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ExtraCake and Katch collaborate for Games 15

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ExtraCake, organisers of the Middle East Film and Comic Con and Games 15 have announced a strategic partnership with Katch International to help promote the 2015 edition of the marquee gaming event in a bid to maximise reach to fans and exhibitors alike.

While the event will again focus on early access to the latest games and demos from publishers like Sony PlayStation, XBOX and many leading games publishers, GAMES 15 will also incorporate many innovative and unique elements with the inclusion of eSports with ESL, Video Games Live, mobile gaming, table top gaming, workshops, merchandising, celebrity guests and much more making it an event that transcends boundaries.

“The scope we have for Games going forward is much broader than ever before.,” says Arafaat Ali Khan, Director of Public Relations at ExtraCake. “Like the Middle East Film and Comic Con before it, Games 15 will offer something for everyone and offer one of the most entertaining weekends out for families and hardcore gamers alike. To ensure that we reach every demographic and every communication channel, we felt that increasing our resources was a must and tying up with another strong agency like Katch seemed to be the obvious way forward.”

While the Games 15 event will be managed, organised and communicated by ExtraCake, Katch will add an extra layer of support.

Bloomberg Businessweek to support Arab IPO Summit

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Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East announced its support for the Arab IPO Summit, to be held from September 14, 2015 until September 17, 2015 in Dubai. Organised by UMS International and set to be held at Taj Dubai, the summit will focus on the latest developments, challenges and investment opportunities in the regional financial market. Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East will act as the Arab IPO Summit’s Media and Research Partner – a role which will entail handling all press communications for the summit, as well as sending invites and covering social media.

For further information, contact Fathima Dhanani at fathima@businessweekme.com / +971 (0)4 432 9467

Dentsu Aegis acquires John Brown Media

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Dentsu Aegis Network has acquired John Brown Media. The agency’s experience in creating and publishing content is hoped to enhance the network’s existing content capabilities, to create a differentiated and innovative integrated content offering for clients worldwide.

Established in 1987, John Brown Media is headquartered in London and has offices in South Africa, Hong Kong, Boston and Dubai. The company provides clients with services including print and digital publishing, content management, website strategy and film production. Following the acquisition, it will retain its brand identity and operate as an external entity from Dentsu Aegis Network MENA. John Brown Media will now also work with iProspect, the network’s digital performance agency, as well as Carat’s content partnerships team in order to integrate publishing capabilities into Dentsu Aegis’ offering in the region.

“By adding a specialist content agency to the network, we are proving just how much the lines have become blurred between agency disciplines,” says Michael Nederlof, CEO, Dentsu Aegis Network, MENA. “Quality content is increasingly rewarded within the media eco-systen, particularly within search, and we are very excited to work with John Brown to create differentiated and specialised content solutions for our clients.”

Image Nation partners with Ali Mostafa

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Emirati filmmaker Ali Mostafa is re-partnering with Image Nation Abu Dhabi on his next feature, The Worthy, which will go into production later this year. The director will be joined by Hollywood veterans Peter Safran (Producer, known for his work on The Conjuring) and Steven Schneider (Producer, known for his work on Paranormal Activity and Insidious) who have come onboard to produce the project with Ali’s Regional Producer Rami Yasin, who also worked on his 2014 film, From A to B.

“As the first action/thriller I’m directing, The Worthy is a new adventure for me,” says Ali. “My producers are really at the top of their game right now and their expertise will be invaluable on The Worthy, so I’m excited to be working with them and Image Nation again.”

Peter Safan adds “The film industry in Abu Dhabi is at an extremely exciting time in its development, I am looking forward to playing a small part in its growth by working on this fantastic film.”

Dentsu Aegis Network partner with ICA

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Multinational media and digital marketing communications company Dentsu Aegis Network has formed a new partnership with the International Communications Agency (ICA), in Iran. The newly branded Carat-ICA, is the first official partnership formed by the two agencies, though they have worked together since January 2015. With offices based in Tehran, Carat-ICA will take full responsibility for the media planning and buying requirements of Carat and other Dentsu Aegis Network clients in the country.

The newly formed and exclusive Carat-ICA alliance aims to add value to both clients and media stakeholders in Iran, one of the fastest-growing countries in the Middle East.

“Moving forward, we forecast a bright future for the Iranian market,” says Michael Nederlof, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network. “The newly formed Carat-ICA partnership has on-the-ground capabilities and a ‘Generation Y’ team of digital and media experts. This, paired with our network’s global resources, skills and knowledge, will allow us to support the needs of our clients in Iran and add another key growth market to our offering.”

Ben Karmi, Managing Director, Carat-ICA adds “We were looking at ways we could further evolve and improve our offering to both new and existing clients. Carat’s, as well as the wider Dentsu Aegis Network’s focus on innovation and their entrepreneurial spirit made them the perfect fit.”

Ananke to partner with The Indian Trumpet

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Online magazine Ananke – www.anankemag.com – has partnered with The Indian Trumpet to explore new creative approaches in order to amplify its online engagement, with a focus on digital media and content creation.  The e-zine is a non-profit initiative that celebrates visionary women across the Middle East and beyond.

“Digital media is an empowering tool of engagement,” says Sabin Muzaffar, Executive Editor, Ananke. “By forming creative alliances, we can not only start meaningful debates on issues relating to women, but we can also explore new methods of engagement that can lead to sustainable social impact. Here at Ananke, we are thrilled to join with The Indian Trumpet to find new methods for creativity in the digital landscape.”

Edelman to acquire DABO & CO

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Communications marketing firm Edelman today announced it plans to acquire independent communications agency DABO & CO. The combination of Edelman’s United Arab Emirates operations with those of DABO & CO will encompass 150 employees with a broad range of expertise from corporate to marketing to digital. The agency will offer creative, planning, research and event management capabilities across the region.

Edelman UAE opened its first office in Abu Dhabi in 2008; it now has an award-winning team of 85 consultants across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, working for UAE-based organisations as well as numerous multinational companies.

DABO & CO has grown over the past ten years to become a creative communications and experiential marketing business; it now has a team of over 60 staff and represents many world-renowned brands.

“Globally Edelman looks to invest in firms that are committed to reshaping the focus of the communications marketing industry, and DABO & CO demonstrates this vision through its highly-creative, client-centric approach,” says Matthew Harrington, Global Chief Operating Officer, Edelman. “As the industry develops in the Middle East, this partnership will position us to create engaging and innovative communications programs that support our clients’ needs.”

“We are excited to partner with Edelman as we believe this acquisition will unite two of the leading players in the market to create a regional powerhouse,” adds Camilla d’Abo, Managing Partner, DABO & CO. “Not only will our clients benefit greatly from this, it also constitutes a compelling proposition to brands seeking a new integrated approach in the region.”

OMD UAE partners with Pi Slice

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OMD UAE announces its partnering with Pi Slice, the web-based social platform channeling funding for Micro-Finance Institutions (MFIs). This comes as part of the media agency’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities and its continuous contribution to developing the region’s economies and improving the lives of its people. OMD UAE and Pi Slice have launched a ‘lending page’ to promote micro-lending opportunities to its stakeholders and the wider community. Individuals can view a list of micro-financed projects and provide support to the initiative of their choice.

Through this collaboration, OMD UAE and Pi Slice bring a unique proposition to the UAE, linking individuals who wish to invest with Pi Slice’s MFI partners in the region, which, in turn use the funds to provide micro-credit to their customers. Micro-lending allows individuals to build a sustainable future for micro-entrepreneurs, as well as a supportive ecosystem for development at the macro level.

“We’re delighted to have found common ground with Pi Slice,” says Nadine Samara, Managing Director of OMD UAE & Lower Gulf. “We share the vision of a brighter future for entrepreneurship, to help alleviate poverty, stimulate development and improve the lives of many. Supporting ambition is hugely rewarding for both individuals and organisations, so we hope many around us will join us in this endeavour.”

WorldWise PR alliance welcomes Pascale Venot

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Dubai-based Shamal Marketing Communications, co-founder of WorldWise PR Alliance has welcomed Pascale Venot to its strategic network of top independent PR agencies. With the global alliance of public relations firms taking shape, Paris-based Pascale Venot is the 13th member to be welcomed to the network since being launched five months ago.

The WorldWise network cultivates and serves a variety of industries, including luxury hospitality, real estate, retail, design, fashion, art and professional services. The original co-founders, Shamal Marketing Communications, New York agency HWPR, Kreps DeMaria PR & Marketing from Miami and London’s JV Public Relations, recognised Pascale Venot as an ideal fit for the alliance and Paris as a perfect location to extend its reach to Europe.

“Today, clients want their message to reach every corner of the globe,” says Steven Jones, Managing Director, Shamal. “Pascale Venot is a valuable addition to the network. Although competition is ultra-fierce in the French capital, it is a location that many luxury brands would like to establish themselves. On the flip side, Pascale’s clients will automatically gain access to some of the biggest and most diverse markets around the world – it’s a win-win situation which epitomises the collective strength of the alliance.”

Pascale Venot, Principal of Pascale Venot concludes, “Joining a global network will provide our business with a tremendous boost to our clients’ media exposure and global reach. In order to remain competitive in the public relations field today, firms need to be able to offer global exposure. WorldWise PR Affiliates is a remarkable organisation and we are delighted to have been invited to join the alliance.”