2007
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Sheikh Mo tops power list
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has been named as the most influential leader in the GCC by the UK's Times. Sheikh Mohammed topped the newspaper's GulfPower25 list not only due to being 'powerful, influential and rich' but also because he has been seen as a 'catalyst for change in the region'.
Jazeera journo gets backing
Sami Al Haj, a Sudanese cameraman who was working for the Qatar based Al Jazeera news channel when he was sent to Guantanamo Bay by the US on the grounds of being an 'enemy combatant' in 2002, has received backing from US Congressman Keith Ellison, reported the AP. Ellison, the first Muslim in Congress, said Al Haj should either be tried or released after being imprisoned, without charge, for five years.
Journalists praise UAE decision
The Arab Journalists Union has praised a recent decree by the ruler of Dubai that prohibits journalists from being jailed for doing their work, reported Gulf News. Salah Al Deen Hafez, Secretary General of the union, said the decision provides support for freedom of expression amid pessimism in the Arab world.
NDTV launches Gulf channel
New Delhi Television Limited (NDTV) is launching a new channel in the Gulf that will provide coverage of news and current affairs to the four million Indians living in the region, reported Gulf News. The major portion of the 24-hour programming will be in English, with a brief slot devoted to Hindi viewers. NDTV will set up an office in Dubai to run its Gulf operations.
Iberotel awards joint contract
The Iberotel Group has awarded a joint marketing and branding contract to Genius Loci and Fusion Marketing Management. Genius Loci is a newly formed leisure and destination branding consultancy based in Dubai that specialises in the branding of large scale themed hotels, resorts and developments. Fusion Marketing Management is a Dubai-based specialised hospitality and tourism-marketing agency.
IPRA to boost PR in Qatar
Dar Al Sharq Printing Publishing and Distribution Company and the Gulf Chapter of International Public Relations Association (IPRA) will train Qatari nationals for public relations jobs based on MoU agreement signed between the two organizations, reported The Peninsula. IPRA's Gulf Chapter was set up in 2002 and has conducted many conferences and workshops in GCC countries.
MTV Arabia goes on air
Middle East's latest channel, MTV Arabia went on air yesterday and is now counting down to its official launch at midnight on Nov 16, reported Emirates Today. MTV Arabia will feature a 60/40 mix of international and Arabic music, aiming to capture 190 million audiences across the Middle East.
Promoseven launches finance PR
Promoseven Weber Shandwick will launch in Abu Dhabi, the first dedicated financial communications practice in partnership with Weber Shandwick Financial Communications in London. The practice will offer local clients a range of communication services tailored around financial transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, initial public offerings and fund raising, investor relations and specific financial sector reputational management.
CNBC signs deal with DIFC
CNBC has signed a multi-million dollar, three year agreement with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The partnership, which runs through 2010, will entail cross-platform activities including on-air, online and event driven elements across CNBC channels in the US, Europe, Asia, India and Australia. DIFC will associate itself with CNBC's new half-hour monthly magazine news programme called 'Gateway to the Middle East.'
Mega-sized ad is record breaker
Dubai has achieved another world record thanks to a mega-ad which has been placed at the Dubai airport by outdoor advertising company Ad-Air, reported the UK's Guardian. The advert, for Sorouh Real Estate, covers more than 20,000 sq meters - more than two football pitches - and is designed to be viewed from the air by arriving and departing plane passengers. The Guinness Book of World Records has designated the ad as the record holder for the new category of 'world record for banner size.'
Mediaquest reports 40% growth
Mediaquest Corp, a leading Middle East publishing house, said it has reported growth of over 40% in the last year. CEO Julien Hawari said publications launched in the region are now better able to sustain themselves due to increased advertising revenue and growing readership. Mediaquest publishes Communicate, Trends, and Saneou Al Hadath magazines.
NAW Forum to be held in Dubai
The New Arab Woman (NAW) Forum will be held again next year in Dubai to become later an annual event organised in one Middle Eastern country every year as organisers claimed. The two-day forum, organised by Al Iktisad Wal Aamal, was concluded yesterday but the closure statement is set to follow in a couple of days to declare its recommendations.
Jordan to study freedom report
Government Spokesperson Nasser Judeh said Jordan has a 'strong commitment' to increase press freedom in the country in reference to an index released last week by an international press watchdog, reported The Peninsula. According to the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders Worldwide Press Freedom Index 2007, the Kingdom's position fell from 109 out of 186 countries in 2006, to 122 out of 169 nations in 2007. Judeh said the government 'will thoroughly study the index' and provide a response.
HRH Princess Haya awarded
HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein has received the New Arab Woman (NAW) Forum Award from Al Iktisad Wal Aamal Group for her contribution to the development of women in the Arab world. Awards were also granted to Sheikha Soaad Al Humaidi, President of Kuwaiti Al Humaidi Group of Comapnies, Fatima Obaid Al Jaber, Chief Operating Officer of Jaber Group from UAE, and Al Juwhara Bint Mohammed Al Anqari, Vice President of The National Association for Human and Family Rights from Saudi Arabia.
Arab Woman Forum kicks off
The New Arab Woman (NAW) Forum, organised by Al Iktisad Wal Aamal Group, was opened yesterday by HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai in Jumeirah Emirates Towers. The conference will continue till October 22nd offering a number of female ministers, ambassadors and heads of women organisations the chance to discuss the role of Arab women within the Arab community.
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