PR services expenditure estimated at $100m, according to O2 MD Mohammed Johmani

With the PR industry in the Middle East now valued at an estimated at $100m and predicted to grow by 200% by next year, the keynote presentation at the Congress by Mr. Johmani will focus on the growth and challenges of the PR industry. Based on Mr. Johmani's ten years of industry experience and three years as Managing Director of O2PR, which now has branches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, Mr. Johmani's presentation will also cover improving media and client relations.

Speaking about the PR congress, O2's Managing Director, Mr. Johmani said:

"It is an honour to be speaking at the congress today and to share my professional experiences and passion for PR. The PR industry is continuing to grow at unprecedented level within the Middle East, highlighting the need for PR that is creative yet grounded in solid research. Generating excellent publicity is no easy task, but rather a fine art that must be evaluated on an annual basis to coincide with changes taking place within the marketplace."

As a separate entity of O2 marketing communications, O2PR has already carved a clear place for itself in the UAE and GCC market with PR branches in Dubai, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi.

Commenting on the importance of PR for Dubai based companies, Mr. Johmani added: "In the next four years, as key projects are delivered throughout the city, a shift from ad expenditure to PR will become more apparent. In terms of value for money and results, PR will continue to play a fundamental role in the upcoming years. Not only will PR help to launch and sustain the image of new companies and projects but will also serve the interests of more well established businesses as they face increased competition in the marketplace."

The PR congress is taking place at the JW Marriott Hotel in Dubai and will run until Thursday October 16th. The last few days of the congress will bring together some of the brightest minds in PR from around the world to discuss what works and what doesn't work in PR; the changing face of media in the Middle East, new media vs. traditional PR, measuring the effect of PR and how to familiarise yourself with the full range of new media.

Presenting a range of ideas and topics that are revolutionary yet practical and realistic, the congress represents an excellent opportunity for all PR, marketing professionals and businesses to come together and meet likeminded professionals. Key presentations will also be delivered by Delia Cohen, former PR for President Clinton and Donald Steel, Head of Press and Chief Media Spokesman for the BBC.

O2PR is an award winning agency with high profile clients, robust strategies and a clear vision to provide the best PR services to its clientele. It aims to be the first PR agency, based in the UAE to provide PR services on a global scale.