Posts

Natasha Ekstedt launches blog

PR professional and Co-Founder of coffee communications, Natasha Ekstedt, has launched lifestyle blog www.natashaekstedt.com. The blog is a journey through Natasha’s passion for the arts, fashion, beauty and food with seven sections:

– Fashion: latest trends in the fashion Industry

– Primp: hair & beauty

– Get Fit: health & fitness

– Edible Obsession: Recipes (healthy & treats)

– Decorate: interior decorating ideas

– Craft: DIY for home fixes to festive occasion gift ideas

– Obsessed: current obsessions

“Being of Saudi, Indian and French origin, I got a golden chance to travel around the world and closely observe fashion sense of people living in different countries, says Natasha. “My keen interest in beauty & lifestyle encouraged me to learn varied cultural aspects that go behind wardrobe building, beauty treatments, home décor, art & crafts designing and food as well.”

Dee Mohamud joins Aziza Communications

Style blogger Dee Mohamud has joined luxury lifestyle PR agency Aziza Communications as PR Executive. As Founder of streetstylesavvy.com, Dee is experienced with creating fresh and eye-catching content and staying up-to-date with the latest online trends. At Aziza Communications, Dee will work across fashion and beauty accounts, developing engaging content and assisting with digital account development.

“I’ve always wanted to work in PR and in the luxury lifestyle field, so to join Aziza Communications is very exciting,” says Dee. “I love fashion and being creative, so this really is the perfect match.”

Loubna Elfakri, Account Director, Aziza Communications adds: “We are expanding our digital capabilities considerably at Aziza Communications and Dee joining the team only adds to the strength of this offering. As a respected blogger and digital influencer in the lifestyle field, Dee will offer invaluable insight to clients.”

Nitesh Patel joins Secret PR

Dubai-based PR service provider, Secret PR has appointed Nitesh Patel as Business Development Manager. Previously Business Development Manager for The Oath Legal Magazine, Nitesh brings with him 16 years of experience in sales and customer service. In his new role, Nitesh will be responsible for building and maintaining Secret PR’s client portfolio and aiding in business growth.

“I am very excited to be joining Secret PR,” says Nitesh. “This is a new challenge for me and I believe my experience will allow me the opportunity to really shape the future of the business. I am very happy to be part of this young, dynamic and professional team.”

For further information, contact Nitesh Patel at specialagent.patel@secret-pr.com / +971 (0)55 293 8899

Emirates NBD named Advertiser of the Year

The Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity will honour Emirates NBD as Advertiser of the Year at the 10th edition of Dubai Lynx in March 2016. Having received 15 trophies over the last three years at Dubai Lynx, Emirates NBD is the first bank in the last ten years to be named Advertiser of the year and received a Grand Prix at the Dubai Lynx 2015 with the ‘Hey Future Me…’ campaign created by FP7/DXB for Children’s Savings Plans.

“Every year as organisers we choose the brand that has truly stood out as being creatively brave and willing to take risks,” says Terry Savage, Chairman, Lions Festivals. “Dubai Lynx believes that the more creative a business, the better return they will see, and we are delighted to honour Emirates NBD with this in 2016.”

Vikram Krishna, Head – Group Marketing & Customer Experience, Emirates NBD adds, “We are delighted to be the first ever bank to be named Advertiser of the Year. Over the years, Emirates NBD has created marketing campaigns that engage with customers in ever more creative ways. As with our products and services, Emirates NBD’s advertising campaigns are about challenging the status quo and breaking new ground.”

The Dubai Lynx Festival takes place from March 6 – March 8, 2016, with the Awards Ceremony bringing it to a close on March 9, 2016. Entries are currently being accepted at www.dubailynx.com, where details of how to be there can also be found.

Laila Clarke joins The Studio

The Studio Dubai has appointed Laila Clarke as Head of Client Servicing and Sales. Laila has over eight years of experience in event management working with clients that include; Coca-Cola, KPMG and Philip Morris. She relocated from London to Dubai earlier this year and in her previous role worked with Meraas Holding on Royal events.

“I am really excited to be working at The Studio to develop and grow the Corporate & Events division,” says Laila. “I feel that there are so many photography opportunities in the market and I am looking forward to getting The Studio lined up for as many of them as many as possible.”

The Studio is part of Linktia, a Dubai-based group made up of brands including Bareface Productions, arabianEye Productions, Alchemy Films, Aperto Middle East, Magnet Photo Productions and Corbis.

HOT Media Publishing launches new monthly

HOT Media Publishing will launch new Dubai guide, DXB City Expert on December 2, 2015. The new 80-page monthly guide will be available to dnata Travel customers with a circulation of 40,000 copies and will showcase Dubai’s must-have visitor experiences to inbound tourists through its print and digital versions.

“As a large travel company in the Middle East, dnata Travel welcomes over 3 million visitors to Dubai each year. It’s almost impossible to travel to Dubai without enjoying the services of one of dnata’s entities – even if you didn’t book with one of our international travel agency and holiday brands, you could be greeted on arrival by our Marhaba services, transfer to your hotel in one of our chauffeured cars, explore Dubai on one of our City Sightseeing buses, or enjoy one of our market-leading activities booked through Arabian Adventures,” says Iain Andrew, Divisional Senior Vice President, dnata Travel. “We love Dubai, and we want to make sure our guests love our home as much as we do. That is why we are launching the ultimate tourist guide to Dubai exclusively for our customers. DXB City Expert will be an edit of the city’s best restaurants, activities, events, shopping and tours, and will be handed and emailed to our customers. The guide’s monthly frequency, and vastly experienced editorial team, will ensure DXB City Expert is always up to date with the latest additions to this uniquely brilliant city of ours.”

Victoria Thatcher, Managing Director, HOT Media Publishing adds, “Following the ongoing success of World Traveller magazine, HOT Media is delighted to once again partner with dnata Travel to produce a publication for its customers. As we approach our 10th year of publishing in Dubai, we can’t wait to launch this exciting guide and ensure that dnata’s customers maximise their holiday experiences in our favourite city. DXB City Expert will showcase all that Dubai has to offer in a monthly format and will give Dubai’s tourism stakeholders unprecedented access to affluent Dubai visitors. The guide will reach visitors via multi platforms, both offline and online but, more importantly, it will reach them before they have even made it to their hotel, giving advertisers the chance to make a lasting first impression.”

Loubna Elfakri joins Aziza Communications

Luxury lifestyle PR agency Aziza Communications has appointed Loubna Elfakri as Account Director. Having worked as in-house Communications Manager for fashion label Rami Al Ali for the past four years, Loubna brings with her an abundance of experience in the field of fashion communication and brand building. At Aziza Communications, Loubna will be responsible for PR strategy and overseeing key client accounts across the region.

“Having worked closely with Loubna over the past four years, we developed a great working relationship and she has long been considered part of our team,” says Jill Downie, Managing Director, Aziza Communications. “As a fashion-focused PR agency, a fully rounded understanding of the industry was essential for this role and with Loubna’s experience spanning everything from buyer relations and production to celebrity dressing and fashion show coordination, we are now able to offer a full consultancy service, on top of an excellent PR and digital package.”

Loubna adds, “As a client, Aziza Communications always impressed me with their detailed knowledge of the fashion industry and their dedication to the brand. It’s a beautiful opportunity that arose and I’m excited to contribute to the growth of the company and make a positive impact on our client’s brands.”

FlipFlop Media welcomes Junaid Rafique

FlipFlop Media has welcomed Junaid Rafique to the role of Director. Having previously worked as Senior Manager for BGreen magazine where he was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the publication and events related to sustainability, Junaid brings 15 years of media experience to his new role. As Director, he will be using his existing contacts to help generate growth across business lines, as well as helping with ideas and strategy, with a specific focus on Future Cities magazine.

“I’m thrilled to be joining FlipFlop Media,” says Junaid. “Future Cities is an exciting project with huge potential as it holistically covers key elements of a city that enable it to function most effectively. Healthy, well-planned and sustainable cities define the success of states.”

Solo Zone Design launches

Ahmed Krounz has launched Solo Zone Design in Dubai. The agency will provide consulting, brand communication and visual design services including production when required, working within IT, banking, food and beverage, retail and hospitality industries. Ahmed Krounz will be working as Art Director, as well as Founder, for the company, bringing with him over 12 years of experience in media, where he has worked across clients such as Dubai Silicon Oasis, DIFC and Etihad Airways. Solo Zone Design is now open in Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre (DTEC), located in Dubai Silicon Oasis.

“My previous experience working with international agencies has formed the mentality I’ve taken with creating Solo Zone Design,” says Ahmed. “Yes, we’re a small agency, but we’re equipped with a quality of invention and execution for which you’d usually have to pay top dollar. Our size affords us a competitive edge and a flexibility not available to others in the market with whom we aim to compete.”