Sage XP has launched Sage XP Academy to strengthen strategic capability in Internal Communications and Corporate Culture through practical, applied professional education. Its first program, the Internal Communications & Culture Strategy Certification, begins in November 2026. 

The program teaches participants how to analyse business priorities and employee needs, identify the employee behaviours required to support business goals, assess the current Communication & Culture system, and translate these insights into clear communication objectives and an integrated Internal Communications & Culture Strategy. 

Participants use their own organisation as the case throughout the five-week program, applying the methodology to real business priorities, employee needs and communication challenges. The work completed in each module becomes part of a draft Internal Communications & Culture Strategy for their organisation. 

The curriculum covers five areas of strategy development: Leadership Intent & Business Priorities, Employee Reality, Communication & Culture Audit, Communication & Culture Strategy Development, and Communication & Culture Strategy Implementation. Participants learn how to define strategic priorities and communication objectives, design communication architecture, leadership communication, messaging, engagement and recognition approaches, and develop strategic initiatives, governance, measurement and an implementation roadmap. 

The online education program combines live teaching, practical assignments and individual consulting-style feedback. Participants receive more than 40 reusable frameworks and templates, including a Master Strategy Workbook, to support research, analysis, strategy development, implementation and 
measurement. 

The certification is led by Kateryna Byelova, Founder of Sage XP, an Internal Communications and Corporate Culture strategist with more than 18 years of experience working across complex organisations and workforces of up to 350,000 employees. Byelova holds an MA in Communication from Johns Hopkins University, and the program combines practical corporate and consulting experience with evidence-based communication methodologies. 
“Internal Communications professionals are increasingly expected to connect their work with business priorities, employee behaviour and organisational performance,” said Kateryna. “We developed this program to give professionals a clear methodology for doing that. Participants learn the methodology and immediately apply it to their own organisation, so every stage of learning contributes to the strategy they are building.” 

By the end of the five weeks, each participant will have developed a draft Internal Communications & Culture Strategy for their organisation, supported by individual feedback and a final expert review. The methodology, frameworks and tools can then be reused to develop and evolve communication and culture strategies beyond the program. 

The first cohort will run from 12 November to 10 December 2026, with one module delivered each week and three hours of live online learning per week. Sessions will also be recorded and available on demand for one 
month following the program. 

More information about the Sage XP Academy Internal Communications & Culture Strategy Certification, including the curriculum and upcoming cohort, is available through the Sage XP Academy website at sagexp.com/academy. Full program details can also be requested at academy@sagexp.com.

Contributed by

Sage XP

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates; 13 March 2024: In its next chapter of strategic growth, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Chapter of Global Women in PR (GWPR), a global membership organisation connecting women in senior PR and communications roles, is welcoming Radwa Allabban, Founder and Managing Director, Place Communications and Purti Simon, Vice President, Teneo as board members this Women’s History Month.

Radwa brings 20+ years of experience to her position, and invaluable knowledge from her time setting up and running her own agency, which she launched in 2011. Purti is a multidisciplinary communications professional with over 10 years in the Middle East, Asia and Europe. She was listed as one of India’s top 30 PR professionals under 30 and led the APACMEA delegation for the International Women’s Forum to Boston.

Purti said: “I am delighted to be formally appointed as a Board Member for the regional chapter following my involvement with the organisation for many years. GWPR MENA is steadfast in delivering its promise of an equitable PR industry where women are seen and valued. I am grateful to join the league of committed Board Members, each trailblazers in their own right, to advocate and equip female leaders at a time when companies are losing them in droves for a variety of systemic reasons. Looking ahead, I hope to bring more impetus to building a healthy pipeline of women leaders and providing them opportunities that help them thrive in the workplace.”

Radwa said: “In a region experiencing constant change, the role of PR and Communications has never been more important.  Global Women in PR MENA is not just another networking group - it's the only platform in the region for senior female communicators to come together and have honest conversations about the challenges and opportunities we face, and most importantly to take concrete actions to address them. We don't just talk, we act. We exist to support, showcase and lift up current and future female leaders in our industry.”

Rachel Dunn, GWPR MENA Co-Chair and Communications Director at Microsoft Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, said: “Radwa and Purti are two of the most well-respected female leaders in the communications industry here in the region and we are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming them as GWPR MENA Board Members. Their combined knowledge, insights and experience will be invaluable in offering guidance and shaping the experiences of women in the industry. Their arrival at a time when women around the globe are marking Women’s History Month is particularly fitting, and we look forward to getting straight to work.”

GWPR MENA is currently celebrating its largest ever membership of female senior communications professionals in the UAE, at 80 members. The six-strong board members also includes Co-Chair, Loretta Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Houbara Communications, Naamat Baradhy, Regional Communication Advisor at First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Louise Jacobson, Managing Partner of Brazen MENA.

In its latest step to strengthen its commitment to connecting senior female communicators, GWPR MENA recently launched ‘The Conversation Series,’ a platform to have honest conversations about the challenges and issues faced by women in the industry, and discuss ways to overcome them. The series is the latest addition to GWPR MENA’s robust calendar of monthly events, webinars, and community platforms including an active and supportive messaging group.

GWPR MENA continues to connect and attract women in leadership within the communications industry across the region, offering membership to those in senior leadership positions within the PR and Communications industry, both agency and ‘in-house’ or who are freelance consultants with significant PR experience of 10 years and above.

Contributed by

Brazen MENA

- Acquisition improves SEC Newgate's specialism and strengthens the Group’s 
digital offering 
- Wepublic will continue its own growth strategy in the Netherlands 

Amsterdam, 12 September 2023 - SEC Newgate, the global strategic communications, advocacy and research group, has signed a deal to acquire 100% of Wepublic, one of the 
largest consulting firms in communication and public affairs in the Netherlands. Wepublic has offices in Amsterdam and The Hague with nearly 40 experienced professional advisors 
and revenues at about €5 million. 

As a result of this deal with SEC Newgate, Wepublic will further realise its ambitions to grow and continue to lead with its unique data-driven approach, while SEC Newgate will strengthen its position in one of Europe’s key markets and increases its competency in public affairs. 

The current owners, Maaike van Hooidonk and Mark van den Anker, will remain with Wepublic and will join the company's Board of Directors of Wepublic. "We have chosen SEC 
Newgate because they can best assist us in achieving our ambitious goals as we invest further in our specialist solutions for strategic issues management and proprietary 
intelligence tools," Maaike van Hooidonk said. 

"We will continue providing a top-quality service to our clients and to keep innovating. As part of the SEC Newgate group, we will be even more closely aligned with all societal and political developments regionally and internationally, enabling us to provide better outcomes for our clients," Mark van den Anker added. 

The day-to-day management of Wepublic will remain in the hands of Managing Director Maurice Jansen and Director of Intelligence Gijs Petter. "Maurice and Gijs have made 
significant steps in professionalising the organisation and fostering growth in recent years. 

We have every confidence that they will continue this with great enthusiasm," said Maaike van Hooidonk. 

“We would like to welcome our new colleagues from Wepublic, who we look forward to working closely with in the coming months and years,” said SEC Newgate’s CEO Fiorenzo 
Tagliabue. 

"SEC Newgate consistently looks at opportunities in the market to grow its global footprint, and Wepublic’s strong know-how in Public Affairs and communications in the Netherlands and the wider region offers interesting synergies. We share the same interests for the development of digital based tools applied to stakeholders management and advocacy and thanks to this new partnership we can improve our tool offering worldwide,” Fiorenzo 
Tagliabue added. 

SEC Newgate is the 21st-ranked communications group in the world and is the fastest- growing of the top 30 ( PRovoke 2023 Top 250 rankings ). Since those rankings were 
calculated, SEC Newgate has significantly grown its presence in South and Central America through the purchase of a majority stake in 'another', a Mexico City-based group of over 225 employees.

Contributed by

SEC Newgate

We are thrilled to share with you that Red Havas ME took home their 1st Bronze Lion in the PR category for our adidas Superstar Ravi campaign at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity this year. 

An incredible addition to the accolades won for this campaign so far - including 3x Grand prix at the Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity along with multiple awards between ADFEST (Official) and #theoneshow. 

Led by our very own Razan Karim – Senior Director, Fashion & Lifestyle at Red Havas ME, she also had the incredible opportunity to be appointed as Shortlisting Juror for the PR Lions this year. 

Dana Tahir, Managing Director at Red Havas ME, who attended the acclaimed event as a juror in the Health & Wellness category.

Contributed by

Red Havas

This week The Arthur W. Page Society launched its CCO Guide, “Stakeholder Capitalism and ESG: A Guide for Communication Leaders,” - to learn how CCO’s and their teams can build a systematic corporate commitment to creating societal value. 
 

download the guide here:

https://hubs.la/Q01hJ_6L0

SOCIALEYEZ’s Associate Director, Marwan Diaa’s vast experience in the field of communications, marketing, advertising and social media, combined with his passion for dynamic markets and projects is helping to propel SOCIALEYEZ to new heights, ensuring growth across the board.

With him over eight years of experience, Marwan joined SOCIALEYEZ after working at Leo Burnett as a Senior Communications Manager in Riyadh, where he successfully launched G20 Saudi Arabia. Prior to this, he was instrumental in managing communications and social media at Young & Rubicam, also in Riyadh. His years in the Kingdom have earned him extensive experience across telecom, banking, governmental and servicing industries.

Skilled in photography, advertising, computer literacy, communication, and public speaking, Marwn has a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication/Media Studies from University of Balamand in Lebanon. As a highly organized and strategic social media professional Marwan’s previous brand experience includes; G20, SABB, SAGIA, Sadad, STC, Zain, Bank Al Bilad, Riyad Bank, Avis, Public Investment Fund and much more.

What can you talk to Marwan Diaa about?

Marwan Diaa is available for one-one interviews, comments, profiling features, speaking opportunities and is well-versed in key topics including:

1.     Social Media Strategy

2.     Digital Trends

3.     The Rise of Digital across MENA

Contributed by

SOCIALEYEZ

After months of judging, a global lockdown and a cancelled festival - the highly anticipated Dubai Lynx awards took place virtually on 7 April. The Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity has revealed the winners at its virtual Awards Ceremony. The UAE, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia have all been awarded Grands Prix.

Did you miss out on seeing the Awards Show?

All the winning work is available to view on the Dubai Lynx winners site. Login to your Dubai Lynx account to see the full show.

Contributed by:

Dubai Lynx

Last year, researchers from Zayed University launched the Global Capability Framework (GCF) to present the knowledge, skills, competencies, and behaviors of the ideal public relations and communication management professional in the UAE. Then Covid-19 struck. Have the capabilities and skills required changed as a result of the pandemic? What does the future hold for communication practitioners, educators and employers post-Covid?

The Global Capability Framework (GCF) is a project of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, a confederation of the world’s major PR and communication management associations and institutions, representing almost 300,000 practitioners and academics around the world. The two-year research project that examined capabilities in public relations and communication management was conducted across nine countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, Australasia, North America and South America by an international research group directed by Professor Anne Gregory of the University of Huddersfield, U.K. 

Meet the director of the project, Dr. Anne Gregory, and researchers who will share findings from multiple rounds of the Delphi panel study, survey, and recently conducted focus groups with expert panels of public relations and communication management practitioners and academics in the UAE.

Please join us for an afternoon of research insights into global capabilities required for a PR professional in the UAE, capabilities that will define the current state and future direction of the public relations profession and education in the UAE.

This is a free event, but Zoom registration is required.
 

A Global Alliance project

Supported in the UAE by MEPRA, PRCA MENA and IABC EMENA

Contributed by:

Zayed University

- Tales & Heads to fuse strategic consultancy with storytelling campaigns

- Real and virtual creative network gives clients access to global talent

 - Ideas delivered through content for earned, shared, owned and paid media

Dubai, UAE 23 February 2021: UAE-based communications heavyweights Margaret Flanagan and Lisa King today announced the launch of their new agency, Tales & Heads. With a combined 40 years of industry experience with global agencies in both London and Dubai, the duo formed Tales & Heads to focus on strategic, insight-driven campaigns that are rooted in great ideas and work across platforms.

“After decades with big firms, we wanted to start an agency where consultancy and creative storytelling go hand-in-hand,” says Tales & Heads co-founder Margaret Flanagan. “We saw a need among clients for trusted counsel coupled with the delivery of engaging and effective content. That’s why our focus is on ideas and initiatives that work across channels, create emotional impact and bring brands closer to their audiences.” 

Tales & Heads will use its independent status and new virtual business models to maximise opportunities for clients to work with creative talent across disciplines and geographies. Tales & Heads Co-founder Lisa King says, “Because we are a new agency, we are as agile as the digital world we live in. We thrive on real and virtual collaboration. With access to a global network developed over decades, we handpick artists, musicians, developers, anthropologists, activation specialists, product designers, data analysts and more to address our clients’ challenges in ways that are culturally relevant, human and memorable.”

Flanagan and King believe their backgrounds in earned media give them an edge. “The essential nature of earned media is that it holds intrinsic value for its audiences,” says King. “Understanding what works in the earned space adds weight and depth to shared, owned and paid media. It’s the base for building lasting bonds between consumers and brands.”

Tales & Heads’ co-founders have worked with some of the world’s and region’s biggest companies and public sector organisations, and have extensive experience in consumer brands, hospitality and destination marketing. The pair also have significant crisis and reputation recovery expertise, having advised businesses and governments in EMEA on issues as wide-ranging as terrorist attacks, natural and environmental disasters, product recalls, litigation, fake news and social media scandals, as well as crisis scenario training and issues preparedness. In previous roles, their clients have included Ford, Lufthansa, NIVEA, Jumeirah Group, Seera Group and TUI, as well as government agencies across the Arabian Gulf.

In 2019, Flanagan was awarded a Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) Fellowship for her contribution to the industry and she sits on the association’s strategy board. She was also listed as one of the region’s top communications professionals in the PRWeek Middle East Power Book 2019 and 2020.

Contributed by:

Tales and Heads

Survival of the fittest has become survival of the most flexible

If you Googled “pivot” in 2019, you’d find the definition of the world and references to the American TV show Friends. Google it in 2020 and your search results are dramatically different. While terms like “lean management” and “agility” have taken pride of place in the corporate world over the past few years, “pivoting” is the star of the show in 2020. So what does it mean?

Let’s quickly jump back to Friends. Two characters on the show were challenged with moving a sofa up a narrow staircase. Pivoting is what helped get the sofa to where it was going. A slight shift in angle is all it took.

We all do it. Whether it’s making tweaks to our calendar to squeeze in a quick meeting or moving things around to make space for a jar in the food cupboard. Necessity is the mother of invention and this has very much been in play in 2020. From Louis Vuitton pivoting to make hand sanitizer during the pandemic to your local restaurant switching to delivery-only.

Pivoting is one of the top buzzwords to be used in 2020. While it can be perceived as a drastic measure during a drastic time, it could also be viewed as a way to turn a situation on its head. Launched a start up only to realise your industry is saturated? Investigate a gap in the market and fill it. Identify consumer pain points and try to remedy them with creative solutions. It is definitely easier said than done but it’s a much-needed lifejacket when the economy and marketplace are in the midst of a tumultuous storm.

Our communications agency, SOCIATE, had to do a fair bit of pivoting to stay afloat during the pandemic. With clients having reduced budgets but the same business needs, we adapted to the “new normal” (another buzzword, sorry) by launching a scaled-back version of our services. We also hosted a virtual lemonade stand with discounted summer packages to cope with the annual slump in business during the season. As a result, we have managed to keep our doors open and retain all our team members with no redundancies.

Human existence has always been survival of the fittest and this translates into survival of the most flexible in the world of business. From the countless personality traits and skills a business leader requires, adopting a resilient mindset continues to be key. Pivoting can also apply to employees as businesses become increasingly more freestyle, especially SMEs. Taking an interest in lifelong learning and enriching your skill set can make you a vital asset to a company and add a competitive edge to your experience.

Embracing a flexible approach will not just benefit you in the workplace but in life too. From “hacking” time management to continually experimenting and optimising, going back to the drawing board to see how and where you can improve could make all the difference for you and your company.

Contributed by:

Rosa Bullock, Founder and PR Guru at SOCIATE

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – 4 February 2021: The InternationalEnergy Forum (IEF) today announced the appointment of TomAshby as Head of Global Communications and Director of theCommunications Division.

The appointment is the latest in a series of steps taken bySecretary General Joseph McMonigle to invest in world classtalent at the IEF, the world’s largest energy organisation withmore than 70 sovereign members."Tom is a leader in strategic communications and an energyexpert. He comes to the forum with strong track record managing high performance teamsin multinational enterprises and advising heads of state and governments, with a particularfocus on emerging markets," Secretary General McMonigle said."High quality communications are absolutely critical to the forum as we engage withstakeholders around the world, promoting the security and stability of global energymarkets and supporting the transition to a decarbonised economy," he added.

In his new role, Mr Ashby is responsible for the global reputation of the brand and formspart of the leadership team guiding strategy and flagship events. He is the IEF’s chief mediastrategist and spokesperson. He manages relations with traditional media and works withdivisional colleagues to deliver critical data and content that informs the global debate onenergy futures.Many of the forum’s events have moved online since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic,and Mr Ashby assumes responsibility for the forum’s omni-channel communications,including digital and social media.Mr Ashby was previously Group Vice President, Corporate Communications at Abu DhabiNational Energy Company.

He spent several years as a strategic communications advisorwith clients including heads of state and sovereign wealth funds. He has acted as a founderand advisor at several start-ups in the areas of fintech, investor relations and publicrelations. He began his career as a journalist with Reuters, working his way up from an energy markets reporter in London to postings as a foreign correspondent in Latin Americaand chief correspondent in Nigeria. He moved to the Middle East as Business Editor of TheNational newspaper in Abu Dhabi.

Mr Ashby holds a bachelor’s degree in French with African and Asian Studies at SussexUniversity in the UK and has completed a certificate in Big Data and Social Analytics fromThe Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He served for six years as an executive boardmember of the Middle East Public Relations Association.

Contributed by:

International Energy Forum

The Annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey, launched in 2008, is the largest survey of its kind of the Middle East and North Africa region, covering its largest demographic – the youth.The findings of the survey provide governments, the private sector, civil society and academia with insights into the hopes, concerns and aspirations of Arab youth.

For the 12th Annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey 2020, PSB, a global strategic research and analytics consultancy, conducted the study in two parts: The Main Survey before the coronavirus outbreak, and the second COVID-19 Pulse Survey following the crisis.

Download the white paper and report to discover the findings.

White Paper English click here

White Paper Arabic click here

A Voice For Change Report English

A Voice For Change Report Arabic

Contributed by ASDA’A BCW

Dubai, UAE: 29 September 2020 – Nakheel Malls, the retail arm of master developer Nakheel, has appointed Havas Middle East as their official PR Agency on record to lead communication efforts across the UAE.

As Dubai’s biggest and longest-standing retail developer, Nakheel Malls’ portfolio of assets that Havas Middle East’s scope covers include shopping malls such as Nakheel Mall, Ibn Battuta and Dragon Mart, to destinations such as The Pointe, Club Vista Mare and upcoming launches such as Palm West Beach, The Palm Fountain, and The View.

Vanessa Hinton, General Manager, Marketing, Nakheel Malls said: “We are delighted to partner with Havas Middle East, a strong player in the PR and Communications landscape in the region and look forward to the exciting announcements and launches we have planned for Nakheel Malls’ portfolio of retail assets. Our alliance with Havas Middle East comes at a time when Nakheel Malls is building awareness in the market with regards to our expansive retail experiences and distinct portfolio of iconic lifestyle, shopping, dining and entertainment destinations across Dubai.”

Dana Tahir, General Manager - PR, Havas Middle East said: “Our partnership with Nakheel Malls is an exciting one that builds upon our ever-growing portfolio of meaningful brands that place making a positive impact on people at the forefront of their business priorities, bolstered by strategic brand positioning that speaks to the market. This win underscores the high level of talent in both consumer and corporate communications offered by the Havas Middle East team and we look forward to our rewarding relationship with the Nakheel Malls team.”

Havas Middle East, the communications agency in the region best known for creating meaningful connections between people and brands through the ‘village’ model aims to leverage its strategic media relationships to expand on Nakheel Malls’ already solid reputation in the market. Havas Middle East was established in 2005 with its regional HQ in Dubai and offers a fully integrated public relations package including social and digital PR. While it has long been known as the region’s premier luxury, fashion and beauty agency, Havas has recently expanded its portfolio to include a diverse blue-chip set of clients that range from finance, FMCG, tech, oil & gas and retail to pharma and environment brands.

Contributed by:

Havas PR

Emirates, Almarai and Carrefour top the 2020 YouGov BrandIndex Customer Loyalty Rankings in MENA

These brands have the most loyal customers in the UAE, KSA and Egypt

YouGov Customer Loyalty Rankings 2020 reveal that Emirates, Almarai and Carrefour are the brands with the most loyal customers in the UAE, Saudi and Egypt, respectively, as measured by reconsideration scores amongst customers of the each brand.

YouGov BrandIndex measures the public’s perception of brands on a daily basis across a range of metrics. The Customer Loyalty rankings are compiled using the Consideration score amongst the brands’ own Current Customers.

Within the top 10 in the UAE, the biggest movers were Lurpak, a new entry at tenth up from fifteenth last year, and Dettol, up to sixth this year from tenth last year.

In Egypt, the biggest movers were Dettol, up from thirteenth to sixth, and the National Bank of Egypt, which has made an entry into top 10 rankings this year, at ninth. Dettol makes an appearance in KSA rankings as well, remaining in the sixth position yet again this year.

Despite the flight restrictions in place, loyalty towards leading carrier brands has remained strong in the UAE and KSA. After Emirates (ranked 1^st), Etihad appeared in the UAE rankings in fifth. In KSA, Emirates has emerged as the biggest mover within the top 10 brands, making a new entry into the list in seventh, up from fifteenth last year. Saudia’s strong loyalty among Saudi customers landed it the second place in the 2020 rankings.

Popular handset brand, iPhone makes an appearance in the Loyalty rankings of all three countries. In the UAE, Saudi and Egypt, loyalty from customers towards the brand remains strong, not showing change in reconsideration rates despite its status as a luxury item in the midst of a tough economic climate.

YouGov BrandIndex has also released the ten “most improved” brands of the past year- brands that have registered the largest improvement to their loyalty score in the past year. Majid Al Futtaim is the “most improved” brand of the past year in the UAE, with a rise of +9.6 points to its Loyalty score. The brand also makes an appearance in the improvers’ lists of Egypt and Saudi as well, as the third and sixth most improved brand, respectively.

In Saudi, Al Raya is the “most improved” brand of the past year, with a rise of +7.7 points to its Loyalty score, and in Egypt, Jumia.com reigns as the most improved brand, with a rise of +12.5 to its score.

Consumer brands dominate the list of improvers this year, highlighting the role of familiar FMCG power brands in maintaining comfort through periods of prolonged lockdown and social distancing. Brands like Mirinda, Fanta and Cheetos make an appearance in the UAE list. Similarly, Egypt sees the presence of Tiger (change in score of +6.6), KFC (+5.7), Mountain Dew (+5.7), Maggi (+5.6), Heinz (+5.5) and Juhayna (+5.2), within the top 10 improvers.

Methodology

The 1731 brands in YouGov BrandIndex were ranked using the Consideration score amongst the brands’ own Current Customers. By looking at what proportion of a brand’s own customers would consider their own brand the next time they are in the market, we can understand how loyal a brand’s customers are.

The Loyalty Rankings show the brands with the highest Consideration score amongst their own customers between September 1, 2019 and August 31, 2020. The Loyalty Improvers chart ranks the brands with the highest increase in Consideration amongst own customers, comparing the scores for this year and the prior 12 month period (September 1, 2018 and August 31, 2019). To be included, the year over year variance must be positive.

All Loyalty scores listed have been rounded to a single decimal place; however, we have used additional precision to assign ranks.

All brands must be tracked for at least 6 months to be included in the rankings, and must have been tracked for at least 6 months in the prior year’s period (as well as being currently tracked) to appear in the movers tables.

Contributed by:

YouGov MENA

“Seventy per cent of consumers believe that big companies need to drive positive change in order to transform our models and champion a desirable future,” Havas’ prosumer report ‘Beyond COVID’ reveals.

As companies slowly start to find their bearings in a new ‘normal’, understanding how consumers’ affinity towards brands has changed is no longer an unanswered question. Participants showed that they are expecting real change and commitment from brands more than ever. How can companies move the needle from driving a traditional social purpose strategy to one that allows their target audience to play an active part?

• Revitalizing their vision and mission. Values speak for themselves – 77% of consumers prefer to buy products from a brand that has a strong vision of the future.It might be time to dust off your client’s existing statements and adapt them to incorporate new values that will resonate with today’s consumers.
• Bold convictions require strong actions. Once the vision of the company is clearly defined, the selection of relevant CSR activities and partnerships will naturally flow. How will they help a brand deliver functional, personal and collective benefits – that will, in the process, help them survive in a world where people wouldn’t care if 77% of brands disappeared?
• Aiming for a collective impact. The study also revealed that “the crisis has only heightened and accelerated people’s desire for radical action when it comes to meaningful change” – they’re ready to act.
• Sharing results – the media crave statistics, research and reports, however 87% of millennials believe the success of a business should be measured by more than just financial impact. It’s time to step out of our pre-pandemic comfort zones and challenge ourselves to brainstorm beyond a viral PR stunt for the masses – and truly impact lives.

Today, 8 in 10 people fear the economic crisis will be greater than the health crisis. As we look towards the future, it’s important to reassure audiences. Now more than ever is the time to engage with our audience, bearing in mind that “82% of respondents think they would be more motivated to act if they were shown the beauty of all we risk losing rather than reports focused on the bleak reality of eco-destruction”. 2020 isn’t a year short of surprises – nor opportunities to make a meaningful difference in this world.

Contributed by:

Mathilde Montel: Communications Director, Havas Middle East

Concern is the highest about sharing shopping areas with tourists, followed by restaurants

As Dubai attempts to return to normal life and resume international tourism and hospitality, YouGov’s latest survey asked respondents about their comfort of sharing public places with international tourists and the areas of concern.

When asked about their concerns of sharing public places with tourists, the majority of respondents (56%) claimed to be very or somewhat concerned about sharing shopping spaces with them. Among the different age groups, concern is highest among young adults (between 18-24 years) while it is the least among respondents aged 45+ (64% vs 44%).

Just above half (53%) are worried about dining in at the same restaurant as these visitors, as well as being in the same tourist spots with them (52%). We see a notable difference between the level of comfort among the genders. Women are much more likely than men to be worried about eating in the same restaurants as tourists (60% vs 49%).

It is interesting to note that fear about being present in all the listed public areas along with tourists is higher among Asian expats than respondents from other nationality groups.

In general, these concerns are likely to be influenced by the country of travel origin, with seven in ten (69%) UAE residents agreeing with the statement ‘My concerns with international tourists depend on the country they are travelling from’.

Even though there is apprehension about welcoming international travellers, the majority (83%) believe opening up the country to tourists will have a positive impact on the economy. UAE residents think this decision is most likely to benefit Hotel and Airline industries (62% each). Respondents aged 45+ are most likely to believe in this possibility (at 72%) as compared to the rest of the age groups.

Some residents think Cultural destinations and Shopping malls (37% and 32%) will also benefit from this move, I'm while fewer believe this step will prove advantageous to Restaurants (25%) and Leisure & Entertainment venues (24%).

YouGov Omnibus data collected online among 1000 respondents in the UAE between 15^th and 22^nd July 2020 using YouGov’s panel of over 6 million people worldwide. Data is representative of the adult national population in UAE.

At least two in five past visitors in the UK, Sweden and Germany intend on returning to the UAE within one year, rising to over half from France

Majority of those surveyed who had been to the UAE in the past came for leisure purposes

Research is welcome news for the UAE’s tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors

Dubai, 28th July 2020 – Publicis-owned global strategic communications firm, Kekst CNC, today publishes results from the fourth edition of its COVID-19 Opinion Tracker, revealing that the UAE enjoys strong favour among loyal travellers against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic , which has brought tourism-dependent economies around the world to a standstill.

According to the research, at least two in every five people who ha ve visited the UAE in the last three years, intend on returning to the Emirates in the next 12 months, suggesting a loyal base of travellers. In the UK, 44% of people who have been to the UAE before plan on another visit in the next year, rising to as much as over half of people in France, where 54% of people – the highest across the four countries surveyed – who have been to the UAE are likely to return. In Sweden,

43% are likely to return and two in five (40%) people in Germany who have visited the UAE be fore are planning a trip to the Emirates within the next year.

When questioned about whether they had travelled to the UAE for business or pleasure in the past, the majority of visitors from the UK (79%) Germany (72%), Sweden (59%) and France (55%) travelled for leisure, demonstrating the country’s appeal as one of the world’s leading and most popular tourist destinations.

Commenting on the report, Mazar Masud, Director at Kekst CNC Middle East, said: “Loyal tourists eager to return to the UAE is encouraging news for the UAE economy, as the country kickstarts the tourism industry after the COVID-19 standstill. COVID-19 hit the tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors hard, but due to the commendable efforts of the UAE government and health authorities in tackling the pandemic, the UAE must get ready to welcome back tourists. As the British and Europeans start making their travel plans for the year ahead, this is an ideal opportunity for the UAE to showcase its credentials as a popular, safe and fun destination of choice for business and pleasure.”

Tourism plays a vital role in the UAE’s economy, with government projecting that it will contribute

72 billion USD to the nation’s GDP by 2027 1 . This is underpinned by the country’s efforts, particularly Dubai, to diversify its oil-based economy. According to Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing2, the Emirate welcomed 16.73 million overnight visitors in 2019, who spent USD 27.9 billion and contributed to 11.5% of its GDP. Abu Dhabi3 and Ras Al Khaimah4 received 2.8 million and 1.1 million overnight visitors respectively.

Air transport is another strategic asset for the UAE that stands to benefit from the rebound in travellers. According to a report by The International Air Transport Association (IATA) 5 , the industry supports nearly 800 thousand jobs and its contribution to the economy reaches USD 47.4 billion, accounting for 13.3% of the national GDP. IATA predicts that the sector has the potential to add 620,000 jobs and an extra 80 billion in GDP by 2037, further cementing the industry’s importance.

View the full report here.

Arabic translation for this release, click here.

For more information about the report, please contact CNC.Dubai@kekstcnc.com or the research team at COVID19Research@kekstcnc.com

Following an international consultation and involving AMEC Regional Chapters, the new-look Barcelona Principles 3.0 has been launched.

Published by AMEC.

The 2020 evolution of the globally trusted Barcelona Principles will sharpen the communications industry’s focus on inclusion, impact, and integrity.

It is ten years since the Barcelona Principles first presented an industry-wide consensus on measurement and evaluation, and five years since its last update. In the fast-moving communications industry, much has changed in that time.

Reflecting this, Barcelona Principles 3.0 acknowledges that common practices in 2010 – even 2015 – may now be outdated, with game-changing shifts particularly over the last 2-3 years. Furthermore, it has broadened its relevance to a wider and more diverse range of organisations and roles to reflect that measurement and evaluation best practice is equally essential in government communications, charities, NGOs, and other non-commercial entities.

Barcelona Principles 3.0: an explanation

1. Setting goals is an absolute prerequisite to communications planning, measurement, and evaluation.

The founding principle of SMART (specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and time-bound) goals as a foundation for communications planning has been promoted to an essential prerequisite. It pushes measurement and evaluation as a core component of the planning process, articulating target outcomes and how progress towards these will be assessed.

2. Measurement and evaluation should identify outputs, outcomes, and potential impact.

Previously, the Principles recommended measuring outcomes, rather than simply counting outputs. The updated principles extend this to consider longer term impact of communications strategy. According to Levine, this means thinking about “the channels we are impacting, and change we would like to see through campaigns, events and activations.”

3. Outcomes and impact should be identified for stakeholders, society, and the organization.

From the original focus on business metrics, such as sales and revenue, the 2020 update embraces a more holistic view of performance. It allows the model to be more inclusive of a broader range of organisations and communications roles that are not necessarily profit-driven.

4. Communication measurement and evaluation should include both qualitative and quantitative analysis.

“To understand the full impact of your work, it is crucial that you use the full suite of methods to measure those outcomes,” summarised Levine in describing the evolution of this principle to not just quantify but also understand how messages are being received, believed and interpreted.

5. AVEs are not the value of communication.

The message remains consistent and clear; “we continue to believe that AVEs do not demonstrate the value of our work.” It is important that communications measurement and evaluation employs a richer, more nuanced, and multi-faceted approach to understand the impact of communications.

6. Holistic communication measurement and evaluation includes all relevant online and offline channels.

Our founding principle that social media can and should be measured is so obvious today. The 2020 iteration reflects the game-changing shift in social communications’ capabilities, opportunities, and influence, such that all relevant online and offline channels should be measured and evaluated equally. The AMEC measurement framework promotes clarity across earned, owned, shared, and paid channels to ensure consistency in approach towards a common goal.

7. Communication measurement and evaluation are rooted in integrity and transparency to drive learning and insights.

Sound, consistent, and sustained measurement calls for integrity and transparency in recognition of today’s attention to data privacy and stewardship as organisations comply with new regulations, such as GDPR. This is also a statement that measurement isn’t simply about data collection and tracking, but about learning from evaluation and applying insight back into communications planning. It recognises the need to be transparent about the context in which programmes are run and being aware of any bias that may exist in the tools, methodologies and interpretations applied.

Barcelona Principles 3.0 is the result of a true team effort across the world. They have evolved to be applicable to the world in which the communications industry and all who work within it now operate and will continue to develop for years to come.

Find out more and download the Barcelona Principles 3.0 here: www.amecorg.com/resources/barcelona-principles-3-0/

Being together without getting together – is this possible now? We proudly present our new categories for online records – giving you hundreds of possibilities to engage with consumers, audiences, fans, colleagues, supporters, and everyone out there. Wherever they are.

YouTube organized a global online event last month, celebrating the spirit of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia during the lockdown. 7 of YouTube’s biggest influencers broke the Guinness World Records title for most viewers for an Iftar YouTube live stream. With over 45M+ subscribers combined invited, the livestream began on 19 May 2020 Iftar time (sunset time), breaking the world record with 183,544 concurrent viewers. An Official Adjudicator was present to announce them as the new record-holders on the popular streaming channel.

The YouTube video later saw a further 6M+ views making it the #1 trending video! You can see the hour-long video yourself here.

Contact middleeast@guinnessworldrecords.com to start your record-breaking campaign today

PRWeek launched its second annual Middle East Power Book today, featuring the top comms professionals in the region plus their views on current issues affecting the market.

Click here to view the online Middle East Power Book 2020

The launch of the Middle East Power Book 2020 was delayed from the spring owing to the Covid-19 crisis – and it will be online only this year as a result. Last year was the inaugural Middle East Power Book, which was launched at an event in Dubai in April.

The individuals featured in 2020 are a combination of senior in-house comms professionals and leading PR agency executives. They were selected on the basis of a number of criteria, including their seniority within key organisations in the region; the size and importance of the organisations they represent; their influence on, and contribution to, the professionals comms business here; and their personal achievements and networks.

The comms professionals who responded discussed the challenges and opportunities for the sector, including the effects of the C-19 crisis and inevitable economic downturn.

“Sadly, PRWeek’s annual survey of Middle East comms leaders coincided with a major regional and global crisis in 2020” said PRWeek EMEA’s editor-in-chief, Danny Rogers. “Nevertheless, this is an invaluable ‘who’s who’ guide to top professionals in the region, with some fascinating responses. There is great insight, honesty – and an overriding sense of optimism for the future.”

Visit the Middle East Power Book 2020 here

Click here to subscribe to the FREE Middle East comms bulletin to receive dedicated news, features and comment from the region straight to your inbox. Make sure you register for the site to access more than one story per month.

By:

Alex KoumiKingston StanleyBlock 2A F43, Knowledge Village, Dubai, UAE, PO Box 501729alex@kingstonstanley.com971(0)4 551 6899