PR Newswire

Increasing adoption of Broadband Internet in the Arab World is set to boost convergence-based services

editor — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:14:00 +0000

Under the patronage of HE Eng. Bassem Al Rousan, Jordan’s Minister of ICT, the Fifth Annual Media and Telecommunications Convergence Conference, set to take place in Amman on the 2nd and 3rd of June, comes as the Arab World’s telecommunications and broadcast entertainment markets continue to experience strong growth in telecom subscribers and more competition, according to regional research house and conference organizer Arab Advisors Group, a member of the Arab Jordan Investment Bank Group.

By end of 2007, fixed line broadband penetration as a percent of total population ranged from 8% in Qatar to a mere 0.02% in Sudan in the Arab World. Qatar, UAE and Bahrain lead with 8%, 7.8% and 7% respectively. They are followed by Saudi Arabia (2.4%), Jordan (1.6%), Palestine (1.5%), Morocco (1.5%), Tunisia (1.1%), Lebanon (1%), Algeria (0.9%), Oman (0.7%), Egypt (0.6%), Mauritania (around 0.1%), Yemen (0.05%), Syria (0.04%) and Sudan (0.02%).

“While absolute broadband penetration in the Arab World may seem low by industrial countries standards, the effective household broadband penetration is much higher. This is related to higher number of people per household as well as line sharing. For example, a new Arab Advisors survey in Egypt revealed that 63.4% of Egyptian households that use the ADSL service, share their ADSL connection with neighbors. A massive 81.9% of households that use shared ADSL lines share them with more than three neighboring households.” Jawad J. Abbassi, Founder and General Manager of Arab Advisors Group noted. “Based on the survey results, the average number of households sharing one ADSL connection is 2.98. Multiplying the reported number of lines by this figure yields an estimate for households with ADSL connections in Egypt of 956,000 households by end of 2007, much higher than the number of accounts. While ADSL sharing is illegal in many countries and does negatively affect quality, the Arab Advisors Group believes that the practice is widespread in the Arab World. The silver lining is that more households are connected to broadband Internet services which would positively affect adoption of Internet-based services such as e-commerce, multimedia, user generated content and e-government services.” Mr. Abbassi added.

The Arab World’s Telecom and broadcast media boom will re-define the traditional boundaries that separated media and telecom companies and enable convergent services as operators chase revenues in non-traditional areas. Speakers and delegates at Arab Advisors’ Media and Telecommunications Convergence Conference 2008 will deliberate threats and opportunities inherent in this landscape change.

The Zain Group is the Main Sponsor of the Arab Advisors’ Fifth Annual Media and Telecommunications Convergence Conference 2008. Zain (formerly known as MTC) is the pioneer of mobile telecommunications in the Middle East and now a major player on the African continent. Today, the Zain Group is a leading wireless services provider and the 4th largest telecommunications company in the world in terms of geographic presence with a footprint in 7 Middle Eastern and 14 sub-Saharan countries, providing mobile voice and data services to over 45.7 million active individual and business customers. The company’s mobile telecommunications operations in Ghana will begin later in 2008.

The annual conference also received the support and sponsorship from Jawwal (Palestine), ESKADENIA Software (Jordan), GLOBITEL (Jordan), QUALCOMM, SIGNAL Communications - PRIMUSTEL (Jordan), Ericsson, Orange (Jordan), Greenpacket Networks (Bahrain) and Optimiza.

38 visionary executives and industry leaders will address the conference. Close to 400 delegates from 86 different companies already confirmed their attendance. As part of its vision to advance the knowledge and technology industries in the Arab World, the Arab Advisors Group has waived the delegate fees for telecom and broadcast operators. As for paying delegates, they receive their choice of Arab Advisors Group reports for the same value of the registration fees.

The Fifth Annual Media and Telecommunications Convergence Conference 2008 will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Amman on June 2&3 2008 with the backing of 10 global and regional operators and companies. Furthermore, 16 global and regional companies will also be exhibiting at the conference.

For more details and Online Registration please visit the conference web site.

OMD Digital breaks new ground, adds in-game and mobile advertising services

editor — Tue, 13 May 2008 22:00:13 +0000

In a regional first, OMD Digital, a company of the Omnicom Media Group, has successfully launched an in-game advertising campaign targeting the highly sought-after youth market in Saudi Arabia. This new offering from OMD Digital is the latest in its rapidly expanding portfolio of digital advertising services.

Thanks to the ground-breaking initiative, companies now have the opportunity to promote their brands in popular games through pre-defined billboards, such as virtual banners, street signs and other outdoor advertising spaces, adding a touch of reality to virtual worlds.

For its initial project, OMD Digital bought 250,000 impressions over two months in Saudi homes, across major X-Box and PC titles, including Burnout (X-Box 360), Guitar Hero (PC and X-Box 360), Tony Hawk’s Wasteland (PC and X Box 360), NFS Pro Street (PC and X-Box 360), Pro Evolution Soccer (PC and X-Box 360). The ads are downloaded onto new-generation game consoles and PCs linked to the Internet.

This is the first time this technology has been deployed in the region and in doing so, OMD Digital has created a welcome new revenue stream for game developers who face high levels of piracy in the Middle East.

“This is a hugely exciting new adventure,” commented Dimitri Metaxas, group director of OMD Digital. “Gaming is a very significant hobby for the Saudi youth, both males and females, and as such presents vast opportunities for brands to play a role in this activity and capitalize on their target audience’s interest. We are thrilled to be the first agency to develop such an operation in the Arab world.” He added that in-gaming also provides a great platform for clients who want to differentiate themselves from their competition.

Another part of the new offering is mobile advertising. With record-high penetration levels and a large proportion of handsets in the region featuring the latest technologies, mobile phones are a valuable media channel for advertisers. OMD Digital is working on services covering mobile search, mobile social networking and location-based services.

To manage this foray into in-gaming and mobile advertising, OMD Digital has recruited Philip Schilling as Director of Planning. He has worked in Japan, USA, Belgium, Germany and Dubai, bringing with him a valuable online and digital business experience. Demonstrating his innovation credentials, Schilling co-founded a company in Munich, the first online music download store before iTunes was set up.

“Philip adds yet another string to our bow,” Metaxas explained. “Both on the personal and technical level, he fits very well with our team and our client portfolio. He also comes at a time when Web 2.0 is seriously taking hold in the region with advertisers looking for more and more innovative solutions.”

“There can be no doubt that the future is digital and that the region is set on an exciting course,” added Schilling. “The Middle East is fast closing the gap with the West and it’s a privilege to be a part of this. I’m particularly looking forward to working with the team at OMD Digital, who have amply demonstrated their ability to innovate and raise the bar here.”

This couldn’t have more fully illustrated than by OMD Digital’s success at the recent Dubai Lynx Awards, winning two awards, including one gold, for its work on the Barclays Bank and Pepsi accounts in the Best Use of the Internet/New Media category.

New weekly business magazine for the Gulf

editor — Tue, 13 May 2008 08:22:08 +0000

The Gulf, a new international weekly business magazine covering the six countries of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), made its debut on 10th of May.

Published by the international division of the Bahrain-based Al Hilal Group, The Gulf aims to fill a gap in the market for authoritative reporting and commentary on the Gulf region, focusing on business, financial and economic developments. “We will be providing high-quality analysis, insight, opinion and data on the core markets of the Middle East,” editor Digby Lidstone said. “We are combining a weekly magazine with online news and information resources. The Gulf is an essential source of business intelligence for anyone with an interest in this dynamic region.” Lidstone was formerly the features editor of the London-based weekly Middle East Economic Digest (MEED).

The magazine has contributors in Asia, the Far East, Europe and North America. “We have also recruited an experienced international editorial team from around the world who are based in Bahrain giving the magazine a solid and professional base of reporting and analysis,” commented Abdullah Jonathan Wallace, The Gulf’s publishing director. “Given Al Hilal’s 30-year history as a pan-Arab publishing house based in Bahrain, we are drawing on our core competencies and contacts to provide insight and analysis on the booming markets of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait in particular, which have been traditionally under-reported elsewhere,” he said.

Wallace, who was the owner and editor-in-chief of MEED for 30 years, has put together a controlled circulation base of over 11,000, two-thirds in the GCC. “We have drawn on Al Hilal’s huge databank of executives in all areas of industry, government, finance and commerce throughout the region. We shall be circulating copies in a rotating pattern, offering free copies for a month and then soliciting paid subscriptions. Advertisers are guaranteed a weekly circulation of well over 5,500 copies,” Wallace added.

The Gulf will also be available on bookstalls throughout the GCC and in key cities elsewhere such as London, Paris, New York, Singapore, Beijing and Hong Kong. However, only subscribers will have privileged access to the magazine’s online news portal: www.thegulfonline.com.

The first, 52-page, issue majors on the reality of the Gulf’s nuclear ambitions. Other leading stories include the rise of Abu Dhabi, the creeping threat of inflation and growing speculation in the property market.

The Gulf is the latest magazine in a stable of titles that includes: the daily Akhbar Al Khaleej and the Gulf Daily News; Gulf Weekly; Oil & Gas News; Arabian Knight; Arabian Lady; Clientele; Gulf Construction; Gulf Industry; Middle East Medical, Oil & Gas News and Travel & Tourism News.

“Our portal tradearabia.com is now regarded as one of the region’s best for business news and information and is the repository of Al Hilal Group’s editorial knowledge going back to the year 2000,” said Ronnie Middleton, Al Hilal’s Managing Director. “Adding The Gulf to our output will strengthen and develop both tradearabia.com and all our other titles.”

Over the last 30 years, Al Hilal Group has expanded and diversified into a range of ancillary activities. These include Hilal Computers (an IT solutions provider); Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions.

Yousef Tuqan Tuqan and Mohammad Itani appointed as CEOs for Flip Media and Neo Digital

editor — Mon, 12 May 2008 06:07:18 +0000

Left to right: Dinesh Lalvani, Yousef Tuqan Tuqan, Mohammad Itani and Martin Diessner.

Flip Holding Ltd is delighted to announce the promotion of Yousef Tuqan Tuqan and Mohammad Itani as CEOs for Flip Media and Neo Digital.

Yousef Tuqan Tuqan has been promoted to CEO of Flip Media, with overall responsibility for the development and growth of the largest interactive agency in the Middle East.

An industry veteran with over 11 years of regional experience, Yousef has served as Account Director at Flip Media since 2005, and has been responsible for business development and client servicing for the agency.

“Yousef has been one of our most vocal ambassadors, and has played a leading role in growing our agency into a global network of 150 dedicated Internet professionals.

His passion and experience have been invaluable in maintaining our leadership position, and this promotion is a vote of confidence in his ability to lead Flip Media into its next phase of growth,” said Managing Partner Dinesh Lalvani, Flip’s cofounder.

Mohammad Itani has been promoted to CEO of Neo Digital, Flip’s sister agency and the first dedicated online media agency in the Middle East. Mohammad has served as Head of Media since 2005, and has been instrumental in the growth of the agency and its reach beyond Dubai.

He has also been involved in the development of Neo Digital’s Search Engine Marketing team, which boasts 4 full-time specialists and one of the largest booking volumes in the region.

According to Flip Holdings’ Group CEO Martin Diessner, “Mohammad has shown great leadership in times of ongoing change in the industry, and has earned the respect and admiration of his clients, his team and his partners across the online media landscape.

I am confident that Neo Digital can continue to maintain its position as the fastest-growing and most innovative independent online media agency in the region.”

Managing Partners Dinesh Lalvani and Martin Diessner will continue their daily involvement in the group’s operation from Dubai, with a greater focus on the development of Brand Central, the most powerful enterprise-class advertising management and serving solution in the Middle East; and Chameleon, Flip Media’s complete website content management solution.

According to Dinesh “these key promotions represent a vote of confidence in Yousef and Mohammad to continue to lead their agencies into their next stage of development.

Both have been the faces of Flip Media and Neo Digital since their appointment in 2005, and we are proud to work alongside them as we continue to offer the best and most comprehensive digital marketing solutions in the region.”

UAE's push on press freedom

editor — Sun, 04 May 2008 05:42:56 +0000

As the UN celebrated World Press Freedom Day on 3rd May, the UAE claims it is one of the leading countries in the region in press freedom and in pushing for human rights.

The UAE has passed a decree that journalists should not be jailed for their work. While ownership and government's licencing approval for publications still hang as one issue posed against level of freedom, journalists in the UAE claim press freedom is being exercised in the country.

Khaleej Times showcases three decades of excellence at unique photographic exhibition

editor — Mon, 05 May 2008 20:41:55 +0000

Khaleej Times, the UAE's first English language newspaper, has launched a unique traveling exhibition that showcases three decades of journalism excellence, during a period that also saw Dubai's transformation from a small trading port to an international destination.

The exhibition titled 'Marking Moments in Time' is part of celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of Khaleej Times. The exhibition was inaugurated at the Observatory in BurJuman by Mr. Majid Saif Al Ghurair, President of BurJuman in the presence of Mr. Saad Abdul Razak, Managing Director of Investment Corporation of Dubai and Mr. Adel Abdul Aziz Al Shirawi, Chairman, Khaleej Times.

The exhibition will be held at BurJuman till May 9 before it makes its way to other popular shopping malls in the UAE. From May 11 to May 18, it will be held at the Boulevard, Emirates Towers and from May 20 to May 26 at Sharjah City Centre. The exhibition will again return to Dubai on June 1 when it will be held at Deira City Centre, for one week. From June 9 to June 15, it will be held at Mall of the Emirates before concluding its journey at Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi from June 18 to June 24.

On display are over 60 rare photographs captured by Khaleej Times lens men and wire agencies that cover the newspaper's journey over the past three decades, as well as pay tribute to the rapid development of Dubai, and its emergence as an international centre of excellence.

Mr. Adel Abdul Aziz Al Shirawi, Chairman, Khaleej Times, said: 'By virtue of it being launched just about the time when Dubai was busy laying the foundation for its phenomenal growth, Khaleej Times was fortunate to capture many of those defining moments that shaped the history of this emirate. Today, as it celebrates a historic 30th anniversary, Khaleej Times can proudly look back on the numerous milestones that were reached during three decades of news excellence.'

Arab Broadcast Forum to be aired for first time on Mobile TV

editor — Sat, 03 May 2008 11:18:04 +0000

Etisalat and the organizers of the Arab Broadcast Forum announced that this year's conference can be viewed for the first time on mobile phones, using Etisalat's Mobile TV service.

Any Etisalat customer with a 3G or 3.5G enabled mobile phone can subscribe to its mobile TV service by sending an SMS to 1010 with the message 'r mtv', and then tune into the conference by selecting Abu Dhabi TV from the menu of options.

Ahmed bin Ali, Vice President Corporate Communications at Etisalat said: 'The UAE today is the most connected nation in the Middle East, with the highest penetration of mobile, Internet and 3G subscribers. This creates an environment that encourages the dynamic creation of rich content.

Technology is opening opportunities for anyone to participate in the reporting of news, for example, and a growing pool of citizen journalists is emerging in the UAE as it is in the rest of the world. As such, it is appropriate that we are enabling this new generation of content producers to view the Arab Broadcast Forum over Mobile TV, as well as over traditional broadcast media and help as many people as possible to participate in the development of the industry'.

The Arab Broadcast Forum is taking place at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi between the 4th and 5th of May, and will bring together the leading thinkers in the broadcast industry to discuss topics such as 'The Arab League Media Charter' and the continuing growth of 'citizen journalists' and their increasing contribution to news content.

The entire conference will be broadcast LIVE on Abu Dhabi TV which is the official host broadcaster for the conference, and also one of the channels offered across Etisalat's Mobile TV service.

Edward Borgerding, CEO of Abu Dhabi Media Company said: 'Abu Dhabi TV is proud to once again serve as host broadcaster for this prestigious event. The Arabic media landscape is rapidly changing, fuelled by an ever-increasing pool of talented professionals. As technology is a key enabler of the media, and increasingly of television content, we are delighted that subscribers to Etisalat's Mobile TV service will be able to tune into the full live conference for the first time in 2008'.

Etisalat is the Diamond Sponsor of the conference and will be demonstrating its expertise in mobile TV and other multimedia services throughout the Forum.

Etisalat has been demonstrating the value of its Mobile TV services in the UAE for many years and is the region's pioneer in this technology.

It has broadcast many sporting events in previous years, in preparation for the commercial launch of its subscription-based service last year. Etisalat has since introduced similar services in Egypt and Saudi Arabia through its subsidiaries Etisalat Misr and Mobily.

Today, subscribers can access 15 channels including Abu Dhabi Sports, Abu Dhabi TV, Al Arabiya, Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera International, BBC World, CNBC Arabia, Dubai Sports, Emirates TV, MBC1, Sama Dubai, Melody Aflam, sharjah, Kairali and Melody Hits.

Mobile TV uses Etisalat's extensive 3.5G network, which covers more than 98% of the populated areas of the UAE.

To subscribe to the service, customers should have an appropriate 3G or 3.5G-enabled device and SMS 'r mtv' to 1010.

"Sorouh Faces" succeeds in raising $1million for UAE Charities & World record-equalling poster unveiled

editor — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:01:42 +0000

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sorouh Real Estate P.J.S.C announced today that it had succeeded in reaching its target of raising US$ 1 million through its world record-breaking Sorouh Faces campaign, as it unveiled a poster made up of one million pictures.

The poster, which will replace the current world record-holding poster on the final approaches into Dubai International Airport, will cover an area of 20,000m2. Images were submitted through a dedicated website and via promotions teams who went to schools, universities and some of Sorouh’s major events and exhibitions throughout the Emirates – and for each image submitted, the company committed US$1 to charity.

At today’s launch, Sorouh, the leading Abu Dhabi-based real estate company handed over a US1$ million cheque to the UAE Red Crescent for a new charitable fund. This new fund, which will be managed by UAE Red Crescent, will help to improve housing conditions of underprivileged residents in the Northern Emirates.

Masood Al Awar, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Sorouh, said:

“We are delighted that our milestone target of one million faces has been reached and it is wonderful that Sorouh’s US$1 million donation will help to improve the housing conditions of underprivileged people in the Northern Emirates.

“The “Sorouh Faces” initiative is just one of many areas in which Sorouh seeks to act as a socially responsible corporation. We are proud of our business ethics and are committed to giving something back to the UAE residents. Housing is one of our main areas of activity and we are proud that Sorouh has become a founding donor to this valuable corporate social responsibility program.

“Intrinsic to our corporate culture is our commitment to social investment and today’s US$1 million donation underlines our drive to improve poor quality housing in the UAE.”

Mr Mohammed Al Zaroni, General Manager, UAE Red Crescent, Dubai Branch, said:

“The fantastic results of the “Sorouh Faces” campaign underline Sorouh’s dedication to investing in the community in which they work. We value our partnership with Sorouh and we are very grateful for this generous US$1 million donation. This new fund will provide a valuable resource for disadvantaged people in the Northern Emirates and it will help the UAE Red Crescent to continue its valuable work in the UAE.”

Hawyia produces a visual shortcut logotype for Al Redha Motors

editor — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 14:43:39 +0000

Hawyia had successfully given the Al Redha Motors a new identity that is a visual shortcut to their main business.

“We have improved and developed Al Redha Motor’s identity in way that its line of business will be readily available and recognizable to its clients,” Hawyia Manager Yousuf Lootah said.

Mr. Lootah added that Hawyia is satisfied with the end result of Al Redha’s new logotype because it has energized the main activity of the latter and boost the character of the company in giving quality and reasonable services.

“Our team of expert logo designers chose to create a modern and playful logotype for Al Redha to easily attract the attention of its trendy clients and customers that has extreme passion for wheels,” explained by Mr. Lootah.

According to him, the team had a great time in conceptualizing the logo mark of Al Redha Motors because it unleashes their creativity and youthfulness in creating the design.

“I believe that we have attained our task and goal for the logotype of Al Redha Motors which is to deliver the company’s trustworthiness, professionalism and reliability in a fresher look,” said Mr. Lootah.

He further described that aside from the playful illustration of an automobile incorporated on the two letters “O” of the logo, forming the wheels and in slant to suggest movement, the different tones of blue that was used also gave the company a friendly and customer-oriented appeal.

Al Redha Motors is one of the fastest growing automotive companies in Dubai that has been recognized for its impressive services and competitive rates in the industry.

Likewise, Hawyia, one of the divisions of ContinentAd, is a logo specialist that has been distinguished for creating unique artworks and quality service.

'Rich Multimedia and Information Technology are the Future for Arab Media,' says Etisalat

editor — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 22:04:24 +0000

Ali Al-Ahmed, Executive Vice-President of Planning and Strategy at Etisalat, said: 'The rapid increase witnessed by the Arab world in the area of electronic publishing, and internet broadcasting has emphasized that these new approaches will motivate innovation in media for the future'.

Al-Ahmed continued: 'Online media is helping to achieve a balance between the distribution of information and the actual facts that are of interest to consumers. Information Technology has given the world a chance to gain more knowledge through more television stations and a wider variety of media'.

According to statistics, the number of people using the Internet worldwide has reached 1.3 billion representing 20% of the world's population, and that there are now over 3 billion people using mobile phones.

With regards to the contribution of technology to the press in the Arab World, Al-Ahmed explained that the online media has provided the opportunity for many people in the Arab World to interact with the news.

'Modern applications for the Internet and Multimedia mobile devices provide the opportunity for anyone, anywhere to upload or download a video for specific events. This has connected viewers around the world to the news directly and quickly. Also by using a mobile phone anyone can capture an event and upload it on the Internet within minutes for millions of people around the world to view,' Al-Ahmed continued.

Al-Ahmed represents the largest Arab telecommunications company, with 63 million subscribers, including the companies that Etisalat manages internationally.

Etisalat has introduced the most advanced technical services to the region, which have accelerated the use of Internet and multimedia applications in the Arab World in general, and the United Arab Emirates in particular.

In the UAE, there are close to 197,000 subscribers registered on Facebook, 5000 UAE Facebook groups, and more than 19,000 'UAE' You Tube videos available from the Internet.

'Etisalat has played a major role in providing the most advanced technology in the region,' said Etisalat's Executive Vice President. 'The corporation has made significant progress in the areas communications networks and Information Technology, and has provided the most modern tools available on an international level which in turn made the United Arab Emirates a hub for hundreds of Arab and international media agencies. This will also see the rise in new services in the online Arab media, it is expected that this year will see the launch of electronic versions of newspapers across the UAE for mobile phones'.

During the forum, Al-Ahmed brought outlined the issues related to the Forum's main focus - 'Technology and the Integration of the Arab Media'. He highlighted the important role of advanced technology to support the media and the growing role of technology contributing to new forms of media, and to develop techniques that have changed the scope of media over the past few years.

With regards to the ability of the Internet to absorb this huge sum of information, photos and video, Ahmed said: 'The world of the Internet is rapidly changing and every day there are new developments. Therefore, it is difficult to predict how much these new services will affect the requirement for capacity on the network'.

The UAE hosts the Emirates Internet Exchange (EMIX), a part of Etisalat as well as landing points for all the major Eastward and Westward submarine cable networks.

Etisalat is also launching new submarine cable systems between the UAE and Europe (IMEWE - India, Middle East and Western Europe) and between the UAE and Africa (TEAMS - The East African Marine System and EASSy - East Africa Submarine Cable System).

Etisalat was established in 1976 and is today one of the major communications corporations on regional and global levels.

Etisalat is on its way to becoming one of the 10 largest communications companies in the world by 2010, and currently operates in 16 countries with international investments of estimated $40bn.

With an estimated market value of about $34bn Etisalat is ranked 16th globally in the telecommunications sector.

Arab Media Forum 2008 spotlights transformations breaking traditional mould of Arab Media

editor — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:07:44 +0000

Day one at the Arab Media Forum 2008 raised questions on modern technology and its impact on media across the Arab world.
It also explored the role of technology and its applications as the main driving elements of the industry.

The observations came during the two-day Arab Media Forum that opened today at the Monarch Hotel in Dubai. The session titled 'Are Transformations Breaking the Traditional Mould of Arab Media' saw eminent speakers highlighting how technological advances have re-defined the media within the region.

Moderated by Mohammad Farhat Al Harthi, Editor-in-Chief, Sayidaty and Al Jamila Magazines, the session included talks by Danny Bottoms, Executive Vice President and CEO, Showtime; Dr. Hessa Lootah, College of Media Sciences, UAE University, and Jihad Al Khazen, Writer at Al Hayat Newspaper.

The power of the new media, particularly the Internet, was also deliberated upon. Journalistic freedom through avenues such as blogs, as well as continuous accessibility were cited as some of the reasons for the instant growth and acceptance of the web as an enabling mechanism for the media.
Commenting on the emergence of the new media, Al Khazen from Al Hayat said: 'A new chapter is being written in the Arab world thanks to the internet and blog sites. The Arab media is undergoing rapid changes with the advent of technology but is still restricted and suffers from lack of resources. Nearly 61 per cent of media in the region is restricted, barring certain satellite stations that have managed to raise the bar and present a realistic picture to international audiences.'
Participants agreed that the media industry has changed from an industry hinging on talent and tradition to an industry where technology and technological developments constitute the main driving components. The Arab world, with over a 1,000 media outlets including print, broadcast and new media, is undergoing a transformation that has become integral to its development.

Speakers recommended the integration of new and old media to provide user generated content to help sustain traditional forms of media, especially when print is slowly and steadily fading in the developed countries, creating increased opportunities for the electronic press. The United Kingdom alone witnessed a drop of nearly four per cent annually in print subscriptions, whereas nearly 120,000 people get addicted to the web everyday.
The training of journalists, importance of consumer generated news, impact of the visual media, media's role in tackling everyday issues and the misuse of media as a recreational tool as opposed to being factual and informative were some of the other concerns that drew the attention of the panelists at the forum.
Dr. Hessa Lootah spoke on the significance of training in the industry and the need for raising awareness of the media as a key information tool amongst the local population.
She said: 'A majority of the population in the UAE is poorly educated and relies heavily on TV as a medium of information. It's our job to produce content and expose them to information that benefits their development, encouraging more integration between the various communities living in the region.'
She stressed upon the urgent need to introduce modern media studies in universities across the Arab world to draw students away from old western theories that deprive them of hands-on experience.

'Bridging Arab Media Through Technology', the theme for the seventh edition of the forum, has drawn the participation of over 500 local, regional and international media professionals. Over 50 intellectuals and industry experts have convened in Dubai for the annual forum to hold in-depth discussions on the impact of technology within the regional media industry.

Hawyia launches new corporate identity of Red Line Waste Collection

editor — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:27:16 +0000

Hawyia has successfully launched the new identity for Red Line Waste Collection that will definitely make a mark in United Arab Emirates’ market.

According to ContinentAd Business Development Manager Yousuf Lootah, Hawyia is proud and pleased to give Red Line a logo image that will serve as its identity to Dubai and in its entire market.

“It is our pleasure and privilege to be the designer and creator of Red Line’s logo because Hawyia is in one with them in their objective in protecting and safeguarding the environment,” said Mr. Lootah.

Mr. Lootah is optimistic that with Red Line’s new image and identity, it will certainly give its clients and customers the strong impression of their sincere vow in defending the environment and solid sense of service.

It is also, added by Lootah, Hawyia’s objective to place Red Line in the forefront of its industry through its more characterized identity that has been created by Hawyia’s pool of expert logo designers.

As explained by Lootah, the Red Line Waste Collection logo graphic icon features two arrows in opposite direction that symbolizes recycling which is the main function of the company.

“The company name is rendered in metallic effect to show the modern feel and advance process in recycling that Red Line is carrying out while the red and gray colors that were used represent strength and reliability of the company,” Mr. Lootah explained.

Red Line was established in 2003 to serve the growing market of Dubai with the inspiration drawn from the keen awareness that environment truly needs protection and aid at present time.

On the other hand, Hawyia, one of the divisions of ContinentAd, is a logo specialist that has been recognized for logo designing due to its creative artworks, precision and dedication in providing quality service.

Fortune Promoseven ranked number ONE Creative Network in the region leading with 223 points

editor — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:20:30 +0000

Fortune Promoseven swept the regional Cannes Creative Awards – Dubai Lynx 2008 – walking away with 28 different awards in multiple categories, including second and third in Agency of the Year. The network ranked number ONE in the Creative Rankings with the highest total of 223 points.

Fortune Promoseven agencies won in TV/Cinema, Print, Outdoor, Radio, Direct and Agency of the Year categories. The wins included a Grand Prix award – which honors the best in breed in each category. Fortune Promoseven Seven Doha and Dubai were the leading winners overall in the region, while entries from Beirut, Cairo and Kuwait also took their share of honours at the most prestigious advertising industry awards in the region.

"This is a milestone victory; I am immensely pleased with our success at the Dubai Lynx 2008. These awards cement our position as the no.1 creative and successful network in the region,” said Fadi Salameh, President and CEO of the MCN Network. "The local and international recognition from our peers in the industry is a testimony to our creative team’s hard work and, the faith and trust our clients have placed in us.”

“Our work has always been solid. There are numerous campaigns we work on every day that we didn't enter, that are winners in their own right. This is just the beginning of a journey, as the creative standards in the region are being challenged, each and every client and each and every brand we work on will gain from this momentum," Salameh added.

Fortune Promoseven agencies picked up one Grand Prix (which went to Fortune Promoseven Doha), 7 Golds, 5 Silver and 15 Bronze awards. Azmi Yafi, CEO of Dubai operations said: “We have every reason today to stand creatively proud. I would like to extend the warmest congratulations to the creative teams and the entire network for this success, also to our clients who have given us the opportunity to create, excel and win. The bar has been raised. It will be a tougher job next time, I think we're going to have fun..."

Marc Lineveldt, Creative Director, Fortune Promoseven UAE, said: “For me it was the night the mighty giant won the beauty contest. We walked away as the most creative network in the region. We'll be pushing even harder this year as I think this is only the beginning of an interesting and challenging phase for the network.”

Volvo wants to cater to a younger generation being louder, funkier than before

editor — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:50:14 +0000

Volvo Cars has excelled in progressively moving forward since its origin in 1927 when the first Volvo car rolled off a production line at a factory in Göteborg, Sweden. Today the brand Volvo exudes road safety, quality, excitement, environmental control and top design.

Recent events show that Volvo, as a brand, is getting louder, funkier and younger than ever before. The first time we witnessed this was at the launch of the Volvo C30, a hip and trendy two-door compact model targeted at yuppies.

The Volvo C30 can be equipped with one of the very best factory–fitted audio systems in the world. The special body, with wide doors and deep side panels in the rear, has proven to provide an extra dimension for the sound, with extreme depth and powerful bass reproduction. There are three audio system levels to choose from Performance, High Performance and Premium Sound. The C30, Volvo’s guinea pig into the young market, was a phenomenal success- managing to hold on to its core values of safety and environment while portraying a funky aura.

Volvo Cars has also begun participating in chic contemporary events such as ‘Rhythm Through Time’, a show which took at Madinat Jumeirah (17th- 19th April 2008) with a central theme revolving around a dynamic celebration of dancing and how it has evolved throughout the years. “Both Volvo Cars and ‘Rhythm Through Time’ are modern entities which represent movement and have a well grounded history in time which should be celebrated” explained Volvo Cars Marketing Manager, Roula Beiruty. Inspired by the show, Volvo Cars incorporated a new tagline “Moving You”, representing speed, emotion and revolution, which is what the brand has come to represent.

Over the course of 81 years Volvo Cars has stood as an ambassador of quality, safety, environment, cutting edge technology and now, trendy design. With awards from highly reputable institutions in all the mentioned categories and a following of people all over the world, Volvo cars is motivated in continuing contributing towards arts and culture. The basic parameter that characterizes Volvo Cars’ corporate philosophy and culture is the power to continue moving along the path of positive evolution.

The National, the UAE's new quality English newspaper, launches in Abu Dhabi

editor — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 14:06:40 +0000

Abu Dhabi Media Company, the diversified entertainment and media conglomerate, unveiled the newspaper during a gala event staged at the Emirates Palace Hotel under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Attendees at the event were addressed by His Excellency Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Media Company who stated that The National '…was born out of a vision that recognises the key role that a free, professional and enlightened press plays in the national development process."

VIP guests at the launch event were introduced by video to the newspaper's array of reporters and writers, based in the seven emirates and foreign bureaux throughout the world, who promise to deliver fresh compelling content. Meanwhile, The National's 200 strong team of journalists put the finishing touches to the very first edition.

Martin Newland, Editor-in-Chief, said: 'After eight months of preparation and anticipation we are finally live and on the presses. Now it is up to discerning readers to sample a quality newspaper with content drawn from its own reporters across the nation and the world. We aim to provide quality, must have reading: when we cover a story, we will own it, in the process creating a national conversation.'

Newland, former Editor of the Daily Telegraph and a former launch Editor of Canada's National Post, said The National contained 80 pages of 'intelligent and well-designed' news, business, sports, culture and features coverage. Newland added, 'Content will be designed to reflect our readers' concerns in relation to the national character of the UAE, in the context of an interconnected world.'

The interactive, updated and fully converged online version of the newspaper can be read at www.thenational.ae.

The launch was attended by VIPs, dignitaries and senior media and business figures.

Elissa as SAMSUNG Music Phones Brand Ambassador for 2008

editor — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:03:31 +0000

SAMSUNG Electronics Co. Ltd, a global leader in the mobile phone industry, announced today its strategic focus on the
music phone category with the reveal of Elissa as its 2008 music category brand ambassador and the launch of the company’s newest music phone that meets the needs and tastes of all music lovers on the move.

SAMSUNG unveiled its flagship in the music category for 2008; the Impulz i450, a music-dedicated phone that brings both attractive dual-slider design and various multimedia features to SAMSUNG’s impressive 2008 mobile phones lineup. Also, the unique i450 package showcases 3 of Elissa’s hit singles Ayami Bik, Bastanak and Moush Kiteer Aaleik offered to SAMSUNG phones for a period of 1 year.

“It is my pleasure to be SAMSUNG Mobiles’ brand ambassador for its music category. My partnership with SAMSUNG is an ideal synergy with a brand that truly appreciates the importance of music in people’s lives” said Elissa. “The Impulz i450 is a great phone; its advanced features make it easier for my fans to listen to my music wherever they go” commented Elissa on the new Impulz i450.

Mr. S.B Kim, President of SAMSUNG Gulf Electronics commented: “We are thrilled to be working with an internationally and locally acclaimed artist such as Elissa and we are looking forward to our year ahead together”.
Kim added “The Impulz i450 is the perfect solution for all music lovers on the move. We are confident that the combination of superior sound quality, dedicated user-friendly music controls, and advanced mobile phone features will drive today’s music phone segment”.

The Impulz i450 is a dual slider which slides up to reveal a spacious alphanumeric keypad for making calls and down to reveal metallic speakers. It includes a touch navigation half-wheel which is an innovative arc that enables users to easily navigate the device when the phone is held sideways, putting the display in optimal landscape view. The phone features built in speakers that resemble professional stereo that appear when the phone slides down.

Impulz i450 combines extensive music player capabilities with super sound quality highlighted by ICEpower® amplifier developed by Bang & Olufsen to provide the listener with the ultimate sound experience. It features a dedicated music interface to make navigation and listening easier, and to store more music, the phone offers 35MB internal memory and microSD™ slot which is expandable up to 4GB.

Moreover, the phone’s 2.4” large LCD screen offers convenient multimedia mobile experiences including MP3 player, a 2 mega pixel primary camera with flash and a VGA camera for video calling Impulz i450 is now available in all major electronics outlets across the Middle East and Africa.
mobile phones

Auditions for ‘Hydra Executives’ Season 2 kicks off

editor — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:49:50 +0000

Hydra Properties, one of the leading real estate developers in the UAE, has announced that auditions for season two ‘Hydra Executives’, the new English reality-based TV program featuring 16 individuals and their quest for a USD 1 million business grant, has begun in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The breakthrough reality TV show takes a killer twist as Season 1 contenders takes on the task of picking out the next batch of executives for Season 2, which will comprise promising entrepreneurs from India and Pakistan, as part of their own pursuit to win the top prize. Twenty-five Indian contenders will be handpicked by the US team and another 25 Pakistani challengers will be chosen by the UK team in separate auditions scheduled in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The objective of the task for the current contestants is to draw the most number of people to the auditions by developing an effective marketing plan with the least budget, which will be reflective of their strategies and organisational skills, and test their ability to spot talent and potential. Out of the fifty candidates, the show’s judges will then select eight final contestants each for Indian and Pakistani teams based on their impressive business plans, backgrounds and winning qualities. The second season of the English series will start filming on June 21, 2008 and will be aired by local and international broadcasters.

“We have come up with this unique and challenging idea to involve the two largest expat groups in the UAE - Indians and Pakistanis, which also represent the two strongest business communities in the country. Combining the elements of a large crowd with a demanding logistics challenge, this task can be a powerful opportunity for the current contenders to prove their skill sets in innovation, leadership, creativity, marketing and project management. We are sure that this episode will feature just one of the many exciting twists and highlights that audiences can expect from the show,” said Ziad Battal, Executive Producer and Creator, ‘Hydra Executives’.

Hydra Properties is the only real estate developer in the UAE to have ventured into TV entertainment business through the launch of the English reality-based TV program, ‘Hydra Executives’. This breakthrough initiative is being supported by several global brands, including Range Rover, General Motors, Blackberry, Etisalat, ASUS, Panasonic and Debenhams, as the key sponsors of the first season of the show.

Boomerang and TCM go Arabic

editor — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:30:44 +0000

Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) Europe Limited today formally announces the launch of Boomerang in Arabic and Arabic subtitled movies on TCM.

Predominantly aimed at 4 – 9 year olds, Boomerang is dedicated to some of the greatest classic animations ever made, including Scooby Doo, Tom & Jerry, Popeye, The Flintstones and Sylvester & Tweety amongst many others.

TCM brings the silver screen to life by broadcasting world class movies, exclusive OFF SET celebrity interviews, monthly star tributes, special events and original screen tests. Along with special seasons hosted by contemporary directors and experts, TCM gives this definitive classic movie channel a style of its own.

Dima Boulos, Regional Director for Middle East said, “Boomerang is a wonderful channel offering an enormous range of classic, fun cartoons for the young and the young at heart! We have customized the channel to suit fun-loving Middle Eastern audiences that have a strong appetite for timeless favourites and to give them a great place to go when they want to relax and laugh.”

‘TCM has also given Arabian viewers ageless classics including Casablanca and Gone with the Wind and the opportunity to see iconic stars such as Marlon Brando and Al Pacino in action. The glamour of old Hollywood will now be available with Arabic subtitles, increasing the affinity of TCM to its Arab viewership.’

‘These exciting advancements are vital steps in further establishing and growing our already popular entertainment brands in an extremely important business territory.”

Maturing market campaigns, increasing government support strengthen Gulf's image as global real estate brand

editor — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:40:24 +0000

Amid intensified competition in the Gulf’s multi-billion dollar real estate sector, the region's leading players are increasingly launching sophisticated marketing campaigns, which - according to the Gulf Real Estate Study (GRES) 2007, is an emerging trend that showcases the rapid collective transformation of the region as a global real estate brand powerhouse.

The study noted that the growing sophistication of regional marketing campaigns and the increasingly proactive government support are collectively boosting the success of Gulf investments abroad. According to the GRES, developers are using more than large billboards and newspaper wraparounds to promote their offerings, as multimedia campaigns linking television, radio, print and online advertising are creating more cohesive marketing programs.

“While the Gulf may be one of the most prolific real estate markets in the world, many domestic developers are expanding their capital and influence overseas," the GRES report noted, citing the USD 10 billion worth of projects launched by Emaar in the United States.

"If you look around, real estate developers are increasingly making use of multimedia campaigns to promote their projects as they aggressively take their products closer to the customers. These intensified marketing campaigns also include the creation of more diversified financing options, establishing platforms for clients to inspect finished products, and greater transparency in providing pricing information," said Rina Plapler, Executive Director, Future Brand, a premier global brand consultancy firm and publishers of the GRES 2007.

"These trends point to the growing maturity of the industry in marketing their products. Moreover, intensified government support through appropriate property laws will further strengthen confidence in the GCC market. Overall, growth has been exceptional across the region, which has given GCC developers the momentum to diversify their investments activities in other sectors and in other countries worldwide," added Plapler.

Moreover, newly established real estate policies enacted by governments have also improved the region's image as an important real estate investment destination, particularly regarding freehold property, rent control measures, and establishment of a trust account law; creating a higher level of confidence in the marketplace.

The GRES report also revealed that real estate activities will continue to evolve and cover a wider range of interests: "As the development market matures, interests are expanding into different areas of real estate. In 2004, investors were generally seeking vacant residential land. In 2005, people were looking for residential buildings to purchase and in 2006 investors were favouring built commercial buildings, as their return on investment was fastest."

The GRES 2007 report is published for the third consecutive year by Future Brand, and involves substantial qualitative and quantitative research. In compiling the study, experienced global teams explored new trends, themes and insights in the region’s rapidly growing real estate sector.

Jordan Commercial Bank Sponsors Faris Bustami Rally Team in the Jordan Rally 2008

editor — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:23:46 +0000

The Jordan Commercial Bank (JCBank) announced its sponsorship of the Faris Bustami Rally Team in the World Rally Championship 2008 (WRC), the first WRC event to be held in Jordan and the Middle East. The rally is scheduled to take place from April 24 to April 27, 2008. The Team consists of Two drivers, Mr. Faris Bustami and Mr. Ahmad Mihiar.

Faris Bustami started rallying in 1993 while still a university student. In the early years, he was able to finish most rallies in the top five places driving either a Datsun, Daihatsu, Ford or a Toyota Celica GT4. Now he drives the Subaru Imprezza Sti - N10

Over the years, Faris made several notable achievements in this field. He won the Jordan National Championship four times in the years 1999, 2000, 2003 and 2005 and was Runner Up in Dubai’s International Rally in 2005. This remarkable achievement is the best achieved by a Jordanian champion in an international rally so far.

Ahmad has an awesome reputation, and every shred of it is deserved. Ahmad is intense, yet scrupulously polite, a stickler for accuracy and one of the most cerebrally professional driver in the Jordanian rallies scene. His memory is frighteningly accurate, but anybody thinking his personality is austere will be surprised by some sudden moments of pure warmth that can make your day.
Consistency has been Ahmad's hallmark, He is always there competing for advanced position in Jordanian rallies and has been described by his competition as "Mistake-free" Accordingly, his efficiency and skills in driving have always been the envy of others and, much like the man himself, his driving reflects maturity and intelligence that has been honed by years of high level experience
He'll undoubtedly be there or thereabouts – that's his style. he has long been an Gravel star. As ever, a realistic title hopeful.

2008 will represent a celebrated year in Motor Sport history, as Jordan becomes the first Arab country to take its place among the elite of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). It is an occasion that has been 54 years in the making since the Late King Hussein first introduced Motorsport to Jordan.

Commenting on this sponsorship, the Marketing and product development Manager of JCBank Mr. Fadi Rabie said, “We at JCBank are proud of this sponsorship, as this contribution stems from our belief of the great potential what the team has to achieve in this rally. This sponsorship also came in response to HRH Prince Faisal Bin Al Hussein’s call for the support of the Jordanian teams.”

From his end, Mr. Faris Bustami, Rally Driver from the Faris Bustami Rally Team, said, “I am proud to be representing Jordan in the WRC as well as JCBank, our official sponsors. This sponsorship is a huge responsibility carried by everyone involved, and we will exert every effort to win the race to honor our sponsors and more importantly to honor our country.”

It is important to note that JCBank has a long record in community service.

The National is the name of Abu Dhabi Company's English daily

editor — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 06:51:39 +0000

Abu Dhabi Media Company confirmed today that its new, much-anticipated quality English language newspaper will be called The National.

Editor-in-Chief Martin Newland commented, "The role of The National is to reflect society, help that society evolve and, perhaps most importantly, promote the bedrock traditions and virtues that must be preserved even in times of change and that is why we have called our paper The National."

The broadsheet, which goes on sale across the UAE on April 17, will contain 80 pages of intelligent and well-designed news, business, sports, culture and features coverage. An online version will also be available at www.thenational.ae. The 200 strong news team, which includes award-winning journalists from the emirates and around the world, will provide local and international coverage from across the globe.

The National will be officially launched at a gala event on April 16 under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Circulation auditing close to achieving critical mass in GCC market

editor — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 04:42:07 +0000

Market demand for media owners in the United Arab Emirates to have their titles independently audited has "passed the point of no return" according to a case study of the CASTOR initiative, the region's Circulation Audit Steering Organisation, published this week.

The document, entitled "GOOD FIGURES DON'T NEED PADDING, How The UAE Successfully Tackled Resistance To Circulation Auditing" reports that "it is now only a matter of time before it [circulation auditing] achieves critical mass and the last bastions of resistance will have little option but to accede to market forces." The document is being presented at the International Advertising Association at this week's IAA World Congress in Washington DC.

The Study aims to assist other IAA chapters seeking to introduce independent media measurement in their own markets with a blueprint that they can follow. This has involved a range of initiatives from CASTOR threatening to cut back advertising spend in unaudited titles to it communicating the benefits of independent auditing through a series of meetings in the main Middle East publishing centres to reach out to affected parties and enlist their support. CASTOR has found, though, that a desire to be seen as subscribing to internationally-recognised standards in equally prevalent. In addition, BPA Worldwide is supporting the process with an ongoing outreach programme involving training and education for publishers, advertisers, media buyers and planners on the value of audited data as a business tool and as effective information in the planning of marketing and advertising strategies.

CASTOR represents 30 of the Gulf region's biggest advertising spenders and was assigned to promote the widespread adoption of circulation auditing as part of a drive by the International Advertising Association's Dubai Chapter and the Advertisers' Business Group for the GCC to raise standards and professional ethics in the industry. BPA Worldwide, the global auditor of media, is the only specialist organisation to obtain approval from CASTOR to conduct audits in the region. It currently has more than 80 Middle East titles in membership, including newspapers, business and consumer magazines and an internet portal, compared with just 20 in April 2006, and an increasing number of Arabic titles.

In the document, CASTOR stresses that "the more titles are audited, the more advertisers would be confident of investing in print media, giving a clearer picture if the overall health of the sector."

"Our experience in the UAE confirms what we have seen elsewhere. Market forces eventually hold sway and demand for audits overcomes vested interests, special arrangements and anything which gets in the way of the most informed and effective way of deploying an advertising budget," explains Glenn Hansen, President and CEO, BPA Worldwide.

"BPA has embraced the importance of adapting to the particular social and cultural needs of the region but, crucially, has also remained firm in its insistence that international standards are adhered to in order to give the region credibility in the eyes of international and global advertisers."

BPA Worldwide established an office in Dubai in June 2006 and its Middle East Advisory Board provides input to BPA from local buyers and sellers. The current membership of 15 people comprises eight representing advertisers and agencies and seven media owners. BPA is currently investing $1.5 million in new online software that will assist in BPA audits worldwide while offering live assistance to circulation managers.

The study concludes that many publishers have shown "enthusiastic willingness to support independent auditing". It says that as competition for advertising budgets intensifies, publishers have recognised that they can gain a marketing edge by providing verified figures, even if those numbers are not as impressive as they would like.

"Needless to say, BPA Worldwide is ready to work with any IAA chapter keen to utitlise the GCC experience to deliver independent media measurement in their home market," adds Hansen.

AME Info awarded Superbrand status for the second year running

editor — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:25:05 +0000

AME Info, the leading Middle East business resource, has been awarded Superbrand status for the second year in a row.

Joining the likes of industry giants such as DHL, Canon and Panasonic, AME Info was one of only 68 brands to receive the award by the Superbrands Council - a panel of leading independent business experts from across the region.

Superbrand status is awarded only to those companies who the Council believes are focused and consistent in what they do, are trusted by their customers, are charismatic and are leaders in their field.

Mike English, Chairman of the Superbrands Council, presented the award to AME Info's General Manager Ziad Khammar and Brand Marketing Manager Stefanie Patel at a recent ceremony held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City.

'We are extremely proud to receive the award for the second year in a row. The AME Info brand has gone from strength to strength and its readership base now reaches almost one million readers per month,' said Khammar.

'AME Info is recognised as the brand of choice by our advertisers when it comes to reaching customers with a business interest in the Middle East. By going online advertisers can get their messages across in different ways to make a real impact. We're very pleased that AME Info is leading the way when it comes to new media,' added Patel.

AME Info currently has more than half a million pages of business news available from across 14 countries within the Middle East, featuring daily news, special features and company news.

In addition, AME Info offers a range of business services, including the region's most comprehensive business directory and events directory, and was the first website to develop an online business radio station and a mobile phone version of the site, enabling readers to stay up to date whilst on the move.

Reed relaunches Abu Dhabi Auto Show

editor — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:16:18 +0000

Driven by strong growth in the global automotive industry that is set to surpass 23 million units in commercial vehicle sales by 2010, Reed Exhibitions Middle East announced plans to rebrand and launch the Abu Dhabi International Motor Show (ADIMS). The event will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 17th to 21st December 2008.

“Abu Dhabi is a natural choice for an automobile show as it is the richest of the oil-laden emirates, has a large expatriate population and is effectively transforming itself into a global tourist destination,” said Frederic Theux, President of Reed Exhibitions Middle East.

“The regional automobile industry is growing thanks to the economic, technology, prices and competition while the global market for commercial vehicles is expected to cross 23.2 million units by 2010,” Mr. Theux observed.

The fastest growth, in terms of both sales and production, of vehicles is expected from the developing economies of Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

“The automobile industry in the Middle East is buoyant and is boosted by an open trade environment, the region's tax policies towards automobile sector and ready availability of consumer finance have also has spurred the industry's growth prospects,” remarked Mr. Theux.

Mr. Theux noted that Abu Dhabi’s diversification of its economy and ongoing expansion has attracted people from far-flung corners of the world, settling to live and work, enjoying first-class shopping, elegant hotels and a unique culture in Abu Dhabi.

Forbes magazine, in March 2007, named Abu Dhabi as the world's richest city. Responsible for more than 90 percent of the UAE’s oil production, Abu Dhabi possesses the fourth largest oil reserves in the world. According to media reports, Abu Dhabi has an investment fund exceeding $800 billion with more than $140 billion in government and privately-funded development projects currently underway in Abu Dhabi.

Launched over 20 years ago, ADIMS is one of the oldest automobile exhibitions in the Middle East. With a completely new management, a new state of-the art venue and a new brand identity, the 2008 exhibition is slated to be the largest and most comprehensive motor show in the Middle East this year.

BinSina Pharmacy awarded Superbrand status for 2nd years in a row

editor — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 21:15:45 +0000

BinSina Pharmacy, the oldest pharmacy operator in the UAE, was named a 'Superbrand' at this year's Superbrands Award Ceremony, which was held recently at the InterContinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City.

Commenting on this achievement, Ayman Hanbali, Marketing Manager at BinSina Pharmacy said: "This award honors the UAE's most exceptional and widely recognized brands. It is a clear endorsement that BinSina Pharmacy brand is on par with worldwide giants operating in the UAE."

'Superbrands' are selected by the UAE Superbrands Council, a group comprised of individuals who are leaders in various fields of business. Council members score brands on a 100-point.

The council defines a Superbrand as any brand that 'offers consumers significant emotional and/or physical advantages over its competitors.

For the 2nd consecutive year, BinSina Pharmacy brand was voted for its exceptional set of brand values, best practices in brand management, brand reputation, intelligent marketing, high levels of customer service, product innovation and values, market share and customer oriented approach.

"This award acknowledges the brand values starting from the name which stands for integrity, in every aspect of its operation, trust between the company and customers, vendors and employees, professionalism and an intimate understanding of customer needs and an ethos of service in every aspect of its operation. The other cornerstone of the brand is innovation, which is constant and customer focussed – striving to create a living, breathing pharmacy brand," Hanbali added.

In the UAE, 68 strongest brands that have met the stringent selection criteria set by the organization were awarded a Superbrand status.

Hanbali said, "We are glad to be recognized by our stakeholders as a brand that fulfils and even exceeds expectations. The top notch nationwide campaigns we have conducted have taken us from strength to strength. As a local brand name, our strive to be the pharmacy retail sector leaders and to stand in the retail business alongside with the worldwide brands, is paying off and we are continuously growing our robust and professional image."

Hanbali concluded: "BinSina has positioned itself as personalized partner in helping customers attain and sustain” health and well-being, through reinforcing its brand value by building relationships aimed at improving health and lifestyles. Our values are derived from a very strong heritage, with roots in the Arab world. BinSina Pharmacy history in the UAE, which spans over 40 years, has provided it with keen insights on the local consumer needs and habits. This heritage has created a unique platform for us placing it among the foremost retail brands in the region."

Started with humble beginnings, BinSina has seen phenomenal growth with almost 92 percent of all UAE nationals as its customers. The group singularly dispenses around two-thirds of all the insurance prescriptions for the major insurance companies in the UAE.

Very recently, BinSina Pharmacy in association with the UAE Ministry of Health held awareness campaign about diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity and conducted more than 10000 medical tests to date. The pharmacy chain also joined hands with the UAE Red Crescent to provide safe water to poor communities across the world.

The Superbrands Organization has also unveiled the coffee-table style Superbrands book, which includes a two-page profile of each of the Superbrands, at the tribute event.

The winners were also featured in a book including key international brands and robust local ones.

Abu Dhabi Media Company appoints Ricky Ghai as Executive Director of Digital Media

editor — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:42:44 +0000

Abu Dhabi Media Company, a diversified media and entertainment conglomerate based in the United Arab Emirates' capital, has appointed Ricky Ghai as Executive Director of Digital Media.

'Ricky Ghai joins Abu Dhabi Media Company to lead a new digital media age across the MENA region and particularly in the GCC,' said Edward Borgerding, CEO, Abu Dhabi Media Company.

Commenting on his partnership with the recently appointed CEO, Ghai said: "We have exciting plans for digital content creation and distribution in the region. We are in a very good position to develop and lead this fast evolving part of the media industry and we are confident Abu Dhabi Media Company will emerge as an icon of digital distribution in the region.'

Ghai has 20 years' of media experience across a spectrum of pay and free TV platforms in Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. He was also involved in the recent launch of British Telecom's pioneering iptv Video on Demand (VOD) service.

Ghai has a long history with content distributors and has signed complex content deals with all major film studios in the US. His former positions include SVP of Programming for TV3 Sweden and Executive Vice President of Programming for the Pan-Arab media network Orbit.

Abu Dhabi Media Company appoints Edward Borgerding CEO

editor — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:08:17 +0000

Abu Dhabi Media Company has appointed Edward Borgerding as its Chief Executive Officer. The announcement was made by His Excellency Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Media Company, a diversified media and entertainment conglomerate which is based in the United Arab Emirates’ capital.

”We believe Mr. Borgerding has the right balance of industry know-how, entrepreneurial spirit, management experience and understanding of the region,” says His Excellency Mr. Mazrouei. “The media industry in the Middle East and North Africa region - and particularly in the Gulf - is entering an exciting phase and we believe that with Edward Borgerding’s leadership we can pioneer a new era of media.”

Commenting on his appointment, Borgerding said: “Abu Dhabi Media Company, with its strong portfolio of integrated assets, is well-positioned to lead this fast growing sector through content creation, distribution and strategic partnerships at home and in the international arena.”

In his new role, Borgerding takes responsibility for some of the most valuable brands in the MENA region. These include the leading women’s magazine Zahrat Al Khaleej, Majid, Al Super and Al Ittihad newspaper, together with a suite of TV and radio channels including Abu Dhabi TV and Emarat FM. He will also oversee the launch of Abu Dhabi’s first English language newspaper next month.

Previously, Borgerding was Executive Vice President of Walt Disney International in Hong Kong and Senior Vice President of Walt Disney International Television in Hong Kong and London.

At Disney International, Borgerding oversaw the operating units of the Walt Disney Company in the Asia Pacific region, including India and the Middle East from 1998 to 2000. This included television, home video, consumer products, digital media, theatrical distribution and Disney Channels. In 1995, he established the first Disney Channel outside the USA, in Taiwan. Two years later, he opened the Disney Channel in Dubai and in Australia.g established a private equity firm in London and recently concluded the production of a 26 episode television series with Marvel Entertainment.