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The National relaunches in the UAE

Abu Dhabi-based newspaper, The National has relaunched in the UAE following its acquisition by International Media Investments (IMI). The revamped newspaper takes on a new logo and a complete enhancement of its print and digital platforms as well as a focus on its digital content to include daily video content podcasts, live and interactive video interviews, and news across its social media platforms. The National will be available six days a week and will include a new 20-page weekend free supplement showcasing the newspaper’s coverage of arts and culture in the UAE as well as a London Bureau led by Damien McElroy as a Correspondent to ensure the coverage of round-the-clock relevant news. The newspaper will also feature a host of influential commentators across the fields of diplomacy, politics and finance as well as expanded sports and business news.

The new launch includes the appointment of Dan Gledhill to the role of Deputy Editor-in-Chief. Dan brings with him over 20 years of experience in journalism having worked at The Independent and The Daily Mail. In his new role, he will work alongside the Editor-in-Chief, Mina Al Oraibi to oversee the print and digital platforms of the newspaper.

Also joining the new team is Dan Owen, taking on the role of Head of Digital Strategy. Dan previously worked with Trinity Mirror and most recently with Seven Media. In his new role, he will head the digital department and lead the digital transformation of the The National.

The National will have three objectives, create influential and intellectually challenging content, bring the UAE and Abu Dhabi’s perspective to the world, and lead in the region and internationally as a modern and digitally led newsroom,” says Mina Al-Oraibi, Editor-in-Chief, The National. “In short, The National will be your window to and from the Middle East.”

The Independent to end print production

UK-based newspaper The Independent is to cease all print production of its daily paper, as well as The Independent on Sunday, in a move towards a digital-only future. The national publication, launched in 1986, is owned by ESI Media and is due end all print copies by March, 2016. News will then be exclusively available through The Independent’s websites, www.independent.co.uk or www.i100.co.uk, which will later become www.indy100.com. This move follows the sale of The Independent’s tabloid i newspaper to Johnston Press, owner of other British regional titles including the Eastbourne Herald, The Herald Express and the Londonderry Sentinel.

 

Danae Mercer joins Motivate

Danae Mercer has joined the Motivate team as Features Editor. Most recently, Danae worked as a freelance journalist in London, contributing to a range of features across titles that included USA TodayThe GuardianThe IndependentThe TelegraphMarie Claire and THE. Simultaneously, Danae was Account Manager for financial and corporate PR firm Kwittken & Company, where she managed highly technical international accounts. In her new position, Danae will work primarily on Jumeirah, with a focus on lifestyle and luxury.

“I’m excited,” says Danae. “It’s the first time I’ve seen sun in what feels like years (thank you, London), the office has a great environment and the magazine has a fantastic legacy combined with serious future potential. How can I argue with that?”