The Public Relations and Communications Association in the Middle East and North Africa (PRCA MENA) has today announced the executive search and talent advisory consultancy Hanson Search, as its latest corporate member.The organisation specialises in mid-senior-level appointments across various communication domains including reputation management, investor relations, government relations, sustainability, brand communications, and influencer marketing. During their 20 years in the field, they have successfully recruited regional heads and CEOs, curated boards, and built executive and senior management teams for both agencies and in-house teams.Head of PRCA EMEA, Monika Fourneaux said:“We are thrilled to welcome Hanson Search to our network of members. Their expertise in executive search and talent advisory services will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of our industry in the MENA region. This collaboration aligns with our mission to foster excellence and innovation in public relations and communications.”Hanson Search CEO Alice Weightman said:“The team at Hanson Search has been working closely with the PRCA globally for many years, so we are delighted to be joining the PRCA MENA. We have been operating in the region for over a decade, and this membership supports our continued growth and expansion in the region. The Middle East is an important market for Hanson Search, and we are committed to supporting our clients in attracting and retaining the best people while always striving for recruitment excellence.”

The Egyptian police, in collaboration with the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), has shut down CimaClub, one of the largest piracy services in the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region.ACE is the world’s leading anti-piracy organisation. CimaClub enabled users to directly download or stream pirated content, offering a VOD library of nearly 50,000 movie and TV series titles in Arabic and their original versions. All ACE members were affected.The service attracted more than 29 million monthly visits through its 65 domains. Most of the traffic originated from Egypt, France, Canada, the United States and Germany.Egyptian police identified and confronted the operator in Giza, Egypt.“ACE remains persistent in cracking down on piracy, collaborating closely with authorities to pinpoint unlawful operators in the MENA region,” said Natasha Matos-Hemingway, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Shahid, a leading Arabic streaming platform by MBC GROUP and ACE member. “This wouldn’t be possible without the assistance of the Egyptian authorities involved, who work diligently to prevent illegal content sharing, and we are grateful to both. It’s no secret that piracy results in tremendous losses, not only for broadcasters, but for production companies and emerging content creators as well. At MBC GROUP, we remain aligned with ACE in its ongoing mission to protect the intellectual property rights of our creators. We are grateful to the Alliance for their great work throughout the year, and we look forward to continuing to fight content piracy together.”“Content piracy has severe implications across the entertainment value chain,” said Fiona Robertson, General Counsel of OSN, a member of ACE. “As one of the leading entertainment companies in the region, we are committed to protecting the rights of all content creators by working closely with law enforcement and regulatory authorities in our operational markets.”“We applaud the Egyptian police for their swift action in identifying the operator of one of the most notorious piracy services in the MENA region,” said Jan van Voorn, Executive Vice President and Chief of Global Content Protection for the Motion Picture Association and Head of ACE. “The sheer breadth of this illegal operation affected every ACE member, compromising the intellectual property of numerous creators and content owners. Today’s action underscores the power of a global and joint effort to protect the integrity of the creative marketplace.”

Dubai, UAE: 21st of Nov. 2023: ESG Mena, www.esgmena.com , the first and only knowledge hub covering the emergence and development of the ESG sector in the MENA, is celebrating one year of delivering expert insights, analysis and knowledge-sharing.Founded to unite ESG stakeholders, thought leaders and innovators in the region and disseminate ESG and sustainability knowledge and practices, the company is dedicated to creating a greener and more equitable future for all. With news stories and features that investigate the most important topics of our times and cover the region's latest innovations, regulations, and business developments, ESG Mena is a comprehensive and independent knowledge hub.Its podcast, video interviews and op-eds feature some of the leading voices in sustainability and ESG, both regionally and globally, to ignite conversation, facilitate knowledge sharing and provide people, businesses, and non-profits with the tools they need to drive forward action in their communities. Further, as a result of its dedication to driving forward climate action, enhancing governance and improving ESG and sustainability literacy, ESG Mena has become the knowledge partner to top-tier events and organisations. Alongside this, ESG Mena has partnered with eminent organisations such as Reuters Events and NADB, the world's number one Arabic news application, after the launch of ESG Mena Arabic in September. As ESG MENA grows, it will continue to be the go-to source for all things ESG and sustainability in the region and will drive forward ESG literacy through supporting education. The company also shared that there are a number of exciting announcements to come in 2024. Sal Jafar, CEO, ESG Mena, commented: "Establishing the Mena's first and only ESG knowledge hub relays the leadership's vision to actively lead the globe's transformation across all metrics of environment, social and governance."Adding: "Forging an engaging ESG ecosystem, bolstering ESG literacy, widening our coverage across the Mena region and continuing to deliver world-class ESG knowledge will be our focus for 2024." 

Dubai: Forbes Middle East has unveiled its highly anticipated sixth annual 30 Under 30 list, showcasing the region’s most exceptional young talent making waves across diverse industries. This year’s list spotlights 120 entries spanning four main categories: Commerce and Finance, Entertainment, Science and Technology, and Social Impact. Each category has 30 entries.To be eligible for the 30 Under 30 list, applicants had to have been under 30 years old on December 31, 2022, meaning that anybody born in 1993 or later was eligible to be on the list. Candidates could have any nationality but had to have their primary impact in MENA.To find the region's most promising young talent, Forbes Middle East assessed more than 600 applications over several rounds of assessments. A shortlist of 240 candidates were then evaluated by independent external judges, all experts in their respective fields. Factors like candidates' impact on their industry, market, society, and future potential were considered. Quantifiable data such as funds raised, awards won, revenues, the value of deals, number of people impacted, number of customers, and number of social media followers were also taken into account.The Class of 2023 celebrates the achievements of 145 individuals representing 22 nationalities, with Egyptians leading the way with 44 individuals, followed by 15 Saudis, 14 Lebanese, 13 Emiratis, and 10 Jordanians. All honorees are based in the Middle East or have their primary business or conduct their core activities in the region. They are dispersed across 20 countries, showcasing the diversity and impact of the region’s emerging leaders. The U.A.E. is home to the most listees with 43 based in the emirates, 36 in Egypt, 14 in Saudi Arabia, nine in Lebanon, and six in Jordan.While each category has 30 entries, Commerce and Finance dominates with the highest number of individuals with 44, followed by Science and Technology and Social Impact with 34 each, and 33 in Entertainment. Among the impressive roster of honorees is Egyptian table tennis champion Hana Goda, the youngest listee at just 15, and 18-year-old Iraqi weightlifter Ali Ammar Rubaiawi. The average age of everyone on the list is 26.6 years old. The list also features Egyptian rapper Wegz and sports stars Mayar Sharif, Hana Gouda, Basant Hamida and Sarah Samir.Of the 145 individuals, 107 are entrepreneurs, making up 74% of the list. If one business had two cofounders or more under the age of 30, they were counted as one entry. Notably, Abdallah Abu Sheikh, leads U.A.E.-based Astra Tech, the highest-funded company on the list. The 28-year-old secured $500 million from G42 in 2022.Forbes Middle East is now finalizing an electrifying agenda for its flagship Under 30 Summit in El Gouna, Egypt in January 2024, which will gather together the Middle East’s esteemed Under 30 community, investors, and business leaders.

Valtech, the experience innovation company, has entered a new era as it repositions its brand to reflect its ambition, growth, and evolution in today’s experience-driven world. This comes as the agency doubled its revenue and headcount over the last five years, helping leading brands like Dolby, P&G, L’Oreal, Mars, Audi, and Volkswagen transform as digital enterprises. Valtech’s new brand positioning is driven by the growing business and consumer need for experience innovation — the only way for brands to leap ahead of their competition and maintain market leadership. From its business transformation work with global brands over the last decade, it has seen experience innovation overtake digital transformation as the solution to accelerate its clients ahead and overcome parity — and as the catalyst behind its own growth.“Digital acceleration and increased digital maturity are changing the reality for brands across all industries. Now many leading enterprises are well underway with their digitalisation, the ability to leap ahead isn’t easy,” said Olivier Padiou, CEO at Valtech. “With greater access to advanced cloud-based technology and global talent, digital transformation is now available to everyone. This has levelled the playing field, turning what was once ‘the best’ into ‘best practices.” “Experience innovation is about going beyond today’s definition of ‘the best’ to aim for future-back category leadership. It’s about outsmarting the competition, setting new standards, and unlocking value in a rapidly changing and connected world. This is where we’re primed to deliver.”According to Salesforce, 88% of customers say that the experience a company provides is as important as its products or services. Valtech is well-positioned to help brands go beyond the best when delivering experiences to not only keep pace with shifts in customer expectations, but to also ensure profitability under current market conditions. Olivier added, “Our unique approach to experience innovation allows brands to better respond to shifts in business, industry, geopolitics, culture, and technology. We’ve seen the value it brings when driving demand and delight for customers and in turn, how it converts to business performance and revenue.”Valtech’s unique, collaborative culture is at the core of its new brand positioning. It’s because of this that it can combine different disciplines, cultures, industries, and perspectives to create surprising breakthroughs for clients. By daring to blend creativity with commerce, wellness with mobility, retail with b2b, and many more uncommon combinations, it creates solutions that achieve the exceptional. This proven pathway to experience innovation — made possible by its ability to adjust its client engagement model to the client’s specific needs — has allowed major brands in Valtech’s roster, including L’Oreal, Mars, and Audi, to break through silos, exceed expectations, disrupt categories, redefine success, and deliver exponential value. “We’re a borderless company that’s locally responsive and globally diverse,” said Suzanne Schroder, chief collaboration officer at Valtech. “This rich culture enables us to combine uncommon combinations of expertise and disciplines in ways other organisations can’t, due to siloes and competing cultures. As these combinations cross over, they spark ideas and breakthroughs that drive huge value for our growth, and our clients’ growth. Our ways of working, acquisition strategy, partnerships, and client servicing model empower and protect that.”"Our experience innovation strategy is the driving force behind our commitment in supporting the ambitious regional transformational agendas of the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the neighbouring GCC countries. In a region where disruption and transformational leaps are the norm, we understand that in today's experience-driven economy, brands must go beyond conventional boundaries to excel. We are here to empower them to outperform, redefine standards, and thrive in a dynamically changing and interconnected landscape. It is an exciting journey where we lead the charge in experience innovation and set the bar for customer experiences that ultimately drive measurable business results," said Adam Cukrowski, Regional Managing Director at Valtech MENA.As part of its new brand positioning, Valtech has not only got a new visual identity to match, but has also identified core offerings that unlock the value of experience innovation — spanning commerce acceleration, data evolution, enterprise transformation, experience elevation, and marketing creativity and performance.   

Dubizzle Group, the Middle East technology unicorn and #1 regional classifieds platform, says that there has been a significant uptick in the listing and sales of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars in the UAE. Proprietary market data compiled by the Group’s classifieds platform dubizzle.com shows a sustained increase in the inventory of second-hand low emission vehicles, signalling a clear shift in consumer preferences towards more sustainable transport options, as well as a maturing of the electric and hybrid vehicle category in the UAE.During the first nine months of 2023, dubizzle’s automotive classifieds data shows a 28% increase in EV listings, compared to the first nine months of 2022. Over the same period, hybrid car listings surged by 142%, further underlining the growing popularity of low emission vehicles. By contrast, non-EV car listings went up by just 9% over the same period.Within the EV category, listings for the Tesla Model 3 increased by 9.2% in the first nine months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Tesla appears to be the preferred brand among buyers, with the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.6 close behind. Listings for the Volkswagen ID.6 increased by 97% during the same period but declined by 73% from a peak in Q4 2023, likely due to measures taken by the UAE in March of this year to regulate the import of EVs through non-approved dealerships and traders.The strong growth in demand for low emission vehicles, according to Dubizzle Group, can be directly correlated to rises in fuel prices, with spikes in demand for low-emission vehicles closely linked to spikes in fuel costs. Moreover, accessibility of EV ownership in the UAE has improved, with prices for low-emission vehicles decreasing since early 2022, making them more affordable for drivers. Used EV prices have also decreased since the mid-2022 supply shortage has corrected.Dubizzle Group believes that the widely available EV charging infrastructure in the UAE has supported stronger demand. The number of EV charging stations in Dubai has seen a more than threefold increase since 2015, with more residential and commercial property developers introducing EV charging stations to their properties. With Dubai targeting a 170% increase in EV charging stations by 2025, ownership of EVs is likely to continue to rise.Haider Ali Khan, CEO of Dubizzle Group MENA, commented: “As the second-hand automotive sales market leader, we are in a unique position to understand changing consumer preferences, and we can clearly see a shift in trends for electric vehicles. With the availability and affordability of electric vehicles improving across the segment, we can expect to see further escalation in the adoption of electric vehicles in the months and years to come, helping the UAE stay on track for its commendable sustainability goals. At dubizzle, we are deeply committed to helping the UAE achieve these milestones and offering our users the best, most holistic experience while buying or selling their vehicles online.”The UAE's EV market is poised for continued growth, with a projected CAGR of 28.5% from 2023 to 2028, according to BMI Research. The UAE currently ranks 8th globally in terms of readiness for electric vehicles, bolstered by ambitious government initiatives for the transport sector, according to Arthur D. Little research.The accelerated progress of the introduction of EVs to the local market is bolstered by the UAE's commitment to increasing the penetration of low emission vehicles, for example through the National Electric Vehicles Policy announced in July 2023. This policy seeks to create an environment conducive to green mobility by establishing infrastructure standards for EV charging stations and promoting the adoption of electric vehicles. The Government’s goal is to increase the share of electric vehicles to 50% of all vehicles on the road by 2050.dubizzle’s growing role in the second-hand EV and hybrid car market is a clear demonstration of the UAE's evolving automotive landscape, as current and future transportation shifts to a cleaner footing. Through its portfolio of leading classifieds brands, Dubizzle Group is actively supporting the UAE's ambitious green mobility agenda, while enabling a circular economy through trusted marketplaces for products and services. Dubizzle Group has played a significant role in building confidence in used cars, introducing innovative features to better facilitate buying and selling, including financing and insurance options. This approach makes the purchase of used EV and hybrid vehicles more accessible and efficient for consumers.Haider Ali Khan concluded: “Benefiting from strong macroeconomic tailwinds, including a significant uptick in long-term residency visas, rapid population growth, and thriving GDP growth, the outlook for the UAE’s EV market is very positive.”Dubizzle Group comprises a leading portfolio of brands, including the UAE’s #1 real estate classifieds platforms Bayut and dubizzle, with 4 million active listings and a monthly regional user base of 27 million people. More than half of the UAE’s population visits one of the Group’s platforms every month.

Raiven Capital today announced the launch of a new venture capital fund with a target size of USD125 mn in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. The fund will focus on founders developing tech in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and Distributed Ledger Tech, with a particular emphasis on digital platforms disrupting value chains in FinTech, cybersecurity and sustainability-focused sectors.  Investing in innovation in early and growth-stage tech companies in the GCC, South Asia, and North East Africa and enabling them to blossom into leaders by connecting them to markets and capital pools in Europe and North America, via Raiven’s new Dubai hub, is what we are most excited about, noted General Partner, Raiven Capital, Paul Dugsin.“The fund will serve the needs of the local startup ecosystem, enabling them to become regional and global competitors, while at the same time, Raiven’s existing community of startups and investors will now have access to all advantages of the Middle East and the broader region that arcs between East Africa to India for their own ventures.”Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Authority, said: “We welcome Raiven Capital to DIFC. Raiven’s focus on nurturing early and growth-stage AI, IoT and distributed ledger tech startups through the launch of this new venture capital fund shows strong confidence in Dubai’s economy, talent-base and future-forward entrepreneurial ecosystem. The firm’s presence in DIFC will not only benefit the local startup community in taking the future of tech to new heights, but also provide Raiven’s global network of founders and partners with access to a wealth of resources in the MEASA region and beyond.”General Partner, Raiven Capital, Supreet Manchanda noted the fervour around Dubai’s ecosystem and the opportunities it presents: “We are thrilled to be in a place growing exponentially. Founders are eager to contribute to global innovation. The government’s robust support for entrepreneurship is impressive, and unlike any other place at this time. We look forward to meeting the best and brightest in Dubai and DIFC in particular. There are great things ahead.”The Toronto-based fund is creating bridges between its home country and Dubai, an exciting development. “We are thrilled that Raiven Capital, a Canadian venture capital fund, is the first-of-its-kind to obtain a licence to operate its second fund in DIFC in Dubai. Raiven has ambitious plans for the region connecting Canada, the UAE and other high growth tech ecosystems. We look forward to working with them,” said Tracy Reynolds, Canada’s Consul General in Dubai.The tech industry in the UAE and regionally has recently seen substantial expansion. Yet, funding is falling behind the quick speed of change and technological adoption. This is drawing global technology businesses and international venture capitalists to the region. Raiven’s fund further accelerates growth of the venture ecosystem to meet the increasing demand for technology products and services.MENA venture capital funding in the third quarter of 2023 saw USD250 mn raised across 78 deals, a 32 per cent increase compared to the second quarter of 2023, according to MAGNiTT’s MENA Venture Investment Premium Report.

Retail Pioneer Union Coop, through its ‘Digital Mkt.& Advt. Section’ an integral part of the ‘Marketing Dept.’ was recently recognized at the MENA Digital Awards (MDA) 2022-23. The cooperative's digital campaign which was implemented by the ‘Digital Mkt.& Advt. Sec.’ in collaboration with ‘Fusion 5’, has been recognized with the ‘Silver’ award. This remarkable achievement emphasizes Union Coop's commitment to digital innovation and excellence in the competitive MENA market.The MENA Digital Awards (MDA) is a prominent accolade within the MENA region, which includes names like UAE Chambers and Emirates Businesswomen Council as strategic partners. All entries are judged by a jury of renowned digital experts from across the world, ensuring a best practice process that recognizes only the best work.Mr. Niels Groen, Chief Commercial Officer, Union Coop, expressed his gratitude and excitement, saying, “This achievement is a testament to our commitment to delivering excellence in the digital marketing space. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to create a seamless and user-friendly ‘Digital campaign’ that enhances the shopping experience for our customers. We would like to thank the MENA Digital Awards for this recognition and our loyal customers for their trust and support." It is worth mentioning that Union Coop's application installs campaign over achieved its objectives by driving (2.5X) installs than planned with (186K) installs from (75K) and achieved No.1 application ranking in Google Play store for Shopping category. The campaign has also achieved total number of place orders of (11K) and (6.3K) order confirmation, with (57%) conversation rate.

Dubai, UAE: Dubizzle Group, the Middle East technology unicorn and #1 regional classifieds platform, says that there has been a significant uptick in the listing and sales of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars in the UAE. Proprietary market data compiled by the Group’s classifieds platform dubizzle.com shows a sustained increase in the inventory of second-hand low emission vehicles, signalling a clear shift in consumer preferences towards more sustainable transport options, as well as a maturing of the electric and hybrid vehicle category in the UAE.During the first nine months of 2023, dubizzle’s automotive classifieds data shows a 28% increase in EV listings, compared to the first nine months of 2022. Over the same period, hybrid car listings surged by 142%, further underlining the growing popularity of low emission vehicles. By contrast, non-EV car listings went up by just 9% over the same period.Within the EV category, listings for the Tesla Model 3 increased by 9.2% in the first nine months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Tesla appears to be the preferred brand among buyers, with the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.6 close behind. Listings for the Volkswagen ID.6 increased by 97% during the same period but declined by 73% from a peak in Q4 2023, likely due to measures taken by the UAE in March of this year to regulate the import of EVs through non-approved dealerships and traders.The strong growth in demand for low emission vehicles, according to Dubizzle Group, can be directly correlated to rises in fuel prices, with spikes in demand for low-emission vehicles closely linked to spikes in fuel costs. Moreover, accessibility of EV ownership in the UAE has improved, with prices for low-emission vehicles decreasing since early 2022, making them more affordable for drivers. Used EV prices have also decreased since the mid-2022 supply shortage has corrected.Dubizzle Group believes that the widely available EV charging infrastructure in the UAE has supported stronger demand. The number of EV charging stations in Dubai has seen a more than threefold increase since 2015, with more residential and commercial property developers introducing EV charging stations to their properties. With Dubai targeting a 170% increase in EV charging stations by 2025, ownership of EVs is likely to continue to rise.Haider Ali Khan, CEO of Dubizzle Group MENA, commented: “As the second-hand automotive sales market leader, we are in a unique position to understand changing consumer preferences, and we can clearly see a shift in trends for electric vehicles. With the availability and affordability of electric vehicles improving across the segment, we can expect to see further escalation in the adoption of electric vehicles in the months and years to come, helping the UAE stay on track for its commendable sustainability goals. At dubizzle, we are deeply committed to helping the UAE achieve these milestones and offering our users the best, most holistic experience while buying or selling their vehicles online.”The UAE's EV market is poised for continued growth, with a projected CAGR of 28.5% from 2023 to 2028, according to BMI Research. The UAE currently ranks 8th globally in terms of readiness for electric vehicles, bolstered by ambitious government initiatives for the transport sector, according to Arthur D. Little research.The accelerated progress of the introduction of EVs to the local market is bolstered by the UAE's commitment to increasing the penetration of low emission vehicles, for example through the National Electric Vehicles Policy announced in July 2023. This policy seeks to create an environment conducive to green mobility by establishing infrastructure standards for EV charging stations and promoting the adoption of electric vehicles. The Government’s goal is to increase the share of electric vehicles to 50% of all vehicles on the road by 2050.dubizzle’s growing role in the second-hand EV and hybrid car market is a clear demonstration of the UAE's evolving automotive landscape, as current and future transportation shifts to a cleaner footing. Through its portfolio of leading classifieds brands, Dubizzle Group is actively supporting the UAE's ambitious green mobility agenda, while enabling a circular economy through trusted marketplaces for products and services. Dubizzle Group has played a significant role in building confidence in used cars, introducing innovative features to better facilitate buying and selling, including financing and insurance options. This approach makes the purchase of used EV and hybrid vehicles more accessible and efficient for consumers.Haider Ali Khan concluded: “Benefiting from strong macroeconomic tailwinds, including a significant uptick in long-term residency visas, rapid population growth, and thriving GDP growth, the outlook for the UAE’s EV market is very positive.”Dubizzle Group comprises a leading portfolio of brands, including the UAE’s #1 real estate classifieds platforms Bayut and dubizzle, with 4 million active listings and a monthly regional user base of 27 million people. More than half of the UAE’s population visits one of the Group’s platforms every month.

Mobmio (part of Mitgo), a mobile performance network, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Adjust, a leading measurement and analytics company trusted by marketers to measure and grow their apps across mobile, web, CTV, PC & console, and beyond. With the substantial growth in mobile app usage across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) the partnership will bring innovative marketing solutions to the dynamic and diverse mobile market to help accelerate its growth and drive business success for customers. Mobile app development and marketing have been on a steep trajectory of growth, especially within MENA. According to Statista, total app market revenues for 2022 reached US$475.90bn, and they expect to see an annual growth (CAGR 2022-2027) of 8.58%, resulting in a market volume of US$755.50bn by 2027. According to Mobmio's data, the number of mobile sales in MENA grew by 20% in H1 of 2023 YoY, their GMV grew by 18.3%, and over half of all orders in the region are made through mobile phones.In the mobile app growth report 2023 by Adjust, it is stated that travel apps emerged as the winner among all app categories in MENA, with an impressive Growth Score of 42.6. A nice example of this is Wego, one of the top travel apps in the region, which reported a YoY growth of over 157% in February 2023. Shopping apps came in second with a Growth Score of 37.9. Mobile gaming and finance apps tied for third place in MENAT, both scoring 27.9. Adjust has consistently been at the forefront of providing growth marketers with tools and data-driven insights to optimize and maximize their user acquisition (UA) and retention strategies. A partnership with Mobmio, specializing in mobile app UA and CPI/CPL/CPA/Revenue share monetization services, will create a more powerful and efficient ecosystem for businesses seeking to thrive in the ever-evolving mobile landscape. "As the mobile measurement landscape continues to evolve, Adjust is leading the way with next-generation measurement and optimization tools that marketers need to grow their apps from early-stage to maturity. Our strategic partnership with Mobmio opens up new possibilities for businesses looking to achieve their growth goals in the MENA region," said Yi?it Atakan, Sr. Partnerships Manager, MENAT at Adjust.Mobmio, known for its mobile performance marketing solutions, is equally excited about the partnership. Launched as a stand-alone business in 2023, Mobmio has already reached out to 500+ million mobile users, generated 50+ million interactions and acquired 15+ million new users for its customers worldwide. By merging its expertise in mobile marketing and Adjust's cutting-edge, cross-channel measurement and analytics capabilities, they aim to provide a comprehensive suite of solutions to businesses looking to tap into the MENA region's immense potential."Mobmio has always focused on delivering performance and monetization solutions that help businesses unlock their full potential in the mobile space. We believe that this partnership with Adjust is the next step in our journey to provide unparalleled mobile performance marketing solutions in the MENA region," stated Aleksandr Kryvosheiev, CEO at Mobmio.

The Public Relations and Communications Association in the Middle East and North Africa (PRCA MENA), has today announced BPG Group as its latest corporate member.BPG (formerly Bates PanGulf, a WPP company) has helped brands transform, succeed, and win in a changing world for over four decades. BPG’s ‘digital first, integrated by intent’ positioning and innovative solutions deliver success for an exceptional portfolio of clients across the GCC.Melissa Cannon, International Director at PRCA MENA, said:"We are delighted to welcome BPG Group as the newest member of PRCA MENA family. Their experience and dedication align with our core mission, which is to drive progress in the realm of public relations and communications throughout the MENA region. We look forward to working close on projects and collaborations.Avi Bhojani, Group CEO, BPG said:“We look forward to being a part of PRCA MENA’s vibrant community, and further strengthening our PR capabilities with knowledge building, the free-flowing exchange of ideas and opportunities for collaborations through this platform. Even as the regional PR industry continues to transform in exciting new ways, our shared vision and values will prime us for long-term success.”

beIN SPORTS, the leading sports broadcaster in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), received two prestigious trophies at the annual MENA Digital Awards in Dubai on 20 October. The company clinched top honours in two categories: ‘Best Use of Cross Platform Digital Content’ and ‘Best Use of Social Media’, solidifying its position as a digital trailblazer in the MENA region.The MENA Digital Awards is a premier event that celebrates the most innovative and effective campaigns across the region. beIN’s outstanding achievements in two highly competitive categories underscore its dedication to creativity, innovation, and engagement in the ever-evolving digital landscape.In the category of Best Use of Cross Digital Platform, beIN showcased its prowess in crafting immersive and impactful digital content that resonated with a diverse audience across various platforms during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM. The campaign not only demonstrated beIN’s creative vision, but also highlighted its ability to connect with viewers across different platforms.In the Best Use of Social Media category, beIN similarly proved its mastery in leveraging its social channels to engage, inform, and inspire audiences during the month-long football tournament – the first held in the Arab World. The winning campaign demonstrated an unparalleled understanding of social media dynamics, resulting in heightened brand visibility and engagement on beIN SPORTS’ social channels across various platforms.Faisal Al-Raisi, beIN’s Director of Digital for the MENA region, said: “We are thrilled to receive these prestigious awards, which reflect the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our entire team. This achievement is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional content and engaging with our audience effectively through our digital channels. As the company continues to innovate and push the boundaries of digital engagement, we look forward to raising the bar even higher in the coming years.”beIN’s success at the MENA Digital Awards not only demonstrates the broadcaster’s commitment to excellence, but also reinforces its position as an industry leader.  

Liminal Custody Solutions (Liminal), the fastest-growing digital asset custody and wallet infrastructure provider in the APAC and MENA region, is thrilled to announce a significant rebranding initiative that underscores its commitment to innovation, excellence, and customer-centricity. This strategic move aims to reshape and elevate the brand’s identity, ushering in a new era of secure, compliant, and automated digital asset custodial solutions. Positioning the company as a "custody and wallet expert", the rebranding signifies Liminal's expansion beyond wallet infrastructure. This exercise ensures that the brand remains at the forefront of digital asset custody, delivering enhanced services to clients and partners. The digital asset industry is pivoting towards custody as the need for security and risk mitigation emerges as a top consideration. Liminal has recognised the necessity to expand its services to stay on top of these shifts. With its new outlook, Liminal has dedicated itself to building comprehensive layers that encompass compliance, security, and regulatory readiness.  Commenting on the new look, Mahin Gupta, Founder of Liminal, said, "We anticipate a mature, compliant, and standardized web3 ecosystem across the APAC and MENA regions, which will attract institutions to build on Web3. This rebrand aligns with our long-term vision of offering secure, compliant, and efficient custody solutions. Every aspect of our roadmap reinforces this commitment. We are now better positioned to serve this mission by offering improved services and demonstrating our dedication to a compliant, secure, and innovative web3 ecosystem."  As a part of this transformative initiative, Liminal has unveiled a vibrant new colour palette that symbolizes abundance and strength. Additionally, a more robust and visually appealing solid colour logo, paired with improved typography, is anticipated to enhance brand visibility and recall significantly. This comprehensive effort extends across the entire spectrum of the brand, encompassing the website, product user interface and user experience, marketing collateral, and all brand-related materials. Although the name "Liminal" remains unchanged, the rebrand introduces fresh design elements and vibes. The redesigned website, in particular, will adopt a more product-centric approach, enabling customers to access vital information swiftly while adhering to web3 design standards that aim to deliver a more meaningful B2B/SaaS experience. This strategic approach ensures a seamless transition for existing customers, emphasizing trust-building and continuous satisfaction. Liminal is poised to expand its footprint in the coming year. With expectations of faster regulatory clarity in the APAC and MENA regions, the company is set to launch regulated custody operations in four regions in the next quarter, providing businesses with a secure, compliant, and regulated custody layer. This will enable businesses to focus on delivering the promises of web3 to end users. Further sharing upcoming expansion plans of the company, Gupta added, "We are poised for expansion and engagement, with a particular focus on APAC and MENA regions. Currently, we are looking at Hong Kong, Indonesia, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Nigeria and Taiwan. Our dedicated local teams will be delivering tailored solutions and building business relationships within these markets."

Liminal Custody Solutions (Liminal), the fastest-growing digital asset custody and wallet infrastructure provider in the APAC and MENA region, is thrilled to announce a significant rebranding initiative that underscores its commitment to innovation, excellence, and customer-centricity. This strategic move aims to reshape and elevate the brand’s identity, ushering in a new era of secure, compliant, and automated digital asset custodial solutions. Positioning the company as a "custody and wallet expert", the rebranding signifies Liminal's expansion beyond wallet infrastructure. This exercise ensures that the brand remains at the forefront of digital asset custody, delivering enhanced services to clients and partners. The digital asset industry is pivoting towards custody as the need for security and risk mitigation emerges as a top consideration. Liminal has recognised the necessity to expand its services to stay on top of these shifts. With its new outlook, Liminal has dedicated itself to building comprehensive layers that encompass compliance, security, and regulatory readiness. Commenting on the new look, Mahin Gupta, Founder of Liminal, said, "We anticipate a mature, compliant, and standardized web3 ecosystem across the APAC and MENA regions, which will attract institutions to build on Web3. This rebrand aligns with our long-term vision of offering secure, compliant, and efficient custody solutions. Every aspect of our roadmap reinforces this commitment. We are now better positioned to serve this mission by offering improved services and demonstrating our dedication to a compliant, secure, and innovative web3 ecosystem." As a part of this transformative initiative, Liminal has unveiled a vibrant new colour palette that symbolizes abundance and strength. Additionally, a more robust and visually appealing solid colour logo, paired with improved typography, is anticipated to enhance brand visibility and recall significantly. This comprehensive effort extends across the entire spectrum of the brand, encompassing the website, product user interface and user experience, marketing collateral, and all brand-related materials. Although the name "Liminal" remains unchanged, the rebrand introduces fresh design elements and vibes. The redesigned website, in particular, will adopt a more product-centric approach, enabling customers to access vital information swiftly while adhering to web3 design standards that aim to deliver a more meaningful B2B/SaaS experience. This strategic approach ensures a seamless transition for existing customers, emphasizing trust-building and continuous satisfaction. Liminal is poised to expand its footprint in the coming year. With expectations of faster regulatory clarity in the APAC and MENA regions, the company is set to launch regulated custody operations in four regions in the next quarter, providing businesses with a secure, compliant, and regulated custody layer. This will enable businesses to focus on delivering the promises of web3 to end users. Further sharing upcoming expansion plans of the company, Gupta added, "We are poised for expansion and engagement, with a particular focus on APAC and MENA regions. Currently, we are looking at Hong Kong, Indonesia, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Nigeria and Taiwan. Our dedicated local teams will be delivering tailored solutions and building business relationships within these markets."

The Society for Human Resource Management in Middle East & North Africa (SHRM MENA) is set to orchestrate a gathering of the most influential minds in the HR and Technology industries for its Annual Conference and Expo 2023. Taking place at the luxurious Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, on November 1st and 2nd, 2023, this premier HR Tech event aims to explore cutting-edge strategies to navigate the rapidly changing world of work.With the theme "Together Towards Tomorrow," the event will unite luminaries, thought leaders, and decision-makers to underscore the importance of forging enduring workplace partnerships, learning from challenges, and collaboratively shaping a brighter future for workplaces.Disruptions in the workplace, accelerated by factors like the Covid-19 pandemic, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the adoption of remote and hybrid work models, have raised concerns about employee well-being and performance. The SHRM MENA conference will serve as a forum to deliberate on ways to empower workers and organizations to mitigate and ultimately eliminate disruptions.Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, emphasized, "The changing landscape of work demands our attention, and we must address the disruptions impacting the workplace. SHRM MENA events will decipher regulations, introduce innovative approaches, craft pioneering strategies, and empower individuals and organizations to thrive in disruptive times, equipping them to navigate the evolving dynamics and opportunities of the modern work world."SHRM conferences are dedicated to harnessing automation and adaptive work frameworks to reshape traditional labor paradigms. The United Arab Emirates, a beacon of innovation and information technology, stands as an international example for collaboration and digital proficiency. It symbolizes the potential for nations seeking to bolster their labor forces. Addressing the complexities of the future of work requires a harmonious effort involving corporations, governments, and educational institutions.SHRM is committed to contributing significantly to this noble endeavor, leveraging its expertise to ensure that the global workforce is exceptionally prepared to navigate the evolving intricacies and opportunities of the contemporary employment landscape.The SHRM MENA Annual Conference & Expo 2023 is set to feature 50+ distinguished regional and global speakers, drawing more than 1600 HR and tech leaders, alongside 150+ CXOs representing 50 nationalities. The two-day program will offer immersive learning experiences, featuring insightful sessions, best-in-class case studies, research papers, articles, and much more.

Dubai: Incubeta MENA, one of the region's most prominent Digital agencies, today announced a new regional structure and strategic changes within its senior management team, further strengthening its position as a leading digital agency in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.Katerina Bazalova, has been promoted to Vice President of Creative EMEA & APAC. As a part of her new role, Katerina will maximise growth for Incubeta by building Global, world-class, client centric creative solutions, continuing their legacy as an expert client partner who becomes an extension of the internal team. Bazlova has built a team of incredible talent, who share Incubeta’s passion for creating bold, impactful, meaningful, and memorable work. Bazalova previously held the Regional Director of Business Operations position, where she oversaw the regional SEO, Social Media and Creative operations. “A challenging, yet incredibly inspiring and invigorating industry to be part of. I am honoured to be able to drive product & an industry-culture change alongside the best of the best '' comments Bazalova. Prior to joining Incubeta, she held senior positions at Geometry MENA and Cheil Worldwide (London, UK), and will continue to propel Incubeta’s Global and Regional creative solutions.Incubeta also announced the appointment of Dominic Honess as the Regional Business Director. Honess will oversee the company’s client portfolio, with a focus on elevating the offering across Incubeta’s Media, SEO and Social pillars. Over his 14 years experience in the digital industry, Honess brings extensive global experience having held prominent positions at multiple markets at UM and Mindshare UK. “I’m excited to be a part of a fast growing business that really focuses on delivering the best quality work for our clients” comments Honess.These changes align with the regional business strategy to continue to drive Incubeta MENA’s long-term growth within the region by developing a diverse leadership team who are deeply experienced and energised to drive the company’s growth.

Dubai: MAGNiTT, the leading venture capital data platform for emerging markets, releases its Q3 2023 MENA Venture Investment Summary. This report provides an update on how the latest investment trends have evolved across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in the first 9 months of 2023.According to the latest release, MENA venture funding in Q3 saw $250M raised across 78 deals. The funding levels have seen an uptick of 32% when compared to Q2’23, while the number of deals has largely remained flat.This contributed on aggregate to the first nine months of 2023 reaching $1.4BN, down by 44% from the first nine months of 2022. The $1.4BN was raised through 286 transactions, which was represented by a 46% decline from last year. These numbers are in line with the global figures, as global venture funding witnessed a 42% YoY decline*.A trend highlighted in this report is after years of consistent declines, Early-Stage investments of less than $1M saw an increased appetite from investors. In 2023, 44% of all deals were attributed to investments between $0K-$1M round size bracket. To put this into perspective, in 2019, around 80% of all investments fell into this bracket, and this number shrunk to 36% in 2022. The 44% figure in 2023 has been driven by the cautious investor sentiment favoring a shift to smaller-sized deals in the first three quarters of this year.This has also been reflected in valuation trends for the region. Early-stage SEED rounds in the MENA region have seen a 28% rise in average valuations in 2023YTD – the only stage to see growth in their mean and median valuations where activity has remained stable. This too is also in line with global trends where investors see a lower risk in early-stage investments versus late-stage counterparts.Philip Bahoshy, CEO at MAGNiTT, comments: “While we saw a 32% QoQ incline in funding levels, this was against the backdrop of a record low figure in Q2 dating back to 2019. Investment activity has remained flat with investors focusing on early-stage bets. On the positive side, we have seen multiple fund announcements. In MENA, UAE’s Chimera Capital and Aliph Capital have launched new funds, and in KSA IMPACT46 and KAUST have raised funds to deploy in local startups. What we’ll be keenly tracking is the pace at which this dry powder translates into investments. In fact, investment activity in Q4’23 will be a good indicator of the strength of 2024's VC landscape.”When comparing the funding activities across the countries in the region, Saudi Arabia has seen the most deployed capital, reporting a 172% QoQ incline, and UAE ranks second showcasing a 55% incline. By the number of transactions, UAE has seen the most activity capturing a third of all deals closed in MENA for the first nine months of 2023, despite a 30% YoY drop. Only Morocco, in the top 5 countries by transactions, could boast a YoY incline of 27% in the number of transactions closed. And the sharpest decline was observed in Egypt, which saw a 70% retreat in the number of transactions compared to last year.While the report indicates a more positive shift in invested capital Bahoshy highlights that it is still early to predict when a recovery will take place. "Historically the summer has always been a slower-paced investment cycle in MENA. Q3 is the second quarter where no mega deal investments have taken place, which is a key indicator of late-stage activity and funding growth. Meanwhile, MAGNiTT continues to monitor investment activity and provides insights and predictions against the backdrop of global macroeconomic and regional market volatility."MAGNiTT’s ‘Q3 2023 MENA Venture Investment Summary’ highlights many such figures and leading players from the Middle East and North Africa. The report is now available to download for free here.

The Public Relations and Communications Association Middle East and North Africa (PRCA MENA) has revealed the finalists of its Digital Awards.The PRCA MENA Digital Awards, organised in cooperation with strategic partner One Group, reflect the outstanding work across the region’s digital communications industry over the last 12 months. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, 8th November, at Movenpick Hotel and Residences in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.The 11 award categories were judged by some of the industry’s most innovative minds.Finalists:Best AI-Driven Digital Campaign:Atteline - BOTIM Launches Execution Arabic CHATGPTWeber Shandwick MENAT and Ewaa - Navigating to Freedom with AIBest Digital Marketing Campaign:Cicero & Bernay - OPPO Reno 7 LaunchONE Group for Communication and Marketing - (Jood Eskan Charitable Campaign) ???? ?????? ??? ??????W7Worldwide - Communicating the Unifying Spirit of RamadanWeber Shandwick MENAT and Department of Health Abu Dhabi - Gifting Lives With HayatWeber Shandwick MENAT and Epson - Keeping Epson top of mind with content creatorsBest Performance in a Digital Campaign:15th annual ASDA'A BCW Arab Youth Survey - Living a New RealityCicero & Bernay - OPPO Reno 7 LaunchONE Group for Communication and Marketing - Marketing campaign for the Fifth Saudi Global Conference on Occupational Safety and Health 2022The PR Academy MENA - Take Off In Style - Sahara CentreW7Worldwide - Showcasing the excellent work behind HajjWeber Shandwick MENAT and Department of Health Abu Dhabi - Gifting Lives With HayatBest Social Media Campaign:15th annual ASDA'A BCW Arab Youth Survey - Living a New RealityASDA'A BCW - Truth About Weight by Novo NordiskBritish Council - Voices4Climate – Empowering Climate ChampionsBahrain Network (BNET) with Seven Media Middle East- The ShiftWeber Shandwick MENAT and Dorco - Demonstrating Dorco's PersonalityWeber Shandwick MENAT and Epson - Keeping Epson top of mind with content creatorsBest Use of Content Marketing in a Campaign:15th annual ASDA'A BCW Arab Youth Survey - Living a New RealityAPCO Worldwide - Diriyah Biennale Foundation - Launching the world’s first Islamic Arts Biennale (IAB)Cicero & Bernay - OPPO Reno 7 LaunchTouch - Awareness Campaign to Reduce Food Loss and Waste  Touch - Jood Eskan Charitable CampaignWeber Shandwick MENAT and Emirates Steel - Steeling the LimelightBest Use of Paid Media in a Campaign:APCO Worldwide - CHANGE TRAVEL. CHANGE THE WORLDASDA'A BCW - JasadyAtteline - BOTIM 3.0 LAUNCHBritish Council - Voices4Climate – Empowering Climate ChampionsMG Motor & Performance Communications - Launch of the New MG HS Plug-in Hybrid EVThe PR Academy MENA - Take Off In Style - Sahara CentreWeber Shandwick MENAT and Emirates Steel - Steeling the LimelightTouch - Local Content Award    Best Use of Reporting and Measurement in a Campaign:15th annual ASDA'A BCW Arab Youth Survey - Living a New RealityCosmopole - “TRIMMING THE FAT” for Embody FitnessThe PR Academy MENA - Take Off In Style - Sahara CentreW7Worldwide - Redefining Ramadan Dining ExperiencesW7Worldwide - Launching the Region's New Healthcare Insurance HQBest Use of Social Influencers in a Campaign:ASDA’A BCW - #HalaaloTouch - The International Judicial ConferenceWeber Shandwick MENAT and Dorco - Demonstrating Dorco's PersonalityWeber Shandwick MENAT and Epson - Keeping Epson top of mind with content creatorsBest Use of Video in a Campaign:ASDA'A BCW - JasadyONE Group for Communication and Marketing - Hajj Season 1444HONE Group for Communication and Marketing – Draw Your DreamThe PR Academy MENA - Take Off In Style - Sahara CentreW7Worldwide - Showcasing the Excellent Service Behind HajjWeber Shandwick MENAT and Ewaa - Navigating to Freedom with AIDigital Professional of the Year:Dr. Basma Alotaibi, Digital Associate Account Director - APCO Worldwide (Riyadh)Reem Masswadeh, Head of Communications - The PR Academy MENASanya Ijaz, Account Director – AttelineDigital Team of the Year:Matrix PR - Revolutionizing communication through digital transformationWeber Shandwick MENAT - A Superpowered Team

Raff Publishing has announced a license agreement with Disney to release 92 Disney stories to the MENA region. The countries include countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. This marks a significant milestone as Raff Publishing ventures into the dynamic realm of children's publishing.Through this license agreement and titles that Raff Publishing will publish, Raff Publishing aims to inspire children's creativity and curiosity, offering families a wonderful opportunity to come together through captivating narratives. By nurturing a lifelong passion for reading and learning in the MENA region, starting from early childhood, this license agreement represents an important step forward in expanding the literary landscape for young readers in the region.These titles include 48 stories translated into Arabic and 44 in English. Among the featured franchises are widely popular stories from Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars.This license agreement brings the magic of Disney to readers across the MENA region, creating connections with readers of all ages, promoting the joy of reading, and encouraging families to bond over stories that ignite the imagination.Remarkably, this collaboration addresses a significant gap in the Arabic literature market, as a tiny proportion of the books published annually are translated into Arabic.With a particular focus on offering Arabic-language books tailored for children and young readers, this collaboration is poised to enhance access to literature in their native language. Early literacy in a child’s native language lays the crucial foundation for academic success in later stages of education, making this collaboration all the more significant for the region.Paula Scott, General Manager of Raff Publishing, said: “Raff Publishing is focused on enhancing the availability of Arabic-language children’s books catered to the changing needs of our youngest reading audience. In addition to delivering top-tier Arabic-language literary material, this collaboration with Disney serves as a significant component of SRMG's forward-looking strategy for growth and expansion. We remain committed to fostering literature and instilling a passion for reading in the MENA region.”As part of SRMG's mission of making Arabic-language content more accessible in the MENA region, Raff Publishing is part of a global alliance that broadens SRMG's reach and offers a wider range of media content to a dynamic audience. Disney is the latest addition to SRMG's list of esteemed partners, which includes Warner Bros. Discovery, Bloomberg, The Independent, Billboard, and Shueisha.Raff Publishing has collaborated wiht this year's Riyadh International Book Fair, held from September 28 to October 7 at King Saud University, and organized by the Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission.

Music, talent, and speed are set to unite, as the FORMULA 1 STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX announces an electrifying collaboration with XP Music Futures for this year’s XPERFORM vocalist contest. This monumental three-year partnership will provide contestants with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take to the world stage with a live performance at the upcoming Formula 1 race weekend in Jeddah in March 2024. Earlier this year XPERFORM announced its collaboration with YouTube to support Saudi Arabia’s music industry. As part of the collaboration, YouTube ran a bootcamp to help artists reach a wider audience using YouTube’s multiple formats.This year’s auditions for XPERFORM, held live at the Music Hub in Riyadh, have set a new standard for music competitions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The event exceeded all expectations, showcasing an incredible array of talent and representing musical genres from across the spectrum, culminating in a true celebration of the rich musical and cultural tapestry seen throughout the region. A distinguished panel of judges, including Moe Hamzeh, Karima Damir, Banah Anabtawi, Lil Eazy, and Liliana Abudalo, provided valuable feedback and constructive critiques, lifting performers to unforeseen heights before ultimately narrowing the field of contestants down to 12.XPERFORM is among a range of initiatives by XP Music Futures to pull back the curtain and bolster the emerging talent of tomorrow. The conference is also unveiling HUNNA (the Arabic plural of "she"), a one-on-one mentorship program for women, by women. Set to cover everything from music management and artistry to the nuances of production and the music business itself, this year sees an XP Music Futures that is dead set on giving the next generation of talent the tools they need to succeed.Martin Whitaker, CEO of the Saudi Motorsport Company – Promoter of the FORMULA 1 STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX - commented: “We are honoured to be partnering with XP Music Futures on this very exciting initiative to source and promote some of the finest young talents in the region. The XPERFORM mission to uncover the region's emerging vocal talent aligns perfectly with our own commitment to using the power of F1 to motivate our youth to follow their dreams. Our previous three F1 race weekends have shown how racing and live music dovetail into a beautiful package of adrenaline-fueled action and entertainment, serving to inspire the people of the Kingdom to achieve their full potential. We look forward to partnering and supporting XP Music Futures on this journey and are excited to welcome the successful entrants on stage next March during the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024.”Ramadan Alharatani, CEO at MDLBEAST and XP Music Futures - says: “At MDLBEAST - and through XP Music Futures - we’re dedicated to creating opportunities for artists as we continue to accelerate the development of the music scene in our region. We’re proud to unveil this powerful initiative with The Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix1 to provide another stage for incredibly talented artists. We’d like to thank The Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for supporting our mission in uncovering the unseen to the rest of the world, and for joining forces to inspire future generations as we lay the groundwork for establishing a thriving music ecosystem in the MENA region.”This partnership comes months ahead of this year’s XP Music Futures, which is set to take place in Riyadh from December 7 to 9. Tickets for the 3-day event are available now but are poised to sell out in the coming weeks. To grab your tickets and find more information, visit XP Music Futures’ official website.

Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, has announced the opening of Launchpad X a dynamic concept store for local startups. The new concept store includes local startups and winners from Majid Al Futtaim’s Launchpad Accelerator Programme, which launched last year as an initiative that nurtures entrepreneurship, and supports small and medium entreprises in the pursuit of innovation, creativity and growth.  Located in City Centre Mirdif, the brand-new Launchpad X concept store is home to a diverse range of local brands that have displayed outstanding innovation, creativity, and growth potential. It connects these budding businesses with the unparalleled go-to-market opportunities offered by Majid Al Futtaim shopping malls. With ‘X’ symbolising the spirit of collaboration, the inauguration of Launchpad X aligns with Majid Al Futtaim’s constant endeavour to support homegrown brands in their journey to become globally recognised businesses. The eclectic mix of brands at Launchpad X includes start-ups that are already part of Majid Al Futtaim’s pioneering Launchpad Accelerator Programme, as well as additional small and medium businesses from around the region with demonstrated new product or service capabilities. Launched in 2022, Majid Al Futtaim’s Launchpad Accelerator Programme is all about uplifting start-ups and SMEs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in strategic categories. It offers successful participants access to innovative technology, mentorship, training, and go-to-market opportunities.The brands showcased at Launchpad X include the leading luxury home fragrances company Wallace & Co; sustainable luxury fashion and home essentials brand Reform; premium active and loungewear brand LC; healthy snacks for families Koala Picks; the upcoming sneaker and streetwear boutique HypeSelection; premium matcha and coffee drinks spot Blue Matcha; the fashion line and women’s boutique Bambah; and Egyptian sustainable and ethnic crafts brand Kiliim. Commenting on the occasion, Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Managing Director of the UAE Shopping Malls at Majid Al Futtaim Properties said: “We are delighted to announce the inauguration of Launchpad X, the region’s first truly collaborative commercial store for start-ups and entrepreneurs. The launch of this concept store marks the next major milestone in Majid Al Futtaim’s strategic focus to help unlock the incredible potential of startups in the region. It builds on the extraordinary success of our Launchpad Accelerator Programme over the past couple of years.”“We are confident that Launchpad X will not only connect the region’s leading start-ups to new opportunities that strengthen their commercial footprint but also be a catalyst for innovation and a powerful force for driving the region’s economic development.”In partnership with AstroLabs, Microsoft and DIFC Launchpad, Majid Al Futtaim’s Launchpad Accelerator Programme unlocks value by partnering with and investing in innovative startups and SMEs that benefit from the reach and scale of the Majid Al Futtaim ecosystem. Catering to homegrown brands across segments such as fashion and lifestyle, leisure, climatetech, and community, the Launchpad programme is a pillar of support for local entrepreneurs. Nearly 50% of its initial cohort of winners were female entrepreneurs, who gained access to tangible growth opportunities with Majid Al Futtaim, such as accelerating customer acquisition, improving operational efficiencies, and access to new revenue streams.Programme winners who earlier had the opportunity to introduce their innovative solutions within Majid Al Futtaim’s portfolio through fully funded pilot programmes, can now explore a commercial customer base with the rollout of Launchpad X, in line with the group’s vision of building a meaningful and globally integrated business environment. The new winners for the second edition of Majid Al Futtaim’s Launchpad Accelerator Programme will be announced by September 27, and will cater to homegrown and climatetech segments. 

In this exclusive interview with Adgully, Aleksandr Kryvosheiev, the CEO of Mobmio, a rapidly expanding global mobile performance network specializing in user acquisition for mobile apps and monetization services for publishers, delves into the evolving landscape of mobile usage, affiliate marketing, and data-driven strategies that Mobmio employs to navigate the dynamic world of mobile apps and affiliate marketing. Excerpts:The MENA region is often described as "mobile-first." How have you seen mobile usage and behavior evolve in this region over the past few years, and what unique opportunities does this present for companies like Mobmio?Over the past few years, mobile usage in the MENA region has experienced remarkable growth. As we all know, the UAE is the world leader in innovations, which resulted in double engagement on apps. This surge is attributed to the widespread adoption of smartphones and the introduction of 5G technology, contributing to higher mobile internet usage and shifts in user behavior. Notably, consumer engagement with apps in the region now surpasses that of Europe and North America by 1.6 times.According to Mitgo's data, the number of mobile sales in MENA grew by 20% in H1 of 2023 YoY, their GMV grew by 18,3%, over half of all orders in the region are made through mobile phones.Taking into account the results of July and August, the growth of sales through mobile traffic sources has increased even further, reaching 30% year over year.This shift has created unique opportunities for companies like Mobmio. With our focus on user acquisition and monetization services for mobile apps, we're well-positioned to tap into the region's mobile-first culture. As the MENA market embraces mobile apps for everything from shopping to entertainment, Mobmio can help local brands leverage this trend for rapid app growth to keep up with users' habits and trends. Launched as a stand-alone business in 2023, Mobmio has already reached 500+ million mobile users, generated 50+ million interactions and acquired 15+ million new users for its customers worldwide. Could you share some insights into the most significant mobile trends globally? How does Mobmio stay ahead of these trends to better serve its clients?Globally, mobile trends have seen a shift towards personalized experiences, augmented reality, and mobile commerce. Mobmio stays ahead of these trends through continuous market research, staying updated with technology advancements, and fostering partnerships with innovative app developers and mobile publishers. By understanding evolving user preferences, we tailor our strategies to align with these trends, ensuring our clients' apps reach their target audiences. With your extensive experience in affiliate marketing, how has the landscape of mobile affiliate marketing evolved since you started in the industry in 2013, and how is Mobmio adapting to these changes?Since 2013, mobile affiliate marketing has evolved from being a supplementary channel to a primary revenue driver for many businesses. Nowadays, we even see businesses emerging exclusively for mobile platforms, completely bypassing the traditional desktop format. This shift is hardly surprising given that tasks like hailing a taxi or finding a date are now predominantly carried out on mobile devices rather than desktops.The rise of mobile apps and social media platforms has transformed how affiliates reach and engage audiences. It's crucial to recognize that user behavior has undergone a notable transformation during this period. The generations of Millennials, Gen Z, and even the emerging Alpha generation tend to gravitate towards convenience, often seeking services that require minimal additional communication or effort. Our experience allows us to navigate this evolving landscape effectively, ensuring maximum results for our clients.User acquisition is a critical aspect of mobile app success. Could you elaborate on some of the key strategies that Mobmio employs to help its clients acquire and retain users effectively?Mobmio excels in user acquisition by seamlessly blending affiliate marketing strategies with cutting-edge mobile app dynamics. We connect apps with their ideal audience segments by leveraging our extensive network of mobile-first publishers. This dynamic partnership with diverse publisher types empowers us to tap into various user behaviors and preferences. Moreover, our personalized success managers collaborate closely with clients, optimizing strategies for long-term user acquisition and retention. Through these synergistic approaches, we secure high-quality installs, enhance user engagement, and ultimately drive user retention. We prioritize meeting our clients' specific needs and objectives, ensuring the success of their businesses by maintaining a strong focus on their goals and long-term partnerships. In a crowded app marketplace, what role does data-driven marketing play in ensuring a mobile app's visibility and growth? How does Mobmio leverage data to optimize user acquisition campaigns?Amid the bustling app marketplace, data-driven marketing is the compass guiding an app's trajectory. Mobmio capitalizes on data analytics by strategically partnering with diverse publishers, aligning offers with user preferences in specific segments like Ecommerce, Utilities, Finance, Services, Travel, Telecom, and Entertainment. Our data-driven approach goes beyond user segmentation; it permeates every campaign phase. By meticulously analyzing user behavior and engagement metrics, we continually refine targeting and creative optimization. This iterative process ensures that our user acquisition campaigns adapt to real-time trends, resonating with users and fueling app visibility and growth.Could you share a specific case study where Mobmio's approach to user acquisition resulted in remarkable growth for a mobile app? What were the key factors that contributed to that success?Certainly, we worked with an e-commerce app that was struggling to expand its user base. By implementing a comprehensive data analysis, refining their ad creatives for specific audience segments, and employing re-engagement campaigns, Mobmio significantly increased their installs and user engagement. The key factors were our precise targeting, creative optimization, and continuous campaign adjustments based on real-time performance data.Mobile apps have become integral to various industries, including affiliate marketing. How has the role of mobile apps evolved within the affiliate industry, and how does Mobmio leverage this trend?Mobile apps have transformed the affiliate industry by offering a more seamless and personalized user experience. Affiliates can now leverage in-app placements, push notifications, and native advertising for higher engagement. Mobmio harnesses this trend by collaborating with app developers and publishers, creating tailored affiliate strategies that blend seamlessly into the app's experience, enhancing both user engagement and conversion rates.As the CEO of Mobmio, how do you see the synergy between mobile apps and affiliate marketing evolving in the future? What opportunities do you foresee for companies operating in this intersection?The synergy between mobile apps and affiliate marketing will deepen as technology advances. We'll witness more sophisticated tracking, AI-driven optimization, and immersive experiences. This will open opportunities for innovative partnerships where affiliates collaborate closely with app developers to create value-driven experiences. Companies like Mobmio can facilitate these collaborations, driving mutually beneficial outcomes and redefining how affiliates engage with mobile audiences.Can you provide insights into the challenges and opportunities of monetizing mobile audiences, especially in markets like MENA? How does Mobmio address these challenges?Monetizing mobile audiences in markets like MENA requires balancing cultural nuances and user preferences with revenue generation. It's crucial to respect user privacy and avoid intrusive ads. Mobmio addresses these challenges by tailoring ad content to match local preferences, partnering with culturally relevant brands, and leveraging our deep understanding of the market to deliver ads that resonate with users, ultimately maximizing revenue potential.Could you share a success story of how Mobmio effectively helped a publisher optimize their monetization strategy and achieve substantial revenue growth?I'd be glad to share our recent success story with Facemoji, a publisher we work with. In just six months, we helped them double their earnings by implementing the following strategy. Firstly, we advised the publisher to promote offers simultaneously on two models: namely CPI and CPA. By trying both methods, they could figure out which one was more profitable. After identifying the best option, we also customized rates specifically for them. Additionally, we promptly provided them with all the necessary statistics to optimize their advertising efforts effectively. This partnership showcases how strategic planning and data-driven decision-making can significantly boost revenue within a short timeframe.

UN MENAT (UM), a creative media agency, believes that better science and better art deliver better outcomes to clients in the media campaigns that matter most. The company, with its 14 offices within the MENAT region and over 400 creative minds in its HQ in Dubai, delivers some of the most ‘out-of-the-box’ media campaigns. In an exclusive talk with Adgully, Rohan Sawant, Digital Lead, UM MENAT, the man behind the company’s digital campaigns success, shares more about himself, the company, and the future of the digital market scenario in the MENA region. Excerpts:Can you provide an overview of your career journey and how you've gained experience on both the advertiser and publisher sides of the digital advertising industry?My career commenced in 2009 as a management trainee for Logicserve Digital, responsible for SEM campaigns for SME businesses based out of the UK. While at Logicserve, I was also exposed to Affiliate Marketing and was involved in managing coupon code websites. I moved to Komli Media as Key Account Manager for SEM and Social campaigns for clients based out of India. Komli Media was an official reseller in India for several digital media and ad tech platforms like Facebook Ads, Twitter Ads, Adobe Adlens, etc. This exposure helped me develop meaningful relationships with Advertisers. The video OTT space in India had just started booming when I had the opportunity to join Disney Hotstar to manage Ad Operations on VOD and Live Sports content. Towards the fag end of my stint at Disney Hotstar, we were venturing into Programmatic. This exposure took me to Times Internet, where I consulted Advertiser campaigns, direct and programmatic, across the comprehensive inventory and audience coverage across Times network. I had an opportunity to join MCN / IPG group and move to the UAE in 2018 to manage MENA-based clients. Since then, I have been working on the agency side at UM MENAT.   Could you share a specific challenge you've faced and successfully overcome in your career?A gap in understanding the client's business, a crack in team skill or a lack of process or process non-compliance are the biggest challenges I had to face, and these are, of course, universal in the broader realm. The solutions to these may seem straightforward. However, it may take a while to get it right. For instance, to really understand the client's business, you should have no assumptions. Spend enough time with the client, ask questions, document what you uncover from your interactions and have recurring debrief sessions with your wider team. Walk in their shoes. Likewise, to cover the skill gap, most team members need to have a "let's figure it out" attitude. In today's internet age, with the likes of Chat GPT and Google, it is highly improbable not to find the correct answer or solution to a problem.Given your familiarity with terms like Demand Side Platforms (DSPs) and Supply Side Platforms (SSPs), how do these platforms contribute to the programmatic buying process, and what benefits do they offer to advertisers and publishers?Programmatic advertising has stood the test of time and emerged to be a strong, effective, and efficient media channel. The entire ecosystem has evolved, involving inventory partners, verification partners, data partners, viewability and attention partners to allow a robust channel for Advertisers. The benefits extend to publishers as well, with their ad inventory being monetized. DSPs and SSPs, which are two sides of the same coin, play a pivotal role in Programmatic Advertising. With DSPs, the advertiser has access to a platform that allows exploring inventory, researching audience segments, discovering creative formats, and running ad campaigns. SSPs are an ally for publishers, allowing them to integrate their ad inventory across multiple ad exchanges and generate ad revenue.Data plays a crucial role in today's digital advertising landscape. How do Data Management Platforms enhance campaign targeting and effectiveness, and what role do they play in optimizing advertising strategies in the MENA region?Digital advertising is heavily reliant on data for targeting accuracy and user engagement. This data capture is possible via cookies. Cookies are either first party (own data of Advertiser or publisher) or third party (accessed data by exposure to 1st party cookies). Data Management Platforms allow an Advertiser to harness its own data from multiple sources in an organized manner. In addition, DMPs have access to thir party cookies, which the advertiser can leverage to reach potential audiences with high affinity to his own data. DMP had a robust data utility and thus became popular in the GCC region. However, due to rising privacy concerns big players like Apple and Google have decided to phase out support for 3rd party cookies by early 2024. This is a huge setback for DMP as its overall utility is severely affected. DMPs can still be used to organize 1st party data and make it accessible for targeting in media platforms and personalization, however, licensing costs are an essential consideration factor for the Advertiser to gauge the viability of continuing with DMP. Advertisers in the MENA region are now focusing on increasing their 1st party data volume and moving to CRM platforms for data collection.How do you approach the management of digital advertising campaigns that span across different mediums such as display & video advertising, SEM, social media, and remarketing?To start with, a multi-channel approach is the RIGHT approach. As an advertiser, you wouldn’t want to miss any opportunity of engagement with your target audience. Broadly speaking, for mid and lower-funnel activations we ought to focus on effectiveness, whereas for the upper funnel we ought to focus on efficiency. To elaborate, for a campaign focused on reach and virality, it is necessary to be visible across multiple channels; however, the investment allocation across channels needs to be fine-tuned for maximum efficiency. At UM, we regularly use our best-in-class internal tools to identify audience overlap between channels to plan our activations with optimum budget allocation. On the other hand, channels such as Google Ads and Amazon Sponsored Ads need their own practices to deliver best results.As someone who has managed campaigns both as an individual contributor and as a team manager, what skills and qualities do you believe are essential for fostering a successful and collaborative advertising team?I believe discipline and the ability to figure problems out are most important for a team to function at its peak. Discipline is guaranteed to achieve standardization, which can stem from process compliance, ensuring the operational aspects are as streamlined as possible. The ability to figure out is an underappreciated skill. As an individual, being open to seeking answers from any source is inspirational for peers and superiors. More importantly, knowledge sharing is crucial for a team’s success.Digital advertising is constantly evolving. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry?I think staying up-to-date is a good challenge. There are a host of resources I depend on, such as platform specific updates and published case studies. At UM, we have a vast network or resources spanning the globe. While working for global brands, we can also access activations carried out in other markets. Lastly, I really enjoy finding insights and articles on LinkedIn, which can also be a good source of relevant industry information.Where do you see the future of digital advertising heading, and what emerging trends do you think professionals in this field should be prepared for?I see retail media growing well in the coming years in the MENA region, specifically in KSA, the UAE and Egypt. With all platforms integrating AI, the efficiency of optimization should improve. As professionals, we should be aware of the extraordinary work being done in the region, take inspiration from it and continue 'changing the game for brands to win', our motto at UM MENAT.  

Horizon Holdings has appointed Stephen Worsley as Regional Managing Director of Golin MENA. With over 26 years of experience, Stephen is a senior communication professional and has worked in a variety of roles in the region. He is an expert in delivering strong communication strategies and campaigns representing multinational companies, government agencies and regional business groups. Earlier as a vice president at ASDA’A BCW, he was responsible for growth and innovation, in which he built a wide portfolio of regional and international clients. He also initiated a new advisory for integrating ESG and communications best practices. He has also worked with Masdar as senior manager and also as a communications adviser at TotalEnergies. He has reached this position on account of his hard work and by excellent communication strategies.  Mazen Jawad, CEO of Horizon Holdings, shared that he found Stephen to be the perfect fit for their growing PR team with the right experience and motivation to lead GolinMENA towards new horizons. Stephen Worsley also shared his excitement to join Horizon Holdings and support GolinMENA in its next phase of growth.

Faris Sibai, who became the Chief Growth Officer at Mindshare MENA in January of this year, has decided to depart from the MENA region. He shared in a LinkedIn post on August 28 that the time has come for him to bid adieu to the wonderful UAE market.Faris Sibai in his post writes: “As I near my final month in Dubai, I cannot help but reflect on how lucky I have been to call this great nation my home for the past 17 years. I found my soulmate, started our family, bought our first home, all while watching the amazing transformation that Dubai & The UAE has undergone over the past 17 years. Today this city stands firm as one of the most competitive and progressive economies in the world, and a massive kudos goes to it visionary leadership.”On leaving MENA, he writes: “I am leaving Mindshare MENA, a place that I have called home for the past 7 years. Mindshare really is the place where you do the greatest work of your career, and I’m eternally grateful to all the Purple People, both past and present, that have been part of my journey. “Though Sibai is planning to depart from the Mindshare MENA and the region, he will still be part of GroupM and is preparing to assume a fresh position in APAC, specifically in Shanghai. "Even as I move on from this region, I will continue to be a part of the GroupM family, embarking on a new journey in APAC, stationed in Shanghai," he says.

Dubai: Social Media usage in the MENA region has grown substantially to over 260 million users, representing nearly 57% of the total population in the region. This reflects the ongoing digital revolution sweeping through the area at present.Previous studies have shown that people in the Middle East and North Africa spend an average of 3 hours and 15 minutes daily on social media, highlighting the pivotal role these platforms play in people's lives. It is expected that the use of social media in the region will continue to grow, with the number of users reaching 300 million by the end of 2023.In this context, Ma Da, General Manager for MENA business of Kuaishou International Business, KSIB emphasized the dominance of visual content on social media platforms. Specialized reports indicate that 73% of users watch video clips on social media, including our platform "Kwai," one of the leading global platforms for short video content and a key player in user interaction with features tailored to their needs, particularly the "Live" feature for video content.Kwai's "Live" feature is characterized by numerous options that enhance the live video viewing experience. Viewers can interact directly with broadcasters through comments, likes, and virtual gifts. The "Live" feature on Kwai supports up to 10,000 viewers simultaneously, facilitating seamless communication between content creators and their audience.Kwai is committed to delivering high-quality video content to ensure the best viewing experience for users by delivering videos in high definition. Kwai's "Live" feature proves to be an indispensable tool for individuals and influencers to connect with their audience and enhance effective communication within the growing communities around their content.Ma Da, General Manager for MENA business of Kuaishou International Business, KSIB stated, "Users of Kwai's Live data, focus on content related to lifestyle, fashion, beauty, food, travel, and fitness. Comedy content holds a significant share, alongside news and events, catering to sports enthusiasts, entertainment lovers, and technology enthusiasts. Additionally, the platform offers educational and informative content through instructional videos and effective lessons on various subjects."It is worth mentioning that Kwai, the global platform specializing in showcasing short video clips, boasts over 650 million active users worldwide. The application allows users to create, share, and interact with short video clips of various genres. Thanks to its presence in more than 150 countries and regions, Kwai has become a global hub for creativity and communication.

In this exclusive interview with Adgully, Ahmed Elgebaly, the newly appointed Regional Head for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at Globale Media, delves into his strategies for driving growth and success in the dynamic MENA market. With a background in finance and digital marketing, Ahmed's insights shed light on how he plans to leverage his expertise to capitalize on emerging opportunities, navigate challenges, and establish Globale Media as a leading network in the region. From tapping into the region's digital awakening to embracing AI-powered advancements, Ahmed offers a comprehensive perspective on building strong relationships, maintaining innovation, and fostering a positive work culture in the MENA team. Moreover, he discusses the pivotal role that artificial intelligence is set to play in the future of digital marketing across the MENA region. Excerpts:With your background in finance and digital marketing, how do you plan to leverage your expertise to drive growth and success for Globale Media in the MENA market?To drive growth for Globale Media in the MENA market, I plan on tailoring digital marketing strategies to the unique cultural and linguistic aspects of the MENA region. Leveraging AI-powered analytics can help identify trends and consumer behavior, allowing for targeted campaigns that resonate with the local audience.The MENA region is experiencing significant digital penetration. How do you envision tapping into these emerging opportunities in digital marketing, and what strategies do you plan to implement to capitalize on this trend?The MENA region is currently experiencing a digital awakening, especially in the Middle East. To tap into these emerging opportunities, we plan to invest in mobile advertising and localized content. Collaboration with local influencers and utilizing social media platforms popular in the region can prove to be very effective strategies for capitalizing on this trend.What are some of the unique challenges and opportunities that the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market presents for a company like Globale Media?Because the MENA region has among the highest consumer digital engagement in the world, Globale Media has an opportunity to create an advantage by developing cutting-edge features and functionality tailored to consumers. The strategy is to capitalize on opportunities by building strong relationships with local partners, understanding cultural values, and ensuring compliance with local laws.The MENA market also presents particular challenges, such as diverse cultures, languages, and other regulatory challenges.As the regional head, you'll be making critical decisions for the MENA market. Could you share an example of a challenging decision you've had to complete in your career and how it ultimately benefited the organization you were working for?In terms of a challenging decision, I once had to choose between launching a new product quickly to beat the competition or refining it further for higher quality. Ultimately, we chose quality, even when it meant more time, but it eventually improved customer satisfaction and set the foundation for long-term success.Given your experience with international organizations, how do you plan to balance the global vision of Globale Media with the specific needs and nuances of the MENA region?It's part of the bigger picture. MENA's market needs to require adapting strategies and offerings to suit the local market, but also while keeping Globale Media's core values and vision intact.In your opinion, how can Globale Media establish itself as a trustworthy and leading network in the MENA region, and what steps will you take to build strong relationships with digital marketers and clients?To establish trust and build relationships, we need to prioritize transparency, deliver measurable results, and provide exceptional customer service. We need to ensure robust, regular communication and employ proper feedback loops with digital marketers and clients. When we deliver on our promise, our partners will have to keep coming back for more.The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) area, particularly Saudi Arabia, is known for its high purchasing power parity. What strategies do you have in mind to tap into this market and ensure that Globale Media's offerings resonate with the preferences and demands of consumers in this region?For the GCC market, we need to tailor offerings to match the high purchasing power by focusing on premium services, personalized experiences, and luxury branding.

Dubai: VT Markets, a leading global forex broker, is pleased to announce the appointment of Eslam Elshafay as Operations Manager for the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. With a wealth of experience in the forex industry, including a successful tenure at Accuindex, Eslam brings valuable expertise to his new role.Eslam Elshafay joins VT Markets with a remarkable track record in the field, having served as the CS & Operations Manager at Accuindex for two and a half years. During his time at Accuindex, Eslam showcased exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of operational efficiency in the forex market. His dedication to providing exceptional customer service and driving operational excellence played a pivotal role in Accuindex's success.With over five years of experience in the forex industry, Eslam possesses a comprehensive understanding of the market's dynamics and a keen eye for identifying emerging trends. His expertise in risk management, compliance, and operational strategies will prove instrumental in further enhancing VT Markets' position as a leading player in the industry.As the Operations Manager for VT Markets in the MENA region, Eslam Elshafay will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless execution of services, and maintaining the highest standards of customer satisfaction. His strong leadership abilities and strategic vision will help streamline internal processes, drive organizational growth, and foster a culture of excellence within the MENA region.I am thrilled to be joining VT Markets as their Operations Manager for the MENA region," said Eslam Elshafay. VT Markets is renowned for its commitment to providing clients with innovative trading solutions and exceptional service. I look forward to working closely with the talented team in the region and contributing to the company's continued success in the global forex market.

Dubai: Satellite operator Eutelsat has partnered with multiplay telco du to enhance its direct-to-home satellite services in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Through this partnership, du is expanding its capacity at the 7/8° West orbital position, allowing its media clients to seamlessly deliver high-definition content to viewers, offering them an optimized user experience.The 7/8° West orbital position covers a vast majority of TV households in the MENA region, making it the region's most extensive exclusive coverage area. It is highly regarded by audiences due to its exceptional line-up of approximately 900 TV channels available at this location. This new collaboration between Eutelsat and du empowers du to elevate content delivery for its customers throughout MENA, providing increased capacity and an outstanding end-user experience. As a result, du is better equipped to cater to customers broadcasting TV channels in standard as well as high definition.Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du, said that the company is continually expanding and enhancing its services and products portfolio to serve the growing demands of broadcasters and content providers. “Increasing our satellite capacity on the 7/8 W orbital position enables our customers to reach more end users across the region and deliver more HD and SD services. We are dedicated to providing reliable, high quality delivery every time, no matter which device, platform or technology is being used. We are very pleased to be working with Eutelsat to boost our capacity and offer unparalleled reach, flexibility and availability for our customers, making it simple for broadcasters and content owners to succeed,” he said. “du’s satellite services are a critical component of Eutelsat’s offering for audiences in the Middle East and North Africa and demonstrates our commitment to connecting customers and end-users across the region. We work with world-class satellite provider partners to deliver state-of-the-art broadcast services via the region’s largest teleport. Our world-leading satellite and terrestrial infrastructure offers unparalleled reach, flexibility and availability for our customers and helps us to address markets where demand for high-definition services is growing,” said Mahmoud El Danaf, Eutelsat VP for MENA Sales Region.

TECOM Group PJSC celebrated ten years of enabling Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through its start-up incubator, in5, by launching in5 Science. Announced in collaboration with Dubai Science Park, the Group’s science-focused ecosystem, the incubator will facilitate entrepreneurship and investment for science-based start-ups under the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ umbrella.The UAE’s emphasis on sustainability, in line with the Road to Net Zero by 2050, COP28, We the UAE 2031, and National Food Security Strategy agendas, has unveiled significant opportunities for innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship across the science sectors. in5 Science’s launch is aligned with these government strategies and supports the UAE’s recognition of 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability’. It is also in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, which promotes foreign direct investment and economic diversification, and raises Dubai’s attractiveness for homegrown and international founders to explore opportunities across health, sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and energy.in5 operates three centres enabling businesses and innovation in Tech in Dubai Internet City, Media in Dubai Production City, and Design in Dubai Design District (d3). The science vertical will expand its offerings to provide start-ups with sector-specific support and facilitate access to investment for founders to set up and scale new businesses. in5 has curated an expert-led advisory board representing industry-leading C-Suite figures from Nexus Resilience Group, Dii Desert Energy, and GMEX Group.On behalf of in5, Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Media City, part of TECOM Group said: “Entrepreneurship powers economic growth. Dubai’s pro-business framework has made it a preferred choice for businesses big and small, established and new. As a leading business enabler in Dubai, TECOM Group has strived to enrich the support and opportunities available to entrepreneurs through in5. Ten years on, we’re proud to see our incubator’s impact on promoting Dubai’s start-up ecosystem and economic diversification efforts across media, tech, and design. The new science vertical will expand our offerings to meet the needs of emerging economic opportunities in the science sector while securing Dubai’s reputation as a global business hub.”Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Science Park, part of TECOM Group said: “Science is a fast-growing field in Dubai, underpinned by government strategies across sustainability, healthcare, and R&D. Dubai Science Park plays a pivotal role in nurturing an ecosystem that promotes these economic roadmaps by empowering leading and international science-focused businesses to set up and expand operations. in5 Science will enable entrepreneurs to engage a world-class community of researchers and industry leaders and inject innovation and competitiveness to take the UAE’s science ambitions to the next level.”in5 Science will also present a curated calendar of networking events, panel discussions and educational forums to cover pertinent topics by thought leaders in the science industry. Collaborating with Dubai Science Park allows in5 to tap into a global ecosystem of MNEs and regional SMEs across pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy and environment, research, and development for partnership opportunities, and access to specialised facilities.A growing science hub in MENARising government investments, a multifaceted economic diversification plan, and the growing regional demand for specialised healthcare and sustainable consumerism have directed focus to the UAE on science and technology. The UAE’s comprehensive healthcare system, strengthened by private sector investments, has secured Dubai’s status as the region’s number one and the world’s number six medical tourism destination, according to the latest Medical Tourism Index.Similarly, a global call for sustainability reflects national agendas for advanced manufacturing, economic growth, and food security. For example, Operation 300bn and Make it in the Emirates, geared at promoting localised manufacturing, emphasise innovation in advanced technology to enable sustainable practices and competitiveness.In the past decade, in5 has seen a marked growth in science-focused tech start-ups. A dedicated science vertical aims to streamline and customise the supportive ecosystem for new businesses while connecting founders to a global community and purpose-built infrastructure at Dubai Science Park.in5 already supports several ambitious science-led start-ups, including:We4Recycle: A mobile app-based door-to-door valet trash service that simplifies waste segregation at home and strives to increase the awareness of sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyles.Greener Crop: A start-up enabling vertical farming in the Middle East and Africa by offering a range of services, from farm set-up and maintenance to growth management, harvesting, and produce sales. The start-up has customers across the US, UAE, Oman and Qatar.Air to MC2: A deep-tech start-up that aims to revolutionise cooling and heating by creating affordable, patented tech products for air conditioning, water and energy industries and consumers.Sentient Labs: The start-up employs advanced technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to promote sea clean-up.RelphaCare Technologies: A social healthcare tracking platform that enables real-time communication and monitoring by doctors and family.A decade of entrepreneurial growthin5 provides start-ups in technology, media, and design a platform to scale up, and access to advisory, mentorship, and potential investment opportunities. Since its inception in 2013, in5 has supported over 750 start-ups and entrepreneurs, and attracted founders representing more than 50 nationalities, including India, Russia, France, the UK and more. Breakout stars include buy-now-pay-later platform Tabby; Munch:On, a food operations service acquired by Careem in 2022; and regional music streaming giant Anghami.in5 is a start-up incubator part of TECOM Group’s portfolio, which also offers value-added platforms such as co-working spaces (D/Quarters), freelance packages (GoFreelance), and an integrated smart services platform (axs).TECOM Group’s portfolio also comprises 10 business districts, including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Design District (d3) and Dubai Industrial City.

Dubai: Vivium Holding, a progressive single-family office headquartered in Dubai, has announced its partnership with MEVP (Middle East Venture Partners), a leading venture capital asset manager in the MENA region, as Cornerstone Partner. The collaboration marks an important milestone in expanding both companies’ investments horizons, fostering growth and innovation in the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem.MEVP has been at the forefront of venture capital investing in the MENA region for more than a decade with a strong record of successful investments in technology start-ups across various sectors. Vivium Holding’s mission to invest in talent, ideas and build brands to leave a meaningful generational impact establishes powerful synergies that strengthen the collaboration. By joining forces with MEVP as Cornerstone Partner, Vivium aims to leverage its expertise and resources to identify and support the most promising technology start-ups in MENA.Vivium Holding is focused on building purposeful value creation for investors, stakeholders, and businesses in the MENA region through its diversified investment portfolio in the areas of luxury residential and hospitality, technology, and passion investments such as art and design.MEVP currently manages four regional technology-focused venture capital funds with more than USD 300 million in assets under management and USD 1.6 billion in co-investments. MEVP has successfully backed more than 60 start-ups across MENA including industry leaders such as Anghami, the Nasdaq-listed MENA leader in music streaming and digital entertainment, digital payment infrastructure provider HyperPay, and Fresha, one of the top global digital marketplaces for beauty and wellness services.The partnership is established as MEVP launches its fourth flagship MENA VC fund – the Middle East Venture Fund IV (MEVF IV) – with a target size of USD 150 million. MEVF IV’s will focus on investing in innovative early-stage and growth-stage technology companies and supporting their growth into MENA market leaders.“We are pleased to join MEVP in this strategic partnership that underscores our commitment to support the growth of innovative start-ups in MENA.” said Elie Khouri, Founder and CEO of Vivium Holding. “Together, we will accelerate the development of the region’s thriving VC ecosystem, empowering start-ups to grow into mainstream regional and global champions and to create long-term sustainable businesses.”Walid Hanna, Chairman and co-CEO of MEVP, added: “My MEVP Partners and I are thrilled to have Vivium Holding join us as Cornerstone Partner. Vivium Holding’s strong focus on technology investments and their global perspective on innovation will complement MEVP’s existing capabilities, allowing us to together create even more value to both our portfolios and to the wider entrepreneurship community in the MENA region.”Vivium Holding's appointment as Cornerstone Partner with MEVP is timely; the MENA region continues to witness a surge in entrepreneurial activity, with startups disrupting traditional industries and driving digital transformation. The collaboration between Vivium Holding and MEVP is poised to drive economic growth, job creation, and technological advancements across the MENA region.Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) announced the GameExpo Summit, a two-day business conference for professionals from the gaming and esports industry. The event will take place on June 21-22 at the South Halls, Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City, Dubai.The summit will feature more than 700 attendees, including over 100 industry thought leaders and government officials. There will be keynote speeches, panel discussions, fringe events, and networking sessions. The summit will cover topics such as AI, Web3, the metaverse, global and MENA trends, esports, publishing, and development.Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment (DFRE), commented, "We are thrilled to elevate the gametech sector in the UAE, nurturing this growing community and driving investment by bringing together global games professionals to Dubai. The GameExpo Summit is the region's premium games industry and B2B knowledge platform, with a full agenda, attracting professionals from around the world, making it an excellent opportunity for businesses to connect with potential partners from different regions. We are committed to strengthening Dubai’s leadership in gaming and esports, and the industry Summit will act as a regional hub for the sector.”Chris James, CEO of Steel Media (the parent company of the PG Connects B2B events series which is powering the GameExpo Summit), said, “The Middle East is the most dynamic and fastest growing frontier of the games market right now. Add in the fact that Dubai is a great hub for the region, a hot-bed of technological innovation, and an incredible place to visit in its own right, and the concept of having a games event here is obvious! At Steel Media we feel there's an opportunity to grow a meaningful games event in the city, starting this year - which is why we're bringing the best elements of the market-leading PG Connects conference series (www.pgconnects.com) into the Dubai GameExpo Summit.”Attendees can also participate in the Investor Connector matchmaking activity, a networking session to meet with investors from around the globe, and Publisher SpeedMatch, a curated networking opportunity to connect with publishers.

Italy’s premier professional football league, Lega Serie A, today inaugurated its first Middle East and North Africa (MENA) office in Abu Dhabi at a media event that also saw the launch of the brand's strategic vision and plans for the region.The event was hosted by Lega Serie A’s Michele Ciccarese, Commercial and Marketing Director, Anna Guarnerio, International Media Rights Director, Alfonso De Stefano, Managing Director MENA and Omar Al Hakim, Head of Brand Partnerships MENA.The latest international expansion for the Italian league will enable Lega Serie A to broaden its influence across the MENA region, with an emphasis on the GCC and North Africa. The new MENA office – which is located in Yas Creative Hub on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi – will provide a regional base for the league to increase its fan base in the region by building connections with the 53% of the MENA population who have an interest in football.  The Italian league aims to do this with a strategic plan and roadmap that will unlock opportunities for collaboration with local and regional partners; raise the profile of the league’s iconic clubs, such as Juventus, AC Milan, Fc Inter, As Roma, Ssc Napoli and Lazio; and better engage with the region’s Calcio fans through increased investment in grassroots talent, new charitable activities in regional markets, and bespoke content and content partnerships designed for Millennial and Gen Z audiences. "We are very pleased to continue our global expansion project of the 'Calcio’ product and to face new challenges that represent fundamental steps towards the internationalisation of Italian football," Luigi De Siervo, CEO of Lega Serie A, stated. "With our presence and the opening of the new office, our goal is to be closer to fans and longtime supporters in a strategic market like the Middle East. At the same time, we aim to promote a healthy education of the new generations in the values of sports, involving them both on and off the field through projects with digital experiences. Additionally, we are developing entertainment initiatives for fans by localising events of Lega Serie A that will feature the presence of teams, players, and legends. Thanks to our broadcasters and regional partners, Abu Dhabi Media and Starzplay, we will bring football close to the fans for a unique and immersive experience. We are convinced – De Siervo concluded – that through the spread of our product in these areas, many young talents from the Middle East will have the opportunity to regularly play in Serie A."Commenting on the announcement, Alfonso De Stefano, Managing Director MENA of Lega Serie A, said: “The MENA region is a crucial market for us, with a deep passion for football and a growing interest in the Italian game. There are already an estimated 16 million Lega Serie A fans in the region – half of them under the age of 25 – and connecting with this fan base and with the wider audience of football lovers in the region is our top priority. Our new headquarters strengthens our regional presence, giving us direct access to fans, and opening doors to a range of future collaborations with key stakeholders in our sport and beyond.”At the office opening, Lega Serie A also underscored its commitment to establishing grassroots initiatives to encourage and develop local talent, passion and skill in partnership with regional football associations and training academies.Omar Al Hakim, Head of Brand Partnerships MENA of Lega Serie A, said: “Our mission here is not only to promote Lega Serie A, but also to be a catalyst for football development in the MENA region. We are looking to establish relationships and forge partnerships with organisations who share our values to nurture local talent and promote the appreciation for the sport throughout the region.”To build engagement with football fans, particularly its Gen Z audiences, Lega Serie A recently launched a bilingual English and Arabia Snapchat account to host regionally relevant content – the first such account from a global football league with Arabic content for MENA audiences. The league also confirmed that it will announce a number of new initiatives and content partnerships in the coming months.In 2022, Lega Serie A signed a broadcasting partnership with Abu Dhabi Media and Starzplay, which are now exclusively streaming the league’s matches to audiences across 20 countries in the MENA region.

Dubai: As Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries have grown and their built environments continued to expand and develop with a particular focus on smart cities, we have seen strong expansion in the region’s data centre market.Although historically national operators have largely dominated the market, we are seeing increased levels of investment and interest from international operators who are looking to capitalise on the region’s growing need for data processing and storage.Whilst on a broader level we have seen strong levels of investment in recent years throughout many MENA countries, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are now registering the vast majority of interest from international operators. These three countries’ strong fundamentals are driving activity levels, along with their marked improvements in ease of doing business and data protections laws and also in their subsea cable connectivity.Today, the Data Centre capacity of these three markets is estimated to total around 336 MW. As these countries continue to develop, it is estimated that this is expected to grow to 707 MW by 2025, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE expected to add the bulk of the additional capacity. This forecast growth will mean that from a real estate perspective, data centres will become a core asset class in the alternative real estate market sector in all three of these countries, where we expect that future activity will largely be led by join-venture partnerships.Jonathan Briggs, Head of Industrial & Logistics at CBRE in Dubai, comments: “Today, the clear upfront delivery of power and the potential ramp up and costs to the data centre operator are becoming increasingly necessary earlier on in the land/site acquisition process, and considering the current pipeline of projects in the Middle East region, we welcome any increase in power capacity across these key markets.”Taimur Khan, Head of Research – MENA at CBRE in Dubai, comments: “Looking ahead, we expect a more supportive set of regulatory environments to develop in these markets. We envisage that this will take place in both the telecom and infrastructure segments. This will help further drive interest from international operators and also from developers, which in the long run will grow the sector’s real estate asset pool, where it will become a notable asset class globally.”

Dubai: Gaming revenues are expected to almost double by 2027 from 2021 in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, reaching USD 6 billion, according to DMCC’s latest Future of Trade 2023 report titled ‘Gaming in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Geared for growth’. A young and digital-savvy population, high levels of digital connectivity, and government support are driving the region’s emergence as a consumer and creator hub. Gaming and esports are both fast growing consumer segments, benefiting from rapid advancements in technology as well as broader and more inclusive audiences. The UAE and Saudi Arabia lead the region, supported by high income levels, strong digital engagement, and public investment initiatives. Globally, Asia Pacific constitutes the largest market share and China, the US, and Japan are the largest individual markets. The report gathers contributions from key industry leaders including Jad El Mir, Partner at Strategy&, and Klaus Kajetski, CEO and Founder of YaLLa Esports, to establish the critical drivers of the industry’s accelerated growth in the MENA region and beyond. It also examines the impact on gaming and esports from a technology, culture, and business perspective, covering global consumer trends, the emergence of MENA as a gaming and esports hub, and the key challenges that the industry needs to address to increase revenues further. Guiding the global industry’s accelerated growth from nearly USD 200 billion in revenues in 2021 to USD 340 billion in 2027, the report outlines a set of key recommendations for governments and businesses, namely: - Diversify esports revenue streams from sponsorship to new direct-to-fan monetisation models – including digital merchandising, loyalty programmes and training platforms for amateur gamers – to boost revenues.- Develop appropriate regulatory safeguards to ensure privacy, security and safety online in the digital gaming ecosystem and provide a business-friendly environment – including smoother visa systems to allow esports professionals and audiences to attend live events – to attract talent into the region and elevate it into a global industry leader. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said: “Gaming has come to the fore of entertainment globally, driving rapid growth especially in the MENA region, which now constitutes 15% of the global player base. The rise of gamification in areas such as education, healthcare, and other sectors has demonstrated gaming’s role in facilitating economic activity more broadly. Ensuring the accelerated growth of the gaming sector will have a measurable impact on the future of markets around the world, as well as the future of trade. As DMCC seeks to solidify Dubai’s reputation as a global trade and economic hub, efficiently activating opportunities within the gaming sector will prove essential.” Among the most closely watched segments is esports, which is expected to post revenue growth of 23.3% between 2019 and 2024 in MENA. Fuelling this is the region’s young demographic, engagement from international broadcasters and sponsors, and government support. Tapping into this economic potential, DMCC partnered with YaLLa Esports, the Dubai-based professional esports organisation, to launch the DMCC Gaming Centre in December 2022. The Centre supports the growth of the industry in Dubai by providing gaming businesses with access to global capital, leading industry talent, and an ecosystem that allows them to operate efficiently and with confidence. Due to the UAE’s strong business environment and infrastructure, as well as its status as a gateway to the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions, various international gaming developers have set up their regional headquarters in the country. Ubisoft is based in Abu Dhabi, while the gaming giant Tencent set up its MENA HQ in Dubai along with Riot Games. In Saudi Arabia, the kingdom has included gaming as a core element of its Neom project and has already made investments worth over $1.7 billion on the gaming industry.This special edition of DMCC’s Future of Trade report follows the launch of its flagship biennial report in July 2022, which set out the key drivers of global trade over the next decade. The Future of Trade report series has been downloaded and viewed a total of 1.3 million times.

Dubai: Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), an Amazon.com, Inc. company (NASDAQ: AMZN), commissioned a new report quantifying the relationship between public cloud computing adoption, national productivity, and economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The report highlights the potential for the UAE to unlock USD $181 billion in additional economic value over the next decade (2023-2033), or 2.5% of the UAE's cumulative GDP by accelerating adoption of cloud.The study, performed by Telecom Advisory Services LLC, and directed by Raul Katz, Director of Business Strategy Research at the Columbia Institute for Tele-information (Columbia Business School), provides a cutting-edge econometrical method for calculating the aggregate productivity gains realised by economies that adopt cloud computing. It extends previous economic research focused on firm-level productivity by establishing cloud adoption as a driver of national productivity and economic growth.Unleashing the Economic Power of Cloud Computing in the UAEIn 2021, public cloud adoption made a significant impact on the UAE's economy. According to the report, it contributed 2.26% to the country’s GDP, generating an economic value of USD $9.5 billion, the largest public cloud contribution to GDP in the region. This "productivity" effect is in addition to the "construction" effect of building and operating cloud infrastructures in the UAE, which, in the case of AWS UAE Region, are projected to contribute $11.2 billion to the UAE economy by 2036 and support nearly 6,000 full-time equivalent jobs annually.In the MENA, the UAE is where cloud adoption is driving the most economic growth in terms of spillovers. The report finds that a 1% increase in cloud adoption by UAE organisations will result in a 0.21% (USD 854.7 million) average GDP growth, which is three times the MENA average and the highest in the region. Over 91% of this impact, can be attributed to the national productivity gains or so-called “spillover effects” on the economy, while the remainder (9%) is driven by cloud spending from UAE public and private organizations. As an economic stimulant, cloud computing is 17% more effective in the UAE than mobile broadband.Yasser Hassan, Managing Director, Commercial Sector, MENAT at AWS, said: "The findings of our report highlight the tremendous opportunity for the UAE to accelerate economic growth and position the country as an attractive and influential economic hub, in line with the government's “We the UAE 2031” vision launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. As cloud computing continues to gain momentum, it is imperative for the UAE to continue to support cloud adoption and develop a skilled workforce to enhance the country's competitiveness on a global scale. With the support of AWS, the UAE can accelerate its digital transformation and unlock new opportunities for economic growth and social development."The study demonstrates that the economic impact of cloud computing is guided by returns to scale, - greater adoption of cloud computing will lead to proportionally greater productivity gains and economic impact.The UAE has ambitious plans to diversify its economies through digitization. In 2021, 43% of organizations in the UAE region adopted cloud computing, versus 49% in Western Europe and North America. With the government's focus on digital transformation, it is well-positioned to become a hub for cloud computing in the region.“The widespread adoption of cloud has already led to increased efficiency, cost savings, and job creation in various industries. As more businesses and organizations continue to migrate to the cloud, the economic benefits are expected to grow even further,” added Yasser.The report identifies four key advantages of cloud computing: First, it enhances business efficiency and effectiveness, streamlining processes and improving outcomes; second, it offers access to a wide range of services, enabling businesses to leverage advanced technologies; third, it boosts productivity by facilitating collaboration, mobility, and agility within the workforce; fourth, cloud computing promotes environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions per unit of data transmitted

Dubai: The online video advertising market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region will more than double to reach $2.3bn in 2027 according to the latest research from Omdia.“MENA is generating worldwide interest in the online advertising market thanks to the immense growth potential linked to the UAE and Saudi Arabia. With more than half of online video advertising revenues expected from TikTok, Meta and YouTube, online video players must integrate social video into their video strategies. It is important to note that this growth is the free video space and will not be to the detriment of the online video subscription market which is on track to reach $1.5bn in 2027 representing 54% growth.”Subscription video on demand (SVOD) subscriptions reached 11.1 million at the end of 2022, and more than 2 million new subscriptions expected this year.The leading player is Arabic video on demand service, Shahid VIP, with 2.7 million subscriptions. In a close second place is STARZPLAY Arabia with 2.1 million subscriptions and NETFLIX is in third place with less than 2 million subscriptions.Shahid holds the largest catalogue of Arabic content in the region offering popular original shows such as Al Thaman and Stiletto and coverage of the Saudi Pro League. There are also plans to launch more than 20 new free ad-supported television (FAST) channels.STARZPLAY Arabia saw its numbers increase to 2.1 million subscriptions driven by subscribers to its premium football and cricket content thanks to telco partnership deals.Netflix has continued to invest in original content in the Middle East however, the scale and scope of its content is limited. The success of Dubai Bling should lead to more investments in high-quality, Middle East-focused, unscripted content in the region. The streaming service has also amended its pricing strategy between the Gulf and North African countries to make it more accessible to low-income countries in the region.Omdia forecasts that SVOD and telco partnerships will play a significant role in the growth of the online video services in the MENA region.

Dubai: As part of its expansion plans, Auburn Digital Solutions has now set base in Dubai. With its office located in Dubai, they will serve clients from all around the MENA region. They have a full-service agency with staff and resources that are expanding in tandem with their expanding clientele. Following their expansion in Canada, this is a step forward in Auburn's success overseas. Since its founding in 2013, Auburn Digital Solutions has provided top-notch services and solutions for digital marketing to companies across sectors in India and established business in Canada in the first leg of expansion. From Dubai, the firm aims to provide services for the whole of Middle East and the Gulf. They provide several services including digital strategy, media buying and planning, brand planning, website development, app development, SEO etc.“We are one of the few homegrown digital marketing companies with an expanding international clientele. We are actively seeking to increase our worldwide footprint through India, Canada, and the Middle East. We want to provide our clients worldwide with the greatest 360-degree marketing services.” Says Harsh S. Kedia, CEO, Auburn Digital Solutions.“By providing clients with top-notch digital solutions, we hope to establish ourselves as a preferred partner in the global marketing industry. We strive to help brands fully realise their potential through our services. Added Ashish Tripathi, MD, Auburn Digital Solutions."

Dubai: Tradeling, the largest business-to-business (B2B) marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), cites that the pandemic-induced trend of digital adoption across several industries is set to continue with a relatively young and technologically inclined population driving this projection. The region’s median age of 26 for its younger population is reported to be significantly lower than the global average, and this is forecasted to boost e-commerce spending by 15% in 2023 when compared to the previous year .Out of necessity, increased worldwide digital adoption was witnessed at the onset of the pandemic. Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) declassifying COVID-19 as a global emergency , MENA is projected to maintain its upward trajectory by adding approximately 100 million new digital service users over the next five years.This progress is predicted to see as many as 125 million new digital users by 2030 while boosting the region’s digital economy from its $100 billion value in 2022 to an eye-popping $500 billion by the end of the decade .Hyper growth in MENA’s digital economy is expected to continue for the foreseeable future with hyper growth expected in the GCC. Furthermore, the UAE’s e-commerce sector is poised to make major contributions via its high internet penetration rate of more than 90%, a growing smartphone user base, and an increasing demand for online shopping; consumers have grown to prefer such convenience over traditional brick-and-mortar stores since the outbreak of COVID. Favourable government policies are also supporting the country’s e-commerce rise .The UAE government has implemented several initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the country’s e-commerce space while also developing frameworks which protect consumers and businesses; this includes regulating payment systems and establishing dispute resolution mechanisms among other efforts . As a result, MENA’s digital economy is rapidly gaining ground on emerging markets like Indonesia and India which are respectively valued at around $70 billion and $135 billion.Marius Ciavola, CEO of Tradeling, commented: “E-commerce in the Middle East, and the region’s digital economy as a whole, are well-positioned to lead the world in the coming years with the UAE at the forefront. A strategic location, diverse economy, and innovative infrastructure have seen e-commerce popularity surge in the country in recent years and there appears to be no slowdown in sight. As a younger, tech-savvy demographic continues being nurtured through proactive efforts of the UAE’s wise leadership and a willingness to embrace new technologies and digital solutions, the industry’s future is promising.”As MENA’s dominant B2B marketplace, Tradeling is shaping the future of e-commerce in the UAE. The company has grown rapidly since its inception three years ago with a wide selection of more than 1.7 million unique products across 14 categories and more than 200,000 registered buyers and sellers from 55 countries. Partnerships with local entities such as Wio Bank and Food Tech Valley, as well as global ones like Mastercard, are further solidifying Tradeling’s presence while simultaneously helping to prop up the country’s economy.

Dubai: iion, the global leader in gaming advertising, and MMP World Wide (MMPWW), a prominent ad-tech provider in the region, have joined forces to revolutionize gaming experiences in the vibrant Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market.In an era where gaming is on the rise, this groundbreaking collaboration aims to unlock the full potential of immersive gaming formats for brands, driving substantial growth in an industry that is projected to reach an astounding market volume of US$449.60 million by 2027, according to Statista.Coinciding with a remarkable surge in gaming and metaverse investments, the Middle East is quickly establishing itself as a hotspot for cutting-edge innovations. The MENA region is set to host an estimated 87.9 million gamers by the end of 2023, propelled by mobile gaming, increased investments from both public and private sectors, and the explosive growth of esports.Thanks to the revolutionary immersiion platform offered by iion, clients of MMPWW now have unparalleled access to the ever-expanding gaming audience across all devices and environments. Yasin Dabhelia, Head of Demand, US & UK, says, “The Middle East is emerging as a top market for gaming and the metaverse, with significant investment being directed towards this sector. This presents an unprecedented opportunity for brands in the region to integrate into gaming environments and leverage measurement and targeting tools to determine their return on investment. I can’t wait to showcase this alongside MMPWW.”Sanjaya Molligoda, iion co-founder, said: “We are incredibly excited to join forces with MMPWW, and to enable brands in the MENA region to tap into the massive potential of game advertising. As gaming experiences rapid growth—thanks to significant investments by Middle Eastern governments and the private sector—advertisers can connect with a diverse, engaged audience. Our goal is to establish gaming as an indispensable, always-on media plan component.”Molligoda highlights the extraordinary opportunities this partnership offers advertisers, allowing them to connect with gaming audiences across multiple platforms. "Our unique self-serve ad platform provides extensive access to inventory, including in-game, around-the-game, and away-from-the-game environments on PC, console, app, web, esports, and game influencers."Ultimately, Molligoda believes that this partnership will reshape the advertising landscape in the rapidly growing Middle Eastern gaming market.Walid Ramadan, GM of MMP Experiences, said: “We are delighted to be iion’s new and exclusive partner for the MENA region. Their innovative programmatic offering puts the user at the heart of the experience, while still allowing for in-depth targeting to reach these diverse audiences and create tailored messaging that best aligns with their interests. We look forward to collaborating with the team to bring these immersive solutions to our clients.”This groundbreaking partnership empowers brands to craft captivating and immersive campaigns that resonate with gamers across all devices. With the average UAE gamer spending an impressive USD 115 per year, as reported by Mordor Intelligence, this alliance is primed to capitalize on the rapidly expanding market.Excitingly, iion and MMPWW are gearing up for an agency roadshow where they will unveil their state-of-the-art gaming solutions to brands and advertisers across the region. Stay tuned for further details about this highly anticipated event, promising remarkable opportunities and invaluable insights for industry professionals.Romit Gharat, Ad Tech Director at MMPWW, said: “Our partnership with iion will unlock new channels for brands to reach a large number of engaged audiences in a unique and fascinating environment. With the potential to revolutionize the way advertisers can reach and engage with gamers, we are thrilled to offer this innovative and effective approach to driving brand awareness, engagement, and sales in the region.”

Dubai: Global online commerce THE LIST has appointed the Middle East's first authentication platform, Stitchain, to solidify authenticity and ownership within the luxury fashion sector. Headquartered in New York, and with a presence in Dubai and Lisbon, THE LIST identified the Dubai-based ID authentication platform due to its proprietary protocols to connect physical products and assets to the digital world. This represents a significant milestone for Stitchain as the company aims to further showcase the region's advanced technologies globally for use across all verticals. The partnership further demonstrates the continued emergence of blockchain technology in "traditional" sectors. Businesses, consumers, and governments can easily access and verify product and asset data profiles. As the first social commerce platform for luxury fashion, THE LIST enables immediate access for consumers to a network of leading global brands and retailers, where they can discover and shop personalized content and access "hard-to-find" items. The partnership supports THE LIST's mission to ensure the authenticity of every product listed on the platform. By embedding NFC (Near Field Communication) tags linked to Stitchain's blockchain-based authentication system, customers can also use the platform to verify the provenance and ownership of their purchases, fostering trust and confidence in the platform's offerings.Each asset registered on the platform is allocated a unique, encrypted digital ID stored on the blockchain. This digital ID is then linked to a physical NFC tag that can be embedded or attached to the asset. As a result, users can easily authenticate and verify ownership by tapping the NFC tag on their smartphone via mobile application.Samir Al Andari Founder of Stitchain, said, "By partnering with THE LIST we are able to showcase our cutting-edge solution for asset authentication and management that well-align with THE LIST's commitment to quality, authenticity, security and transparency. Not only does this showcase the technology pioneered from the MENA region, but it also aims to set a new standard in the luxury goods industry."Andreas Skorski Founder of THE LIST, said, "At THE LIST, we are committed to giving our customers the highest level of authenticity and transparency. We are thrilled to work with Stitchain and take advantage of their ground-breaking authentication platform to boost our customers' trust in the legitimacy and ownership of the high-end goods we offer on our platform”

Dubai: UM MENAT gathered their clients to present a global-first research study to put their brands ahead of the competition when it comes to ads on TikTok. Over 60 clients from over ten brands gathered at the TikTok Lounge to learn about the brand principles for the best performance in media and creative on the platform. The thought-provoking agenda consisted of two keynote talks by UM UAE’s Managing Director, Maria Poulton and TikTok’s Agency Partner, Nawal Rustom, followed by a grand reveal of the research with its insightful results led by Antoine Badaro, Marketing Science Partner at TikTok. The event concluded with a panel discussion that consisted of all speakers and UM’s client Dewan Afzal, Digital and Media Manager at L’Oréal and Mullen Lowe’s, Head of Social, Karim Magby.“The advanced modeling used to aggregate many data points into a single study is remarkable. This has created a playbook for media and creative best practices to predict the highest brand impact of future campaigns. Leveraging the scale of our partnership not only improves our client investments, but also enhances the global measurement agenda.” said James Dutton, Regional Director Digital & Head of Product at UM MENAT. “Like the trends on our platform, things change, and they change and evolve quickly. That is why it is crucial for our partners and their clients to measure and get close to the results to ensure campaign efficiency. We are proud to work with UM, who are innate innovators and who are keen to get behind research and best practices that cement them as the “future-proof’ media agency,” stated Nawal Rustom, Agency Partner at TikTok MENA. Maria Poulton, MD at UM UAE, added, “You can’t assume to know everything. We are in a world that is constantly evolving at speed, and so we need to shift and be agile to trial and test to get a true understanding of the performance of campaigns on TikTok, and that’s only possible by doing research studies like The Brand Lift study. We look forward to deep diving further into the results and building more impact for our clients.” 

Dubai: IFS, the global cloud enterprise software company announced the appointment of Jamal Alamer as the new Regional Sales Director for the MENA region. A highly accomplished professional, his exceptional leadership and skills will be a driving force to position IFS in the digital transformation market with its cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving customer needs.Speaking on the appointment, Mehmood Khan, Managing Director Middle East and North Africa at IFS, said, “The region has been witnessing tremendous opportunities and growth. The timely appointment of Jamal Alamer will help us deliver strong customer experiences and success. We believe that IFS will be able to sustain its growth and establish itself as a key player in the digital transformation industry.” As Regional Sales Director, Jamal will support IFS’s growth objectives through the development and execution of the company’s go-to-market strategy in the sales teams to a range of industries, including Oil & Gas, Utilities, Telecommunications, Aerospace & Defence, Marine, Manufacturing and Engineering & Construction.“IFS has a strong market reputation and an innovative product portfolio. This is solidified by the commitment to customer success and this has been a catalyst for joining the company. Understanding the organization’s culture, operations and strategic objectives are key to my role, and will help in developing plans to implement effective sales strategies to drive revenue growth and expand IFS’s market share in the digital transformation space,” said Jamal Alamer as the new Regional Sales Director, MENA.Prior to this, Jamal held positions in AVEVA and Bentley Systems, where he honed his skills in developing and implementing solutions that drive business growth and improve operational efficiency. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in pushing the adoption of the latest technologies, with a particular focus on AI, Machine Learning, Cloud Solutions, Asset & Service Management, APM, EPC 4.0, BIM, and Digital Transformation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and is a certified Product Management Professional (PMP).

Dubai: Media.Monks, a global creative production company that collaborates with advertising and creative agencies to design digital advertising and marketing campaigns, has appointed Youssef Hallal as Head of Data and Analytics, MENA. This move aims to strengthen Media.Monks' data and analytics capabilities in the MENA region.Hallal comes to Media.Monks from Wunderman Thompson, where he served as Head of Analytics, establishing a data and analytics department. In his new role, Hallal will concentrate on building the entire data ecosystem, including data architecture, BI, data activation, collection, synchronisation, CDPs, and CRM.Commenting on his appointment, Hallal noted the significant need for advanced data capabilities in the region. Media.Monks is one of the few companies in the area that can provide extensive capabilities in combination with content, data, and digital media and technology services, delivering a complete service offering. He looks forward to collaborating with his new colleagues and clients to increase efficiency across organisations.Nelly Saad, Managing Director of Media.Monks Middle East, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Youssef as the new Head of Data and Analytics for MENA. His extensive experience and expertise in data analytics and digital transformation will help us continue to expand our data and analytics capabilities in the region, delivering cutting-edge solutions that leverage the power of data to drive business growth for our clients.”