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Q Communications begins expansion programme

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Dubai-based communications consultancy Q Communications has begun a new operation in Abu Dhabi – the first step in its expansion programme across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). With a portfolio of current clients including Jumeirah Restaurant Group, Al Gurg Group, and the Accor Group, Q Communications will be building on its reputation upon the launch of its Abu Dhabi office, known as Q Communications ME. The office is planned to open on October 1, 2015 within the twofour54 hub, and will provide fully integrated public relations, social media, digital and event services.

“Abu Dhabi and Dubai are both cities of innovation and vision, among the most forward-thinking in the world,” says Elsa Roodt, Director and Co-founder, Q Communications. “For us there was no question our second office should be in Abu Dhabi. The hospitality sector is expanding and thriving and this provides and excellent opportunity for Q Communications ME with our unrivalled experience within this sector.”

Katie Harvey, Director and Co-founder, Q Communications, adds “We’ve been working behind the scenes over the last few months building a strong team to run Q Communications ME in Abu Dhabi. We have great talent joining the team, they will bring global knowledge, experience of working with some of the world’s most well-known brands and talent, as well as a wealth of cutting edge techniques to the consultancy. We’re really excited to announce the team over the next couple of weeks, so watch this space.”

WatchTime Middle East launches app edition

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Watch and horology magazine WatchTime Middle East has launched the first fully interactive digital app edition of the title, available exclusively for iPad in the Apple App Store. The app edition, which launches with the latest issue of GN Publishing’s quarterly magazine, is available to download across the GCC. It will include the same content as the print edition, as well as app-only content such as videos featuring regional collectors and industry experts. Future issues of the app edition will publish simultaneously to the print edition and are priced at AED29.99 for a single issue, or AED69.99 for an annual subscription.

“It was important that the reader has a completely new experience on the iPad with interactive content and exclusive videos; I’m happy to say that we’ve managed to do that on our digital app edition of the magazine,” says Nitin Nair, Editor, WatchTime Middle East. “It’s an exciting new format for us and initial feedback from readers and the industry has exceeded our expectations.”

James Hewes, Publishing Director, GN Publishing, adds “I’m delighted that WatchTime Middle East has extended its reach with the new fully interactive digital app edition. It is our first move into fully interactive, paid-for apps as readers look for more than just digital page-turner replicas of their favourite magazines. The interactive format of the app also gives us the ability to offer clients an exciting new platform to reach engaged watch enthusiasts in the GCC.”

DPQ Communications rebrands

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Dubai-based integrated PR and digital communications consultancy, DPQ Communications has rebranded as Q Communications. The consultancy has expanded since launching in Dubai in 2010 and now employs a 20-strong team, with the new brand identity building on this growth. Q Communications will continue to offer fully integrated public relations, social media, digital and event services to its clients, including Lush, the Accor Group and Tweezerman.

“The rebrand is a natural evolution of the brand,” says Katie Harvey, Director and Co-founder, Q Communications. “We originally launched DPQ following the launch of our sister company DubaiPartyQueen. The business and the client portfolio has grown and changed over the past five years, and it was time for the name to reflect this. No longer are we a Dubai centric agency, instead we work across the region in a number of industries including education, oil and gas, retail and hospitality.”

Recto Verso launches Curve and Unique

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UAE-based boutique model and talent agency, Recto Verso has added two new segments to its model portfolio – Curve and Unique. The new offerings will create a point of difference for the agency, with Curve featuring models size UK 12 and above and Unique focusing on finding models with an edgy look and striking features for brands who want to take a fresh approach.

“As well as offering the best models within our more traditional segments, we wanted to break out into other areas that are not as common here in the UAE as they are in Europe or the US,” says Clair Gilbody, Founder and Managing Partner, Recto Verso. “Our clients regularly tell us that they are looking for something different to stand out from the crowd and we believe this will help fill that gap. The fashion and entertainment industry is highly competitive and it is important that our clients and partners can trust us to stay one step ahead.”

GN Focus technology supplements relaunch

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GN Publishing, the specialist media division of Gulf News, has relaunched its consumer-facing technology supplements as #GNTech. The move is part of an ongoing strategy to refine the newspaper’s special reports, published under the GN Focus brand.

Distributed with the full Gulf News print run of over 108,000 copies, #GNTech will publish at the end of each month. Each issue will focus on a consumer-facing theme, beginning with laptops and software on August 30 to coincide with back-to-school season. The title will also include regular columns such as TOTM (Tech of the Month), as well as the country’s first mass-market gaming page. Special issues are also planned for publication around major local and international technology events such as GITEX Shopper and CES.

“With a history dating back to the launch of the newspaper, and over 100 supplements published each year we produce an incredibly varied portfolio of products,” says Keith J Fernandez, Editor, GN Focus. “By redefining these into niches we were able to better serve our audiences by giving them more focussed editorial and advertising propositions produced by dedicated teams. While #GNTech is the first to launch an all-new product, further niches are also being developed and we’re expanding our online and social media presence.”

Gareth Warren, Deputy Editor of #GNTech, adds “Packed with more data than a 1000TB HD and more fun than your first PlayStation, your inaugural #GNTech has everything readers could want, from the latest gadgets to the hottest new games. We’ve even got Batman!”

AFP–Services expands into MENA

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AFP-Services, the custom content services wing of global news agency Agence France-Presse, will expand into the Gulf and Middle East regions, taking its editorial, digital and audio-vision on-demand offer to a broader range of clients. With a network of video journalists, broadcast technical crew, photographers, graphic designers and journalists worldwide, AFP-Services offers clients a means to produce cross-vertical content for digital, broadcast, print and social circulation.

“AFP-Services take the editorial acumen of the news industry, combine it with savvy audiovisual know-how and recast the ensemble to focus wholly on our customers’ needs,” says Olivier Lombardie, Managing Director, AFP-Services. “Now more than ever, companies and institutions know quality content is the key to communicating with audiences today.”

Rana Hariz, Sales and Business Development Manager, Middle East, AFP-Services, adds “AFP-Services does not compete with PR and advertising agencies. With its services that include photography, videography, content strategy and editing, AFP-Services is a natural partner for existing corporate communications outlets.”

 

Shortlist launches new listings tool

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ShortList UAE is launching its self-administered online listings tool, which allows PRs, brand managers and venue owners to add, amend and update listings, as well as upload menus and images. The website – that features restaurants and cafes, bars and clubs, film and TV, events and attractions, as well as shopping and style – is the first publication from APP to offer this unique listings tool.

Editor-in-chief Eddie Taylor will be revealing the new online listing function via a webinar with The Media Network this Wednesday. To register, email tmnwebinars@tmnme.com.

Differing from Shortlist’s UK website, the UAE counterparts are aimed at both women and men. Both websites are updated regularly and include searchable entertainment listings for each city.

IPA launches Foundation Certificate in MENA region

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The Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) is launching its IPA Foundation Certificate across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region this week. The launch is being supported by a press campaign from Dubai’s Impact BBDO.

The IPA’s Foundation Certificate is an internationally recognised qualification that arms delegates with less than two years experience the knowledge to perform their roles. The content has been tailored specifically for the MENA region and involves approximately 30 hours of online learning, it will culminate with a formal exam taking place on November 12 in Dubai.

“As Dubai and the wider MENA advertising industry continue to grow as one of the leading global advertising hubs, there is an increasing need to attract and retain the best talent and ensure that they are armed with the skills to deliver stronger client relationships, better work and more profitable business,” says Michael Burns, Head of Export, IPA. “Through our research in the UK we have proof that investing in IPA qualifications helps agencies grow faster, have greater levels of income growth, have higher staff and client retention rates, and see more substantial revenue increases than their counterparts.”

In Touch magazine to launch in September

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In Touch magazine, a premium lifestyle publication catering to the high-end and luxury consumer audience in the UAE is set to launch in September. The magazine will have an initial print run of 10, 000 copies and will be distributed free of charge to recipients in their home, as well as within lounges of leading establishments. An online version will also be available through a subscription mailing list.

The publication will cover a number of topics, including news and events, as well as features on hospitality, fashion, cars and travel, and will  be available in both Arabic and English. In Touch will be headed up by Umaima Tinwala, Managing Editor of the In Touch Group, and will be published by Media Touch. A website will be launched following the September issue’s release.

“It’s always a challenge to launch a new publication in a market that most people think is already saturated,” says Umaima. “But I believe that quality always trumps quantity – when you see and read the magazine, you will know what I mean. I’m looking forward to working on this very exciting new venture.”