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Ink partners with in-flight magazine

London-based travel media publishing company, Ink, has signed an agreement to relaunch and produce the monthly in-flight magazine, Oryx magazine for Qatar Airways. The agreement will see Ink produce a revamped edition of Oryx magazine and will be available starting from January 1, 2017, on board the Qatar Airways’ aircraft across all cabins. The revamped magazine will have a different theme every month and feature content about the Middle East as well as exclusive photographs and original story telling in both Arabic and English with an emphasis on luxury, lifestyle and travel.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Ink due to its wealth of international experience in creating the most inspiring and award-winning content today,” says Salam Al Shawa, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Qatar Airways. “The newly designed magazine will be available in all cabins and it will further elevate the on-board experience for our loyal passengers.”

Further media closures across the UAE

Following the recent announcement that local newspaper 7days will cease operations this month, more print titles have declared closure by the end of 2016. Falling under the umbrella of the ITP Publishing Group, homegrown women’s monthly, Viva will discontinue operations after more than 11 years in publication, with their final issue on news stands now. In addition, Arab Publishing Partners’ quarterly titles Hello! Arabia and Hello! Indo Arabia have ceased publishing.

beIN named Broadcast Trendsetter of the Year

Global network broadcasting, beIN has been named Broadcast Trendsetter of The Year 2016 at the BroadcastPro Middle East Summit and Awards held in Dubai. The awards recognised beIN for its continuous efforts in the media and broadcast industry to attract global partners to its platform and bring premium entertainment content.

“This award is a true reflection of beIN’s achievements and contributions to the media industry in the MENA region,” says Yousef Al-Obaidly, Deputy CEO, beIN Media Group. “In the past few months, beIN has truly emerged as a global media powerhouse that is focused on growth and customers. We thank the judges for bestowing this prestigious award on beIN.”

Arab Woman Awards UAE 2016 pays special tribute

The Arab Woman Awards UAE 2016 is set to take place on Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Sharjah in honour of the late Vice-chairperson of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, Ameera BinKaram. The private event will include an exclusive video of Ameera as a special tribute from the establishment itself. The awards will also focus on raising public awareness of the significant achievements by Arab women and to provide young women with inspirational role models.

“Like everyone we were shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Ameera BinKaram,” says Sue Holt, Executive Director, ITP Publishing. “Ameera was a previous Arab Woman Award winner, who then became the chair of our judges’ board. She was an amazing and passionate person, who celebrated the successes of women from across the region. It is with great pride that we are taking this year’s award ceremony to Sharjah as a sign of respect and to honour her significant contributions.”

UAE newspaper announces closure

UAE-based newspaper, 7DAYS has announced the closure of its newspaper and online news publication. The news brand will cease operations after 13 years of publishing in the UAE with its final print issue to be published on Thursday, December 22, 2016.

“Whilst it was our stated intention to re-focus and restructure the business for 2017 and beyond, it has since proved not possible to create an acceptable cost base that could deliver a viable and sustainable business,” says Mark Rix, CEO, 7DAYS. “It is therefore with great sadness that we announce the unique 7DAYS news brand will close and thus, cease to inform and entertain the UAE in its refreshing and inimitable way. I have only praise and admiration for the dedicated and talented team that have created such a popular media portfolio over the past 13 years and I wish each of them every future success and happiness.”

IAA UAE elects new Board of Directors

The UAE Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) has appointed a new board of directors for 2016 until 2018. A mix of newly elected and returning members, the new board aims to support communication and advertising in the region for a positive impact on the UAE economy.

“I am very pleased with the outcome of the recent board elections and honoured to be a part of this distinguished team,” says Hani Ghorayeb, President, IAA UAE Chapter. “The 2016-2018 IAA UAE Board will continue to focus on inspiring and empowering the talented young professionals within our industry and building stronger collaboration between clients, media, MBUs and agencies, with the aim of advancing standards and growth prospects for the entire industry.”

The National shifts ownership

A subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Media Investment Corporation, International Media Investments (IMI) has secured ownership of The National. Previously falling under Abu Dhabi Media (ADM), the daily newspaper title will continue to operate under ADM until arrangements for their transfer to the new premises has concluded.

Black Iris Publishing launches new tabloid paper

Black Iris Publishing has launched Her Paper, a UAE-based lifestyle tabloid paper for women.  Her Paper will be available in print to the local communities across the UAE with an initial circulation of 30,000 every month, as well as online through mobile app get it. The publication will allow consumers to scan features using their smart phone and buy products and services directly online. The launch event will take place on December 15, 2016 at Jean-Georges, Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach.

‘We are really pleased with the end product and how the market is reacting to the launch of Her Paper and the get it app,“ says Jason Bowman, Sales Director, Black Iris Publishing. “I’m really looking forward to working with mid and upmarket brands who want to forge a deeper relationship with our readers and by educating them on the holy grail in linking print with digital media.”

Arab News makes new promotion

Saudi Arabian daily newspaper Arab News has promoted Hani Hazaimeh to the role of Senior Managing Editor. Having joined Arab news as Senior Managing Editor, Hani previously worked with Jordan Times as Senior Reporter. In his new role, he will work to streamline as well as enhance the editorial coverage of the Arab News team.

“On behalf of the entire Arab News editorial team, I would like to congratulate my colleague, Hazaimeh, on this much deserved promotion,” says Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief, Arab News. “We look forward to his continued contribution in streamlining and enhancing our editorial coverage and news team.”

Grazia Middle East goes live

Women’s weekly publication, Grazia Middle East, part of ITP Publishing Group will be going live at Dubai Festival City from November 4 – 12, 2016. The editorial team will host a week-long event at the mall, giving visitors an opportunity to experience the different elements of magazine creation for their special live issue.

“This partnership with Grazia is ground-breaking, as for the first time ever we are allowing readers, fans and visitors the chance to be a part of the production of one of their favourite magazines,” says Steven Cleaver, Director, Festival City Shopping Malls. “We believe that Festival City is more than just a shopping destination – we are leading from the front by giving people the chance to have unique experiences and create lasting memories. We are delighted to showcase the mall’s new fashion offering and are very much looking forward to seeing the result.”

Alison Tay, Editor-in-Chief, Grazia Middle East adds, “I’m so excited we’re launching such a pioneering event for the region through the Grazia Middle East brand. As well as bringing together the region’s best-loved influencers and experts in the fields of fashion, beauty and lifestyle, visitors will be able watch the magazine come to life, alongside our exclusive cover star Alanoud Badr. And for the first time ever in the Middle East, readers will be able to vote their preferred Grazia cover. We can’t wait to see everyone there.”