdel Sahrane Benjli has launched new talent agency, The Agent. With experience in the talent and entertainment industry, Abdel previously worked with Bareface as Talent Manager where he managed upcoming talents and worked with top celebrities such as Nancy Ajram. The Agent will represent brands and professionals in the media and public speaking arenas, covering various industries including fashion, sports and corporate fields.

“We’re based in the UAE, however, we currently operate across the Middle East and have worked with powerhouses such as Emirates and Emaar and hopefully very soon we’ll have an international presence as well,” says Abdel. “The goal is to create a buzz and nothing is more enjoyable than being at the centre of it.”

Anita Buys’ blog goes live

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Dubai-based media professional, Anita Buys has launched a new digital platform, HerNameIsAnita.com. With past experience as a TV and radio presenter and most recently, Brand Manager for GlamBox Middle East, Anita’s new blog will feature stories on a range of topics – from sports cars and travel to fragrances and lifestyle as well as fitness.

“I’ve always wanted to be my own boss and live the entrepreneur lifestyle,” says Anita. “To be honest, I was just waiting for the right time. Over the past 12 months, I’ve been tirelessly working on content creation, product styling, graphic design and overall branding. I’m quite happy with the final product!”