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Katch International launches new department

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Dubai-based integrated communications agency, Katch International has launched new digital department, Katch Disruption. Katch Disruption will provide advanced marketing technology and help increase traffic to its client’s social media and online platforms. The new department will also include technologies such as interactive mobile advertising, geo-fencing, creative interactive ads and augmented reality as well as its own content creation team, which will be dedicated to creating videos and social content.

“Disruption to us is all about breaking the mould and innovating while generating humanising content, tingling the senses aesthetically and cashing in on real-time opportunities,” says Georgie Woollams, Managing Director, Katch International. “We strive to disrupt the way people in the region think digitally by localising our offering for the Dubai market.”

Hopscotch reveals survey on Global Women in PR

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Hopscotch has revealed the results of its survey by PR and communications body, Global Women in PR (GWPR). The survey which aimed to show the status of women in the workplace and the industry as a whole, highlighted flexible hours as an advantage that has lead to efficiency while, the lack of confidence to demand pay rise being a major cause for gender pay gap. The study was conducted with a sample size of 757 respondents working in the PR industry from across 19 countries. Following the research findings, Hopscotch also launches new monthly series, Career Clinics to increase skills and provide a platform for women to network.

“On launching Hopscotch 18 months ago, we quickly realised that sourcing flexible work for women was only half the battle,” says Helen McGuire, Co-Founder, Hopscotch. “Ensuring women follow a path to senior management and building confidence is key to reducing the gap, but we need those women in the workforce in the first place and in the UAE, the employment rate of women is less than half the global average.”

Let’s Talk Cairo agenda revealed

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Dubai-based PR, marketing and communications agency, Fekra Communications has revealed the agenda for the Cairo edition of its industry event series, Let’s Talk Crisis Communications Forum. The conference will take place from November 6 -7, 2017 at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza, Cairo, Egypt and host several leading communication and media experts from Egypt and across the region to come together and shed light on one of the industry’s most important topics. The forum will feature speakers from a diverse group of industries including international organisations, government, tourism, media, telecom and FMCGs to share their insights and best practice on how to protect an organisation’s reputation. The full list of speakers can be found on letstalkevent.com.

“With the continuing evolution of communication platforms, news and word of mouth spread faster and even wilder than it used to a decade ago,” says Mohammed El Batta, Managing Director, Fekra Communications. “Today we live in a world where both government and corporate reputations are more fragile and where crises seem to be occurring more frequently. One of the biggest challenges for communication professionals is the early recognition of crisis and how to successfully manage it using effective communication techniques.”

Panel of judges announced for Effies 2017

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The MENA Effie Awards has announced its panel of judges for the 2017 edition. With the ceremony set to hold on November 15 2017, the panel of judges have been selected from across 147 sectors to judge the most effective marketing efforts in the region. The list of judges will include, Fahd Osman, Marketplace Leader at IBM MENA, Hani Alaita, Regional Marketing Manager at Danone Middle East, Abdallah Touqan, Director PR, Communications and Events at Dubizzle and OLX MENA. The full jury list is available on the MENA Effie Awards website.

“Our judges are absolutely crucial to the success of the Effies, because it is only by working with the finest minds in the marketing world that we are able to identify the best work that has been achieved in our sector this year,” says Alexandre Hawari, Co-CEO, Mediaquest. “Entries are open and the deadlines are fast approaching, so we urge all companies to seize this opportunity to display their innovative, effective approaches to everything, ranging from sector-specific marketing to branded content and media ideas.”

Cicero and Bernay expands into the MENA region

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Public relations consultancy, Cicero and Bernay (C&B) has signed a strategic affiliation with Sudanese-based company, Katia International as a part of its expansion plan into the MENA region. The partnership will see C&B build on its expertise in the Sudanese market through the provision of PR services, on-ground support and development of targeted communications as well as PR strategies that caters to the region. The affiliation will also see Katia International lend C&B important insights while it expands its regional influence and ensure both companies collaboratively exchange best practices to further professional development.

“This is part of our wider strategy to enhance our MENA presence by expanding to all Arabic speaking countries, strongly building a regional and global network of communication experts, offering our services to multinational corporations, and increasing our diverse portfolio of clients,” says Maysa-Jana Atoui, Director of Business Development, C&B.

OSN wins Media and Marketing Company of the year

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MENA-based entertainment network, OSN has been named Media and Marketing Company of the Year at the Gulf Business Awards 2017. The awards aim to celebrate companies and business leaders across nine industries including tourism, media and marketing and recognised OSN for its leadership position in the entertainment industry across the region.

“It is a privilege to be honoured with this remarkable distinction from industry leaders as the Media and Marketing Company of the year,” says Martin Stewart, CEO, OSN. “This is a true testament to the passion and dedication of the OSN team to delivering premium content in MENA and in leveraging the power of digital technology to engage with our customers.”

Lovin Saudi launches in the Middle East

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New media advertising company, Augustus has launched Lovin Saudi as a part of its expansion plan in the region. Following the launch of its Dubai operations in 2015, Lovin Saudi will operate with local partners and contributors based out of Saudi Arabia with support and back office functions being completed from the group’s regional headquarters in Dubai. The launch will also cover news and lifestyle in Dammam, Khobar, Riyadh and Jeddah as the main cities with content published in English, and officially open its first Saudi-Arabian based office early 2018.

“By understanding and keeping abreast of the ever-changing media landscape, Augustus has cemented Lovin Dubai’s place within the UAE market in what is a short space of time,” says Richard Fitzgerald, Managing Director, Augustus. ”This was done by focusing on quality online and social content. With the launch of Lovin Saudi, the brand will look to do the same in Saudi Arabia, shaking things up and further driving a digital approach within the region.”

Arab News launches new Hajj App

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Saudi Arabian-based newspaper, Arab News has launched new smartphone application, Hajj App. Officially sponsored by the Muslim World League, the Hajj app aims to provide comprehensive coverage of the Hajj pilgrimage and will offer the latest news updates from Arab News as well as live broadcast service. The application will also include features such as an optional pilgrim tracker function to enable users to switch on and share their location, follow family and friends in real time, get emergency call number and a list of all embassies and other important services during Hajj.

“This Arab News and Muslim World League cooperation is an ideal and practical example of a media outlet working with a non-governmental organisation for the public good,” says Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief, Arab News. “Launching this app is part of Arab News’ digital transformation and provides readers and English-speaking pilgrims added value and a very useful service.”