The PRCA MENA Awards 2024 ceremony took place last night at Taj Hotel at business bay in Dubai, celebrating winners across 34 categories.Instinctif Partners MENA was honored with the prestigious title of Large Consultancy of the Year, underscoring their sustained impact and commitment to excellence. Current Global was crowned Small Consultancy of the Year, while Gambit Communications clinched the Medium Consultancy award, adding to the diversity and excellence within the regional PR landscape.Additionally, Atteline's Sophie Simpson was recognized as the PR Leader of the Year, acknowledging her exceptional leadership and contributions to the industry.Monika Fourneaux MPRCA, Head of EMEA at PRCA, hailed the evening as a testament to the region's outstanding communications talent. "The PRCA MENA Awards 2024 ceremony showcased the very best in regional communications," she remarked. "With a record-breaking number of entries, the competition was fierce, highlighting the PRCA MENA Awards as the gold standard in our industry. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists!"Reflecting on the event, James Hewes, attending his first PRCA MENA Awards, expressed his admiration for the talent on display. "It's inspiring to witness the calibre of talent and innovation showcased at the PRCA MENA Awards," he remarked. "As we continue to navigate a rapidly evolving communications landscape, these awards serve as a testament to the creativity and dedication driving our industry forward."

PRCA MENA, the Public Relations and Communications Association in the Middle East and North Africa, has announced that Gambit Communications’ Alexandra Richards and Sara Al Dehni have won the MENA Young Lions Competition 2024 for their #LendTheirVoice campaign. The star duo will go on to represent the MENA at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.Responding to a brief set by Shamsaha, Alexandra and Sara beat a field of 16 teams. Each team had 24 hours to create a campaign that would help Shamsaha to target audiences from expanded regions, especially focusing on support to victims of GBV in Palestine and Sudan.Sylvia Marcus, the Partnerships and Business Development Manager at Shamsaha, commented: “At Shamsaha, we believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to drive positive change. Partnering with the PRCA MENA Young Lions Competition allows us to amplify our message of women's empowerment and protection throughout the Middle East, inspiring a new generation of advocates and change-makers.”PRCA’s Head of EMEA, Monika Fourneaux MPRCA said: “Each competing team has demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity. The breadth of innovative campaigns highlights the incredible diversity of young talent in our region. Congratulations to Alexandra and Sara for their outstanding achievement, and we extend our best wishes to them for success in Cannes. Thank you to all participants for your contributions, and we look forward to seeing you again next year.”

PRCA MENA is one step closer to finding the best young PR professionals in the region as the Young PR Lions MENA finalists are announced.Five teams have been shortlisted to win the accolade this year and one of them will be heading to the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity to take part in the international competition in June, 2024. Each team is made up of two PR professionals aged 30 or under.The shortlisted agency teams are:Atteline – Alina Zuberi and Sanya IjazBPG Group – Iman Dawood and Ruaa YoussefGambit Communications – Alexandra Richards and Sara Al DehniHill and Knowlton – Farah Elshafey and Robyn RebelloSiemens Energy – Amneh Alkhatib and Mina NashwanThe five competing teams have been narrowed down from the sixteen teams that entered the MENA Regional competition, after responding to a brief set by Shamsaha, a non-profit organization based in Bahrain, focusing on women’s empowerment and protection throughout the Middle East, which performed as the ‘client’. Participating agencies had 24 hours to create a campaign.The shortlisted teams will be asked to deliver a five-minute presentation explaining their PR campaign on the 26th of March 2024 online. Following this, there will be a five-minute Q&A session.PRCA Head of EMEA, Monika Fourneaux said:“As we announce the shortlist for this year's PRCA MENA Young Lions competition, we're thrilled to witness the remarkable talent emerging across the Middle East and North Africa. The caliber of entries reflects the creativity, dedication, and ambition of our region's young professionals. Congratulations to all the finalists!”The judging panel for this years’ competition is:Amel Osman, Head of Corporate Communications at Instinctif Partners MENAClaire Micheletti, Founder & Joint Managing Director at Cosmopole ConsultancyImad Lahad, Managing Director at APCO WorldwideLoretta Ahmed, CEO at Houbara CommunicationsLaureline Schwarz, Head of Global Corporate Communication at Al-Futtaim AutomotiveSylvia Marcus, Partnership and Business Development Manager at Shamsaha OrganizationFollowing this, the winning MENA team will be announced on 29th March.The winning team will then compete at the Cannes Lions 2024 Young Lions PR competition against representatives from more than 30 countries, delivering a presentation for a non-profit organisation in 24 hours that will be judged by a selected jury.PRCA MENA is responsible for running the element of the competition from the region to find the country’s brightest and best young PR talent.

The Public Relations and Communications Association in the Middle East and North Africa (PRCA MENA) has today announced the multi-disciplined creative communications agency Current Global MENAT, as its latest corporate member.Current Global MENAT combines the global reach, strategic thinking and capabilities of a global agency with the attitude, speed and passion of a small agency. The agency believes in human-first communications guiding how it works, defining the kind of work that it delivers, and how it thinks about communications.With a global presence in key regions such as APAC, EMEA, North America, LATAM, and MENAT Current Global is at the forefront of championing accessible communications. Its ‘Accessible by Design’ offer is an agency-wide commitment that every piece of communication it develops, curates, and publishes will meet the highest accessibility standards.Current Global is part of the Weber Shandwick Collective, a network of specialist creative, marketing, communications and consulting firms built for the convergence of society, media, sustainability, policy and technology, within the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG).Head of PRCA EMEA, Monika Fourneaux said:"We are delighted to announce the inclusion of Current Global as a valued member of PRCA MENA. The agency's global perspective, coupled with its diverse communication capabilities, is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing the dynamic exchange of ideas within our esteemed community. We look forward to the expertise and experiences that Current Global brings, enhancing our collective conversations with valuable perspectives and innovative approach.”Peter Jacob, Managing Director, Current Global MENAT said:“Just over a year since we hied our first full-time employee we’ve had a tremendous start delivering some of the regions most talked about campaigns. We are driven by an unwavering belief in the power of human-first communications and we look forward to playing our role within the PRCA to champion an earned-first mindset and the wider importance of the communications industry across this dynamic and diverse region.”

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 PRCA MENA Digital Awards were held on Wednesday, 8th of November 2023 at the Movenpick Hotel & Residences Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to celebrate the best in Digital PR and Communications across the Middle East and North Africa.This year’s strategic partners are One Group. Additional sponsorship includes Atteline, Carma, Cicero & Bernay Public Relations, Commpass, Dubai Cares, Guinness World Records, GWPR - Global Women in PR, ICCO, MCG Talent, Provoke, Seven Media, The Work Crowd, YouGovWe are proud to reward the excellent achievements of these individuals and teams.Monika Fourneaux, Head of EMEA, said:“The awards brought together the MENA region's PR and communications community, acknowledging, and celebrating outstanding achievements over the past year. Winners and finalists showcased great talent and exceptional skills, and we're privileged to shine a spotlight on the dynamic PR industry in the vibrant city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.”The night’s winners were:Digital Team of the Year – Weber Shandwick MENATDigital Professional of the Year – Sanya Ijaz, AttelineBest Use of Video in a Campaign – Weber Shandwick MENAT & EwaaBest Use of Social Influencers in a Campaign – TouchBest Use of Reporting and Measurement in a Campaign – ASDA'A BCWBest Social Media Campaign – ASDA’A BCWBest Use of Content Marketing in a Campaign – TouchBest Performance in a Digital Campaign – ASDA'A BCWBest Use of Paid Media in a Campaign – British Council,Best Digital Marketing Campaign – Weber Shandwick MENAT & Department of Health Abu DhabiBest AI-Driven Digital Campaign – AttelineA big thank you goes to our amazing panel of Judges, who had the nearly impossible task of selecting this year’s finalists. We couldn’t have done it without you.

PRCA MENA, the leading Public Relations Communications Association of the Middle East and North Africa, organised the PRCA MENA Leaders Breakfast in partnership with Guinness World Records, hosted at the Guinness World Records office in Dubai.A special guest speaker at the Breakfast, Noha Hefny, the Head of Strategic Partnerships and Communications at UN Women, delivered an inspiring speech on women's empowerment and the essential steps for a company to foster gender equity.Following this, PRCA MENA members participated in a Guinness World Records attempt to achieve a historic feat by breaking the Guinness World Record title for "Most High and Low Fives in Relay in Three Minutes," with an impressive 160 high and low fives.The invite-only gathering provided a platform for influential PRCA MENA members to connect, share knowledge, and forge valuable partnerships.Monika Fourneaux, Head of EMEA, expressed her appreciation, saying, "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Noha Hefny for delivering a compelling presentation on women's empowerment and gender equity, sparking a meaningful dialogue among the participants. Congratulations to the PRCA MENA members who participated in the Guinness World Record attempt – you are now officially amazing!" Shaddy Gaad, Senior Marketing Manager at Guinness World Records, commented, "It was a pleasure for us to host the PRCA MENA Leaders Breakfast. We congratulate all participants and look forward to further cooperation.”PRCA MENA and Guinness World Records have been long-term partners, and their partnership continues to thrive.With another successful event, PRCA MENA continues to lead the way in the field of public relations and communications, bringing together PR professionals who are not only committed to excellence but also dedicated to making a positive impact on the industry and society.

PRCA MENA, the leading professional association for public relations and communications in the Middle East and North Africa, is delighted to unveil the agenda for its highly anticipated PRCA MENA Conference 2023, set to take place on November 8th, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Dedicated to industry professionals, this event is expected to draw both local and international attendees, marking a significant milestone for the PRCA MENA community.PRCA, founded in the UK in 1969, expanded its reach to the Middle East and Africa with the establishment of PRCA MENA in Dubai in 2016. Over the years, PRCA MENA has experienced steady growth, particularly in the past two years. Now, PRCA MENA is proud to venture into organising the Conference and Digital Awards in Riyadh for the first time, with the vibrant city providing the perfect backdrop for this occasion.Monika Fourneaux, Head of PRCA MENA, stated, "PRCA MENA is privileged to have members who work closely with us, and they have consistently expressed their desire for a conference in Saudi Arabia. In response to their needs, we partnered with One Group, a marketing and communication group based in Riyadh, to create an exciting conference program tailored for PR professionals in the region."This premier industry gathering promises to bring together the crème de la crème of the public relations world, providing a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and recognition of outstanding achievements in the field. The conference agenda boasts a diverse range of insightful sessions covering key PR industry topics and trends.Conference Highlights:Keynote Session: Prepare for an electrifying revelation.The Value of PR in MENA: Delve into a comprehensive report jointly crafted by PRCA MENA and YouGov, offering insights into how the PR industry is perceived across diverse countries and industries in the MENA region.Crafting Successful PR Campaigns: Unearth the secrets behind crafting successful PR campaigns in the distinctive Saudi Arabian landscape.AI vs. PR: Engage in a riveting panel discussion exploring the transformative potential of AI in PR and how the industry can adapt to this revolutionary change.Sponsored Sessions: Immerse yourself in a series of specialised sessions conducted in both Arabic and English, designed to provide practical insights and valuable takeaways.Evolving PR Agencies in Saudi Arabia: Gain perspectives on the dynamic shifts and challenges facing PR agencies in the Saudi market.Saudi PR VISION: Peer into the future of PR within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

PRCA MENA, a leading association for PR and communications professionals, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with The Work Crowd, an innovative tech platform designed to connect organisations and specialist independents. This collaboration opens doors for businesses to tap into a local and global community of pre-vetted consultants and freelancers specialising in PR and Marketing.The benefits of this partnership extend to both PR agencies seeking talented freelancers and independent professionals seeking engaging projects. The platform stands apart as a curated space, accessible to carefully vetted individuals and project-based work both locally in the region and beyond. The Work Crowd have been operating in the UK and Europe for the last five years and are delighted to have launched in the UAE to support growing businesses and the freelance community.Alice Weightman, Co-Founder of The Work Crowd, expressed enthusiasm for the new venture, stating, " Our platform enables members to access a wide range of local and global projects while fostering connections with fellow professionals through our extensive network and dynamic events. Each profile in our network is verified, ensuring a seamless and trustworthy experience for all”.Monika Fourneaux, Head of PRCA EMEA, highlighted the surge in freelancer memberships over the past six months. "We have consistently witnessed a growing demand for freelancers from our member PR agencies," Monika stated. "This partnership with The Work Crowd significantly enriches our membership benefits. PRCA MENA members can enjoy exclusive discounts on The Work Crowd's fees."This strategic partnership between PRCA MENA and The Work Crowd is set to transform the landscape of PR agency-freelancer collaborations, enabling greater accessibility and efficacy within the industry.

Dubai: With an aim to explore further opportunities and discuss the development of the PR industry, Monika Fourneaux, Head of EMEA at PRCA, visited PRCA MENA partner One Group in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last week. The two-day visit also served as an occasion to meet local prospects and extend greetings to current PRCA MENA members.“Networking with local agencies provided valuable insights into their perspective on the local market and the challenges they face. I was very pleased to engage with industry professionals and discuss the forthcoming support PRCA MENA will offer them,” said Monika Fourneaux, Head of PRCA EMEA.Faris Aljameel, Vice-chair of One Group, commented, "We are pleased to be partnered with PRCA MENA. This global association, renowned for its ethical values, brings significant networking advantages to the region, along with access to prestigious awards and professional training."PRCA MENA remains committed to expanding its presence and fostering collaboration in the Saudi Arabian market. The visit emphasised the organization's dedication to supporting and empowering PR professionals in the region.