KnowledgeView, the leading multi publishing solution provider in Europe and the Mena region, was among the leading invitees to the Abu Dhabi Media Summit 2010 "New Ideas, New Mindsets" that took place in Yas Island Abu Dhabi from 9 till 11 March 2010.

The unprecedented event gathered over 500 international figures from the media industry around the globe that came to discuss new media technologies and trends ranging from print to mobile and online.

As trendsetter in the industry, KnowledgeView conducted various successful meetings during the event to shed light on many emerging knowledge industries that KnowledgeView helped creating over the past few years, namely, the "Publish live newsroom" that allows journalists, editors, communication officers in media, enterprise and government respectively to collect info from defined sources, share them and publish them seamlessly in one window and to print, mobile, SMS, website, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube with ONE simple click!

The invitation-only inaugural Summit, under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, was held at the Yas Hotel from March 9th-12th 2010.

During the three-day Summit high-profile public sessions, closed-door discussions and private conversations, bringing together top-tier global media players and their counterparts in fast-growing markets. Targeted sectors include mobile, broadband, traditional television, print, entertainment, news, music, advertising & marketing, venture capital & equity finance, with special emphasis on markets in the Middle East, the Subcontinent, East Asia and China.

Dr. Ali Al Assam, CEO, KnowledgeView, said: "The Abu Dhabi Media Summit is nothing but the natural progression of the promising vision of Abu Dhabi government that is keen to pursue its leading initiatives in bringing the newest technologies and best practices to the Middle East Region. The great mix of internationally renowned high profile speakers, panelists and guests mirror the commitment of Abu Dhabi Media Company, the event host, to empower media in the Arab world and furnish them with the best global practices."

One of the major highlights of the second day was the exponential increase in demand for Arabic content in the Mena region. Thus, the need for long-term strategic investment across the sector was under the spotlight and thoroughly talked about in the different sessions and TV shows broadcasting right from the summit, a newly tapped area that KnowledgeView has conveniently started couple of years ago creating the right platforms that allow media and research centers to syndicate content and generate revenues.

"We are delighted to take part in such big regional event that enjoys global ingredients in terms of organization, guests and topics. KnowledgeView has always sensed the needs of the Middle East and North Africa region and been committed to provide the latest solutions and newest technologies to leading media organizations, enterprises and government bodies. Knowledge is the right and the duty of every individual and KnowledgeView makes the knowledge sharing "very" easy. This is our aim and commitment to the communities we operate in," he concluded.

The Abu Dhabi Media Summit 2010 was created by the Abu Dhabi Media Company, and leading Abu Dhabi partners, including the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Aldar, Etihad Airways, Mubadala, and twofour54°.

The world's media industry is congregating in Abu Dhabi this week to attend the inaugural Abu Dhabi Media Summit, under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.

The invitation-only Summit will be hosted by the Abu Dhabi Media Company, along with leading Abu Dhabi partners, including twofour54°, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Etisalat, Etihad Airways, ALDAR, and Mubadala. Booz & Company are also participating as the official knowledge sponsor.

From 9th to 11th March, 400 delegates from diverse territories across the globe - including China, Korea, India, Chile, USA, and the UK - will join high-profile regional and UAE-based media executives at the Yas Hotel, where they will be discussing and debating issues affecting the media industry around the globe. A large contingent of high-level regional and international press corps will also be in attendance.

The Summit agenda was created with the participation of several co-chairs from across the media industry. Confirmed 2010 co-chairs include:

• H.E Khaldoon Khalifa al Mubarak, Chairman, twofour54
• Tim Armstrong, CEO, AOL
• Dr Kai-Fu Lee, Chariman and CEO, Innovation Works
• Dr Seok Chae Lee, Chairman, KT Corporation
• Maurice Lévy, Chairman, PublicisGroupe
• Didier Lombard, Chairman, Orange/France Telecom
• Kishore Lulla, Chairman & CEO, Eros International
• Dirk Meyer, President & CEO, AMD
• Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman & CEO, Bharti Enterprises
• Rupert Murdoch, Chairman, News Corporation
• H.E Mohammed, Omran Chairman, Etisalat
• Hartmut Ostrowski, Chairman & CEO, Bertelsmann AG
• Dr. Prannoy Roy, Executive Chairperson, NDTV
• Hans Vestberg, President & CEO, Ericsson
• Mehmet Ali Yalçindag, CEO & Vice Chairman, Dogan Media Group
• Barry Meyer, Chairman and CEO, Warner Bros Entertainment.

HE Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Media Summit and of Abu Dhabi Media Company, commented: "The Middle East is one of the fastest-growing regions for the media industry, thanks to more accessible technologies, higher disposable incomes, and increased consumer appetite for news and entertainment. Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Media Company are looking to play a key role in this growth, which is why we have gathered some of the most influential minds in our industry together here this week. We believe that this Summit will become one of the most important industry forums of its kind anywhere in the world."

Edward Borgerding, CEO of Abu Dhabi Media Company, added, "We are very excited to have such a phenomenal list of co-chairs and delegates for the first Abu Dhabi Media Summit. This is a truly global group, with diverse perspectives and experiences in their regions. We hope that bringing this group together will not only help spark a dialogue about our shared challenges and opportunities in the media industry, but also help us work towards common solutions for evolving our industry during a time of transition."

Etihad Airways will premiere its third international television campaign tonight, showcasing the product and service innovation that led to Etihad being named World’s Leading Airline in 2009.

Titled ‘He Likes, She Likes,’ the campaign focuses on Etihad’s commitment to offering a tailored, individual experience to every customer in every cabin, and coincides with the introduction of the airline’s new Inspired Service in the economy cabin.

The television commercial will be shown initially in the UAE before being rolled out in key markets across Europe, the Middle East, Australia, India and the United States of America.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad’s chief commercial officer, said: “We believe there is no other airline flying today that can provide the same high levels of service. We recognise our different passengers have different needs and we are committed to meeting and exceeding these, in the air and on the ground.”

Mr. Baumgartner said Etihad’s Inspired Service philosophy, now embedded in the service offering in every cabin of the aircraft – first, business and economy – was a major differentiator for the airline.

“The objective of this campaign is to inspire audiences in our key markets to travel with the best,” he said.

The commercial, filmed in Abu Dhabi, was written by global advertising agency E/Group and directed by renowned film director James Weedon from London-based Bare Films.

Etihad has received a number of global accolades over the past 12 months that places it squarely as the world’s leading carrier, including: ‘Best Long Haul Airline’ at the 2010 Business Travel Awards; ‘World’s Leading Airline’ at the World Travel Awards in November 2009; and Skytrax’ ‘Best Business Class’ and ‘Best Business Class Catering’ in 2009.

 

 

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has picked up top honours at the Arabian Sponsorship Awards for its support of the inaugural Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline picked up the award in the ‘International Sponsorship’ category at a gala ceremony which took place on Monday, December 14 at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: “Etihad’s sponsorship of the inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix showcased both Etihad and Abu Dhabi to a global audience of more than 600 million people.

“Recognized as one of the biggest and most prestigious sporting events in the world, courted by leading companies and countries alike, the Abu Dhabi F1 weekend provided unprecedented presence, visibility and credibility for a new airline brand launched only six years ago.

“We are proud to have played a key part in supporting the biggest international event ever to be staged in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and to play an integral part in its promotion and success. Based as we are in Abu Dhabi, the title sponsorship of the inaugural F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a perfect and logical fit for Etihad Airways.”

The judges were impressed with the planning and execution of Etihad’s sponsorship strategy, the objectives of which included raising global awareness of the airline and its brand, securing additional passenger revenues, building better relationships with new and existing corporate clients and helping to showcase Abu Dhabi to the rest of the world.

The sponsorship was also viewed as being highly complementary to the airline’s existing sponsorship strategy and portfolio of sporting brands, which already includes the Scuderia Ferrari F1 racing team.

A combination of internal and external communication channels was used to activate the sponsorship, engaging six distinct audiences - Etihad’s customers, its staff, the travel industry, the general public, media and rights holders - and resulting in an impressive return on investment.

The day after the race saw a record-breaking spike in visits to Etihad’s website and in bookings. The airline’s media coverage for October and November also more than doubled.

Tactics included visits to Abu Dhabi by Ferrari drivers Kimi Raikonnen and Felipe Massa, the display of a specially designed Etihad F1 showcar at key international trade shows, familiarisation visits to the Yas Marina Circuit, specially designed F1 livery on two Etihad aircraft flying to many of the airline’s global destinations, F1 merchandising, special F1 Etihad Holidays packages, on-board announcements, an Etihad aircraft fly-past immediately prior to the race and Etihad cabin crew ambassadors at the starting grid.

In addition to its title sponsorship of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Etihad also sponsors the Ferrari Formula 1 racing team. Etihad's involvement with Formula 1 is a key component of a growing number of high-profile sports sponsorships for the airline, and complements existing partnerships with Manchester City Football Club, Harlequins Rugby Football Club, the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championships and the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. Etihad also has naming rights for the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.

 

Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has signed a three-year deal to be the official shirt sponsor and partner of Premier League side, Manchester City FC. The Etihad Airways brand logo will appear on Manchester City shirts from the summer.

The partnership is initially for three years and was announced today at the City of Manchester Stadium by Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive, James Hogan, Manchester City FC Chief Executive Garry Cook and Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council.

The airline was launched in 2003 and now flies to more than 50 cities around the world. It started daily flights to Manchester in 2006 and last year it carried six million passengers on its international network.

Mr Hogan said: “This new partnership marks the beginning of what we hope will become a strong and lasting relationship between Manchester City and Etihad Airways. Our home-base is Abu Dhabi and therefore we have a strong bond already with the Club and its owners and we look forward to building on this in the months and years to come.”

The airline and Club will also work together on several overseas projects including team tours to the UAE and South Africa, as well as community-based schemes in the United Arab Emirates and East Manchester.

Mr Hogan added, “Etihad Airways and Manchester City both have a strong sense of community and we will work together on building ties between Abu Dhabi and Manchester, especially with youngsters through our highly successful soccer school programmes.”

As well as appearing on the world-famous sky blue shirt, the deal will see the Etihad Airways’ logo and branding at the City of Manchester Stadium, as well as on the Club website (www.mcfc.co.uk ) and match day programme and merchandise.

Commenting on the deal, Garry Cook added: “Manchester City Football Club is delighted to announce this partnership with Etihad Airways and join its stable of associations of the highest calibre, including the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the Ferrari Formula 1™ team.

“These are exciting times at Manchester City as we look to build a world-class team and sustainable success on and off the field. This partnership will play an integral role in our strategy.”

Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, said: "The Abu Dhabi partnership with the city is hugely important and one which will bring significant benefits to everyone associated with Manchester. We welcome the announcement about Etihad Airways, which reinforces the links with Abu Dhabi and Manchester, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Club and Abu Dhabi to strengthen our wider partnerships going forward."

The first occasion the Manchester City shirt , bearing the Etihad Airways logo, will be shown to the world will be on Saturday 18 July when City take on the Orlando Pirates in Cape Town in the first game of their pre-season tour to South Africa.

Etihad Airways has built up an impressive portfolio of international sponsorship partners which includes the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Ferrari Formula 1™ team, Harlequins Rugby Football Club, the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championships, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has won the 'European Sponsorship of the Year' award in the business to consumer category for its sponsorship of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) hurling in Ireland.

The awards, hosted by the European Sponsorship Association (ESA) and held at the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel in Brussels, are respected across the multi-billion dollar global sponsorship industry with Etihad competing with Vodafone, Shell, Royal Bank of Scotland and Puma for the prestigious title.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways' chief executive, said: 'To win an award like this, so early on in our partnership with the GAA, is a terrific achievement. Etihad always aims to develop strong links with local communities through its sponsorships and we're pleased to have formed a connection with the grass roots of this sport which is at the heart of the Irish people.'

The Abu Dhabi-based airline is the first Middle East company to win such an award.

Nicky Brennan, president of the GAA, added: 'The Etihad partnership with hurling has been a huge success. The airline's brand is now known across Ireland and Etihad's services from Dublin have shown spectacular growth. Perhaps the greatest compliment that we can pay Etihad is that we appreciate their respect for the GAA's and hurling's culture and heritage. The airline's collaborative approach with the hurling community has increased the impact of their sponsorship, which is truly a partnership with the Irish community both here and overseas.'

Etihad started its sponsorship of hurling in March 2008 and the Abu Dhabi-based airline received praise from the award judges for the way it immediately engaged with its audience in Ireland through promotions across radio, television and print media.

The promotions included an innovative competition which allowed entrants to nominate friends and family around the world to win flights with Etihad to watch the hurling final which took place in September in the Irish capital Dublin between Kilkenny and Waterford.

There was also a competition entitled 'best club under the sun' for an amateur hurling team to win a trip to Abu Dhabi for a winter training camp. The competition aimed to reward a team that made a difference in their local community and was won by Portumna from Galway.

Etihad also hosted regular online competitions both on its company internet pages as well as the specially created etihadhurling.com website.

Commercially, the hurling sponsorship has also had a significant impact on Etihad ticket sales.

The 'European Sponsorship of the Year' award is the latest award the airline has won for its Irish links. Earlier this year, Etihad also picked up the prestigious title of 'best business class airline' at the Irish Travel Trade News Awards.

Recently Etihad was voted 'airline of the year' at the British Travel Awards and by Aviation Business magazine.

In addition to the hurling Etihad also sponsors the London-based Harlequins rugby club and Chelsea Football club as well as the Ferrari Formula 1 racing team and the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which starts in 2009.

Etihad also announced last month that from March 2009 the Telstra Dome in Melbourne, which has a capacity of 55,000, will be re-named the Etihad Stadium.

Etihad Airways is to launch its latest international television advertising campaign as the Abu Dhabi-based airline experiences a record-breaking start to the year.

The high-budget TV commercial is part Etihad's long term plans to build awareness and understanding across key markets, particularly amongst business travellers.

Etihad's new TV campaign will run from early February, with the new television commercial receiving its official premiere in the UAE on 5 February, before being rolled out across the Middle East, Europe, North America and Asia.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' executive vice president marketing and product, said: 'Etihad Airways is fast-establishing itself as one of the world's leading airlines with a reputation for quality products and services, both on the ground and in the air.'

'This is our second commercial and illustrates the wealth of culture and hospitality offered at Etihad Airways and inspiration from the airline's home-base of Abu Dhabi.'

'Etihad is still a relatively young airline and a high-profile international television commercial like this will help raise awareness of the Etihad brand in many of our key markets across the world.'

The commercial was written by global advertising agency TBWA, and directed by James Wheedon from London-based Bare Films. It was filmed entirely in Abu Dhabi using a combination of Etihad cabin crew and professional actors in a variety of locations, including Emirates Palace.

Mr Weedon said: 'With its home base being the UAE's capital, we felt it important that the new advert should reflect Etihad's strong links and close affinity with Abu Dhabi, particularly the theme of great and warm hospitality.'

Etihad Airways' previous television commercial picked up the accolade for 'world's leading travel television commercial' at the 2007 World Travel Awards.

The award was noteworthy since it represented the first ever international television commercial produced by Etihad.

Etihad enjoyed its highest ever daily passenger figures during the first days of 2008.

During the first few days of January the airline carried nearly 19,000 passengers each day, with average seat factors of 88 per cent across its network to break the carrier's record loads.