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Middle East PR news, features & analysis
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H+K and Four Communications shine at annual MEPRA awards
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'We will disrupt PR, marketing and advertising in the region' - former Groupon co-founder Stephen George
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Majority of consumers have unfollowed social media influencers - UAE and Saudi study
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Instinctif Partners MENA expands Dubai operations
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PRWeek Global Awards 2020 opens for entries
Latest
Allianz's Sabia Schwarzer named PRWeek Global Awards jury chair
Schwarzer will oversee a global jury of top-level in-house and agency executives to identify transformative work that crosses global borders as well as the best activations in the regions.
ASDA'A BCW strengthens subsidiaries Proof Communications and PSB
ASDA'A BCW has increased its expertise with two strategic hires for its subsidiary companies digital and design specialist Proof Communications and research arm PSB.
Airbus appoints MENA agency for integrated comms brief
Four Communications Group MENA will handle the integrated communications across the Middle East for the aviation group.
Amazon hires Fever co-founder for EMEA consumer comms role
Fever co-founder Bruce McLachlan will join Amazon as its EMEA director of consumer communications in January, PRWeek can reveal.
Exclusive: CEO of Grayling Dubai confirms acquisition of company from Huntsworth
Huntsworth has sold the Dubai arm of its business to Grayling's Middle East and Africa CEO Loretta Ahmed, creating a a new independent agency for the region.
Edelman names new EMEA COO
Edelman has promoted the GM of its Amsterdam firm, Arent Jan Hesselink, to chief operating officer of EMEA under the leadership of new EMEA CEO and president Ed Williams.
Catch hired to build awareness of Lego brand
Middle East retail franchise Majid Al Futtaim has hired lifestyle comms consultancy Catch Communications to help drive awareness for retail brands Lego and American Girl.
Facebook on the hunt for new MENA comms chief
Embattled social media giant Facebook is looking for a new communications chief for its MENA projects, including managing its Turkish comms operation, just months after being fined by the country's data protection agency over a privacy lapse.
Edelman UK CEO Ed Williams upped to EMEA chief as Carol Potter takes new role
Edelman UK and Ireland CEO Ed Williams is to succeed EMEA chief Carol Potter, as the latter moves to the newly created role of global vice chair of brand.
Fifa World Cup 2022: Qatar releases official emblem
The emblem for the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar has been unveiled in Doha and 27 other major cities around the world - and it is all about the eight.
Edelman makes senior hires in the Middle East
Edelman has appointed Seth Hand as corporate managing director, while Yahya Hamidaddin has been appointed as regional director.
PRCA MENA makes wide-ranging appointments for inaugural regional board
Directors and CEOs from Edelman, Grayling Middle East and Abu Dhabi Media are among the line-up of appointed senior agency and in-house leaders.
Saudi hotel chain appoints marketing director
Haitham Effat has been appointed as cluster director of sales and marketing at Saudi Arabian hotel chain Millennium & Copthorne Makkah Al Naseem.
New Citizen Relations and We Are Social owner targets PR acquisitions
PR agencies are "definitely" among the acquisition targets for the new owner of several former BlueFocus agencies including Citizen Relations and We Are Social, its CEO has told PRWeek.
PRGN names new regional vice president for MENA
The global PR agency network has appointed Uwe Schmidt as its regional vice president for PRGN Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA).
Ominicom MENA announces key promotions as it eyes regional expansion
Regional CEO of Omnicom Media Group (OMG) EMEA, Elie Khouri, has been named as the group's new chairman, one of a raft of new promotions announced within head office.
Bahrain aluminium giant Alba appoints new PR manager
Six-year employee Abdulla Seyadee has been named the new public relations manager of the Middle Eastern aluminium giant.
PR-focused 'blank newspaper' campaign wins MENA's first Cannes Lions Grand Prix
The Blank Edition, by Impact BBDO Dubai for An-Nahar newspaper, won the top prize in the Print and Publishing category at Cannes Lions this week.
PRCA MENA has launched membership offering in Lebanon
PRCA Lebanon is the latest chapter of PRCA MENA, a professional membership association representing PR and communications consultancies across the region.
NYC celebrity and brand PR firm expands its operations to the Middle East
Wunderlich Kaplan Communications has opened an office in Dubai, and will also be opening a location in Saudi Arabia later this month.
'Saudi Arabia and Egypt are the key markets to watch' - Cicero & Bernay's MD
Tariq Al Sharabi says the oil-rich KSA is going through a complete communications overhaul while Egypt is retaining its position as a major market driven by creative industries
Leo Burnett MEA wins creative contract for Middle East sustainability pioneer
The agency will develop an integrated re-launch communication strategy for the UAE-based public-private partnership company Bee'ah.
UAE luxury yacht manufacturer appoints Seven Media
Seven Media and Gulf Craft have embarked on a partnership that will see the agency help propel the homegrown brand's unique journey and offerings to its target audience in the region.
Largest-ever MEPRA Awards opens for entries
The 2019 iteration celebrates the most creative and impactful campaigns in the Middle East communications industry.
Oman's Six Senses Zighy Bay appoints new marketing director
New hire Katja Graf brings more than 15 years of experience to the role.
Expo 2020 Dubai releases Lionel Messi PR campaign
Barcelona's front man is the global ambassador of Expo 2020 Dubai and the face of a new PR-led campaign by UAE-based agency Face to Face.
APCO Worldwide expands MENA presence in Bahrain
Brad Staples, CEO of APCO Worldwide, said the new MENA base would strengthen the company's presence in "this critical region".
TOH wins brief to represent The House of Garrard in the Middle East
GCC communications agency TOH will run regional PR operations for one of the longest-serving jewellers in the world.
PRCA MENA strikes new partnership with Talkwalker
The partnership will include joint events, shared expertise and exclusive benefits tailored for PRCA MENA members.
Stagnant pay and flexible work forecast for Middle East PR professionals
Recruitment firm Hays says marketing and communications salaries remained steady in the past 12 months and the trend will continue throughout 2019.
PR professionals welcome inaugural PRWeek Middle East Power Book launch
The PRWeek Middle East Power Book has been welcomed by the region's most influential communications professionals.
H+K and Weber Shandwick ranked among the 'Best Workplaces' in the UAE
Great Place to Work - which awards the best workplaces in over 50 countries worldwide - recognised the two communications firms as among the top ten workplaces across the Emirates.
Hanover Middle East MD hails agency acquisition
Hanover Middle East's leadership team to remain following acquisition by Avenir Global, the Canadian owner of PR shops Madano, Axon and Cherry, says regional MD.
Former Edelman pair launch new UAE agency
PR duo Teri O'Donnell and Robin Gordon-Farleigh have joined forces to launch the new UAE-headquartered Manara Global, which will focus on reputation management, purpose and communications across the MENA region.
Peugeot announces new agency line-up to help drive comeback in Gulf region
Peugeot has appointed new agencies to handle PR, social and creative, with the aim of raising awareness of its range of high-end mainstream passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
MEPRA to hold fifth Leadership Majlis
The major communications conference in Abu Dhabi will explore how communication professionals can remain relevant during a time of industry turbulence.
W Dubai - The Palm chooses UK agency partner
W Dubai - The Palm has appointed specialist luxury travel PR agency Lemongrass Marketing to manage UK and Irish PR, following a competitive pitch process.
PRWeek Global Awards: ASDA'A BCW and H+K lead the pack in the Middle East
A dozen Middle Eastern agencies have been shortlisted for this year's PRWeek Global Awards.
MEPRA hosts Student Pitch Challenge
The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) hosted its inaugural Student Pitch Challenge where PR and comms students and recent graduates competed for the chance to win a prize package.
14 teams contest Young PR Lions MENA
PRCA MENA will soon announce the shortlist for the fourth annual Young PR Lions MENA competition to find the most creative young PR professionals in the region.
Dubai's Waterfront Market appoints new creative comms agency
Communication architects balcony8 have been appointed as the new multi-disciplinary agency to represent Dubai's Waterfront Market - one of the emirate's leading shopping destinations and a premier fresh food marketplace.
Sony Middle East and Africa appoints new PR partner
Sony Middle East and Africa (Sony MEA) has hired consumer electronics specialist Tribeca to help drive awareness and growth of its range of audio and digital imaging products in South Africa.
Integrated Diagnostics Holdings appoints Hudson Sandler
Middle Eastern healthcare provider Integrated Diagnostics Holdings has appointed consultancy Hudson Sandler LLP as its retained financial and corporate comms adviser, working in conjunction with Hudson Sandler's Cairo-based strategic partner Inktank Communications.
Debut Middle East PR podcast focuses on women in leadership
PR professionals can now keep up to date with the latest news in Middle East PR by tuning into a brief podcast series to hear from the industry's biggest names as they address key issues, challenges and trends for comms experts in the region.
Insignia Worldwide rolls out 'specialist celebrity endorsement' division
Dubai-based integrated marcomms agency, Insignia Worldwide, has launched a new division offering specialist celebrity endorsement services for brands and projects.
'An employee-centric culture is vital' - Brazen MENA's Louise Jacobsen
Keeping up with a changing PR landscape and treating staff 'like family' is how Brazen MENA thrives in an In an 'ultra-competitive market'.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund brings on KARV Communications
The firm is tasked with distancing the fund, which receives government money, from the government.
Digital marketing agency Netizency opens third regional office
Digital marketing and comms agency Netizency is opening its third regional office in Lebanon after six years of operation in neighbouring countries the UAE and Qatar.
Starz Play hires ASDA'A BCW as corporate comms partner
ASDA'A BCW has been appointed corporate communications partner of Starz Play - the MENA region's fastest-growing subscription video on-demand (SVOD) service.
Memac Ogilvy promotes Samer Abboud to regional managing director
Middle East communications agency Memac Ogilvy has promoted Samer Abboud to regional managing director to guide the agency's operations in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Iraq as the PR shop looks to expand its presence across the Arabian Gulf.
PRCA MENA Awards: Weber Shandwick and H+K top winners' list
Weber Shandwick MENA has won five awards, including Large Consultancy of the Year at the 2019 PRCA MENA Awards.
CEOs should take a stand on relevant social issues but authenticity is key
ASDA'A BCW Middle East president Sunil John argues that by taking a stand on relevant social issues that matter, CEOs can build empathy with consumers.
Features & analysis
'Talent remains the number one issue' - ICCO World PR Report
PR's global growth is set to surge beyond 2020 but recruiting skilled staff is a constant hurdle, according to the annual report.
'Sisters to do it for themselves': why women need to champion their own career development
In a first editorial column, PRWeek Middle East addresses why women need to be at the forefront in the fight for gender equality.
The creative work, purpose and investment in the Middle East is impressive
The work coming out of Saudi Arabia and the investment they are pouring into major events is truly impressive.
'It is time to tackle gender inequality and boardroom imbalance' - new GWPR MENA chair
Lucy D'abo, chair of GWPR MENA, says flexible working hours, equal opportunities, women in leadership, and sponsoring up-and-coming talent is at the top of the agenda for a new regional branch of Global Women in PR (GWPR).
Saudi tourism push earns significant reach but public sceptical
A campaign to promote Saudi Arabia as a tourism destination using social media stars and content creators has a potential reach of more than 880 million, analysis by Talkwalker has found. Comments under some of the more popular posts highlight the challenge the Kingdom faces to shift perceptions.
Vanity metrics should be put in the dustbin of bad PR practice
Mazen Nahawi, the CEO of CARMA, says it is time for measurement to no longer be cheap and dirty in the Middle East
Majority of UAE influencers don't disclose paid content, survey reveals
New research has found a 'lack of transparency' in the sector, with 84 per cent of UAE influencers not disclosing branded content or brand partners, while only 44 per cent reveal paid partnerships.
Iran's 'token' effort to allow women into football 'a cynical publicity stunt'
Iran's highly-publicised effort to allow women to watch live football has been slammed as a 'cynical publicity stunt' by Amnesty International.
Edelman's tech chief: 'The Middle East can fight the 'techlash'
Edelman's Justin Westcott told PRWeek Middle East that tech companies in the region are well placed to flight against the backlash to technology if they use communication to regain consumers' trust.
Saudi Arabia turns to influencers to give nation's image a makeover
As war in Yemen rages on and controversy around Jamal Khashoggi's murder lingers, Saudi Arabia is turning to influencers to shed a positive light on the kingdom as it slowly opens up to tourism. The tactic is part of a broader PR offensive to improve perceptions in line with Mohammad bin Salman's 2030 Vision.
PRWeek Global Awards 2019: APCO named best Middle East agency
Edelman and Mubadala Investment Company also take home coveted trophies in the 2019 edition of the PRWeek Global Awards.
PRWeek launches inaugural Middle East Power Book
PRWeek launched its inaugural Middle East Power Book yesterday (30 April) to more than 100 senior PR professionals from the region at a glamorous gala event at Jumeriah Al Naseem in Dubai, UAE.
'E-commerce and in-store experiences are changing the face of retail comms' - creative chief
The chief creative officer at agency Liquid Retail says as the relationship between online and bricks-and-mortar grows increasingly symbiotic, the phenomenon known as 'OmniCommerce' will be an industry game-changer for PR professionals in the retail space.
'Media house closures are our biggest challenge' - Catch Communications MD
Injeel Moti says changes within traditional print media, including redundancies and titles being axed, is affecting PR firms in the UAE
'Journalists and social media influencers are too spoiled' - agency CEO on regional PR drawbacks
Not a Cliché founder Duha Shabib says, as the region looks to foster its image, PR is needed now more than ever - but the Middle East faces a unique set of challenges.
Marketing and PR in top three industries hiring fresh grads in the UAE
PR is among the top three most appealing jobs for fresh graduates across the Middle East, according to a study by regional career site bayt.com.
'Increased productivity, enhanced quality of work' - Middle East comms agency lauds four-day working week
Communications, branding and digital agency WonderEight is benefitting from the positive consequences of a healthy work-life balance, says its co-founding creative director.
The death of AVE: key digital metrics MENA PR pros need to use today
The death knell has been sounded for the use of 'advertising value equivalent', a 'vanity metric' for PR professionals, says Lama Abdelbarr, digital communications lead (Middle East & Africa) at Talkwalker.
'Brands shouldn't focus on their products' - Cicero & Bernay director
Campaigns should also tap into social issues, says Sarah Longbottom, the PR group's director of strategy and planning.
'My goal is to keep nurturing talent in the region' - Edelman's Middle East CEO
The PR firm Edelman is marking ten years in the region and its Middle East CEO Omar Qirem has big ambitions for the business.
Is influencer marketing taking over traditional marketing?
PR expert Omar Darwish asks, while influencers can instantly create a social media hype - how long will the trend continue?
The rise of authentic purpose will drive the Middle East region
Purpose is no longer an optional extra - it is a must have, must do, for any future-focused organisation that wants success with longevity, says Teri O'Donnell, CEO of UAE-headquartered Manara Global.
'There is enough business to go around' - POP communications on UAE's competitive PR landscape
Zainab Imichi Alhassan and Sarah Curtis - co-founders of POP Communications - say while budgets are shrinking, the UAE offers plenty of opportunities for established brands and start-ups.
Mubadala comms chief: 'Region is placing right emphasis on corporate communications'
While the profession is becoming more respected, fake news is still a chink in the armour for Middle East communications expert, Brian Lott, the chief communications officer of Mubadala Investment Company.
The new mainstream media - go digital or go home
Mamoon Sbeih, president of MENA for APCO Worldwide says communications professionals have two choices today: We either go digital... or, we go digital.
'Think big, focus on the small' - Four Communications group director on the secret of success
Four Communications group director, Ray Eglington, reveals plans to spill over into the Saudi market as he discusses emerging challenges and opportunities facing PR shops in the region.
'Religion plays too big a role in the region' - ASDA'A BCW unveils findings of 11th Arab Youth Survey
ASDA'A BCW's Arab Youth Survey has been unveiled - showing the region's young people believe the UAE is the top country to live in, but think religion plays too big a role and that religious institutions should be reformed.
'Middle East is comparable to UK comms market' - Edelman's Middle East CEO
This week I had the pleasure of attending a PRCA roundtable with the UK's executive director for government communications Alex Aiken.
In Pictures: PRWeek Middle East Power Book launch
See the best photos from this week's glamorous launch party for PRWeek's first Middle East Power Book, which took place at Jumeriah Al Naseem in Dubai, UAE.
PRCA launches NextGen Arabia
Young Arabic PR professionals will be mentored by industry professionals on how to navigate the changing industry landscape.
The secret of success is a 'bedrock of strong foundations' - without it, firms will fail
Robin Gordon-Farleigh, founding partner of new UAE start-up Manara Global, says without a strong communication infrastructure in place, PR shops struggle to function.
'GCC CEOs need to stand out as connected leaders' - Brunswick's Craig Mullaney
Craig Mullaney - a Brunswick partner who until recently was Facebook's head of strategic partnerships - says CEOs in corporate communication firms across the GCC need to strengthen their digital presence and capture an untapped and potentially lucrative online audience.
Governments should communicate promptly and positively - like Jacinda Ardern
Communication experts have called for educational evolution, and prompt and positive communication by governments, highlighting the importance of crisis comms. New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern has been held up as an example of a great communicator.
'Communications and social purpose is mission-critical for organisations' - Edelman's Michelle Hutton
Edelman's Michelle Hutton says it is now integral for Middle Eastern brands to effectively engage consumers and for the agencies to take back the craft of PR.
Reflections on an agency start-up
Hanover Middle East formally turned two years old this week. Momentum is your ruler as a start-up so, while I'm not entirely sure how time has moved so fast, it's certainly been a ride.
Emirates celebrates spirit of Africa in latest brand campaign
UAE-carrier Emirates has launched a pan-African brand campaign that celebrates the talent and achievements of young Africans, taking the message of 'New Africa' to the world.
'Transparency and trust are more important than ever' - Active DMC's Sawsan Ghanem
The evolving PR landscape in means communication firms need to be transparent, trustworthy and take a firm stance on an issue while being tech-savvy is no longer just an option, according to the managing director of a Dubai PR agency.
IWD: Why being a woman working in PR in the Middle East is the best thing I've ever done
International Women's Day is a reminder that female empowerment is a journey for everyone; it doesn't discriminate.
MENA has unrivalled energy and sheer potential for growth
The quality and breadth of PR and comms in the Middle East is impressive, but this year we will challenge the industry to go further.
IWD in the Middle East: 'Glass ceilings being shattered' but 'still progress to be made'
As International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated this week, women across the Middle East have said now is a time to recognise significant progress in gender equality - but believe more can be done to make the region's marketing and comms market a balanced workforce.
'Measurement is a challenge' - Big Interview: Health PR expert Farah Al Alami
Health PR expert Farah Al Alami, chief communications officer at United Eastern Medical Services (UEMedical), outlines internal comms and challenges facing the health PR market in the Middle East.
Middle East PR market outlook: 'Irrepressible optimism tempered by talent headache'
A forecast of the Middle Eastern PR market has revealed optimistic industry growth and an expectation of increased profit margins in 2019, but agency heads have concerns over access to talent in the regional market.
'Ordinary people now tell the story for you' - Seven Media on Middle East PR's U-turn
PR in the Middle East has seen a "U-turn" in recent years whereby agencies now tailor their strategy for the everyday social media consumer - rather than pitch to traditional newsmakers, says the director of one of the region's biggest homegrown communications firms.
Boutique benefits, regional idiosyncrasies and the battle for buy-in: Performance Comms on writing 'a new chapter for the business'
The Middle East market can be a congested space for PR but small agencies can compete with global heavyweights when it comes to landing new business, according to the comms director of boutique firm Performance Comms.
'Finding unicorns' - H+K Strategies MENA chief cites talent as biggest issue facing PR in the region
Hiring and retaining top professionals is one of the biggest obstacles facing Middle East comms firms but the region offers untapped growth potential for PR shops, according to one of MENA's most prominent CEOs.
PRWeek Agency Business Report: Middle East rankings revealed
As part of PRWeek's annual Global Agency Business Report 2018, we reveal the top Middle East consultancies, ranked by revenue generated in the region.
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Head of Communications Russell Group London (Greater)
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Account Manager (Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Campaigns) Red Flag London (Central), London (Greater)
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Account Executive (Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Campaigns) Red Flag London (Central), London (Greater)
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Senior Specialist - Media Relations Coventry Building Society Coventry, West Midlands
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Senior Corporate Communications Manager Klarna London (Central)
Latest Jobs
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Head of Communications Russell Group London (Greater)
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Account Manager (Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Campaigns) Red Flag London (Central), London (Greater)
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Account Executive (Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Campaigns) Red Flag London (Central), London (Greater)
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Senior Specialist - Media Relations Coventry Building Society Coventry, West Midlands
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Senior Corporate Communications Manager Klarna London (Central)