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New Russian magazine to launch in UAE

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A new Russian language magazine is due to hit the newsstands this December called “Iskusstvo Zhit”, a direct translation of The Art of Living. The monthly luxury lifestyle magazine is intended for modern Russian-speaking residents of the UAE as well as Russian tourists. The title is published by the newly formed New Life Media Group, will be available in two sizes – regular and travel size – and will have a circulation of 15,000 issues per month.

“We are really excited that after a lot of hard work, Iskusstvo Zhit/The Art of Living is ready for launch,” says Dmitry Dolzhanskiy, Co-Founder of Iskusstvo Zhit/The Art of Living and New Life Media Group. “Our target is to promote the culture of the UAE for the minds of our readers and follow the social life of the UAE. The magazine’s appealing design and universal consumer topics position The Art of Living as a top quality publication for today’s consumer.”

Editor-in-Chief of the magazine and Co-Founder of New Life Media Group is Denis A.K who has worked for a number of publications in Russia such as Fashion Collection, Iskusstvo Potreblenia and Sobaka. The title will primarily target women and will cover fashion, beauty, celebrity interviews, bars, restaurants, gadgets, lifestyle and travel.

Whatson.ae goes live

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Motivate Publishing has today increased its online presence with the launch of WhatsOn.ae. The platform, which bills itself as the go-to guide for expert opinion, insider info, news, reviews, entertainment, competitions and more, will complement the print magazine, while offering its own unique content.

“We’re really proud of what we have created, especially with the launch campaign which celebrates 35 years of Dubai (http://whatson.ae/dubai/knowledge/3081/35-years-of-whats-on-dubai/),” says Matthew Fortune, WhatsOn.ae’s Web Editor. “As the longest-running entertainment magazine in the region, we’re  in a unique position at having watched this incredible city grow into the exciting hub it is today. We hope this is shown in the engaging content we have delivered on WhatsOn.ae. Long may our – and the city’s – expansion continue.”

Shortlist announced for Effie Mena Awards 2013

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Today, GMR formally announced the finalists in the Effie Mena Awards 2013. The final winners, drawn from every corner of the region, will be announced during the awards ceremony on November 20 in Dubai. There are 17 award categories and the shortlist is decided by a mix of votes and judged decisions. This year’s judging panel is made up of leading figures across the marketing industry.

The number of entries for the sell-out event has doubled from last year and builds on the 47 per cent increase registered in 2012. Wider geographical participation is also at its highest with the Netherlands, the UK and Singapore submitting entries for the first time. The UAE, however, leads, submitting 60 per cent of all entries followed by Saudi Arabia – which increased its participation from last year – Egypt and Lebanon. Qatar, Iraq, Tunisia and Oman also increased their participation.

“These awards, in their various incarnations from the original GEMAS in 2003 through to The Effie Mena Awards, are celebrating their tenth anniversary, so we’re delighted that it has also turned into a record-breaking occasion,” says Alexandre Hawari, co-CEO of organisers, Mediaquest Events and publisher of GMR. “We’re delighted not only to attract more such a large number of entries, but that they come from all across the Mena region and beyond. This is a testament to the credibility and prestige of the awards.”

The winners can go onto be cited in the Effie Effectiveness Index, which ranks the most effective agencies and advertisers points based on finalist and winner data from 40 worldwide Effie Award competitions.

The awards presentation ceremony takes place at Music Hall, Zabeel Saray Dubai, on November 20. Choueiri Group sponsors the after party. To view the complete Effie Mena Awards 2013 shortlist, visit www.effiemena.com.

New Digital Editor for New You magazine

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New You magazine has appointed a new Digital Editor, Handan Darici, who will be responsible for the entire digital environment of New You magazine. Handan will oversee the running and design of the New You website, including administration and full content editing. She will also be responsible for managing the social media marketing to ensure cohesive brand integrity and the successful integration of all media platforms – including the online boutique that recently launched.

“As a Digital Editor and Social Media Strategist I design, manage and deliver e-commerce strategy for the optimum success of our online boutique. There is nothing like working in a field that has a genuine focus and is growing exponentially,” says Handan.

Forbes ME to celebrate Global Meets Local study

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Forbes Middle East is to hold a grand celebration party tomorrow evening to recognise the significant impact made by the MENA region’s leading executives, which is revealed in its “Global Meets Local” study of the talent leading the MENA operations of some of the most renowned global corporations. The study includes the top 100 CEOs, directors and executive management driving the regional success of global corporations with established bases in the Middle East and North Africa.

“This study honours the region’s impressive talent pool heading up the MENA operations of global corporate powerhouses,” says Forbes Middle East’s Editor-in-Chief, Khuloud Al Omian. “These individuals and the companies that they are driving into the future are playing a vital role, not only in ensuring the success of their corporations, but that of their national and regional economies too.”

With the prestigious FORBES Global 2000 — a ranking of the biggest, most powerful, and most valuable publicly listed companies in the world — as a basis for research, the findings of Forbes Middle East’s innovative study highlight the significance of the MENA region and its top executives on the global corporate stage. The study culminates in a ranking of the top 100 MENA-based business leaders and executives at the helm of their companies. Complementing the ranking is a stellar lineup of 20 well-established professionals who, although yet to complete 12 months in their roles, boast impressive track records in their respective industries.

Joelle Mardinian wins “Businesswoman of the Year”

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The Arabian Business Achievement Awards organised by ITP’s Arabian Business magazine awarded media personality Joelle Mardinian “Businesswoman of the Year” for her continuous success and achievements in the Middle East. The ceremony was held at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai in the presence of Mr. Tony Blair, Former UK Prime Minister, who appeared as the guest of honour and keynote speaker.

“This award is an important milestone in my life and reinforces my passion for the beauty industry,” says Joelle Mardinian, a renowned TV personality. “I will keep on pursuing my dreams, work hard to overcome challenges, and hopefully celebrate further success with my family, friends, and fans” she added.

Joelle Mardinian is the owner of the “Maison de Joelle” chain of beauty salons present across the region including UAE, KSA and Qatar. Joelle recently opened her first cosmetic clinic “Clinica Joelle” and launched her professional skin and hair care products.

New Regional Managing Director for UM MENA

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Middle East Communication Network (MCN), has announced Chris Skinner as the new Regional Managing Director of UM MENA. A British national with more than 18 years’ industry experience, Skinner has worked in senior level positions at global agencies in some of the world’s most important media markets, including London and Hong Kong. He joins UM MENA after a six-year tenure at IPG’s Mediabrands in Hong Kong, where he led UM and Initiative as Managing Director and led integrated campaigns for The Coca-Cola Group, Boots International, Cathay Pacific, Exxon Mobil, MasterCard, CNN International and Microsoft, among others.

“Chris has an impressive track record of success and his key strengths of developing strategic campaigns, building diversity and additional services – including digital assets – as well as pushing the boundaries of service, content and integration will prove great assets to MCN,” says Ghassan Harfouche, Group CEO of MCN. “The high-level appointment is further proof that the keystone to MCN evolving its product offering is acquiring the best human capital available.”

Paul Katrib, who has been leading UM MENA for the past three years will be moving on to pursue other professional projects. “MCN would like to thank Paul for all his efforts and achievements during his longstanding tenure at the company and offer him their very best wishes for his future,” added Harfouche.

International recognition for McCann Worldgroup

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McCann Worldgroup was recognised in Advertising Age & Creativity magazine’s Annual Awards Report as the third most “Creatively Awarded Network,” with McCann Melbourne ranked as the most “Creatively Awarded Agency.”

This recognition comes in a year in which McCann’s creative awards performance netted it honours as “Agency of the Year” in New York and as “Network of the Year” in both Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific, along with other major creative awards recognition globally. The Advertising Age & Creativity magazine report also recognised McCann Melbourne’s “Dumb Ways to Die” campaign for Metro Trains Australia as the “Most Awarded Campaign” of the year and its creative leaders John Mescall and Pat Baron as the two highest-ranked creative directors in the entire global advertising industry.

“This is a terrific achievement for the entire McCann network, highlighted by the tremendous success of our Melbourne office,” said Harris Diamond, Chairman and CEO of McCann Worldgroup. “The recognition across categories from digital to integrated, film to design, is a testament to the great work all of our staff has been doing around the world. This is work that not only continues to win the admiration of our peers, but also drives our clients’ businesses forward.”

Along with this record of creative recognition, McCann this year added several new global and regional clients, including the consolidation of the Chevrolet business globally, the addition of Zurich Insurance and SABIC to the network’s global roster, and new U.S. clients including the U.S. Postal Service, Lockheed Martin and Jose Cuervo.