Viola Outdoor, part of Viola Communications, the leading OOH media owner with its decades long exclusivity across the UAE Capital, has announced the first pan-Emirate bridge banner network with the award of a contract from the Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA). Each bridge banner is strategically designed and positioned to ensure maximum frequency, reach and impact at key intersections on and around the heart of Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road, thereby providing a network that delivers brands superior ROMI.Speaking on the announcement, Ammar Sharaf, founder and CEO of Viola Communications, said: “This contract with the RTA creates an important addition to our portfolio of OOH media assets. With Abu Dhabi’s extraordinary growth and fast expanding footprint, the UAE’s two major cities are increasingly becoming interconnected. The capital city, business and cultural center of the UAE is merging ever closer to Dubai, with the two hubs now truly presenting a pan-Emirate proposition. With this in mind, and as part of our strategy to sustain and span our portfolio across end-to-end OOH solutions, this is just the first of a series of connecting developments for Viola Outdoor’s national network.”“At Viola, we focus our efforts on having a positive impact within all the communities we work in. As key operators in urban infrastructure, we acknowledge our responsibility to help protect the environment and minimize pollution wherever possible. A such, Viola’s Dubai bridge banners, were chosen to be powered by solar, a more sustainable solution to help drive our greener footprint commitments”.Viola Communications is a subsidiary of the Multiply Group. The company has played a pivotal role in executing numerous high-profile projects with its extensive portfolio of hoardings, lampposts, and bus-wraps, while in line with the UAE’s strategic plan for digital transformation it has introduced a network of digital assets including D.Toplight, D.Totemlights, D.Hoardings, D.Skylight bridge banners and D.Taxi-top media screens, forming the largest advertising network in the region. These efforts underscore Viola's ongoing commitment to fulfilling the digital transformation strategy.

Abu Dhabi: Viola Communications, a leading MENA marcomms solutions provider, has signed a 10-year deal with ADNOC. This strategic partnership grants Viola exclusive rights to utilize ADNOC outdoor spaces in Abu Dhabi and Al Dhanna for advertising, boosting ADNOC's brand visibility.Viola will prioritize local suppliers while fulfilling the agreement, aligning with ADNOC's In-Country Value commitments. The agreement was signed at ADNOC's headquarters by Saif Al Falahi, Executive Vice President of Group Business Support and Special Tasks at ADNOC, and Ammar Sharaf, Founder and CEO of Viola Communications, in the presence of senior representatives from both the companies.Ammar Sharaf, founder-CEO of Viola Communications, said: “At Viola, our strategic roadmap plays a crucial role in amplifying our vision and future plans, driving us towards a pivotal shift in marketing communications and outdoor advertising. We are committed to identifying the most promising opportunities and forging partnerships that extend our expertise locally and internationally. We look forward to the launch of numerous flagship projects, expanding our outdoor advertising presence and integrating it into our innovative, state-of-the-art network across a range of digital and traditional media solutions in key locations, while also customising marketing solutions tailored to different areas in Abu Dhabi.”Viola Communications, a subsidiary of the Multiply Group, has played a pivotal role in executing numerous high-profile projects in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi government with its extensive portfolio of hoardings, lampposts, and bus-wraps

Abu Dhabi: Multiply Group (ADX: MULTIPLY), a leading Abu Dhabi-based investment holding firm, today announced a net profit excluding fair value changes of AED 331 million for Q3 2023. This marks a significant 337% increase from AED 76 million reported in the same quarter of 2022. In Q3, 2023, the Group’s net profit, including fair value changes in investments, stands at AED 145.77 million. The Group's Q3 2023 revenue of AED 351.8 million is a 23.82% YoY growth driven by the organic growth across its 4 core verticals (+9% YoY) and the consolidation of Media 247 and LVL effective 1 July 2023. The gross profit margin rose to 50.1%, reflecting an improvement of 128 basis points from Q3 2022. This growth was bolstered by dividend income amounting to AED 194.37 million from the Group’s public portfolio and an increased share of profit to reflect the change in the functional currency of the Turkish JV Kalyon from Turkish Lira to USD.In the first nine months of 2023, the Group’s year to date net profit excluding fair value changes rose to AED 811.17 million, a 199% YoY growth. Multiply Group remains poised to capitalize on emerging value-accretive acquisition opportunities worldwide, spanning its operating verticals and investment arm. The Group boats a robust cash position of AED 1.65 billion, favourable debt-to-equity and debt-to-assets ratios, and access to over AED 4 billion in financing capacity. With its dual investment arms, Multiply and Multiply+, the Group continues to demonstrate its financial prowess, targeting lucrative opportunities across a spectrum of asset classes. Multiply’s current investment verticals encompass Mobility, Energy and Utilities, Media and Communications, and Beauty and Wellness. Meanwhile, Multiply+ remains sector-agnostic, aiming for double-digit returns across asset classes. Under Multiply+, the public market portfolio is currently valued at AED 33.28 billion, compared to an initial investment of AED 15.43 billion.On the sustainability front, Sustainalytics, a global leader in environmental, social and governance (ESG) rating and research, has rated Multiply Group’s risk level at 15.8. This commendable rating places the Group in the “Low Risk” category, positioning it among the top 10% of companies in the Diversified Financials sector. This is a testament to our commitment to sustainability. Q3 2023 Group Highlights:Key InvestmentsMultiply Group successfully acquired a 55% majority stake in Media 247, a leading UAE outdoor advertising firm, at an investment of AED 225 million. Media 247, known for its extensive portfolio of over 45 exclusive outdoor premium hoardings, unipoles, and 3D structures across Dubai’s most prominent locations, solidifies Multiply Group’s position in the media vertical. In H1 2023, Media 247 overachieved both revenue and profitability targets, highlighting its strong financial capabilities. In a move to bolster its footprint in the wellness domain, MG Wellness Holding LLC, the wellness-centric subsidiary of Multiply Group, secured a 49.38% equity interest in LVL Technology Holding in August. LVL Technology Holding is renowned for its LVL Wellbeing platform, which offers a comprehensive suite of individual, team, and corporate well-being solutions, championing a balanced work-life dynamic. This strategic investment is poised to amplify operations and bolster regional expansion. Furthermore, the integration of HealthierU into the LVL Wellbeing platform has created a holistic offering, positing it as the region’s premier source for preventative health and wellbeing services for its clientele.Under Multiply+ arm, Multiply Group invested AED 367 million for a minority stake in EIG’s Breakwater Energy which owns 25% interest in Repsol E&P, a North American-based gas-weighted exploration and production company. Through this acquisition, Multiply+ taps into a highly profitable and cash generative, diversified global upstream portfolio offering a highly attractive dividend profile.Subsidiary MilestonesEmirates Driving Company (EDC) registered a 14.15% net profit increase YoY driven by favourable revenue mix and higher interest income versus last year. In line with the expansion strategy into new markets, EDC’s board approved the investment in the Consultants Driving School in KSA by signing a convertible notes agreement with a total value of SAR 10 million. Further details to be disclosed subject to financial and legal approvals. Furthermore, the company achieved the ISO 31000 certificate for its risk management system and the company hosted the 11th National Dialogue for Climate Ambition in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). Omorfia Group, Multiply Group’s Wellness & Beauty vertical, reported a 22.18% net profit growth YoY driven by gross margin expansion on favourable revenue mix and a spike in interest income. The company expanded its flagship brand, Tips & Toes, by inaugurating two new branches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. With a network of 40 branches across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Tips & Toes is positioned as the region’s largest and most successful salon and spa chain. Additionally, Bedashing Beauty Lounge, with its 23 branches, was celebrated as the UAE’s favourite beauty salon in the FACT Spa & Wellness Awards 2023, continuing its expansion and enhancing its comprehensive beauty services across the country.Pal Cooling Holding (PCH), a leader in the UAE’s district cooling industry, reported a flat YoY profit growth as the double-digit growth in revenue on new connections was countered by higher finance costs and additional expenses related to the commissioning of the first phase of Tamouh  district cooling plant’s expansion (additional capacity of 5,000 RT). During the quarter, PCH successfully connected the new Nord Anglia School in Reem Island, with a 1,250 RT cooling load requirement, to its Tamouh district cooling plant. With the impending second phase due for completion this year, the plant’s total installed capacity will reach 75,000 RT. Moreover, PCH’s upcoming Danat district cooling plant will feature a design capacity of 37,500 RT, elevating PCH’s total design capacity to a staggering 257,000 RT, with an installed capacity of 183,000 RT, across its seven plants. Viola Communications, a fully-integrated marketing and communications solutions provider, reported a 84% net profit growth YoY led by significant increase in agency services revenues and higher occupancy of Out-Of-Home (OOH) media assets. The company marked its presence among the top 100 event organizers and agencies in 2023 on the prestigious Eventex index, becoming the only UAE agency to earn this distinction. The agency cinched five awards for its campaign for Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development’s Abu Dhabi Moments, an integrated initiative designed to help foster a sense of belonging amongst communities. Furthermore, Viola Communications secured nominations for the MENA Digital Awards in the “Best Integrated Digital Campaign” and “Best Use of Social Media” categories. In a strategic partnership with Atlantis Dubai, LVL Wellbeing is set to offer guests an immersive wellness experience. Whether guests seek relaxation, workouts, or sound healing, they can now access exclusive content through in-room TVs and the state-of-the-art digital wellbeing studio at Atlantis Dubai’s AWAKEN Spa. This initiative complements the AWAKEN Wellness programme, marking a first for Dubai's hospitality sector.Corporate Social ResponsibilityAs part of its "Cleaning up the Oceans" initiative, Multiply Group made a significant environmental impact by extracting 30,000 pounds of plastic waste from the world’s oceans during the Year of Sustainability. This initiative not only supports the global ocean and coastline clean-up efforts but also aligns with the objectives of the upcoming COP28 environmental summit. In partnership with US-based 4ocean, the Group is ambitiously targeting the offset of more than 100,000 pounds of plastic waste by the close of 2023. Multiply Group concluded the final phase of its comprehensive corporate wellness program, spanning six months. This initiative has been instrumental in mitigating chronic diseases among high-risk employees within the Group. The program’s holistic approach included personalised nutritional sessions, doctor consultations, fitness challenges, biometric screenings, blood tests, and a series of well-being webinars, ensuring the overall health and well-being of its workforce.In a bid to foster knowledge and literacy, Multiply Group undertook a significant book collection drive. Thanks to the generous contributions from its employees, a substantial collection of books was donated to one of the UAE's authorised cultural foundations, furthering the cause of education and reading.Earlier this year, Multiply Group extended its support to the Logos Hope ship mission during its stopover at the Abu Dhabi port. Recognised as the world's largest floating book fair, the Logos Hope mission embodies the noble cause of disseminating knowledge, providing assistance, and instilling hope globally.

Viola Communications, a marketing and communications solutions provider in the MENA region, has made two important appointments to reinforce client services from its Abu Dhabi headquarters. Viola Communications is a fast-growing Abu Dhabi-based group specializing in providing fully integrated marketing and communications solutions to national and regional firms with head office in Abu Dhabi and other offices in Dubai and Cairo.In a recent development, the company has appointed Fady Karim and Ahmed El Sheikh.Fady Karim, the new Integrated Client Services Director, brings in a wealth of experience to Viola. He has more than 24 years of expertise in management and communications. Karim has worked for several projects of different clients, including Meraas, Red Bull, Aldar, Dubai Properties, Philips, Abu Dhabi Airport and many more.He will be responsible for developing and optimizing marketing communications, advertising campaigns and producing strategies that can augment stakeholder value.The second appointee, Ahmed El Sheikh, has taken up the role of Group Account Director. It is a powerful position that requires a highly skilled professional capable of multi-tasking and trouble-shooting while creating and maintaining full alignment between clients and the agency’s internal teams.El Sheikh has about 18 years of experience in the marketing and advertising industry, which makes him perfect for the role. He has experience in business advertising, branding, events and activations, and digital media platforms in the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.El Sheikh’s role at Viola demands exceptional project management skills which he has honed with clients including Pepsi, Mobil, Samsung Mobile, Nescafe, NCB, General Motors & Mansour Automotive and GM North Africa, Etisalat and SAMA (Saudi Central Bank). 

ABU DHABI: Viola Communications, the region’s pioneering full-service 360 degree marcomms agency, has expanded its mentored internship programme for Summer 2023 and welcomed a new group of young budding entrepreneurs who seek inspiration and knowledge from experienced professionals in anticipation of experiencing career-based learnings that reflect their aspirations for personal growth.This year, the interns will gain broader empowerment from their mentors than may have been expecting as Viola is initiating a range of internal policies that are designed to upscale the company’s contribution to sustainability. The International Youth Day’s overarching theme for 2023 is “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World”, and as the UAE is hosting COP28 later on in this #Year of Sustainability, this is the perfect opportunity to introduce measures to help mitigate potential climate-change risks. The interns will be a major part of the process to examine, brain-storm and initiate innovative projects that make a real difference through Viola’s ‘Ibtikar’ (innovation) initiative to reward sustainable thinking.Viola’s Summer internship initiative has been developed with the aim of empowering the interns who this year hail from establishments such as Zayed University, Abu Dhabi University, American University of Dubai, Paris Sorbonne University, Al Ain University and Middlesex University by working in a real-world environment in which they can learn the ropes by carrying out meaningful creative agency-based projects that comprise genuine experiences of media communications, mentored by a team of specialised experts and a number of previous interns who are now full time employees with the company.For Huzaifa Sikander, Viola Communications’ HR Director, the internships are much more than a box-ticking exercise: “If it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a nation to nurture that child and transform today’s youths into productive members of society. We at Viola, as representatives of the current generation, have a moral duty that embraces our joint responsibility to educate, encourage, motivate and mentor these bright young people to discover their strengths and enhance their future prospects, in whichever direction they may lie.”The interns are spending the month embedded in a range of business units under Viola’s banner, including PR, advertising, social media, OOH, Events, production and content creation.