What’s On, the most-trusted resource in food, travel, news and entertainment in the UAE, today announced the launch of its new website in Saudi Arabia, WhatsOnSaudiArabia.com, delivering the ultimate digital guide to living in and loving the Kingdom. 

As a brand, What’s On lives to try new things and turn a good time into a great time. Its nonstop coverage of food, news, travel and local culture inspires audiences to discover their world. 

WhatsOnSaudiArabia.com’s content creation will first shine a spotlight on things happening in Riyadh and Jeddah – with expansion to more cities towards Q4 of 2021. What’s On journalists working on the ground will deliver breaking stories and insider guides, while sharing news that matters most to residents and travellers.

Ian Fairservice, Managing Partner of Motivate Media Group said: “This move is part of What’s On’s plans to expand its brand portfolio and recognises the tremendous growth potential of online content specifically created for Saudi residents and expats. Saudi is driving investment and tourism more than ever before and we feel we can bring valuable and engaging content to this market”.

As pioneers in regional lifestyle publishing, What’s On thrives on building meaningful content that resonates, and advertisers will benefit from a wealth of marketing opportunities for their products and services. From editorial sponsorships that integrate brands into What’s On’s storytelling to homepage takeovers, EDMs and banners, all opportunities are available now. 

“At What’s On, we are deeply immersed and have great admiration for the region we call home,” said What’s On’s Head Of Content, Laura Coughlin. “We have been working hard over the last year to build an editorially-strong website that honours Saudi Arabia. We want to help our audience discover fresh and exciting ways to immerse themselves in their respective cities and inspire them to explore even more.”

Penske Media Corporation (PMC) announced a new partnership with YT Media, one of China’s leading media and art companies, launching the Chinese Edition of Rolling Stone.

Under a multiyear license, Rolling Stone China will feature original and syndicated content tailored to a booming consumer market and providing a new lifestyle brand to China’s Y-generation and 600 million online music consumers.

Rolling Stone China’s launch issue, out now, features cover stars Zhang Chu and Roy Wang, as well as Paul McCartney and Taylor Swift in “Musicians on Musicians” interviews. This debut issue will be followed by a series of corresponding core products and experiences including: a website, WeChat, Weibo, Bilibili channels, events, and quarterly print issues.

“The opportunity to share our content and experiences with our biggest fans in China is truly exciting,”  said Gus Wenner, President and Chief Operating Officer, Rolling Stone. “This new partnership is a great way for us to show all that Rolling Stone has to offer on an international scale as we continue to grow.”

“Today, with the support of Penske Media Corporation and the trust of Rolling Stone, I am honored to lead our young team to develop the business of Rolling Stone China,” said Xu Ning, Founder, YT Media. “We hope that through music, art, and love for this brand, Rolling Stone China will become the lighthouse of modern culture.”

Rolling Stone China will further strengthen PMC’s presence across its portfolio of brands in this  ever-important region. Other PMC titles with Chinese editions include: WWD China, Variety China and Robb Report China.

This is the right time for media vendors to grab their share as the race between companies to increase their ad expenses intensifies, says Chief Executive Officer of Advert on Click

Amid an intensifying race between companies to increase their advertising expenditure to boost profitability prospects, the global advertising market is set to reach $769.9 billion by 2024, an industry expert has pointed out.

“Advertising plays a vital role in communicating the value proposition of an organisation’s offering and influencing the buying behaviour of consumers. This is the reason why most companies around the world focus more on advertisements of their products and services,” said Fahed Aldeeb, Chief Executive Officer of Advert on Click (advertonclick.com).

Digital advertisement portal Advert on Click is a one-of-its-kind digital platforms that connects all stakeholders of the media industry from across the world.

“As much as digital media has grown, it is working with traditional media to continue the 360 degree media mix that marketers strive for. So, digital media has not replaced traditional media, but adds to it to complete the circle,” added the CEO of Advert on Click, which offers a new-age platform to showcase and promote advertising spaces and solutions of broadcast, print, online and OOH (out-of-home) players from all around the globe. 

“The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated clients’ digital transformation journey. Bearing this in mind, Offline media such as TV, Radio and OOH also benefitted in some markets due to lockdowns. This is the right time to board the bandwagon and stay ahead of your competitors. By registering at Advert on Click, you can have the whole marketplace at your fingertips through outreach and unique services that help you get accurate information, display, transparent comparisons, media plan preparation and media booking ability,” he said.

More than 950 vendors have already registered with Advert on Click, the platform is poised to launch to advertisers in the coming weeks. The platform boasts, ad space from all types of media vendors, be it digital, print, broadcast or OOH.  

“Advert on Click allows listing or booking of media space with just a few clicks. Our unique algorithms connect the right media buyer with the media seller for optimal results in advertising,” said Aldeeb.

The information offered by Advert on Click -- an integrated knowledge base that empowers direct advertisers and media buying agencies -- includes space availability, technical specifications, information about the media outlets as well as their rate cards.

Embarks on a New Journey Towards Future Mobility and Connectivity 

· British-born MG Motor refreshes its brand with a new look and feel to celebrate its vision, focused on future mobility and connectivity. 

· The brand kicks off its new brand campaign under the ‘Do More’ slogan, celebrating its milestones and successes and empowering the adventurous spirit and passion of MG drivers.

· MG's new brand positioning leverages the brand's rich history as it charts its course towards its new goals. 

MG Motor has announced details of its new strategic brand positioning for the Middle East, celebrating the company's achievements and rich history, as it embarks on the next stage of its adventurous, technology-focused journey. By implementing this fresh new approach, the first time MG has developed a bespoke position for the Middle East, the brand is demonstrating its commitment to the region as it sets itself on a sustainable and technologically innovative course towards the future.

Through this new campaign the brand aims to connect with, empower and inspire its young and millennial customers by reflecting their active mindset. Developed following extensive research, MG’s new positioning is encapsulated by the 'Do More' tagline, which highlights how the British-born brand has been continuously pushing boundaries since its foundation in 1924. 

The announcement comes just five years after MG made its return to the region, during which time the brand has made a significant impact on the car market, building on its reputation for timeless style, innovative technology and iconic designs. Last year it recorded a remarkable 72 per cent increase in sales, breaking into the GCC’s top ten of car makers for the first time.

The brand's fresh new positioning highlights how high-tech connectivity and mobility are key to providing a holistic experience, as it blazes its way into a cutting-edge, highly advanced future. This will be reflected through authentic, adventurous and bold digital content produced by MG and its current and future customers.

The ‘Do More’ campaign will reflect MG’s product line-up, which is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. New models will also go through a fundamental transformation that will help bring the brand closer towards its vision for a better connected, safer environment. The campaign will tap into the simple realities of a Millennial-driven region. It will recognize the hard work, daily grinds and breakthroughs consumers have to offer to their communities. 

The new brand design began in February and will be implemented across digital, social and traditional mediums, and on both regional and local levels across the nine markets in which MG is present. This will allow MG to offer a more modern and authentic brand experience.

The brand’s new visual identity will adopt brighter colour schemes and bold, sleek lines, with mood boards that will exude dynamism, energy and fun. MG is looking to inspire millennials to bring their own unique elegance to the MG community.

Founded by William Morris and Cecil Kimbers in 1924, MG has always pursued innovation and sought to break barriers. The iconic brand was best known for its two-seat open-top sports cars, having also created the first-ever street legal and affordable sports car. 

Today, MG cars are particularly renowned for their expressive design and exceptional specification levels. MG cars offer the latest smart and innovative technologies, all at highly competitive prices. In the Middle East, the brand’s current line-up consists of both sedans and SUV crossovers. The sedan range includes the Middle East’s ‘Best Sub-compact Sedan’ for 2020, the MG5, and the stylish MG6. The SUV’s include the seven-seater MG RX8 as well as the MG RX5, MG ZST, MG ZS EV and the 2020 ‘Middle East Car of the Year’, the MG HS. 

With its regional head office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, MG has recently expanded into additional markets, such as Jordan and Iraq. MG is now active in nine countries across the GCC and Middle East: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. 

Commenting on MG's new brand positioning, Tom Lee, Managing Director at MG Motor Middle East, said: “MG possesses an extremely rich history, and we are very proud of what this brand has offered and has yet to offer. The pride we take in the MG heritage will allow us to further cement its place amongst the elite group of automakers in the world.”

Lee continued: “We are confident that, through this exciting new positioning, our brand will become even more recognisable amongst our customers. MG has remarkable stories to tell, and we are determined to bring these rich stories to life through our models. We have many exciting plans, and are set on bringing back the vintage MG 2-door sports sedan as an all-electric model. We are looking forward to telling the MG story in the most unique way, allowing our customers to join us on this journey we are undertaking.”

Mondia, a leading mobile technology company specialising in the marketing and distribution of digital content, and Ween, a European esports competition platform, announced the signing of a strategic partnership to bring the best-in-class esports platform to markets globally.

This agreement further enhances Mondia’s gaming offering, providing esports experiences to all connected subscribers.

Forecasted global revenues for esports in 2020 were estimated at $1.1billion[1], with total esports viewership expected to grow at a 9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2019 and 2023, up from 454 million in 2019 to 646 million in 2023.[2] Mobile gaming is predicted to make up 45% of the total global games market in 2021, with esports having increasing prominence in the market. The power of this partnership will reduce barriers to entry for esports players, allowing players globally to enjoy esports without the constraints of any hardware and storage requirements.

“With a YOY revenue growth of about 15.7%, it is evident that esports is the newest trend in the gaming industry,” said Dr Amadeo Rahmann, Mondia Group CEO. “Our partnership with Ween reinforces our strength in shaping the future of digital entertainment. Ween’s ability to create distinctive esports solutions matches perfectly with Mondia’s expertise in the digital space. We are in a unique position to help brands offer their customers an exceptional and futuristic gaming experience.”

“Ween is the central key piece of the puzzle for the esports ecosystem. We provide unique and fluid competition experience for users, but also a wide range of possibilities and technological solutions for brands. We are the place where every stakeholder finds its place to be, so now with Mondia as our partner, we can connect to a range of new customers while making mobile esports more accessible globally, making the ecosystem grow thanks to Mondia”, said Jon Llaguno, Ween Managing Director.

YouGov’s new whitepaper reveals the financial habits and preferences in 17 global markets

UAE residents’ financial priorities for 2021 are focussed on home and family

Saving appears to be a greater priority than paying off debts in the UAE

UAE is amongst the top markets worldwide to accept contactless payments

YouGov’s deep dive custom research reveals that over half (53%) of UAE residents had to cut their non-essential spending in the past six months in order to cover expenses, and more than three-fourths (77%) are likely to continue doing so in the future.

YouGov’s latest report ‘On the money: Global banking & finance report 2021’ provides a high-level analysis of consumers’ attitudes to financial services across 17 global markets. The white paper is based on more than 18,000 interviews and explores payments, investment, ethics in banking and marketing as well as touching on how the COVID-19 crisis has affected financial services worldwide.  

In many of the surveyed markets, a majority of people have cut down their non-essential expenditure in past six months. This is the highest in Indonesia- at 72%, followed by Italy (56%) and Mexico (55%). Germany and Denmark are at the bottom of the list where less than a third claim to have done it (28% and 20% respectively).

In order to manage future finances, a majority of consumers across all markets are likely to continue cutting non-essential costs in the future as well, except for Germany and Denmark (46% and 45%, respectively) who sit at the bottom of the list.

The pandemic dealt a heavy blow to economies worldwide leading to widespread income losses and pay-cuts. When asked about their household situation in the past six months, a third of UAE residents (34%) said they have dipped into their savings to cover expenses. 28% have been able to save more but a fourth (24%) have borrowed more money or taken on debt to manage the situation.

When questioned about their financial priorities in 2021, a significant proportion of consumers in each market said saving money for unexpected hardships is their top financial goal. In the UAE, two in five (41%) consumers have made it their priority for 2021.

Looking at the other goals, 37% UAE residents would like to ensure adequate protection for their families and themselves in case of emergencies, and three in ten (30%) want to fulfil their regular financial commitments. Around a fourth want to pay off their debts, invest their money or save money for retirement. Even though saving appears to be the main goal of 2021, few residents (15%) intend to buy a property or purchase assets (10%) in the new year.

It is interesting to note that even though debt ratio in the UAE is one of the highest across the 17 markets, paying off debts is at a lower priority among residents, perhaps because saving and securing their families is the main goal of 2021.

In addition to highlighting the changing consumer behavior during the pandemic, the paper uncovers public perspective towards cash and payment technology. In most of the surveyed markets including UAE (70%), a vast majority of people prefer to use contactless modes of payments wherever possible.

New YouGov whitepaper reveals media consumption habits across 17 markets

Young viewers in the UAE are more likely to favor ad-supported free content

The popularity of watching live TV is one of the lowest in the kingdom, as more people prefer digital over traditional mediums

When it comes to traditional media, radio and outdoor advertising overtake popularity of print magazines and newspapers

YouGov’s new research shows that almost six in ten (58%) UAE consumers are in favour of watching ads in exchange for free content.

YouGov’s new white paper, titled ‘International Media Consumption Report 2021- Is there a new normal?’ provides an analysis of the global media  landscape across 17 markets.

Our data shows across the globe a plurality of consumers consider the bargain between consumers and advertisers – watching promotions in exchange for free content – to be a fair deal.

In the UAE, all age groups show a general acceptance towards viewing ads in exchange for free content, but the younger audiences (18-24 years) favour this trend the most (62%).

At a global level, Spain and Mexico are the top countries (65% each) where consumers are in support of this proposition. Whereas two Scandinavian countries, Sweden and Denmark, are most likely to dissent, but even in these markets, only around a quarter (27% Sweden; 23% Denmark) consider watching advertising in exchange for free-content to be unfair.

With a pandemic keeping more people indoors than ever before, digital media assumed greater importance as a means of keeping the public informed and entertained.

When UAE consumers were asked about the digital media channels they used in the past week, most people (61%) claimed to have watched video content online, followed by social media (53%) and messaging platforms like WhatsApp (46%).

Two in five indulged with live TV on digital devices, and almost as many used search engines (40% and 37% respectively). The consumption of radio, podcasts and audio books remained lower than the other formats.

Among traditional media channels, TV was the most consumed medium (at 62%) by UAE residents in the week before we asked this question. Radio (36%) and outdoor advertising (32%) followed next, but there is a considerable consumption gap between TV and the other two mediums.

Radio and outdoor advertising overtook the readerships of print magazines (22%) and newspapers (20%). Contrary to the popular belief of outdoor advertising taking a hit during the pandemic, UAE residents appear to be stepping out and noticing ads on billboards, highlighting the changing consumption patterns during the pandemic.

At a worldwide level, live TV seems to be popular globally, with the highest consumption seen in European countries like France (79%) and Italy (77%). UAE (35%) and China (38%) are the only exceptions where the popularity of this medium is one of the lowest across all markets.

Talking about the International Media Consumption Report 2021, Julian Newby, Sector Head of Media at YouGov said, “COVID-19 has significantly impacted consumer behaviour and, in turn, media consumption habits globally. The data shows that although many people engaged with digital media during the pandemic, several traditional mediums remained as relevant as before. Our data shows there are huge challenges for brands and advertisers looking to achieve ROI and effectively reach consumers in the right channels, at the right time, with the right message. Reliable, up-to-date insight can provide an early window into behaviour change to inform effective media planning and campaign development.” 

Here’s a look at STARZPLAY’s round-up of incredible wildlife documentaries which celebrate the wonders of the animal kingdom:

Crikey it’s the Irwins

The members of the world-famous Irwin family deal with various challenges and struggles at the Australia Zoo as they follow their patriarch's footsteps in taking care of animals. Watch the trailer here.

The Bronx Zoo

A look at daily life in the Bronx Zoo, documenting the day-to-day operations that provide quality care for animals whilst educating the public on wildlife and conservation. Watch the trailer here.

Surviving Joe Exotic

Joe Exotic gives one of his last interviews before his arrest. Ex-employees reveal the truth about his infamous G.W. Zoo and there’s a look at the rescue of some of its big cats. Watch the trailer here.

Wildest Middle East

This documentary features the forests, deserts, mountains, rivers, seas, flora and fauna in Middle Eastern countries such as Turkey, Egypt, Arabia and Jordan. Watch the trailer here.

Lions of Sabi Sands

South Africa's legendary Mapogo lion coalition and their violent struggle for power is a shocking tale of ambition and betrayal. For lions, there is no leadership without enemies. Watch the trailer here.

Viewers in the MENA region can enjoy these amazing shows from the comfort and safety of their homes via discovery+ on STARZPLAY, available on the platform as an add-on channel.

New York Festivals® 2021 AME Awards® announced the addition of 8 prominent executives that have joined the AME Advisory Council.

The 18-member Advisory Council, formed in 2019, is a brain trust of creative and strategic industry leaders representing 5 continents. They generously provide the competition with ongoing knowledge of emerging trends and critical industry insights. The Council’s participation allows AME to be more responsive to changes and demands within the advertising/marketing sphere and their astute advice and combined industry expertise ensure continued wise council and a global perspective.

“All of us at AME are extremely grateful that this visionary panel dedicated to results-driven work will share their knowledge and expertise with the AME Awards,” said Gayle Seminara Mandel, Executive Director, AME Awards. “As leaders at the apex of the industry, their perspective provides valuable insights, ideas for new competition categories reflective of the work produced today, recommendations for fair and diverse jury members, and opportunities for AME to champion effectiveness around the globe.”

2021 Additions to the AME Awards Advisory Council

·         Caio Barsotti, President, CENP Brazil

·         Saul Betmead de Chasteigner, Chief Marketing Officer, United Nations World Food Programme Italy

·         Pully Chau, Group CEO/Chairman Greater China, Cheil China

·         Gordon Euchler, Head of Planning, BBDO Germany

·         Balendran Kandeban, Founder & CEO, Miami Ad School - Sri Lanka and Maldives / Academics Group, Sri Lanka

·         Robin Shapiro, Chief Executive Officer, TBWA\World Health USA

·         Guy Swimer, Executive Creative Director, McCann Health London

·         Amy Winger, Global Client Lead/Intel, VMLY&R USA

To view all the members of the AME Awards Advisory Council visit: HERE.

“There is nothing more powerful than an idea that drives disruptive growth. That’s why I am thrilled to join the AME Advisory Council. I look forward to celebrating the best of the brave, campaigns that are driving exceptional growth.” –Robin Shapiro, CEO, TBWA\WorldHealth.

“As health continues to produce inspirational thinking and new ways to reach our audiences, it’s vital we find ways to track its effectiveness; I’m delighted to be part of the AME’s Advisory Council to offer a perspective on how breakthrough ideas in health can lead to genuine results.”–Guy Swimer, Executive Creative Director, McCann WorldHealth London

“Branding & marketing plays a major role in shaping the global economy: in creating jobs, in facilitating brands and belief, in building hopes; and transcending legacies. I wish to share our voice of Asia and China by joining the AME Awards Advisory Council. A practical dream leveraging my decades of experiences.” –Pully Chau, Group CEO/Chairman Greater China, Cheil China 

“Every day we wake up and start working to find ways to get more and better results and to achieve effectiveness to all and each communication action. We love to compete, so…be recognized, win an award, be a creative reference, become an effectiveness case study…Yes, it’s worth it! I’m proud to be part of it, and excited to learn with all the talent around the table at the AME Awards Advisory Council.” –Caio Barsotti, President, CENP Brazil. 

“The AME awards are all about proving the worth of advertising and marketing. Joining the Advisory Council means I can hopefully help shape that most important conversation.” –Saul Betmead de Chasteigner, Chief Marketing Officer, United Nations World Food Programme

“Making a big creative idea that delivers big outcomes is a beautiful thing that takes the powers of foresight, ingenuity, and bravery. I’m excited to join with my colleagues on the AME Advisory Council and look forward to celebrating ideas and teams that deliver the goods.” –Amy Winger, Global Client Lead/Intel, VMLY&R USA

“The intersection of creativity and economic success is what makes our industry unique. It is what advertising does at its best, but this has clearly a bigger role to play in the whole of the business world. Whoever gets this right is the envy of consultancies, competitors, and clients. This is worth celebrating, and this is what the AME does. I would love to make my little contribution to keep that spirit and push it into the future.” –Gordon Euchler, Head of Planning, BBDO Germany

“Delighted to be part of the New York Festival AME Award’s Advisory Council and work with innovative, visionary, and influential leaders around the world. NYF AME Awards is a world-wide platform that encourages and celebrates effectiveness in the ever-changing world of advertising and brand building – A great influencer for ideas and campaigns to make this world a better place. And we all have a collective responsibility to make that happen!” –Balendran Kandeban, Founder & CEO, Miami Ad School - Sri Lanka and Maldives / Academics Group, Sri Lanka

“AME’s Advisory Council is represented by both agency, brand, organizational, and educational leaders who together ensure AME’s stature within the global community as a competition that showcases the most creative and measurable effective campaigns emanating from around the globe,” added Seminara Mandel.

The AME Awards deadline  to enter is April 16th, 2021. 

Opening Massive Market Opportunities For Advertising 

New Mobile Streaming Report by Adjust finds 52.5% of consumers worldwide have used smartphones to stream more video content since the outbreak COVID-19 

Over The Top (OTT) streaming has exploded during the global pandemic, according to a new report released today by global app marketing analytics platform Adjust, further demonstrating a fundamental shift in consumption patterns toward mobile. Busting the myth that the majority of mobile streaming takes place on commutes, 84% of consumers across the countries surveyed have used their smartphones to stream the same amount or even more content since the coronavirus outbreak.  

On average, over half of consumers surveyed (52.5%) said they are streaming more video content since lockdown. Only 12% of consumers are streaming less — which means four times more consumers are mobile streaming.  

Drawing on consumer research from 8,000 respondents across the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Turkey, Japan, Singapore, Korea, and China, The Mobile Streaming 2021 Report also finds strong streaming habits across generations in mobile-first countries. In total, nearly 90% of users aged 55 and older in China (89.8%) and Turkey (88.9%) say they stream via their phone every day or at least more than once a week. 

“This drastic shift to routine mobile streaming around the world and across generations has created massive advertising opportunities and a new role for mobile analytics,” said Dr. Gijsbert Pols, lead product strategist at Adjust. “By understanding how and when consumers stream, as well as which channels and campaigns deliver the highest marketing impact, the potential to build a large, loyal user-base with high lifetime value is virtually limitless.” 

Additional key takeaways from the report include:

Most consumers are using mobile to stream at least once a day. Users in China (93.8%) and Turkey (91.9%) stream most frequently — every day to once a week — compared to 69.4% for the U.S., 57.2% for Japan, and 45.7% for the U.K.  

Users across all generations and regions stream for at least an hour per session, proving viewers are no longer just snacking bite-sized content — they are binging on entire episodes and full-length movies. 

Millennials, the biggest users of mobile streaming, are also watching for the longest periods of time. Session length averages just over 90 minutes (94.2), closely followed by Gen Z, which comes in at just under 90 minutes (87.6). 

Users 55 and older may appear to be the laggards in the data set, but 65 minutes per average session suggests this audience is warming up.

Consumers are spending a sizable amount on streaming and on-demand entertainment services. Korea is out in front at $42.68 per month, compared to $33.58 for the U.S. and $34.82 for the U.K. 

Connected Television unlocks new second-screening opportunities  

Adjust’s research also sheds light on how pervasive second-screening has become around the world, with the rise of Connected TV (CTV). On average, more than three quarters (76%) of all respondents use their mobile phone while watching television, with this viewing behavior most pronounced in Singapore and China (both 85%), closely followed by the U.S. (83%). 

Social apps are the number one choice for second-screeners — favored by 65.4% of respondents, on average — followed by banking (54.9%) and gaming (44.9%). Second-screeners in APAC have a healthy appetite for food delivery apps, with use strongest in China (65.2%), Korea (36.6%) and Singapore (48.2%).  

Advertisers can tap into the dual-screening trend by putting a call-to-action in their television ads, such as downloading a mobile app via a QR code. This has the potential to create a whole new and interactive brand experience, across two devices. 

Methodology 

The Mobile Streaming 2021 Report draws on consumer research conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Adjust from a global survey of 8,000 total TV/video streaming consumers aged 16+. The research uses nationally representative samples of 1,000 TV/video streaming consumers in each of the following countries: the U.K., Germany, Turkey, Japan, Singapore, Korea, and China between November 6, 2020 and November 10, 2020, and the U.S. between September 23 and September 29, 2020.