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Arab News win MENAA Award

Saudi Arabian daily newspaper, Arab News has been honored for its recent transformation and achievements at the fourth annual MENAA Awards, that took place on December 15, 2016 at the Burj Al Arab hotel, Dubai. The event recognised Arab News for its progress in the last three months and also awarded the Editor-in-Chief, Faisal J. Abbas, with the Best Business Leaders Award for his leadership skills and work in contributing towards the newspaper’s performance that has created buzz in the media industry, gaining international credit for many recent stories.

“This recognition is dedicated to our Arab News team worldwide, however, the biggest prize we will always continue to aspire for daily is our readers’ continued trust,” says Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief, Arab News.

Arab News welcomes new Columnist

Saudi Arabian daily newspaper, Arab News has welcomed Frank Kane to the role of Columnist. With over 25 years of experience in business journalism in the UK, Frank has worked across various titles including The Financial Times, The Telegraph and Sunday Times and most recently in the UAE as Senior Business Correspondent at The National. In his new role, he will write a bi-weekly column on regional business affairs that will be published on Mondays and Thursdays on the Arab News portal.

“I am happy to have Frank Kane join Arab News as a regular columnist,” says Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief, Arab News. “He brings experience and an informed opinion.”

Several promotions at PHD

The Middle East offices of media and communications agency, PHD, part of Omnicom Media Group, has announced several internal promotions to accommodate their goals of regional expansion and new service offerings.

Hassan Shoker, previously the head of investments for PHD UAE, will now oversee all markets under PHD MENA, including Egypt, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. Ian Dolan has been appointed as the Head of Strategy and Content and will be responsible for the network’s social media and digital solutions. Sandra Essa and Stephanie Medlege have both been promoted to the role of Associate Director – Planning. In their new role, Sandra and Stephanie will further contribute to strategic planning and execution for their client’s success.

“When I joined PHD 8 years ago, it was impossible to predict the incredible journey we were about to have together,” says Elda Choucair, CEO, PHD MENA. “Looking back, it has been a phenomenal experience of growth, not just for me personally or the agency, but also our exceptionally talented team and the brands that are like family to us. These well-deserved promotions are a sign that our collective progress is made up on individual achievements and excellence. Together, with our clients, we are dedicated to continuing this shared journey of growth for the benefit of all.”

iProspect launches in KSA

Digital performance agency, iProspect has launched a new operation in Saudi Arabia. Part of Dentsu Aegis Network, the new agency headquarters will be located in Jeddah with support from the Dentsu Aegis team in Riyadh as well as the iProspect Hub office in Dubai. Headed by Digital Performance Director, Ruark Williams, the agency aims to introduce a wide range of digital marketing services to the Saudi market.

“As the second largest Middle Eastern market, Saudi Arabia presents a huge opportunity,” says Ruark Williams, Digital Performance Director, iProspect. “Digital spends have increased by more than 200% from 2015 to 2016 with continued exponential growth predicted moving into 2017 and beyond. The momentum highlighted the need for an on-ground presence of digital specialists who are able to proactively educate the market and ensure our clients are getting real ROI across all digital platforms.”

Bruce Clay Middle East opens new office

Dubai-based digital marketing agency, Bruce Clay Middle East has launched its first office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as a part of its expansion plan across the Middle East. Following the launch of its new office, Bruce Clay Middle East has appointed Bassam Khaiwi as the General Manager of its Saudi office to help manage and expand operations for the agency in the country and build a strong team as well as offer regional and local clients personalised services to suit their requirements.

“We welcome the addition of Bassam Khaiwi to the Bruce Clay Middle East family,” says James Gaubert, CEO, Bruce Clay Middle East. “Bassam brings a wealth of experience and local knowledge to our team and we are looking forward to replicating our success in the UAE and go beyond that, in Saudi Arabia in the coming months.”

Arab News makes new appointment

Saudi Arabian daily newspaper Arab News has appointed Khaled Almaeena to the role of Editor Emeritus. Former Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper, Almaeena will now play an advisory role in newsroom management, staff coaching and documenting the history of the newspaper.

Arab News is undergoing a major transformation with the intention of taking it forward, international and more digital,” says Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief, Arab News. “However, we are equally proud of our history and keen to preserve it. We believe that there is nobody better suited than Mr. Almaeena – who has served as Editor for more than half of the 41-year old newspaper’s history – to help with that task. In addition, as our new Editor Emeritus, he will be an invaluable mentor to a whole new generation of journalists who will carry Arab News forward in the future.”

Secret PR makes new appointment

Secret PR welcomes Habiba Taleb to the role of Arabic Communications Specialist. With over ten years of experience in media and communications, Habiba previously worked with Radio Msila and most recently with Al Riyadh newspaper as a Correspondent. In her new role, she will work closely with the team to enhance their Arabic capabilities and initiate the move towards an independent Arabic division.

“The demand for Arabic talent is ever growing, especially with regards to Arabic content,” says Sarah Mohamed, Director, Secret PR. “We are proud to have Habiba on our team as she will certainly help us enhance our Arabic capabilities to better serve PR agencies and in-house PR departments across the region.”

Arab News launches revamped website

Saudi Arabian daily newspaper Arab News has re-launched its website with a new design that offers enhanced usability and functionality. The revamped website includes a clearer layout with an opinion section, world news and business reports, as well as a spotlight section featuring key issues in the region and in foreign news.

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.”

Mohammed Rayes joins Arab News

Saudi Arabian daily newspaper Arab News has appointed Mohammed Rayes to the role of Resident Cartoonist. Rayes previously worked with Asharq Al-Awsat, London and more recently Okaz, Saudi Arabia. In his new role, he will be responsible for the all cartoon publication for Arab News on all its print and online media platforms.

“We are extremely pleased to have Mohammed Rayes join us,” says Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief, Arab News. “His cartoons truly have the ability to go beyond borders and I’m the creativity of this truly-talented and self-taught Saudi artist will be appreciated by readers of both our print and online editions.”