Gulf News has reported that the founder and chairman of the Choueiri Group, and one of the Middle East’s largest media brokers, Antoine Choueiri, has passed away after a long battle with cancer at the age of 70. Antoine was ranked the 50th most powerful businessman in 2009 according to Arabian Business. He is also known as the man behind the rise of the Beirut-based La Sagesse basketball team.

This year’s Dubai International Advertising Festival, Dubai Lynx, has received 1364 entries from 16 countries in 10 categories. The event is set to kick off Sunday 14th to celebrate creative excellence in MENA’s advertising and communications industry. Other awards to be revealed during the Awards Ceremony are: Agency of the Year, Media Agency of the Year and the new Network of the Year.

According to The National daily newspaper, Arabian Business reports that Omnicom's TBWA is planning to open a regional creative hub in Abu Dhabi’s media zone by March. The firm also plans to increase the number of staff in Abu Dhabi from 50 to about 70, including a “swat team” of creative strategic planners who will support important pitches to clients.

Ramzi Raad, the founder & CEO of TBWA\RAAD Middle East and a key figure in the Middle East and North African advertising industry, has been honoured the prestigious 2010 Dubai Lynx Advertising Person of the Year Award at the 3rd Dubai International Advertising Festival. Ramzi Raad will be honoured during the Dubai Lynx Awards Ceremony and Dinner to be held on 17 March at The Palladium in Dubai.

Business 24|7 reports that digital communication consultancies are to become major employers in the media industry, as clients have grown increasing awareness of the importance of media and its impact on implementing successful marketing strategies.