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BrandMoxie and CreatorUp! to launch digital training course

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Abu Dhabi-based advertising agency, BrandMoxie has partnered with digital media training company, CreatorUp! to offer digital training course for media professionals in the UAE. The new partnership will see CreatorUp! offer a six-week course called ‘Become a Digital Creator’ in Abu Dhabi starting mid-September 2017. The course will include weekly assignments and assessments and is specifically aimed at journalists, content aggregators, and influencers. Registration for the course is priced at AED4,000 for single enrollment, AED3,000 if there are three or more individuals from a company and 15% discount for referrals from another institution.

ALISA PR launches in the UAE

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PR and communications consultancy, ALISA PR has launched in the UAE. The new consultancy aims to provide professionalism, strategic thinking, creativity and hands on experience in PR and social media in all areas of business across the region. The consultancy was founded by Alisa D’souza who brings with her 18 years of PR experience in the region, having previously worked with eKadaa Public Relations as PR Manager and most recently with Blue Apple Advertising as PR Director. ALISA PR will offer businesses in the region services such as strategic planning, content creation, media events, product launches, spokesperson profiling and interviews, crisis communication, influencer outreach, media outreach and media monitoring.

“PR has been my passion over the last 18 years – and I think once in your life one should gather the courage to take a calculated risk, go independent and do something you are passionate about and not fear failure as that can only help you grow as a person,” says Alisa D’souza, Founder and Public Relations Consultant, ALISA PR. “Today, Happiness is really all we want to achieve professionally and personally. Hence, I am proud to announce the launch of ALISA PR and look forward to working closely and joining hands with media, partners and clients in the region.”

Arab News makes global structural changes

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Saudi Arabian-based newspaper, Arab News has launched two new bureaus in Europe and Asia as a part of its global, digital expansion plan. The new launch has been followed by the appointment of Baker Atyani to the role of Southeast Asia Bureau Chief, who brings with him experience in journalism, having covered stories on conflict zones in the region and previously worked with Al Arabiya as Bureau Chief – Asia, and most recently as its Senior International Correspondent. In his new role, he will spearhead Arab News’ coverage of Asia across print, online and video with a particular focus on India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Arab News’ digital expansion will also see the promotion of Ben Flanagan to the role of London Bureau Chief. With 16 years of experience working on national newspapers and news portals, Ben most recently held the position of Senior Editor at Arab News. He will now take on his new role to lead the operations of the new bureau in London and cover the UK and Europe from an Arab perspective, with a particular focus on politics, business and investment to serve as a digital hub for the newspaper.

“The new bureaus support the newspaper’s ‘more digital, more global’ strategy,” says Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief, Arab News. “It is a great pleasure for us to have these two exceptionally experienced and incredibly capable journalists heading up our crucial Asia and UK operations. This inevitably adds much value to our readers who will be sure to get the best relevant content and stories from across these regions.”

Online sustainable lifestyle magazine goes live

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The first digital eco and sustainable magazine in the Middle East, theethicalist.com launches. Founded by Anthea Ayache, she brings with her a diverse background in journalism, having previously worked at Friday magazine part of Gulf News as Senior Features Writer and most recently with its radios stations Radio 1 and Radio 2 as Radio Presenter.

Theethicalist.com offers content from around the world ranging from the latest news, zeitgeist reports, exclusive interviews with eco heroes and a focus on social businesses that have positively impacted the environment with an aim to engage, inspire and enhance the lives of readers across the UAE. The online magazine will also include lifestyle features on fashion, beauty, food and travel with an eco and philanthropic twist that is accessible by readers and an option to subscribe to receive newsletters, discounts and tailored information.

The new launch will also see the appointment of Karen Pasquali Jones to the role of Managing Editor, having worked in the UK with Love It! magazine, part of News UK and Sky magazine before moving to the UAE and most recently working with Friday magazine as Editor. In her new role, she will contribute and manage the editorial content of the online magazine.

“We’re thrilled to bring something completely new and unique to Dubai,” says Anthea Ayache, Founding Editor, theethicalist.com. “Theethicalist.com isn’t just a website, it’s a brand and a way of life. We’re here to help, inspire and encourage everyone to be the best they can be and to look after themselves, the community and the planet. We deal with subjects from the hyper-local to global in an engaging way.”

Compareit4me.com takes on new brand identity

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Middle East comparison site, compareit4me.com has rebranded as yallacompare.com to reflect its new identity and expansion plan in the region. The site’s rebrand aims to align itself with the Middle Eastern market with a brand name that pays homage to the region and become the go-to resource for regional consumers looking to save money on everything from insurance to telecoms package. The rebrand will also be followed by an expansion into Saudi Arabia and the opening of a permanent office in Riyadh as well as the launch of its online insurance comparison services to consumers in Egypt.

“When we first started the company, we had no idea that it would become the business that it is today,” says Jon Richards, CEO, yallacompare.com.  “Our success outside of the UAE is what’s informed our decision to create a brand that better represents our English and Arabic-speaking customers. Today, we compare everything from personal loans to flight tickets, we’re the largest insurance aggregator in the Middle East by a considerable margin and we’re active in nine markets across the region.”

Access Influence launches new marketing tool

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Dubai-based company, Access Influence has launched a new digital platform that connects brands directly to their consumers. The new tool offers scalable opportunities in word of mouth marketing by not only rewarding the consumers for sharing experiences about brands they relate to, but also allowing brands to give back to consumers who become brand advocate and increase their market exposure. The new platform allows brands once signed-up, to create briefs, track their campaigns, preview proposed content and will filter prospective influencers or brand advocates to fit their campaign objectives.

“Spending money on advertising is becoming less and less effective due to general ad blindness,” says Nour El Chaar, CEO and Founder, Access Influence. “Overall, by creating real conversations within relevant communities, the overall authenticity of the brand is elevated, while influencing purchase decisions among more like-minded and trusted consumers such as friends, family members and peer-groups.”

The Original Content Co. launches in the UAE

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Content marketing company, The Original Content Co. launches in the UAE. The new company aims to create bespoke, engaging and influential content for businesses, the media and individuals. Founded by Gemma White, who previously worked with ITP Media Group’s publications, OK! Middle East as Editor-in-Chief and Cosmopolitan ME as Group Editor, Original Content Co. will focus on all areas of content marketing including, website and blog writing, captioning, troubleshooting and social media management. In addition, the company will cover video creation, script editing, flyer content, subbing and consulting today’s media as well as providing syndicated and commissioned content for the media in the UAE and across the Middle East.

“As a journalist who has worked at some of the biggest media companies in the UAE, like everyone in the region, I have seen the media, marketing and content landscape change dramatically with the rise of bloggers, influencers, PR and media agencies, as well as social media and the constant search for the ‘next big thing’ in communication,” says Gemma. “The Original Content Co. fits into your business plan by helping brands speak to their audience in their audience’s voice – and the only proven way to do that is with effective and beautifully crafted content.”

M&C Saatchi PR launches global Influencer Squad

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M&C Saatchi PR has launched new influencer team, Influencer Squad. Influencer Squad is a global team that aims to develop strategies and programmes for clients and run its multi-channel, influencer campaigns globally. With its headquarters in London, and offices across seven markets, Dubai will serve as its regional office and will see Amy Brill, Head of PR at M&C Saatchi PR, lead the operations of the team’s regional office, while Meredith Brengle, Director at M&C Saatchi PR will head the team globally.

“All too often, in every market where we operate, we see influencers being used as a tactical and not a strategic tool,” says Chris Hides, Managing Director and Co-Founder, M&S Saatchi PR. “The Influencer Squad has been assembled to deliver best practice influencer campaigns. The team will develop campaigns that use influencers in the right way at the right time to deliver measurable commercial impact.”

Mediavest | Spark rebrands globally

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Global media agency, Mediavest | Spark, part of Publicis Media has rebranded as Spark Foundry. The rebrand aims to develop talent and focus on the growth of the agency’s client list as well as reflect its continuous growth beyond the parameters of media to include analytics, technology, innovations, insight, content and commerce.

“The talent we have assembled are passionate about our startup spirit and with this rebrand and the strengthening of the Spark Foundry global network each market across the MENA region will further be empowered to bring to life our unique proposition,” says Alain Brahamcha, CEO, Spark Foundry Middle East.