DMCC AWARDED ‘GLOBAL FREE ZONE OF THE YEAR’ FOR A RECORD FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

 

  • The Financial Times’ fDi Magazine awarded DMCC with the prestigious accolade of ‘Global Free Zone of the Year’ for an unprecedented fifth year running
  • DMCC claimed seven awards in total, and was recognised for its support of SMEs both regionally and internationally
  • 1,868 new companies joined DMCC in 2018

 

 

 

Dubai, UAE; 14 October 2019: DMCC – the world’s flagship Free Zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise – has been awarded Global Free Zone of the Year 2019 by Financial Times’ fDi Magazine for a record fifth consecutive year. DMCC also received awards titled: Global Free Zone of The Year for SMEs; Middle East Free Zone of The Year; and Middle East Free Zone of The Year for SMEs.

 

Claiming seven awards in total, DMCC was also the recipient of The Thought Leadership Award in recognition of its The Future of Trade report, the DMCC Knowledge Series (an exclusive, members-only programme of business-related lectures, workshops and seminars), and its international engagement strategy that promotes Free Zones as an economic concept.

 

fDi judges also selected DMCC for the Marketing Slogan Award in recognition of its Made for Trade tagline, and The Expansions Award in acknowledgement of a number of DMCC member companies deciding to expand their operations within the Free Zone in 2018.

 

“DMCC has worked tirelessly over the years to create a marketplace that removes barriers to trade, and enables others to do business. Customer centricity is at the core of our approach, and today we are proud to help over 16,000 companies grow their enterprise,” Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC. “To be officially recognised as the number one Free Zone in the world is something special, and suggests that our strategy is working. Looking ahead, we will continue to enhance the commercial ecosystem we provide, and continue to deliver for all of the ambitious companies within it,” he added.

 

This latest set of awards recognises the important role DMCC plays in the UAE’s diversification strategy, and its contribution to national economic growth. DMCC’s first-class infrastructure, products and services have attracted significant foreign direct investment to Dubai over the last 10 years, helping position the emirate as a globally leading commodities trade hub. Trade conducted through Dubai Free Zones has been the biggest contributor to the emirate’s increase in total trade in the first half of 2019, accounting for AED 286.8 billion (USD 78.1 billion).

 

“DMCC’s continued success in our rankings is testament to its dynamic, innovative and forward-thinking approach, which has helped it keep up momentum even in the face of ever increasing competition. We applaud DMCC and its management for this achievement,” said Courtney Fingar, Editor-in-chief, fDi Magazine.

 

A total of 85 Free Zones from across the globe were nominated in the 2019 competition and were assessed against a comprehensive range of criteria including the evaluation of services, products and facilities available, in addition to initiatives on offer to investors.

 

The DMCC Free Zone added over 1800 new members in 2018, and almost 1000 in the first half of 2019. DMCC has delivered an annual average growth rate nearly 30% in the last 10 years.

 

Offering a hassle-free route to setting up a business in the heart of Dubai with 100% ownership, DMCC is home to over 16,000 member companies and registers an average of seven new companies a day. Strategically located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), DMCC is minutes away from the emirate’s major airports and seaports, providing companies with swift access to the fastest-growing markets in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and beyond as well as the important markets of the West.

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PRCA MENA welcomes Atteline as its newest members

The Middle East and North Africa branch of the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA MENA), has announced PR firm Atteline as its newest member.

Atteline is a fashion, beauty, and design PR agency headquartered in Dubai, UAE. Leveraging global experience, regional insight, and local expertise, Atteline package, protect, and propel brands across the consumer and corporate landscape.

Bianca Riley MPRCA, Director, Atteline, said:”We at Atteline are thrilled to now be members of the PRCA! From training moments to prestigious awards, the PRCA offers a wealth of opportunities that we as a growing agency are excited to be a part of. The public relations community in the MENA region is tight-knit, and being a part of the association really brings us all closer together, enhancing even further best practices and inspiring campaigns.”

Melissa Cannon MPRCA, General Manager, PRCA MENA, said, “I am proud to welcome Atteline as PRCA MENA’s latest member, and I personally look forward to working with the team and supporting them in this exciting time of growth. As our reach widens across MENA there is no better time to become part of our association, as we develop new training programmes and an extensive range of events across the region.”

Find out how you can benefit from becoming a PRCA MENA member here.

-ENDS-

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Grayling Dubai becomes an independent agency upon completion of sale from Huntsworth

The acquisition of Grayling Dubai from its parent company Huntsworth plc by its CEO, Loretta Ahmed, has been completed, creating a new independent agency for the region. The business will retain close ties to the Grayling network as it remains an affiliate partner for its Middle East mandates.

Staying under the Grayling brand in the short term, it will continue to offer the same high quality of service that has come to be synonymous with the name across the region.

Speaking on the acquisition, Paul Taaffe, CEO of Huntsworth PLC said, “Loretta has run this business like her own since she took it on in 2013. She has had a track record of fostering strong teams and an inclusive culture that works well in the Middle East, allowing her to build and retain a strong portfolio of clients. We look forward to continuing to have Loretta and her team as part of our extended family as we co-operate to meet the needs of global clients.”

Loretta said, “It’s a great way to leave the group – to be able to take the team and business with me but to stay connected as a global affiliate really offers the best of both worlds.” She continued, “I have always considered this business as my own – Huntsworth has always been a hands-off network that empowers its regional CEOs to run their regions relatively autonomously so nothing changes in the short term, but a new brand will come in time and we are now looking forward to charting our own course.”

“This is an exciting step for our Dubai business, giving us the freedom to build the business our way, with our own culture and values as key drivers for our future journey. Speed, agility and the ability to switch course fast is what matters in markets that move as quickly as the Middle East and we are now in the best position possible moving forward”.

Loretta Ahmed has been in the region for over six years, running the Grayling business as CEO of Middle East & Africa. Prior to that, she was CEO for Grayling’s UK business.

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Inayat, the youngest member to join PRCA MENA Regional Board

Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has announced the line-up of its inaugural regional board. Abdulrahman Inayat, co-founder of W7Worldwide, Marketing Communications Consultancy Agency, has been elected to be a member of the PRCA’s Regional board.

 

“The regional board is comprised of leaders and experts in the Public Relations and communications industry from around the region who will set the strategic direction of PRCA MENA as the organization continues its expansion plans”, Melissa Cannon, General Manager at PRCA MENA, commented, “Abdulrahman is one of the best in the business and we are really proud to have him as part of our team. Abdulrahman’s experience, the diversity of his portfolio and his passion for PR and communications makes him the perfect choice and a great addition to our ever-expanding team.”

 

Being the co-founder and the strategic planning director of W7Worldwide, Inayat embodied his life-long passion of creating a leading independent marketing communications consultancy agency with strong capabilities and global standards.

 

On his part, Abdulrahman Inayat commented said, “PRCA enjoys a rich history that spans over 50 years since its founding in 1969” he further added, “It plays a vital role in managing ICCO, the umbrella body for 41 PR associations around the world. I am truly proud and honored to be part of esteemed body.”

 

The PRCA is currently the world’s largest PR professional body, with the membership of over 30,000 consultants from across the world, including leading European companies and UK public sector organizations, as well as hundreds of public relations, communications and media professionals. It has launched its MENA branch in 2016 and operates in 66 countries around the world, with main offices in the UK, Singapore, and Dubai.

 

W7Worldwide is an independent, Saudi, marketing communications consultancy agency that is driven by the passion to bridge people and make an impact. Throughout the years, the agency has gathered a wide range of experience that enabled it to have holistic understanding of the local, regional and international market. W7Worldwide specializes in marketing communications, which serves as an umbrella for 360-degree communications services that include Reputation Management, Stakeholder Mapping, Crisis Management, Media Relations, Public Relations, Social Media, Marketing and Brand solutions with a broad array of services under each category.

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4 ways to win at influencer marketing

By: Lama Abdelbarr

 

According to Talkwalker’s influencer marketing survey, 69% of respondents ranked influencer marketing as a strategic priority for 2019. That’s no surprise, given that influencer marketing has been proven to deliver 11 times higher ROI than traditional forms of digital marketing.

If it’s done right.

That’s why we put together some key guidelines to help you work with influencer. Better still, you can check this comprehensive roundup of influencers based out of the Middle East which includes a diverse range of profiles of influencers you can work with varying interests and specialities.

 

Now back to the guidelines:

  1. Define your own KPIs before you define them for your influencer

What are you looking for from this influencer partnership? Consider the below options:

  •  Brand awareness
  • Shift in brand perception
  • Content creation – to be leveraged on your own social channels
  • Direct boost in sales (If so, do you have a plan in place to track conversions from the influencer’s pages? And are your expectations in line with the average engagement rates of the influencer?)

    An influencer could have millions of followers without having a lot of influence over them. They could have bought likes and comments – i.e. fake engagement. They could also have a limited but highly targeted and engaged niche follower base that is ideal for your brand.

    If you want to deliver on your influencer marketing campaign, you need to start by measuring your own needs and ensuring they align with your influencers and social media platforms of choice.

    2. Find the right influencer for your campaign

Don’t be blinded by reach. There is no such thing as a great influencer. One brand’s great influencer is not necessarily going to be a great one for your brand. In fact, an influencer who achieved great results for one of your campaigns, is not necessarily going to be a great fit for all of your campaigns.

Think about your campaign objectives strategically. Think about your target audience. Think about the kind of content the influencer creates. Do you see a connection? If you don’t, repeat this process with another influencer profile. Until you find the right one.

(Looking for a fresh selection of influencers to consider – check out this list!)

One more thing – you need to vet your influencer. Deep dive into their statistics to identify any key patterns. You can use this short checklist to guide your vetting process:

  • Are their followers consistently engaged?
  • Do they have suspicious (bot-like) comments that are spiking the engagement rates?
  • Do their posts come across as being authentic and credible?
  • Have they been involved in any controversies before?
  • Are they or have they ever been associated with any of your competitors?
  • Is the content of their posts entirely aligned with your brand values?
     

    3. Be crystal clear about all aspects of the partnership…without infringing on your influencer’s creative license

While the connection you want to build is personal and human, don’t forget that this is ultimately a business transaction. For the partnership to achieve its maximum potential, you should ensure that you are on the same page as your influencer.

A formal agreement or contract is best practice as it allows you to clearly outline expectations or deliverables and gives your travel influencer a clear action plan that allows them to map out their content ideas and activities as best suits them without interfering with their creative autonomy.

Your agreement should cover:

  • Duration of the partnership/campaign
  • Expected compensation, if any (consider the format of payment – barter deal, fixed amount, or percentage of direct conversions?)
  • Exclusivity (of brand affiliations, influencer content usage, etc.)
  • Expectation to attend events, if any
  • Quantity and type of influencer content (photos, carousels, videos, blog posts. etc.)
  • Approval rights and process (indicate whether the content needs to pass through the brand manager for certain approvals before posting)

    4. Closely monitor the analytics – pre, during, and post campaign

    Don’t fall into the trap of using analytics only at the start of your influencer campaign. The role of analytics doesn’t end with vetting the influencer’s social performance and history before partnering up with them.

    After both you and your influencer put a lot of hard work into the partnership, you need to be able to assess what worked and what didn’t and report on results. It’s very important to have a powerful analytics tool that empowers you to analyze and optimize your influencer marketing performance.

     
    Talkwalker is a media monitoring and social analytics company that empowers over 2,000 brands and agencies to optimize the impact of their communication efforts. It is also the home of Talkwalker Alerts, a free alerting service used by over 500,000 communications and marketing professionals worldwide. Get a free demo now.

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UAE’S FIRST PODCAST REPORT REVEALS PODCASTING IS MOST TRUSTED FORM OF MEDIA AMONGST REGULAR LISTENERS

  • 76% of the population are familiar with the term podcasting
  • Regular podcast listeners spend 26% more than non-podcast listeners
  • 93% of people who listen to a podcast, finish it
  • A third of podcast shows are in Arabic

 

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 19th August, 2019: A first-of-its-kind study into the podcast landscape of the UAE has revealed trust levels in the medium of the moment. Despite its young age, 92% of regular podcast listeners – defined as those who tune in every week – trust podcasts more than traditional media. That’s according to the latest findings from markettiers MENA who have teamed up with podcast consultancy 4DC to launch a report to canvas the appetite for podcasts in the UAE.

With podcasts currently undergoing a global renaissance, and with 16% of the population now tuning in at least weekly, listenership in the UAE is on a par with the UK. It is also creeping up behind the USA – which is for now, the world’s premier podcast market.

Three quarters (76%) of those who live in the UAE are familiar with the term podcasting, signifying that we are moving towards a ‘tipping point’ whereby ‘regular listeners’ will soon describe a huge proportion of the country. According to one UAE media report, some podcasts saw their listenership double between 2017 and 2018.

When it comes to spending habits, the study revealed that podcast listeners in the UAE are a discerning audience who vastly outspend their peers by up to 26%. Sizing up shopping baskets is a good indicator of people’s attitudes to life’s essentials. And as an example, when it comes to food and drink, podcast listeners spend an average of 2996 AED per month – a quarter more than non-listeners. Podcast listeners also spend 25% more on entertainment and travel in comparison to non-listeners, proving that brands should be aware of this growing trend. The report also revealed stark increases in podcast listeners spend power when it came to lifestyle purchases, in-home spending, insurance and subscriptions.

But whereas the UAE already shares a rich rundown of traits with longstanding podcast nations, the UAE is, in some instances, already ahead of world trends. In both the US and the UK, listenership swings male and veers young: women and over 35s have been slow to buy-in. The UAE podcast gender split is roughly equal and penetration actually increases with age, hitting a peak of 60% in over 45 year olds.

Cheryl King, Managing Director, markettiers MENA, commented: “There is a long history of the oral tradition in the Middle East – hence why radio reaches more households than television. As a nation where digital progress is moving at warp speed, the medium is well on its way to becoming a new media powerhouse. Brands need to see that podcasting is a solid and successful way to reach plugged in, active, and worldly customers. The spend power bubbling away within the UAE listenership represents a remarkable opportunity for those who want to get ahead of the curve.”

Further statistics reveals that 93% of people who listen to a podcast, finish it. And what’s more, a third of shows are now in Arabic, highlighting that podcasts in local language are starting to win big amongst those looking for regionally specific content.

King concludes: “When faced with trends in what is still an emerging market, brands and advertisers often adopt a ‘wait and see’ mentality. But in podcasting, there is a sizeable opportunity now to jump on a simmering trend before it comes to represent a major media vertical.”

 

Notes to editors

To create this report, 4DC commissioned proprietary research. The research was conducted by Censuswide, with 2,006 respondents (1619 non-regular podcast listeners and 387 regular podcast listeners) aged 16+ in the UAE between [27-06-2019] – [03-07-2019]. For comparison, or to fill any data blanks, we look to other markets – primarily the USA – to understand, predict and speculate as to how the UAE podcasting scene might develop.

To download the full report, click here

 

About markettiers MENA

markettiers MENA is a global broadcast specialist consultancy. Launched in Dubai in 2014, markettiers MENA is one of five communications companies housed within the markettiers4DC group. Specialising in helping brands reach their target audiences through broadcast media relations and content creation across TV, online and social platforms.

 

About 4DC

4DC is a global end-to-end strategic podcast consultancy. Launched in December 2018, 4DC is one of five communications companies housed within the markettiers4DC group and offers unique, full-service podcast creation and distribution strategy; with a focus on building audience reach and engagement.https://we.tl/t-rNxORZYEFK

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PRCA MENA Announces Regional Board

PRCA MENA today announced the composition of its inaugural Regional Board.

With senior agency and in-house leaders from across the MENA region, the Regional Board will set the strategic direction of PRCA MENA as the organisation continues its expansion plans.

The Regional Board is composed of:

 

Myrna Abou Mrad

The Full Circles, Lebanon

 

Loretta Ahmed

CEO, MEA, Grayling

 

Salem Al Nuiami

Head of Communication, Abu Dhabi Media (ADM)

 

Alexandre Beaulieu

Founder & CEO, TBWA DJAZ

 

Melissa Cannon

General Manager, PRCA MENA

 

Maria Cohn

Managing Director, Strategic Communications, FTI Consulting

 

Mohammed El Batta

Managing Director, Fekra Communications

 

Stephen Harrison MVO MBE

Senior Director, APCO Worldwide

 

Abdulrahman Inayat

Co-founder and Strategic Planning Director, W7Worldwide

 

Francis Ingham

Director General, PRCA. Chief Executive, ICCO.

 

Ahmad Itani

Founder & CEO, C&B

 

Justin Kerr-Stevens

Partner & General Manager, Portland Middle East

 

Howard Kosky

CEO founder, markettiers4DC

 

Alex Malouf

Corporate Communications Manager, Procter & Gamble

 

Omar Qirem

Chief Executive Officer, Edelman Middle East

 

Joumana Rizk-Yarak

Founder & Managing Director, MIRROS Communication & Media Services

 

Suzanne Talhouk

General Manager, Levant

H+K Strategies

 

Melissa Cannon, General Manager, PRCA MENA, said:

“We are delighted to announce such a prestigious and high-powered Board under the Chairmanship of Omar Qirem.

“Our plans for the region are ambitious but thoroughly deliverable. In just a few years, we’ve established the PRCA firmly in our region. With the strategic guidance of our new Regional Board, we will be powering ahead even more strongly in the next couple of years.”

-ENDS-

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PRCA MENA welcomes Middlesex University Dubai as first Middle East University Partner

The Middle East and North Africa branch of the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA MENA), a trade association headquartered in London, the United Kingdom, has announced its newest partnership with Middlesex University Dubai as its first University Partner in the Middle East. This follows a similar agreement with Middlesex University’s home campus in London, which was announced earlier in 2019.

Starting this September, aligned with the new academic year, the partnership will give students studying in the Middle East unprecedented access to online training, resources, and PRCA events based in the region. Employability will also be enhanced through improved access to the PRCA’s membership which includes some of the largest communications agencies operating across the region, and internationally.

Middlesex University Dubai was first established in 2005 as the first overseas campus. Today it offers a foundation programme along with a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across Business Management, Marketing, Accounting, HR, Education, Psychology, Law, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Digital Media, Advertising and PR, Journalism and Film. Faculty within the Media Department include respected filmmakers, journalists, advertising and PR professionals and the department enjoys close relations with industry. The quality and achievements of the department have been widely recognised – with the University being named the Dubai Lynx University of the Year for 2019, and the Best Media Centre at the Forbes Middle East Higher Education Awards 2019.

Middlesex University Dubai will support the PRCA MENA’s Next-Gen committee to improve learning and development opportunities for communicators at both the start of their careers, as well as future leaders.

Melissa Cannon, General Manager, PRCA MENA, said: “I’m proud to announce University of Middlesex as PRCA MENA’s first Middle East University Partner. Our hope is that this partnership will help foster the next generation of PR and communications professionals within the region, bridging the gap between studying and the industry, and aiding their professional growth. I look forward to involving the university and its students in our upcoming activities.”

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

About Middlesex University Dubai
Middlesex University Dubai is the first overseas campus of the internationally renowned Middlesex University in London. The campus, which opened in January 2005, has over 3,400 students from over 100 nationalities and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in a wide variety of subject areas; it is the first and only university to offer a face to face LLB (British Qualifying Law) Degree. Middlesex University is a global university committed to meeting the needs and ambitions of a culturally and internationally diverse range of students, by providing challenging academic programmes underpinned by innovative research, Grants and professional practice. Middlesex University Dubai prepares its students to be professional, skilled individuals fitted for the modern world, committed to lifelong learning and able to contribute to the communities in which they live and work.

As well as having all the advantages associated with being a British university, Dubai campus students can benefit from all the opportunities afforded by a rapidly developing modern city in the heart of the Middle East, while experiencing the diverse nationalities and cultures that make up the population of Dubai. The Campus is located in Dubai Knowledge Park, occupying spacious classrooms and study areas within four buildings. Dubai Knowledge Park itself was set up in 2003 for international institutions that promote learning. Middlesex University Dubai students, therefore, have the opportunity to participate in a much wider student community.

For more information about the programmes and the range of Grants available visit www.mdx.ac.ae.

Progammes offered by Middlesex University Dubai

International Foundation Programme

1) BA HONOURS ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE
2) BSc HONOURS BUSINESS ACCOUNTING
3) BA HONOURS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
4) BA HONOURS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (FINANCE)
5) BA HONOURS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (HRM)
6) BA HONOURS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (MARKETING)
7) BA HONOURS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP)
8) BA HONOURS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (PROJECT MANAGEMENT)
9) BA HONOURS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (SUPPLY CHAIN & LOGISTICS)
10) BA HONOURS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
11) BSc HONOURS INTERNATIONAL TOURISM MANAGEMENT
12) BA HONOURS MARKETING
13) BEng HONOURS COMPUTER SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
14) BEng HONOURS COMPUTER COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKS
15) BEng BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS
16) BSc HONOURS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
17) BSc HONOURS PSYCHOLOGY WITH COUNSELLING SKILLS
18) BSc HONOURS PSYCHOLOGY WITH HRM
19) BSc HONOURS PSYCHOLOGY WITH MARKETING
20) BSc HONOURS PSYCHOLOGY WITH EDUCATION
21) BA HONOURS EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES
22) BA HONOURS EDUCATION STUDIES
23) LLB HONOURS LAW
24) LLB HONOURS LAW WITH INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
25) LLB HONOURS COMMERCIAL LAW
26) BA HONOURS ADVERTISING, PR AND BRANDING
27) BA HONOURS FILM
28) BA HONOURS JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATION
29) BA HONOURS DIGITAL MEDIA
30) BA HONOURS GRAPHIC DESIGN
31) BA HONOURS FASHION DESIGN

Postgraduate

1) MSc BANKING AND FINANCE
2) MSc INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
3) MA HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
4) MA INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
5) MSc CORPORATE AND MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
6) MSc DIGITAL MARKETING
7) MSc STRATEGIC MARKETING
8) MSc INTERNATIONAL TOURISM MANAGEMENT
9) MSc INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY AND EVENTS MANAGEMENT
10) MSc ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT
11) MSc NETWORK MANAGEMENT & CLOUD COMPUTING
12) MSc ROBOTICS
13) MSc BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT (BISM)
14) MSc DATA SCIENCE
15) MSc APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY
16) MA GLOBAL GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
17) LLM LAW
18) LLM INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW
19) LLM INTERNATIONAL LAW
20) LLM EMPLOYMENT LAW
21) MA INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
22) MA EDUCATION (LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT)
23) MA EDUCATION (TEACHING & LEARNING)
24) MA EDUCATION (COACHING & MENTORING)
25) MA EDUCATION (SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS & DISABILITY)
26) POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN HIGHER EDUCATION (PGCHE)
27) MA HIGHER EDUCATION
28) MA GRAPHIC DESIGN

MBA

6) GENERAL
7) FINANCE
8) MARKETING
9) BUSINESS EXCELLENCE
10) OPERATIONS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
11) SUSTAINABILITY AND CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
12) INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
13) BUSINESS ANALYTICS
14) ISLAMIC ECONOMY
15) HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
16) PROJECT MANAGEMENT

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FIRST OF ITS KIND STUDY REVEALS THERE ARE 1.3 MILLION REGULAR PODCAST LISTENERS IN THE UAE

 

  • Middle East’s first ever report into the podcast landscape of the UAE due to be released in August
  • Initial statistics reveal regular podcast listeners trust the medium more than any other form of media

 

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 29th July, 2019: As the global boom in podcasting continues, new research has revealed that there are 1.3 million regular podcast listeners in the UAE. That’s according to new statistics released today by markettiers MENA, broadcast specialist and supported by global podcasting consultancy 4DC from a first-of-its-kind study into the podcast landscape of the UAE.

 

The results have revealed a nation that values the story-telling nature of the podcast medium, with 16% of the adult population tuning into podcasts at least once a week.

 

Initial results also reveal nine in 10 (92%) of regular podcast listeners trust podcasts more than traditional media. Podcast listeners’ trust slightly drops to 89% for radio and 86% for TV. Perhaps unsurprisingly, social media fares worst in the trust stakes, with only 72% saying they trust what they find on these platforms. Ultimately podcast listeners trust the medium more than any other form of media.

 

A selection of results were revealed at the latest MEPRA member event, Podcasts 101, with the full report due for release in August.

 

Mike Fairburn, of Sony Music Entertainment Middle East and panelist at the Podcast 101 event, referenced the clear appetite and potential for the podcast scene to grow in the region as mobile connectivity and pricing, access and awareness of podcast stores, and engagement with the creative community opened up. Mike Fairburn went on to say ‘the opportunity will be around empowering and supporting creative talents to drive the industry forward through engaging, relevant and informative podcast formats.’

 

Managing Director of markettiers MENA; Cheryl King – comments, “the trust that podcast listeners place in the content they are listening to, represents a huge opportunity that brands shouldn’t ignore. Although the podcast scene in the region is still in its relative infancy, it is clear that it is primed to take off, and forward-thinking brands can get ahead of the curve and capitalise on the appetite for this medium which is undergoing a renaissance like we’ve never seen before.”

The preview data has been released ahead of the full markettiers UAE podcasting report – the first dedicated report looking into the podcast habits of the UAE. Due to be released in August, you can pre-register to receive a copy here: https://markettiers.com/podcasts/

 

Notes to editors

  1. To create this report, markettiers commissioned proprietary research. The research was conducted by Opinion Matters, with 2,006 respondents (1619 non-regular podcast listeners and 387 regular podcast listeners) aged 16+ in the UAE between [27-06-2019] – [03-07-2019]. For comparison, or to fill any data blanks, we look to other markets – primarily the USA – to understand, predict and speculate as to how the UK podcasting scene might develop.

 

About markettiers MENA

markettiers MENA is a global broadcast specialist consultancy. Launched in Dubai in 2014, markettiers MENA is one of five communications companies housed within the markettiers4DC group. Specialising in helping brands reach their target audiences through broadcast media relations and content creation across TV, online and social platforms.

 

About 4DC

4DC is a global end-to-end strategic podcast consultancy. Launched in December 2018, 4DC is one of five communications companies housed within the markettiers4DC group and offers unique, full-service podcast creation and distribution strategy; with a focus on building audience reach and engagement.

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Katch International Heads Back to Where it All Began with New London Office

Katch International has reopened its doors in London, as it gets ready to disrupt the UK market with a unique brand of PR & Communications, Social Media Management, Brand Consultancy and Showroom services, representing Neat Meat, Hyde Park Fashion, Ours Restaurant, Cask, and Pulse Light Clinic.

London, UK (July 2019): After establishing itself as a creative force to be reckoned with over the past eight years in the Middle East, Katch International has returned to its roots in London, the city where the PR and creative agency was founded almost nine years ago. With an ever-evolving portfolio and massive demand from clients to expand its operations internationally, Founder and Managing Director, Georgina Woollams has decided the time is right for Katch to unleash its services on the UK market by relaunching its London operations with a new office in Chelsea.

 

The team has hit the ground running since opening the London office, having already been appointed to handle the global marketing strategy for Neat Meat, as well as being tasked with representing Ours Restaurant in Knightsbridge for the launch of their refreshed look, new Summer Menu and seasonal collections. Katch will also provide PR and communications services for bespoke handbag service Hyde Park Fashion, Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF), and Cask, the pop-up bar that recently provided F&B pop-ups for Pride 2019, along with Pulse Light Clinic – specialists in laser hair removal, laser & IPL skin treatments, and much more.

 

Renowned for taking an outside-the-box approach to communications, Katch prides itself on breaking the mould of traditional marketing to bring innovation, creativity and a strategic edge to its work. The Dubai-based agency’s client list features a wide range of lifestyle, hospitality, luxury, finance, corporate, and technology brands – companies that have benefited from the 360-degree communications approach that Katch employs. At Katch, there’s no tolerance for bland, boring or vanilla; it’s all about creating campaigns that are truly memorable and instantly impactful.

 

Powered by a diverse team of passionate professionals, Katch’s strength can be found in its ability to adapt to the eclectic demands of each field. By taking advantage of years of collective industry experience and utilising on-trend technologies, the Katch team has been able to achieve excellent results for clients, which include providing the integrated communications for BTS’ first ever show in Saudi Arabia, as well as Dubai World Trade Centre, Rove Hotels, Suitsupply, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Live Nation, TAG Heuer, VOD Dubai International Jewellery Show, Global Gift Gala, Chef David Myers, and many more.

 

Expressing her excitement about the company’s growth, Georgie Woollams, Founder and Managing Director of Katch International, stated, “When I set up this agency back in 2010 in my hometown of London, I could never have foreseen just how successful Katch would become. It has been an absolute pleasure to watch my team grow and develop into the highly driven and passionate group they are today. After relocating to Dubai back in 2011, we have gone from strength to strength as an agency, disrupting the market with integrative, immersive and experiential campaigns that secure outstanding results for our clients. Our 360-degree approach has now brought us full circle and I am proud to be in a position to reopen our London operations with a new office in Chelsea.”

 

The new Chelsea office sees Katch’s London team providing widespread and highly effective regional and international exposure for clients seeking PR & Communications, Social Media Management, and Brand Consultancy services, along with Wholesale, Retail, Distribution, and Brand Management expertise through the Katch Showroom department.

 

Katch us if you can, in London and Dubai!

For Media enquiries, please contact:

Georgie Woollams, Managing Director, Katch International

georgie@katchthis.com,

21-23 Mossop St, SW3
UK Tel +44 20 8895 6383
UK Mobile +44 7595 555836

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