Martin Newland

Dubai Lynx announces Print, Print Craft, Outdoor, Direct & Sales Promotion and Media shortlists

editor — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:39:49 -0700

21 leading creatives and media experts from around the world are currently judging at the Dubai Lynx Festival, the leading creative advertising competition for the MENA region, which has announced 292 entries that have been shortlisted in the Print, Print Craft, Outdoor, Direct & Sales Promotion and Media categories. Of the 998 entries submitted in these categories, 82 Print, 47 Print Craft, 57 Outdoor, 36 Direct & Sales Promotion and 70 Media entries have made it through to the shortlist.

Impressive learning programme at Dubai Lynx 2010

editor — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:04:44 -0700

The Dubai International Advertising Festival, now in its 3rd year, is the premier awards and must-attend event for the advertising and communications industry in the MENA region. Taking place at The Palladium, a new state-of-the-art venue in Dubai Media City, Dubai Lynx offers an amazing learning programme that provides the MENA region with world-class speakers, the latest global industry thinking, local insights and an array of new networking opportunities where delegates can meet and engage with their peers.

Over two days, 15 and 16 March, 32 renowned speakers - international creatives and clients - from 25 companies will present 16 seminars that will offer insight and inspiration and four workshop sessions providing delegates with the opportunity to enjoy a more in-depth and hands-on learning experience in small and more collaborative groups.

This year’s speakers include:
Ahmed El-Azizi, Vice President Marketing of PepsiCo MEA
Barry Cupples, CEO of Omnicom Media Group Asia Pacific
Carter Murray, Chief Marketing Officer, Worldwide Account Director Nestlé, Publicis Worldwide
Chuck Porter, Co-Chairman of Crispin Porter + Bogusky
David Nobay, Creative Chairman, Droga5 Australia
John Hunt, Worldwide Creative Director of TBWA\ Worldwide
Mark Fiddes, Executive Creative Director, Draftfcb London
Mark Tutssel, Chief Creative Officer of Leo Burnett Worldwide
Prasoon Joshi, Executive Chairman; Regional Executive Creative Director, Asia Pacific of McCann Worldgroup, India

Additionally, delegates at Dubai Lynx 2010 will have the chance to be motivated by some of the most creative advertising from across the globe at an exhibition of winning pieces from Cannes Lions 2009, Eurobest 2009, Spikes Asia 2009 and of course view the Dubai Lynx 2010 Shortlist.

Dubai Lynx registration opens on Sunday 14 March at 1pm followed by the first of the new networking events.

At 5pm at The Palladium, The National presents Art & Copy, the regional premier screening of the powerful new film about advertising and inspiration, which will be introduced by The National’s founding editor, Martin Newland.

Directed by Doug Pray, Art & Copy reveals the work and wisdom of some of the most influential advertising creatives of our time such as Dan Wieden, Lee Clow and Hal Riney, among others, whose work has profoundly impacted our culture by grabbing the attention of millions with their brilliant campaigns but yet are virtually unknown outside their industry. Art & Copy is a dynamic exploration of art, commerce, and human emotion.

On Monday 15 March, at the end of the first day of seminars and workshops, delegates can catch up with old acquaintances and make important new contacts at a reception hosted by Guardian News held at The Palladium, the venue of the Festival.

The Dubai Creative Club is hosting an exclusive party on Tuesday 16 March for all Dubai Lynx delegates at the new Media One hotel located close to the Festival venue, offering an amazing opportunity for MENA’s creative community and international attendees to meet, share ideas and have an enjoyable evening after the 2nd day of seminars and workshops.

The 2010 Dubai Lynx winners will be revealed at the famous Dubai Lynx Awards Ceremony and Dinner, the highlight of the year for the MENA’s advertising community which takes place at The Palladium, the evening of Wednesday 17 March. Discover which campaigns have earned awards and join in the celebration with 1,300 like-minded industry peers. The awards ceremony will be presented this year by TV presenter and head of programming and production of Al AAn TV, Roula Debes.

"We are very excited about this year’s Dubai Lynx programme. It's an intense agenda with some hot topics presented by a host of world-class speakers. We’ve also injected the fun element by introducing some equally important networking opportunities central to this business," said Steve Lane, Dubai Lynx Festival Director.

Dubai Lynx opens

editor — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:09:11 -0700

The Dubai International Advertising Festival, featuring the Dubai Lynx awards ceremony, opened yesterday with the regional premier screening of the powerful new film about advertising and inspiration titled Art & Copy. The screening was presented by The National's founding editor, Martin Newland, revealing the work and wisdom of some of the most influential advertising creatives of our time through a dynamic exploration of art, commerce and human emotion.

Click here to read more.

Harness the power of social media to increase reach

editor — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:07:07 -0700

The power of social media is tremendous. Paris Hilton's recent endorsement for Emirates Airlines is esteemed to be worth US$ 1.5 million.

Social media is more than Twitter, Facebook and MySpace; it's about brands having conversations and engaging with audiences. It's about the permanent change in the region's marketing, PR and news landscape.

IIR's Social Media Forum taking place on 18 – 19 October 2009 in Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, explores how you can use social media more effectively within your overall strategy and discusses what social media can do for your business.

Probably the best and largest social media example comes from Barack Obama's campaign – Obama For America in which he used social networking sites, blogs, video-sharing and Twitter to spread the views and organise supporters.

Andrew Bleeker, Director Internet Advertising for Obama's election campaign and New Media Director, Obama Inaugural Committee, is keynote speaker at the Social Media Forum.

Be ready to explore regional social media case studies as well, with top-notch speakers including:

Martin Newland, Editorial Director, The National, UAE
Khurram Hamid, Global Head Mobile Marketing Innovation, Procter & Gamble, UAE
Husni Khuffash, Country Business Development Manager, Google, UAE
Joel Berger, Managing Director, MySpace, Germany
Arshad Khan, Senior Executive, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, UAE

Martin Newland to spearhead brand expansion plans at The National

editor — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 02:28:17 -0700

Abu Dhabi Media Company today confirmed that Martin Newland, the founding Editor in Chief of The National, will spearhead expansion of the newspaper's brand across the company's range of platforms and services in a new role as Editorial Director. Hassan Fattah will step up from his role of Deputy Editor to become the new Editor in Chief.

Commenting on the promotions, Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Media Company said: "The National has rapidly established a reputation for quality, innovation and authority thanks to its world-class editorial team. We are delighted that Martin will now focus his efforts on the next phase of brand expansion across our digital and broadcast spaces, enabling us to pioneer a new era of regionally relevant, on-demand content to rival the multiple platform approach of global news brands. Day to day editorial control of The National's converged newsroom passes to the experienced hands of Hassan Fattah. Together, these well deserved promotions from within the company reiterate our commitment to The National and to recognising the achievements of both Martin and Hassan."

Martin Newland said: "Launching The National has been a great accomplishment. My new role allows me to build on this success and to explore the brand potential in the new multi platform era. My job of building the business of The National story remains on the ambitious path of growth and expansion. I am as excited by the new challenges today as I was when I first started.

Edward Borgerding, CEO of Abu Dhabi Media Company, said: "Martin Newland and Hassan Fattah have forged a formidable partnership in setting up The National; A partnership that will be invaluable as Martin now drives the broader ambitions of The National brand forward."

The National's new Editor in Chief, Hassan Fattah said: "We have assembled a dream team of journalists over the past year and a half with the ambition of making The National essential reading in the UAE and the region as a whole, setting a new bar in excellence in journalism and production. In the dynamic environment of the Middle East media landscape The National will continue to thrive based on its commitment to excellent journalism, photography and more. The National is evidence to the publishing world that great brands, built on quality, can succeed and grow."

Abu Dhabi Media Company also confirmed that Bob Cowan is promoted to Deputy Editor at The National.

Abu Dhabi Media Company launches The National on Saturday

editor — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:37:55 -0800

The Abu Dhabi Media Company, one of the largest media companies in the region, announced today that The National newspaper will launch a weekend edition called The National on Saturday, on 15 November 2008.

The newspaper is extending its acclaimed content to include five specialised sections including motoring, sport, travel, personal finance, house and home and a glossy lifestyle magazine simply called 'm'. These sections will all support a 24 page news section providing quality reporting, opinion and analysis.

Commenting on The National on Saturday, Martin Newland, Editor-in-Chief, said: 'We're extending our brand of quality content and have recruited a dedicated, experienced, new team for The National on Saturday to create a compelling and comprehensive read on Saturday that fits into the weekend lifestyle, priorities and pace of life. We'll focus on stories that resonate with everyone living in the Emirates: news, sport, cars, personal finance, travel, house and home and fashion. It's a big package of quality journalism which provides a sophisticated narrative of the UAE and the Middle East, with a notable and confident point of view.'

Gavin Dickinson, Executive Director, Publishing at Abu Dhabi Media Company adds: 'The National on Saturday will continue to raise the bar of publishing excellence in the region, while providing better commercial opportunities for advertisers. The National on Saturday will bring a strong sense of branding to its daily counterpart. We are confident we will engage readers to interact with the paper on several levels. The move to publish daily reflects the strength of Abu Dhabi Media Company's publishing strategy, which will see more improvements to its magazine titles and digital content over the next year,'

Burhan Wazir, Editor of The National on Saturday adds, 'We expect the new paper to prove popular with its unique blend of specialised supplements that appeal to both men and women who appreciate intelligent lifestyle and world class journalism. We also expect people will want to keep a hold of 'm', the magazine to enjoy throughout the week.'

The National on Saturday is designed by the Canadian award winning designer Lucie LaCava.

The National, the UAE's new quality English newspaper, launches in Abu Dhabi

editor — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 07:06:40 -0700

Abu Dhabi Media Company, the diversified entertainment and media conglomerate, unveiled the newspaper during a gala event staged at the Emirates Palace Hotel under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Attendees at the event were addressed by His Excellency Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Media Company who stated that The National '…was born out of a vision that recognises the key role that a free, professional and enlightened press plays in the national development process."

VIP guests at the launch event were introduced by video to the newspaper's array of reporters and writers, based in the seven emirates and foreign bureaux throughout the world, who promise to deliver fresh compelling content. Meanwhile, The National's 200 strong team of journalists put the finishing touches to the very first edition.

Martin Newland, Editor-in-Chief, said: 'After eight months of preparation and anticipation we are finally live and on the presses. Now it is up to discerning readers to sample a quality newspaper with content drawn from its own reporters across the nation and the world. We aim to provide quality, must have reading: when we cover a story, we will own it, in the process creating a national conversation.'

Newland, former Editor of the Daily Telegraph and a former launch Editor of Canada's National Post, said The National contained 80 pages of 'intelligent and well-designed' news, business, sports, culture and features coverage. Newland added, 'Content will be designed to reflect our readers' concerns in relation to the national character of the UAE, in the context of an interconnected world.'

The interactive, updated and fully converged online version of the newspaper can be read at www.thenational.ae.

The launch was attended by VIPs, dignitaries and senior media and business figures.

The National is the name of Abu Dhabi Company's English daily

editor — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 23:51:39 -0700

Abu Dhabi Media Company confirmed today that its new, much-anticipated quality English language newspaper will be called The National.

Editor-in-Chief Martin Newland commented, "The role of The National is to reflect society, help that society evolve and, perhaps most importantly, promote the bedrock traditions and virtues that must be preserved even in times of change and that is why we have called our paper The National."

The broadsheet, which goes on sale across the UAE on April 17, will contain 80 pages of intelligent and well-designed news, business, sports, culture and features coverage. An online version will also be available at www.thenational.ae. The 200 strong news team, which includes award-winning journalists from the emirates and around the world, will provide local and international coverage from across the globe.

The National will be officially launched at a gala event on April 16 under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.