Gulf News has reported that the founder and chairman of the Choueiri Group, and one of the Middle East’s largest media brokers, Antoine Choueiri, has passed away after a long battle with cancer at the age of 70. Antoine was ranked the 50th most powerful businessman in 2009 according to Arabian Business. He is also known as the man behind the rise of the Beirut-based La Sagesse basketball team.

In a statement to Gulf News, Ramzi Raad, chairman and CEO of TBWA/Raad and a close friend of Choueiri's, said that March 9 is "a turning point in Middle East media history".

"His reconciling spirit and generosity touched the majority of players in the communications industry in this part of the world."

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This year’s Dubai International Advertising Festival, Dubai Lynx, has received 1364 entries from 16 countries in 10 categories. The event is set to kick off Sunday 14th to celebrate creative excellence in MENA’s advertising and communications industry. Other awards to be revealed during the Awards Ceremony are: Agency of the Year, Media Agency of the Year and the new Network of the Year.

Saudi Telecom Company will be honoured with the 2010 Advertiser of the Year and Ramzi Raad, Chairman & CEO of TBWA\RAAD Middle East, will be presented with the prestigious 2010 Dubai Lynx Advertising Person of the Year Award.

Winners will be honoured during a dinner that will be held on Wednesday, March 17th.
 

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According to The National daily newspaper, Arabian Business reports that Omnicom's TBWA is planning to open a regional creative hub in Abu Dhabi’s media zone by March. The firm also plans to increase the number of staff in Abu Dhabi from 50 to about 70, including a “swat team” of creative strategic planners who will support important pitches to clients.

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Ramzi Raad, the founder & CEO of TBWA\RAAD Middle East and a key figure in the Middle East and North African advertising industry, has been honoured the prestigious 2010 Dubai Lynx Advertising Person of the Year Award at the 3rd Dubai International Advertising Festival. Ramzi Raad will be honoured during the Dubai Lynx Awards Ceremony and Dinner to be held on 17 March at The Palladium in Dubai.

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Business 24|7 reports that digital communication consultancies are to become major employers in the media industry, as clients have grown increasing awareness of the importance of media and its impact on implementing successful marketing strategies.

A digital marketing boom is expected to take place in the next few years. Digital communications billings would see a growth rate of 25 per cent year-on-year in the Middle East, at least for the next couple of years, predicted Shadi Kandil, General Manager, Dubai, OMD.

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