Arab Publishing Partners (APP), part of the ITP Group, has announced today a new licensing agreement with London-based Shortlist Media Ltd. The first brand under license will be fashion and lifestyle weekly Stylist, and is set to launch in the UAE in September 2014, introducing the ‘freemium’ magazine sector to the market.
Similar to its UK and French versions, the Arabia edition of Stylist will target cosmopolitan, urban professional women aged 20-40 years. Once launched, the magazine will be the highest circulated women’s weekly title in the market, with a print circulation of 50,000 across the UAE. The magazine will also be made available at five star hotels, airline business class lounges, spas, salons and universities, and will be sent direct to ITP’s extensive female database. An online edition of the magazine will be available from Apple iTunes, and the title will be BPA audited.
“Stylist has taken the UK by storm over the last four years,” says Tim Ewington, Co-Founder and International Director, Shortlist Media. “With our first overseas edition in France now firmly established we are thrilled to be launching into the dynamic Middle East market. We are delighted to be working with APP in the Gulf. They are experienced and professional operators – perfect partners to recreate the same impact that our brand has had in the UK and France in a new region.”
Ali Akawi, Managing Director of APP Group adds, “We are excited to see the APP Group further expand its portfolio and bring the first ‘freemium’ magazine to the Middle East. We look forward to building a large interactive community of readers and are confident we can replicate the success that the brand has had in the UK and France.”
