CAIRO : YoHo, the leading audio social platform in MENA, initiates attention-grabbing campaigns during Ramadan, encouraging people to deliver the power of kindness, unity, respect, and gratitude throughout the month.YoHo Chef, designed to introduce and teach unique Middle Eastern dishes, has been going viral on social media. Since its launch, numerous users have shared delicacies made according to the recipes with the hashtag#YoHoChef, under which they aired views on the food and their understanding of the cultural significance behind every dish."I really enjoyed the YoHo Chef event during Ramadan." said a participant, "It was a great way to learn about different Middle Eastern cuisines and try out new recipes. Looking forward to more events like this in the future!"Apart from YoHo Chef, some other innovative events are launched by YoHo to help build an inclusive environment for its users. Ramadan Voice, for instance, aims to promote unity and understanding between different cultural backgrounds by offering a platform to showcase users' Quran recitation and Tawasheeh (a mix of Quranic verses and classic poetry) skills.According to a spokesperson from YoHo, Ramadan Voice has become an annual tradition event on this platform. "We set up a full competition process, from audition to final, to encourage users' participation. We look to help promote the sense of community among users through this competition."It's noteworthy that charity activities are also what YoHo has focused on during Ramadan. For example, 'A Message to Your Heart', the program designed to encourage users to express inner voices, aims to help people solve problems they encounter during Ramadan.Some other initiatives, such as the 'Help Cancer Children' campaign, have also gained attention from local supporters, donators, and media outlets. "In this campaign, we have partnered with various charities and organizations to provide toys and money and essential items to children in need during Ramadan." added the spokesperson.As an audio social platform featuring group chat and game rooms, YoHo is always committed to creating positive social impacts and uniting its users more tightly through engaging and meaningful events."We fully recognize the significance of Ramadan for our users and supporters in the Middle East, and what we initiated aligns with the spirit of Ramadan, which emphasizes charity and giving back to the community." said the spokesperson, "Additionally, YoHo will continue its efforts to create more social values by taking full advantages of the socialization of platform in the future."The latest data released by data.ai (formerly App Annie) shows that YoHo ranked top 10 App Store & Google Play best-selling social apps in all GCC countries.

As the world becomes more digital and social, pressure to "keep up" and economic uncertainty affect how Ramadan is experienced, especially for millennials, according to the latest study by Sila Insights, a Dubai-based consumer intelligence company powered by its unique Arabic-native AI.The study, titled The Ramadan Shift, analyses how Ramadan in recent times has shifted between Gen-Z and millennials. Sila understook this study by taking Arabic-only Tweets, Instagram and TikTok from the MENA region (and worldwide to include all Arab diaspora) that include the word ‘Ramadan’.Content is also being consumed differently now, leading to a more personalised Ramadan, one that is increasingly less homogenous, and more reflective of a rapidly changing society."At the midpoint of Ramadan we see that the Arab youth, particularly in KSA and the UAE are having a shift in experience. Despite this change, the Holy Month retains its spiritual element, but in a more modern context," says the report. Another interesting finding in the study is that budgetary worries are high for millennials and above. While older generations focus on money, there’s a yearning for simplicity and back to tradition for younger generations, even though they are disrupting the most traditional aspects of Ramadan. Financial pressures about Ramadan are evident among older generations - pressures around having to provide, eat out, gifting (a rising occasion) and higher prices are leading to more and more concerns.What’s interesting is the pressures of giving also weigh heavily on the budget considerations of those in the giving season. The study has found that 79% of 30-40 year olds are worried about the financial impact of Ramadan. Another important finding is that in the UAE and KSA, youth prefer TikTok to TV. Spirituality and the pastThe research by Sila challenges the well-trodden trope by every older generation that the younger generations have it ‘easy’. The findings indicate this is not true. Despite this, large scale behaviour patterns don’t change, but the context does. But belief systems are still incredibly strong, staying true to the core of Ramadan’s meaning.When examining core topics associated with Ramadan, the strongest topic is the spiritual connection that Gen Z and millennials feel towards the Holy Month. Not only is entertainment, family and feasts part of the popular discourse, but so are Ramadan-focused activities. Sila’s research shows that in fact, the strongest connection is still with the spiritual connection with the observance of Ramadan. Hope is the strongest theme for spiritual connection. Mostly this relates to the problems of the last few years, and that the hope is that these problems will soon be behind them.Religious obligations, such as the Islamic prayers, and other religious obligations are also top of mind during the Holy Month. This includes the five daily prayers and the growing importance of those, such as Fajr. There is a large segment that is focused on charity, of which most are donations reflecting the want of giving during Ramadan to do better.Gen Z have a strong nostalgia for the past, especially when compared to millennials, says the study. There’s an authenticity missing from the younger experiences of Ramadan. A sense of community and authenticity is missing, which they feel is absent in their experiences, especially compared to their broader families’ memories. While nostalgia is always a strong topic in studies, its remarkable the difference here for a yearning for simpler times.  The Ramadan Shift: How millennials experience Ramadan in the digital age.As the world becomes more digital and social, pressure to "keep up" and economic uncertainty affect how Ramadan is experienced, especially for millennials, according to the latest study by Sila Insights, a Dubai-based consumer intelligence company powered by its unique Arabic-native AI.The study, titled The Ramadan Shift, analyses how Ramadan in recent times has shifted between Gen-Z and millennials. Sila understook this study by taking Arabic-only Tweets, Instagram and TikTok from the MENA region (and worldwide to include all Arab diaspora) that include the word ‘Ramadan’.Content is also being consumed differently now, leading to a more personalised Ramadan, one that is increasingly less homogenous, and more reflective of a rapidly changing society."At the midpoint of Ramadan we see that the Arab youth, particularly in KSA and the UAE are having a shift in experience. Despite this change, the Holy Month retains its spiritual element, but in a more modern context," says the report. Another interesting finding in the study is that budgetary worries are high for millennials and above. While older generations focus on money, there’s a yearning for simplicity and back to tradition for younger generations, even though they are disrupting the most traditional aspects of Ramadan. Financial pressures about Ramadan are evident among older generations - pressures around having to provide, eat out, gifting (a rising occasion) and higher prices are leading to more and more concerns.What’s interesting is the pressures of giving also weigh heavily on the budget considerations of those in the giving season. The study has found that 79% of 30-40 year olds are worried about the financial impact of Ramadan. Another important finding is that in the UAE and KSA, youth prefer TikTok to TV. Spirituality and the pastThe research by Sila challenges the well-trodden trope by every older generation that the younger generations have it ‘easy’. The findings indicate this is not true. Despite this, large scale behaviour patterns don’t change, but the context does. But belief systems are still incredibly strong, staying true to the core of Ramadan’s meaning.When examining core topics associated with Ramadan, the strongest topic is the spiritual connection that Gen Z and millennials feel towards the Holy Month. Not only is entertainment, family and feasts part of the popular discourse, but so are Ramadan-focused activities. Sila’s research shows that in fact, the strongest connection is still with the spiritual connection with the observance of Ramadan. Hope is the strongest theme for spiritual connection. Mostly this relates to the problems of the last few years, and that the hope is that these problems will soon be behind them.Religious obligations, such as the Islamic prayers, and other religious obligations are also top of mind during the Holy Month. This includes the five daily prayers and the growing importance of those, such as Fajr. There is a large segment that is focused on charity, of which most are donations reflecting the want of giving during Ramadan to do better.Gen Z have a strong nostalgia for the past, especially when compared to millennials, says the study. There’s an authenticity missing from the younger experiences of Ramadan. A sense of community and authenticity is missing, which they feel is absent in their experiences, especially compared to their broader families’ memories. While nostalgia is always a strong topic in studies, its remarkable the difference here for a yearning for simpler times

Dubai: Ramadan is a time for giving and reflection, when families around the world connect and practice shared values, spiritual wellness and cherished traditions.In line with the values and teachings of Ramadan, Dole Sunshine Company, Food & Beverage Division ME has partnered with three families in the UAE to share their favourite memories and traditions for Ramadan. In addition to sharing their fondest Ramadan moments, the families advise for good nutritional eating habits designed to help you stay healthy and happy during the holy month – all the while helping reduce your food waste, too. Dole Sunshine Company – known for their delicious packaged fruits, juices and fruit bowls – has recruited Dubai One TV presenter Dina Butti, Abu Dhabi-based mother-and-daughter bakery owners Samia Madani and Mira Sleiman – best known as Yummy Bakes – and Pakistani social media star Wassay Mughal to help spread the word on how adding fruity goodness to Iftar and Suhoor meals can increase nourishment, hydration and help those fasting feel fuller for longer.The trio and their families appear in a series of videos launched on @DoleMiddleEast social media channels sharing intergenerational advice on how simple, delicious ingredient swaps and additions can have a significant impact on keeping people energised throughout Ramadan – without having to compromise on traditional or favourite foods.As well as some tasty recipes, the three families also share what they have learned about nutrition and wellness from their parents and elders as part of the Ramadan Moments series, which also aims to help minimise food waste over the holy month by highlighting opportunities to incorporate excess ingredients in different, creative ways.The initiative comes as Dole Sunshine Company seeks to take a leading role in highlighting the benefits of nutritional meal choices in helping you feel refreshed, hydrated and satiated during Ramadan, with ingredients like fruit being able to play a major role in that.Alpaslan Uzmez, Vice President & Regional General Manager of Food & Beverage Division at Dole Sunshine Company, Middle East, said: “Ramadan is a truly special time of the year, when we come together as families in a month full of faith, reflection and kindness.“This year, we’re helping remind those fasting on how we can make every day brighter for ourselves and for those around us, through the food we consume during the holy month. Good nutrition is a fundamental human right, and at Dole, we believe it should be like sunshine – available to all. “We wanted to be authentic in delivering the message of this year's Ramadan campaign, so we leaned into the fact that older generations tend to pass on advice and wisdom to younger generations – and vice versa. So, throughout Ramadan, we will share tips so everyone can get involved and feel the sunshine, with three different families leading that charge.”Research suggests that almost a quarter of food purchased goes to waste[1], placing additional strain on the environment. At the heart of Dole’s campaign is a selection of recipes rich in nourishment, helping reduce the need for excess food.TV star Dina Butti, who appears in the campaign alongside husband Omar, sons Faris (7) and Amir (5), and parents Mohamed El-Gamal and Amina Hedaiat, said: “What Dole is trying to encourage with their Ramadan Moments campaign struck a chord with my family. For as long as I can remember, my parents have always ensured that we understood and appreciated the importance of eating a well-balanced diet during Ramadan, and minimizing food waste, from a perspective of faith and well-being.“Those are the same lessons Omar and I now share with Faris and Amir, along with new learnings and traditions we've picked up, so to bring that advice to a wider audience with Dole is something I’m really excited about.”As one of the world’s largest fruit producers, Dole Sunshine Company is driven by the purpose of bettering the world through nutrition and delivering safe, high-quality food that is good for the people, the planet, and shared prosperity. To follow Dole’s Ramadan Moments this Ramadan and learn brighter eating tips, tasty recipes and clever ways to minimize food wastage, follow @DoleMiddleEast on Instagram.

Dubai: As the country prepares for Ramadan, business owners look for ways to keep their operations running smoothly and stay connected with customers. For a lot of businesses, this means using WhatsApp to connect with customers securely, reliably and privately. According to a Kantar study, 66% of people globally prefer to message a business than email them .To keep businesses on track, here are 5 WhatsApp strategies so you can continue doing what matters most: driving sales. 1. Create a great messaging experience for customers For many small business owners in UAE, WhatsApp is their business – their website or virtual store counter to showcase their products, answer customer queries and drive sales. So when customers come, you need to be ready. During Ramadan, that might be as simple as updating your business hours in your business profile in the WhatsApp Business app to let people know you’re open during the month – especially if your operating hours will be different than usual – or even putting up an away message to inform customers when you’re available or when you might be in morning or evening prayer.2. Makes people feel more connected to a business/brandPersonalized messages to create connection and enhance relevancy of messages, Guide the users through the journey using buttons (quick replies, list, call to action), and Product messages with in-thread cart and product selection. These are several things that businesses can do to build interactive experiences that increase stickiness and quality. If you have special items or deals and promotions during Ramadan, it’s best to highlight that in your catalog so people can easily find what they might want to buy. 3. Attract new customers The lifeblood of any small business is finding more customers. So once you’ve built a valuable experience for your customers, it’s key to drive more people to your WhatsApp channel. To start, add a QR code to your storefront, website, product packaging, marketing materials or anywhere else where people can easily scan to connect with you on WhatsApp. To find the QR code, go to Business Tools and Short Link. You can even share your QR code with others easily from the app. 4. Drive traffic from social media A lot of small and medium businesses are also present on Instagram and Facebook. From Business Tools, you can add a WhatsApp button to your Facebook or Instagram account, so when customers click it, it directly opens a chat on your WhatsApp Business app. That way, customers browsing your business on those platforms can easily start a conversation with you on WhatsApp to ask questions or place an order. To go a step further and find brand new customers, businesses can also create Facebook or Instagram ads that click to open a chat on WhatsApp. These ads are an incredibly effective and powerful way to attract new customers and get them to start messaging with your business. 5. Stay organized Ramadan can be an extremely busy month for businesses – especially with so much commerce condensed into a few hours of the day. With a potential influx of chats from new customers, it’s essential to keep your business and chats organized. One trick is using catalog Collections to group and organize products into specific categories so it’s simple for customers to browse your offerings. To stay on top of your chats, label specific ones with customizable descriptions to keep track of things like pending payments, new customers and more (the labels are visible only to you and not to customers). As your customer base and chat volume grow, businesses can even graduate from the WhatsApp Business app to the more powerful WhatsApp Business Platform where they can engage with customers at scale.

Authored by: Gagan Uppal, Country Head - MENA, Xapads MediaEvery brand wants to hold onto consumers to win their trust and loyalty to develop a connection with it since the competition in the marketplaces intensifies brand owners because of increasing pressure to attract and retain customers. And there is no doubt in saying that, many brands also focus much on acquiring new customers but, I believe that the key to long-term success lies in retaining existing customers. Moreover, this is a constant concern for every advertiser because nobody would like his consumer to be a brand switcher wherein, Retention Marketing comes into the picture. A powerful retention strategy in place can really make a difference both in the brand presence and ROAS since it concentrates on engaging and nurturing long-term relationships with existing customers.Retention is one of the most critical aspects for the growth of any business since it's actually a blend of user satisfaction with the offerings of a brand which turns into user loyalty. Though brands focus on acquisition, I would like to say that they must simultaneously focus on retention as well in the early stages of campaign execution because doing so will reduce the chances of churn. This is because, if a user feels satisfied, valuable and gets catered with a better experience while trying and testing the goods/services of any brand, the possibility of returning to it get higher. Reports also say that loyal users are 5x as likely to repurchase as they become pretty aware of the brand’s offerings and USPs and often return to it to know what more it has in store (source: Microsoft). Therefore, in my opinion, holding onto the already existing user base is better as they are a huge asset for any brand and in fact, as Ramadan is around the corner, Retention Marketing can be a compelling factor for the brand’s growth and better ROAS as well. Let’s discuss the importance of retention in depth and how it does wonders for businesses. In my opinion, a customer's purchase or desired action doesn't mark the end of a sale. Instead, it's beneficial to offer related additional products through timely upselling or cross-selling based on the customer's past behaviors with the brand. By doing so, the brand can create effective recall and notify customers of suitable offerings during the upcoming festive season. Upselling, cross-selling and following up with users not only retain them but also enhance the value of their current purchase.However, sometimes a user stops using the app, resulting in churn which isn’t good for any business and to avoid this, Retention Marketing comes as a saviour. To prevent churn and grip the users’ interest in your brand, personalization coupled with automated product recommendations can do wonders for brand presence and recognition. When a user is catered with personalized offerings, he rarely switches brands in search of products that meet his expectations.I'd also like to point out that Retention complements Engagement because they have a direct and positive relationship. They both go hand in hand since user retention leads to repurchases and frequent repetitions of desired actions result in increasing user engagement rates. When a user gets the best of his needs and wants, he starts trusting the brand that drives quality engagement and often seeks to know more. This also helps marketers in analyzing their likes and dislikes and improvises user journey for a better experience and more tremendous impact. Retention Marketing not only enhances the existing and loyal user base, but also keeps them engaged by frequently executing storytelling campaigns that incorporate innovative tactics such as Rich Media Ads, Gamification, Rewards, Exclusive Deals and Discounts, and much more. Such aspects when incorporated into a campaign execution encourage users to spend some time on it even if they have been lapsed or inactive too. When existing users and inactive users also return to the brand, the user base starts enhancing which helps brands outperform their competitors and enable users to choose your brand over others. It is accurate to state that retention marketing plays a vital role in establishing long-term relationships with customers, boosting customer lifetime value, and facilitating the growth of a sustainable business.