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Solo Zone Design launches

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Ahmed Krounz has launched Solo Zone Design in Dubai. The agency will provide consulting, brand communication and visual design services including production when required, working within IT, banking, food and beverage, retail and hospitality industries. Ahmed Krounz will be working as Art Director, as well as Founder, for the company, bringing with him over 12 years of experience in media, where he has worked across clients such as Dubai Silicon Oasis, DIFC and Etihad Airways. Solo Zone Design is now open in Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre (DTEC), located in Dubai Silicon Oasis.

“My previous experience working with international agencies has formed the mentality I’ve taken with creating Solo Zone Design,” says Ahmed. “Yes, we’re a small agency, but we’re equipped with a quality of invention and execution for which you’d usually have to pay top dollar. Our size affords us a competitive edge and a flexibility not available to others in the market with whom we aim to compete.”

Awqat Dubai redesigned

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Arabic listings magazine Awqat Dubai has been given a new logo and complete redesign. The redesign will give the magazine a simpler, cleaner and more modern look, but will continue to feature editorial that focuses on giving Arabic-speaking readers clear ideas on where to go and what to do within the city in a non-traditional manner. Published by Creative Minds Media, the new look Awqat Dubai became available from November 1, 2015, from most major retail outlets in the UAE, for AED15.

“We are very happy to launch the magazine in a full new look,” says Randa Kamal, Editor-in-Chief, Awqat Dubai. “The new logo and design are simple yet contemporary, and reflect the character and content of Awqat Dubai.”

Zeina Chehayeb, Executive Director, Awqat Dubai, adds “The redesign will enhance our readers’ journey throughout the magazine pages with a slicker, more inviting layout and visuals that really reflect the living experience in Dubai.”

 

20/20 Productions opens Dubai office

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Creative agency 20/20 Productions has launched in Dubai following an increase in demand from clients looking for communications support in the Middle East. With head offices in Edinburgh, as well as a team in San Francisco, the agency offers creative communications, with expertise in digital and graphic design, as well as film and events. The new 20/20 Productions Dubai office will be located in DMCC.

“Increasingly, clients are looking for global expertise,” says Andy MacKay, Co-Founder and CEO, 20/20 Productions. “We have two very successful bases in Edinburgh and San Francisco and have already produced several events in Dubai with another taking place this month, so establishing a physical presence was a natural progression.”

Alastair Scott, Co-Founder and Managing Director, 20/20 Productions, adds “Over the years we have evolved our business based on the needs of our clients. The launch in Dubai is yet another example of delivering value at every turn. We look forward to imparting our unique 20/20 Productions stamp on events and communications in the Middle East.”

 

AVIAMOST magazines get new look

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AVIAMOST – Russian and AVIAMOST – Chinese magazines have both been given new looks as well as a newly launched digital platform, www.aviamost.ae, which will be available in English, Russian and Chinese. Written by Russian Editors for Russian-speakers, and Chinese Editors for Chinese-speakers respectively, the magazines boast more room for fashion and lifestyle pages, to reflect on increased offerings from the Dubai-based retail market.

AVIAMOST magazines are available to tourists traveling to Dubai through tour operators, as well as within over 100 four and five–star hotels in the UAE. They will also be available through Emirates Airlines, in First and Business class cabins on Dubai – China and Dubai – Russia routes and in business lounges at Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports.

“We have always believed in the strength of the Russian and Chinese tourist markets in Dubai, since we first published AVIAMOST – Russian in 1995,” says Fady Boustany, Executive Director, MediaMost Publishing. “With the Chinese and Russian markets showing significant improvements, Dubai will continue to be one of the preferred destinations for high-end tourists.”

 

Empire Arabia launches

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Bauer Media has agreed to a new licence for Dubai-based Origami Publishing and Events to publish Empire Arabia magazine. Empire already has editions published in the UK and Australia, and the new licence agreement will see copies of Empire Arabia distributed across the Middle East and North Africa on a monthly basis, in both English and Arabic, at a cost of AED25. International editorial editions of the movie magazine operate independently from the flagship edition of Empire in the UK, but still have access to world-exclusive content, as well as the ability to curate bespoke local content. The first issue of Empire Arabia was released this week and features the latest Bond release, Spectre.

“Nine years ago I bought my first issue of Empire from a small news stand in Damascus,” says Khaldoun Qaddoura, Editor-in-Chief, Empire Arabia and Managing Director, Origami Publishing and Events. “I fell in love with the brand and it wasn’t long before the idea of bringing Empire to the Middle East came to mind. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have fast become bridges between the Middle East and Hollywood, with many recent blockbusters choosing both cities as preferred shooting locations. We are happy to join forces with partners such as Dubai International Film Festival and Middle East Film & Comic Con.”

Gareth Cherriman, International Publisher, Bauer Media, adds “We are really excited to be launching Empire Arabia with Origami Publishing & Events. The team at Origami have extensive knowledge of the film industry and have put together a fantastic plan which will bring the brilliant Empire brand to a whole new audience.”

House of Comms Acquires RUA Digital

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House of Comms has acquired international digital communications agency, RUA Digital and rebranded to House of Comms Integrated Communications. Following the rebrand, the agency will also be launching its new website – www.houseofcomms.com. Launched in 2012, House of Comms has a client portfolio that includes global, regional and local brands such as Virgin Atlantic Airlines, Grosvenor House Dubai, TDIC Abu Dhabi and BOUNCE Trampoline Park. Naomh McElhatton, former Managing Director of RUA Digital, will be joining the new House of Comms Integrated Communications team as Director of Strategy and Education, where she will lead on providing strategic guidance for clients and consultants alike while also spearheading the agency’s newly-founded Digital Training Academy.

“We established House of Comms to work with clients that we feel truly passionate about,” says Kaja Weller, Managing Partner, House of Comms. “Over the past three years we’ve been committed to delivering highly creative, innovative and strategic campaigns for clients across the Middle East. The acquisition of RUA Digital is testament to our vision for House of Comms and through this partnership we look forward to meeting the demands by brands for a truly integrated approach.”

Jamie Wilks, Managing Partner, House of Comms, adds “We’ve been planning to diversify into the digital space for quite some time as a natural step for the business, given the constant demand from our clients for support with digital content, complex social media strategies and SEO support. 2015 has been a huge year for House of Comms and we’re looking forward to the next chapter in the evolution of the agency. Watch this space.”

Crowd funding begins for magpie magazine

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A crowdfunding project is underway to support the launch of magpie magazine, a new publication looking to cover artistic and cultural subjects across the UAE from a non-commercial perspective. A passion project of Dennis Jarrett, former Editor in Chief of Dubai Week and Abu Dhabi Week – part of Turret Media – magpie will cover fine art, sculpture and 3D work, literature, film, photography, music, theatre and dance, all in a format with a strong focus on design. magpie currently has 24 days of its crowd funding campaign to go and pledges can be made at http://www.pozible.com/project/201195.

“Over the last five or six years I’ve been watching the explosion here in arts, culture, design, performance and other creative endeavours,” says Dennis. “I’ve long felt that this exciting, buzzing scene needed a focal point, a kind of hangout-cum-information exchange that can highlight what’s going on and who’s doing it. Hence magpie, which initially will be a print magazine for the UAE, but we intend to broaden the delivery as well as the coverage to be online… lots of big plans, lots of ambitions.”

Anna Roberts launches Nudge

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International Radio and TV Broadcaster Anna Roberts has launched Nudge, a communications advisory agency specialising in public speaking and media training. Nudge will provide one-on-one training for CEOs and workshops for entrepreneurs wanting to improve their communication techniques, as well as event moderation, hosting and MC services. The agency can also creatively plan and script media campaigns and work with clients to build brand presence.

“With more than a decade of broadcasting experience and 21 years in the Middle East, I wanted to make more of an impact on the media landscape by sharing my skills and practical advice,” says Anna. “I believe in empowering everyone, from entrepreneurs to CEOs to speak publicly with their authentic voice to create more platforms of shared knowledge. When you know better, you do better. Nudge is unique because it offers a wealth of industry experience, incredible knowledge of the region and the ability to tailor offerings specifically to the client.”

 

Purobeach welcomes new PR Director

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Purobeach UAE has appointed Ellie Keene to the role of PR Director. Set to open in December 2015, the beach club will be located at the JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort and is the second Purobeach opening in the UAE. Home to a new restaurant and spa, as well as watersports facitilities during the day, the venue will also host a number of events – from private parties to resident DJ nights. Ellie will be responsible for all of the venue’s PR, and will be working alongside Marketing Director Martin Quinn, to handle all communications and media coverage for Purobeach UAE.

“Working in the nightlight industry in Dubai has always been an interest of mine and adding Purobeach to the list of projects I am currently working on is extremely exciting,” says Ellie. “I am really looking forward to building the success of this already reputable brand in the UAE.”

 

The Red Bulletin to launch

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International men’s active lifestyle magazine, The Red Bulletin is set to launch in the United Arab Emirates in April 2016. Covering sports, culture, arts, music and lifestyle features, the magazine offers a range of global content as well as national interests, with a visual storytelling approach to journalism. The Red Bulletin will begin with an initial print run of 12,500 copies, and will be under BPA audit from its launch. Priced at AED 15, the monthly publication will be available from retail outlets, sports retailers, Virgin stores, Vox Cinemas, Red Bull events, universities, hotels and airline lounges, as well as bars, clubs and other selected partners.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Red Bull Media House and Awesome Media to provide a fresh, new publication to the UAE and beyond,” says Chris Haill, Publishing Director and Partner, Awesome Media UK. “The magazine fits the ethos of the UAE, offering aspirational editorial and visual storytelling from a worldwide brand. Already distributed in 11 countries, we feel the ‘gives you wings’ approach of Red Bull perfectly fits the UAE way to life, culture and business.”