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New sports website set to launch in the region

Dubai-based consulting agency, Interact Events is set to launch SportIndustryInsider.com in February 2018. SportIndustryInsider.com is an online sports website that will focus on sports business news and content from across the UAE and Gulf region. The new platform will also include monthly newsletters to be sent to its database of influential figures in the industry.

The new launch will also see the appointment of Mark Lomas to the role of Editor, having previously worked with ESPN as Editor and as a journalist in the UK before moving to the UAE. Mark most recently worked with Sport360 as Digital Managing Editor. In his new role, he will be responsible for curating content for the website and working on strategies for the brand’s development across the region.

SportIndustryInsider.com, with its website and a monthly newsletter that reaches the major players in the Gulf’s thriving sports sector, is focused on stories around the business of sport,” says Mark Lomas, Editor, Sport Industry Insider. “From sponsorship deals to new sporting events, we will have our fingers on the pulse to provide news stories and in-depth features.”

VICE Arabia launches operations

Global media brand, VICE Arabia has launched operations across the region. Headquartered in the UAE, vice.com./ar provides a mix of locally and internationally produced video programming, as well as editorial and social content targeted at the region’s youth population.

Islam Alrayyes takes on the role of Editor-in-Chief and brings a wealth of experience in the Middle East media industry, having previously worked as Editor-in-chief at Sport360 and Head of Digital Content at admcsport.com, part of Abu Dhabi Media. In his new role, he will lead the team of writers, editors, directors and producers to launch its digital operations across the region.

VICE Arabia’s Managing Director, Jason Leavy will handle broader operations and comes with over 20 years of media, communications, publishing and marketing experience. Jason most recently worked with Edelman DABO as Managing Director and will now work alongside the editorial, content and commercial teams. He will be responsible for VICE Arabia’s creative and strategic development across all mediums as a part of the brand’s expansion plan across the region.

Reporting to Jason Leavy is Firas Breais – Head of Sales, Ciaran Bonass – Creative Director and Anas Al Hakim – Senior Creative.

Also joining the new team from its UK office is Aws Al-Jezairy who holds the role of Managing Editor, having helped launch VICE News in the UK. Emma Hill is Head of Production, Badar Salem and Wael Mamdouh are Online Editors, Ameer Daou is Social Editor and Majd Abi Ali is Audience Development Manager.

“VICE Arabia will bring together pan-Arab youth and stand out as the platform for them to tell their own stories and talk about what matters to them,” says Islam Alrayyes, Editor-in-Chief, VICE Arabia. “In a region woven in a rich cultural fabric and with increasingly prominent new voices and talent – from innovators to artists – VICE will showcase the work of those making an impact.”