2007
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A'Sidrah launched by MSG
Dubai's Media Services Group (MSG) has launched A'Sidrah Public Affairs, a consultancy geared to providing government-related communications. A'Sidrah will support strategic decision-making processes within government entities and will also participate in internal and external communications programmes. A'Sidrah will offer issues management, communications auditing, alliance building, dialogue campaigns and stakeholder outreach programmes.
Iraqi journo killed
A mortar shell has killed an Iraqi journalist in the northern city of Mosul, reported the AFP. Abdul Khaliq Nasser, who worked for a newspaper in the city, was killed outside his house. A total of seven journalists have been killed in Mosul this year and more than 200, most of them local, have died in Iraq since the US led invasion of 203.
Sharjah in ad crackdown
Sharjah Municipality is launching a crackdown on illegally sited advertisements, reported the local WAM news agency. The municipality will tear down adverts which obstruct 'any archaeological, cultural or religious buildings' or which affect traffic flow or hinder a motorist's vision. Fines will be handed out to those placing advertisements in illegal positions as part of a drive to avoid 'chaos on the streets'.
Journo group backs UAE
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) has approved the decision by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, not to allow the jailing of journalists in the UAE for offences committed while simply carrying out their work. The ICPJ said it hoped the decision would set an example to other nations in the region.
Showtime to launch Showsports 4
Showtime has announced that it will launch Showsports 4, a channel that will show fight leagues and crash sports, on October 1. By introducing the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the world's leading mixed martial arts sports association, SHOWTIME strengthens its fighting league line-up to complement its award winning WWE broadcast.
Airport runways to get giant ads
Airline passengers landing in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will soon see the latest advertising gimmick: adverts the size of three football pitches placed near the runway, reported Reuters. UK-based Ad-Air said it spent five years securing sites at major airports around the world's busiest airports including London Heathrow, Paris, Geneva, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. The first advert will appear in Dubai next month.
No jail for Dubai journalists
The ruler of Dubai has declared that journalists in the UAE will not be jailed for offences related to their work, reported Emirates Today. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum's announcement came amid reports in the local media that two Dubai journalists had been jailed for two months each for libel.
Raee to use TNS research tool
Raee has aligned with TNS Middle East for consumer insights research to use TNS' 6th Dimension online research to build brand strategies for clients. The research will be used by Raee PR to create brand strategies for several of its clients using the firm's proprietary Opinion Management Model as well as to evaluate campaign performance.
Three jailed for 'false' report
Three journalists, including the editor of an opposition newspaper, Al Wafd, have been sentenced to two years in prison by an Egyptian court for publishing a 'false' report, reported Gulf News. The report quoted Egypt's minister of justice as saying that 90% of Egyptian judges were not efficient. The minister later denied the statement. The editor, Anwar Al Hawari, said he will appeal the ruling.
Survival course for Iraqi journos
The Iraqi Journalists Union will soon offer martial arts and survival courses to help its members cope with the risks of working as a journalist in the war-torn country, reported AP. Reporters, photographers and television crews will also learn how to hide their equipment and keep a low profile when they are traveling as many journalists are believed to have been killed when they were stopped at militia and insurgent checkpoints.
Concerns for Al Jaz cameraman
The Qatar based news channel Al Jazeera has appealed to the US government to provide medical attention to its former cameraman Sami Al Haj, a Sudanese national who has been held, without charge, at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp since early 2002, reported Gulf News. Al Haj's wife said her husband's mental state had deteriorated and she urged human rights groups to campaign for his imminent release.
Dubai journalists jailed
The Dubai Court of Misdemeanour has jailed two journalists for two months each after they were found guilty of libel, reported Gulf News. The Egyptian journalist and Indian editor, who were working for an English language newspaper, allegedly libelled an Iranian woman regarding a dowry cheque which they claimed had bounced. A former judge described the verdict as 'uncommon and unusual especially in the UAE'. The journalists plan to appeal.
Dubai Holding sponsors racing
Dubai Holding is close to tying up a sponsorship deal with the UK's Channel 4 regarding its racing coverage, reported the Guardian. The two year deal will see 80 days of horse racing per year on the channel. The sponsorship is thought to be worth close to $8m over the period of the deal; Dubai Holding will receive a number of advertising slots in which to market its various brands.
Adnec ties up with CMPi
The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec) has signed a multi-year agreement with the UK's CMP Information (CMPi) to organise a series of exhibitions in the UAE capital. CMPi has already lined up five shows at Adnec's new 570,000 sqft exhibition centre, which should be complete by October 2008. CMPi's first event in the Middle East, Working Buildings Middle East, will take place in Abu Dhabi from December 10-12.
Iran invites Oliver Stone
Hollywood film maker Oliver Stone has been invited to Iran by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's cultural advisor as part of a fact-finding mission, reported the IRNA. Stone is planning to make a documentary about the controversial Iranian leader, following a previous documentary on Fidel Castro. The invitation is intended for Stone to see the 'realities' of life in Iran rather than simply rely on western perceptions.
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