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OSN secures rights for SyFy

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OSN has acquired the regional rights for SyFy, NBCUniversal International’s science-fiction channel. The channel is due to launch in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, through OSN, on July 8, 2016 and the launch will bring with it a roster of original series, original movies,classic science-fiction and fantasy programming to OSN subscribers, with almost 80 percent of the content available in Arabic, either dubbed or in subtitles.

The launch of the channel is part of OSN’s new and extended long-term deal with NBCUniversal International, signed in January this year.

Hotwire and Vanson Bourne partner for new study

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Global PR and communications agency Hotwire has partnered with independent market research specialist Vanson Bourne for a study that reveals what influences decision makers in the Arab world. The study showed that Facebook is one of the most used social media channels in the region but also found that nearly 30% of marketers do not plan to use the social media platform in their own B2B marketing. The research also reinforces the importance of traditional media sources, as well as social media, in purchasing decisions. Active (Digital. Marketing. Communications), Hotwire’s partner in the Middle East, will be responsible for distributing the research across the region.

“For us here in the Middle East this report is very relevant as it make us think about how social media is changing marketing and, if we are to be effective consultants, how we then advise our clients,” says Louay Al-Samarrai, Joint Managing Director, Active (Digital. Marketing. Communications).

Forbes to host The Top Companies in the Arab World 2016

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Forbes Middle East is set to host the fourth annual The Top Companies in the Arab World 2016 event, in Kuwait on Tuesday, May 31st, 2016. Attended by heads of companies who have helped to make the Middle East a major investment attraction, as well as Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs of Kuwait, the top 100 companies will be ranked based on four metrics – sales, net profits, assets and market value. The Top Companies in the Arab World will also be celebrating the successes of prominent Kuwaiti companies and leaders.

Forbes Middle East will be collaborating with partners for the event including; Stallion Group, Al Tayyar Travel Group and Alanba newspaper.

7DAYS launches content marketing studio

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UAE Publisher 7DAYS has launched an in-house content marketing studio, DEEP, which offers advertisers a new approach to their marketing requirements. DEEP will provide brands with creative opportunities to share their stories with the 7DAYS audience and beyond.

“DEEP delivers the opportunity for brands to immerse themselves within 7DAYS content at many levels and across all channels,” says Charlotte Turner, Head of Content Marketing, 7DAYS. “By working collaboratively with commercial partners, DEEP will deliver a client’s desired result through creative, solution-based thinking. Using content to engage customers has become a must on any media schedule. It’s no longer about talking at the audience, it’s about starting conversations with them.”

Mark Rix, CEO, 7DAYS, adds “This is the perfect time to launch an in-house content studio and we are proud to be the first publisher in the UAE to do so. The rapid evolution of social media and in particular the voracious appetite for quality video content, has prompted the creation of this dedicated team to devise multi-platform content concepts that meet the objectives of commercial partners, while also aligning with 7DAYS own vision of engaging and inspiring communities.”

Swiss Media Group closes

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Swiss Media Group is to cease its operations, after 12 years of publishing in the UAE. Founded in 2004, Swiss Media Group was formed by an experienced publishing and editorial team from Switzerland and the UK. The group’s portfolio of magazines included Equestrio, Prestige and the recently re-vamped SWR. The publishing group has cited the evolution of the publishing world as the reason behind its closure.

“There are no words to describe the gratitude we feel towards our clients, partners and suppliers, ever single one of whom helped not only to make our journey possible, but also to make it thoroughly enjoyable,” says Michael Lahyani, Publisher and CEO, Swiss Media Group. “We look forward to seeing you again on the polo fields or at the next watch fair and for now wish you a continued success.”

GCC Food Photography Awards gearing up for second season

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After it’s successful debut in 2015, the GCC Food Photography Awards is gearing up for it’s second season in Bahrain. With support from UK-based Jamie Magazine, the official publication from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, this year’s awards will be based around the theme of ‘celebrating good food’ and participants are invited to enter original photographs that capture different forms, styles, preparations and occasions of food. The contest is open for both professional and amateur photographers, with a special category for junior photographers under 17 years of age added to encourage young talent to participate. This year’s competition has five categories in total; Earth’s Bounty, Fabulous Fish, Market Magic, Food Portrait and Junior GCC Photographer of the Year.

The judging panel for the awards will include Chief Editor of Jamie Magazine, Andy Harris; Food Photographer David Loftus, celebrity Chefs Kunal Kapur and Yann Bernard Leiard and Dubai-based food blogger Sally Prosser. Competition entry is free, and registration opens on June 1, 2016 with the the winners to be announced at an awards ceremony in November 2016. For further information on the GCC Food Photography Awards 2016, or to enter, head to www.photoawardme.com.

Facebook welcomes Shant Oknayan

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Facebook has appointed Shant Oknayan to the role of Head of e-Commerce, Retail and Online Services at Facebook in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan. Shant has over 15 years of experience in leading business development, with subject-matter expertise in digital and investment strategies for governments and corporations, having most recently headed up Google’s market development for small & medium businesses in the Middle East and North Africa. In his new role, he will lead efforts to enable e-commerce, retail and online services businesses in the region to scale growth and engage with consumers on Facebook.

“This is a very exciting time to be in the online industry in MENA,” says Shant. “Facebook’s 120 million users in the region are not only active on mobile, but they are looking at innovative products while evaluating services and transacting online. This creates opportunities for established businesses, particularly in the e-Commerce and retail space, as well for the vibrant start-up community here. At Facebook we want to partner in their growth, leveraging the power of technology, to help build the region’s economy.”