Al Riyadh - KSA, June 9, 2010 – Companies across the region flocked to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) this week for the “Saudi Brand and Communications Summit 2010”—held in Riyadh from June 5 – 8, 2010.  Noting the incredible potential in the KSA market for all kinds of communication expansions, Mohammed Johmani, CEO and Founder of O2 Network, spoke at the summit about the key drivers of Saudi branding and marketing sectors. Johmani’s agency O2 Branding served as a main sponsor of the event.    

Research reports suggest that total advertising spending in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) will recover at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 10 percent from 2009-2013, with internet advertising expected to grow at nearly 32 percent.  With Saudi Arabia’s GDP being pegged as the highest in the Arab region, those in the branding and communications industry are excited to explore new innovations in the KSA media market.

“The strong foundations of the Saudi economy have encouraged companies to spend on growth during a time where most organizations are looking to cut costs, especially in marketing,” says Johmani.  “O2 Branding has definitely focused more of its energy on the Saudi market in the last few years, and this summit is the ideal platform to view the latest trends while networking with key decision makers in the region.”

O2 Branding is a perfect exemplar of the opportunities afforded to regional entrepreneurs looking to grow communication companies within KSA and the Arab world as a whole.  Part of the multi-discipline O2 Network, the agency assesses all aspects of a company’s “brand potential”, offering strategy design and development, brand-activation counseling, and company-wide workshops for brand management. 

O2 Branding grew out of the understanding that brands are organic in nature; an insight that is reflected in their mission to create ‘Living Brands’. The agency recognizes that brands look, speak, and behave according to their surroundings. In order to ensure an integrated brand culture, O2 Branding draws upon the expertise of the entire O2 Network, including interactive, PR, and advertising agencies, to offer clients integrated communication solutions.

Commenting on the ‘Living Brand’ approach, Johmani said: “To create living brands, we align brand strategies to consumer touch points.  O2 is unique in its communications approach because of its fundamental understanding that people interact with brands and experience them through multiple channels, which translate to the practices of marketing, public relations, and interactive digital media, all of which contribute to shaping certain characteristics of a brand. This approach ensures a comprehensive platform for the creation of an attuned brand culture. ”

Johmani was amongst amongst elite of regional and global figures who are speaking at the summit including Patrick Jephson, Former Private Secretary, HRH Diana, Princess of Wales; Mohamed El Fatatry, CEO, Muxlim, (Voted One of The World’s 500 Most Powerful Muslims); Werner Baumgartner, Managing Director, Swarovski Middle East; Terry Kane, Director Of Digital Strategy, Jumeirah Group; Majdi Al-Sahhaf, Director Marketing And Corporate Communications, Saudi Industrial Property Authority ‘MODON’; Shadi Bakhour, Director Sales And Marketing, Saudi Xerox; Rayan Qutub, Head Of Corporate Business Development And Investment Promotion ,Emaar, The Economic City; Cameron Walker, Director Corporate Communications, National Commercial Bank;  Siva Kumar; Global Head Of Customer Experience, HSBC; Tarik Hamou Hadi, Vice President Sales, Marketing And Innovation, Savola Foods; Mousa Obeid, Head Of Marketing KSA, Nokia;  Yasser Al-Kharobi, Head of Corporate Marketing, Rotana Media Group; Howard Belk, Co-President and CEO, Siegel+Gale.

Major topics of discussion at this year’s summit included connecting with Saudi youth, rules of branding in a post-recession environment, and the unique traits that define the Middle East communications industry within the larger, global scene. 

Qatar ranks high in advertising spending by which it grew by 12% over the past year, bringing the total ad spending to USD $402 million. The growth of the public relations industry has also been exceptional, which in 2009 grew nearly 25% despite Qatar maintaining its ranking as fourth in the GCC for most advertising expenditures.

According to Mohammed Johmani, Founder of O2 Network, the goal of the expansion is to strengthen an industry which is witnessing significant development yet lacks creative diversity.

“Qatar’s economic boom is incredible, especially in cities like Doha,” says Johmani, pointing at increasing foreign direct investment and government regulations set to encourage economic growth.  “At the same time, the market is expanding so quickly that the demand for support services is constantly changing. From human resources to marketing professionals, companies are starving for people with creative expertise and experience in growing regional markets.”

Winning numerous regional awards for its creative campaigns both in the UAE and greater GCC, the company will offer a comprehensive selection of the network’s services, including market research, PR consultancy, advertising and branding, as well as interactive web products through its new office in Doha.

Operating in cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha, Jeddah, Muscat, and Hong Kong, Johmani says that the company is ideally positioned to connect the interests of these rapidly developing metropolises to build integrated campaigns across the GCC.

As the world meets in Copenhagen for this year’s UN Climate Change Conference (COP15), a few organizations in the UAE have taken on the call to action by launching the GO2GREEN initiative on the local level.  The initiative is designed to offer UAE companies a way to encourage resource conservation within their respective communities through a network of like-minded industry leaders.  The December 7th launch event was held in collaboration with the aswaaq, American University Dubai, Dubai Shopping Festival, Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE), and O2 Network.

Building the GO2GREEN initiative was first discussed in private meetings between various companies in the UAE who wanted a way to the use their community presence in support of resource conservation.  Volunteers from participating organizations started to meet on a semi-regular basis at various locations throughout Dubai. Participants reviewed the many ways in which they could use their community presence to inform residents about efficient energy-usage and environment preservation.  Several key themes started to emerge, focusing on basic steps that can be taken in the home, office and public places to reduce environmental waste.   Flyers and outdoor media were prepared, public volunteer teams were organized, and additional UAE organizations were encouraged to contribute what they could.

On December 7th, over 200 individuals volunteered their time to participate in the grassroots launch of the campaign in major metropolitan areas throughout the emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.  The volunteers were gathered in the streets and visited many offices, homes and public places, where they educated people of how to save the planet with simple but high impact tips.

“Whether it’s turning off your lights or unplugging your PC, this initiative will remind audiences at key consumer touch points of how their lifestyle can support a future of sustainability,” says Mr. Mohammed Johmani, Managing Director at O2 Network. “This is just one small way for our companies to give back to the communities in which we operate, and hopefully others in the region will join us in that mission.”

Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE) was another of the early partners in the campaign, recognizing their unique position within the housing and real estate market.  “Sustainable living starts in the home,” comments Mr. Haitham Al Khaja, Manager of Corporate Communications Office. From construction materials to general design layout, Mr. Khaja sees GO2GREEN as an opportunity to help educate home owners on the long-term environmental consequences of their housing choices.

The GO2GREEN initiative will initially focus on encouraging the use of public transportation, reducing material waste in the office, and adopting eco-friendly habits in the home. “Resource conservation isn’t particularly difficult, although it does require us to make the right decisions during our everyday routines,” comments Ms. Hind Al Falasi, Relations Manager at aswaaq. “As one of the largest UAE retail branches to use locally produced products and adopt standards such as HACCP certification, we wanted to join GO2GREEN as a way to align our CSR efforts with larger community campaigns.”

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For more information, please contact:

Maan Dalghan

PR Account Manager

O2 Public Relations

Mobile: +971 0504735351

Phone: +971 43122777

Fax: +971 43122788

Email: maan.d@o2pr.net

About GO2GREEN

GO2GREEN aims to provide people with the tools they need to make a real difference in resource conservation in their own communities. The initiative is the brainchild of Mr. Mohamed Johmani, Managing Director of O2 Network, who was soon joined by a number of partners from both the public and private sector.  As UAE business leaders, these organizations started to discuss ways in which they could work together to raise public awareness about resource conservation and its relevance to local communities.  Contributing their own unique expertise and resources, the GO2GREEN initiative started to gain traction.

GO2GREEN is currently working on a number of awareness campaigns throughout the Middle East.  The initiative welcomes the participation of private individuals, community groups, and all businesses committed to protecting our shared environment.  Additional materials are attached to this press release for further information.

O2 Network—the award-winning marketing communication network—recently held in Dubai its 4th annual gathering which was attended by all 80 employees of the company’s different branches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain,KSA, Oman, Qatar and Hong Kong. A ten percent increase in sales and an equally large staff expansion were only some of the network’s 2009 highlights.

In his speech at the beginning of the gathering, Vice Chairman of O2 Network Mr. Mohammed Al Meeza expressed his thanks to all the staff for their commitment throughout the year. Mr. Mohammed Johmani, O2 Network’s Managing Director, said that the annual gathering is without a doubt one of the highlights of the professional year, and in 2009 there was much to be celebrated.

“Being all together for a few days of fun and reflection is an important occasion for any company,” comments Mr. Johmani.  “Especially in an industry where turnover is high and competition is tough, it’s really important for us to come together to enjoy each other’s company, recognizing the many unique qualities that make us O2.”

The network has in fact achieved some major milestones during the year despite a region-wide slump in ad spending. In September, O2 Branding was launched as the fourth branch of O2 Network and quickly attained clients in both the UAE and greater Middle East.  As business has grown so to has the agency, which created new offices in Oman, Qatar, and KSA during 2009.  Regional exposure has even given O2 Network the opportunity to expand into Hong Kong—a move that will be finalized in 2010.

During its four year history, O2 Network has won numerous regional awards for its creative campaigns both in the UAE and greater GCC.

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For more information please contact:

Husny Deyab

Media advisor

O2 PR

050 – 3110122

04 - 3122706

Husny.h@o2 pr.net

About O2 Network

The O2 Network is an award-winning, research-oriented agency that has been established to fill the gap in the Middle East’s communications industry.  Founded in Dubai in 2005, the O2 Network consists of four agencies: O2 Marketing Communications (O2MC), O2 Public Relations (O2PR), O2 Interactive (O2i), and O2 Branding (O2B).

The O2 Network is renowned for its innovative communications strategies rooted in extensive market research. Through its unique approach “KNOW YOUR MARKET FIRST”™, O2 aims to put businesses, consumers, and the market at the core of all strategic planning.  This research methodology enables O2 to develop successful campaigns that effectively engage the consumer through multiple channels.  O2 Network prides itself on its high-profile client base, which has included partners like Al Ain Dairy, aswaaq, Dubai Municipality, Durrat Marina, Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, Tameer Holding Investment LLC, and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University. O2’s vision is to be the first independent, UAE-based regional marketing communications network to compete on the international stage.

To learn more about this unique concept, please visit the O2 website at www.o2mc.net.

Mr. Kosta Petrov, Conference Director for IIR Middle East

Panel discussions began today for the oldest and one of the largest public relations conferences in the region, the Middle East Public Relations Congress.  Produced by IIR Middle East and in association with Dubai Media City and supported by the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA), the annual event is the most powerful PR networking and evaluation platform in the Middle East. Now in its sixth year, the Congress will feature over 30 interactive discussions covering an array of PR-related topics, allowing participants to tailor their programme to specific areas of interest.  This year the Congress is being held in coordination with Brand Summit 2009 from November 8-12 at the Al Murooj Rotana Hotel in Dubai.

The opening day saw participants focus on the use of new media tools and how connecting with target audiences is as much a question of strategy as technology.  In the field of crisis resolution, Communications Director Christian Schultz talked about his experiences at Mattel, the world’s largest toymaker, and the importance of proactive media relations in light on the company’s massive 2007 recalls. From the agency perspective, CEO and Founder of O2 Public Relations Mohammed Johmani discussed the challenges of creating campaigns that engage the public, build an emotional experience, and are integrated with total marketing platforms.  Other speakers included Samer Costantini, PR Manager for Global Operations at Cisco Systems, and Mazan Nahawi, Managing Director of Media Watch, to name a few.

Commenting on the opening day, Conference Director for IIR Middle East Kosta Petrov said:

Mr. Mohammed Johmani, CEO and Founder of O2 Public Relations

“We had about 80 people registered to attend Day One, and by midday we had actually accommodated closer to one hundred. Given the financial challenges of 2009, we are incredibly pleased that so many organizations are still willing to invest in professional development.”

In addition to executive-led discussions, this year’s PR Congress will also organize one-on-one meetings between conference participants, and will offer half-day intensive clinics conducted by renowned industry experts.  Still on the agenda are talks from individuals such as Dominic Buttimore, Executive Producer at th1ng th2ng production company, and Francis Matthew, Editor at large for Gulf News.

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About IIR Middle East

IIR Middle East is the provider of up-to-the-minute information in a practical, highly interactive environment through training seminars and conferences. Covering every aspect of business from manufacturing to logistics, strategic planning to health and safety, information technology to marketing and sales, conferences are compiled using in-depth industry analysis. Participants will learn and network with a host of regional and international experts through case studies, round table discussions, panel debates and academic sessions. Attending IIR Middle East’s highly educational events gives consumers the opportunity not only to learn, but to question, reason and discuss industry trends and best practices. Visit www.iirme.com for detailed information on specific training programmes and conferences.

About O2 Network

The O2 Network is an award-winning, research-oriented agency that has been established to fill the gap in the Middle East’s communications industry.  Founded in Dubai in 2005, the O2 Network consists of four agencies: O2 Marketing Communications (O2MC), O2 Public Relations (O2PR), O2 Interactive (O2i), and O2 Branding (O2B).

The O2 Network is renowned for its innovative communications strategies rooted in extensive market research. Through its unique approach “KNOW YOUR MARKET FIRST”™, O2 aims to put businesses, consumers, and the market at the core of all strategic planning.  This research methodology enables O2 to develop successful campaigns that effectively engage the consumer through multiple channels.  O2 Network prides itself on its high-profile client base, which has included partners like Al Ain Dairy, aswaaq, Dubai Municipality, Durrat Marina, Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, Tameer Holding Investment LLC, and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University. O2’s vision is to be the first independent, UAE-based regional marketing communications network to compete on the international stage.

To learn more about this unique concept, please visit the O2 website at www.o2mc.net.

For more information, please contact:

Kosta Petrov

Conference Director- IIR Middle East

Office: + 971 04 3365161

Kosta.petrov@iirme.com

Maan Dalghan

PR Account Manager - O2 Public Relations

Mobile: +971 0504735351

Phone: +971 43122777

Fax: +971 43122788

Email: maan.d@o2pr.net

Nermin Habib, Creative Strategist for O2 Branding

Panel discussions began today for one of the largest marketing communications conferences of the year, Brand Summit 2009.  Produced by IIR Middle East and in association with Dubai Media City, the annual event is advertised as the most powerful platform for the industry to reveal new insights, discuss collective challenges, and clarify standards across the global branding community.  Now in its seventh year, “Staying Alive” is the theme for Brand Summit 2009, which saw over 150 participants attend last year.  It is being held from November 8-12 at the Al Murooj Rotana Hotel in Dubai.

There were a number of notable highlights from the first day, including speeches from individuals such as Mohammed Salama, Head of Marketing for Sony Ericsson Middle East and North Africa; Nermin Habib, Creative Strategist for O2 Branding; and Sean Costello, Director of Marketing and Business Development Middle East for PricewaterhouseCoopers.  Participants considered a wide range of topics on the first day, spotlighting the diversity of the Dubai marketplace and how multi-national companies need to create ‘Living Brands’ that are relevant to evolving—and increasingly fragmented—audiences.

Ms. Nermin Habib, Creative Strategist for O2 Branding—the Headline Sponsor of Brand Summit 2009—said:

It’s amazing that whether you work in pharmaceuticals or telecommunications, there are similar challenges across the board.  Sharing those experiences is extremely rewarding from a professional perspective, and I am looking forward to coming back for tomorrow’s agenda. ”

In addition to executive-led discussions, this year’s Brand Summit will also organize one-on-one meetings between conference participants, and will offer half-day intensive clinics conducted by renowned industry experts.  Still on the agenda are talks from individuals such as Mazan Nahawl, Managing Director at Media Watch, and Samer Costantini, PR Manager for Global Operations at Cisco Systems.

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About IIR Middle East

IIR Middle East is the provider of up-to-the-minute information in a practical, highly interactive environment through training seminars and conferences. Covering every aspect of business from manufacturing to logistics, strategic planning to health and safety, information technology to marketing and sales, conferences are compiled using in-depth industry analysis. Participants will learn and network with a host of regional and international experts through case studies, round table discussions, panel debates and academic sessions. Attending IIR Middle East’s highly educational events gives consumers the opportunity not only to learn, but to question, reason and discuss industry trends and best practices. Visit www.iirme.comfor detailed information on specific training programmes and conferences.

About O2 Network

The O2 Network is an award-winning, research-oriented agency that has been established to fill the gap in the Middle East’s communications industry.  Founded in Dubai in 2005, the O2 Network consists of four agencies: O2 Marketing Communications (O2MC), O2 Public Relations (O2PR), O2 Interactive (O2i), and O2 Branding (O2B).

The O2 Network is renowned for its innovative communications strategies rooted in extensive market research. Through its unique approach “KNOW YOUR MARKET FIRST”™, O2 aims to put businesses, consumers, and the market at the core of all strategic planning.  This research methodology enables O2 to develop successful campaigns that effectively engage the consumer through multiple channels.  O2 Network prides itself on its high-profile client base, which has included partners like Al Ain Dairy, aswaaq, Dubai Municipality, Durrat Marina, Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, Tameer Holding Investment LLC, and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University. O2’s vision is to be the first independent, UAE-based regional marketing communications network to compete on the international stage.

To learn more about this unique concept, please visit the O2 website at www.o2mc.net.

For more information, please contact:

Kosta Petrov

Conference Director- IIR Middle East

Office: + 971 04 3365161

Kosta.petrov@iirme.com

Maan Dalghan

PR Account Manager - O2 Public Relations

Mobile: +971 0504735351

Phone: +971 43122777

Fax: +971 43122788

Email: maan.d@o2pr.net

Mohammed Johmani, Managing Director of the O2 Network

O2 Network, the award-winning and research-oriented marketing communications agency, will be hosting an exhibition at this year’s Leaders in Dubai Business Forum highlighting the creative campaigns that have propelled the agency from a single office in Dubai to a regional network of award-winning marketing communications agencies. Through its work with clients such as Al Ain Dairy, Tameer Holding Investment LLC and Dubai Municipality, the O2 Network has won several prestigious awards, and hopes to encourage business leaders at this year’s forum to take a proactive approach to transforming ideas into living brands.

In a lecture hosted by the Dubai School of Government, Dr. Thomas Weir, one of this year’s conference speakers, said that “most of the CEOs in the GCC are not prepared to lead their companies out of the recession because many of them are simply waiting on it to go away.”

In light of such concerns, this year’s Leaders in Dubai programme will bring an unrivalled selection of global leaders, business icons, and legendary personalities to the UAE to guide local professionals through tough financial times. Engaging audiences from across the region, the line-up includes South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former Vice President of the United States Al Gore, and chief campaign manager for current US President Barack Obama, David Plouffe.  Along with 1300 senior executives, it makes for an unmatched, open minded discussion on the future of our world, and the role participating business should play within this new beginning.

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For more information, contact:

Alaa Tarabay

Account Manager- O2 Public Relations

Office: +971 04 3122725 Mobile: 050 1546747

Alla.t@o2pr.net

About O2 Network

The O2 Network is an award-winning, research-oriented agency that has been established to fill the gap in the Middle East’s communications industry.  Founded in Dubai in 2005, the O2 Network consists of four agencies: O2 Marketing Communications (O2MC), O2 Public Relations (O2PR), O2 Interactive (O2i), and O2 Branding (O2B).

The O2 Network is renowned for its innovative communications strategies rooted in extensive market research. Through its unique approach “KNOW YOUR MARKET FIRST”™, O2 aims to put businesses, consumers, and the market at the core of all strategic planning.  This research methodology enables O2 to develop successful campaigns that effectively engage the consumer through multiple channels.  O2 Network prides itself on its high-profile client base, which has included partners like Al Ain Dairy, aswaaq, Dubai Municipality, Durrat Marina, Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, Tameer Holding Investment LLC, and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University. O2’s vision is to be the first independent, UAE-based regional marketing communications network to compete on the international stage.

To learn more about this unique concept, please visit the O2 website at www.o2mc.net.

Mohammed Johmani, O2 Network’s Managing Director

O2 Branding will offer all inclusive branding services such as brand management, strategy design and development, and brand activation and revitalization. The new agency will also offer clients advice on brand presentations, conduct company-wide branding workshops, and hold seminars on quantitative and qualitative research strategies.

O2 Branding grew out of the understanding that brands are organic in nature; an insight that is reflected in their mission to create ‘Living Brands’. The agency recognizes that brands look, speak, and behave according to their surroundings. In order to ensure an integrated brand culture, O2 Branding will draw upon the expertise of the entire O2 Network, including interactive, PR, and advertising agencies, to offer clients integrated communication solutions. According to various global marketing studies, most multi-national companies today are looking for agencies that offer these complete marketing and communication services rather than agencies that specialize in one particular domain.

Commenting on the ‘Living Brand’ approach, Mohammed Johmani, O2 Network’s Managing Director, said:

“To create living brands, we align brand strategies to consumer touchpoints.  O2 is unique in its communications approach because of its fundamental understanding that people interact with brands and experience them through multiple channels, which translate to the practices of marketing, public relations, and interactive digital media, all of which contribute to shaping certain characteristics of a brand. This approach ensures a comprehensive platform for the creation of an attuned brand culture. ”

The core value of O2 Branding is the motto ‘Believe’.  Before a brand comes to life, a company must commit itself full-heartedly to the campaign and the creative concept.  The consumer must also believe that the brand will deliver on what it promises.  Campaigns that can do this will be successful, and the process starts with believing in yourself, your publics, and your brand’s value to the marketplace.

O2 Network has actually been practicing branding internally for the past few years, although increased demand has motivated the network to expand upon its services by opening up a new agency.   The launch comes just six months after O2 Network announced the opening of two new offices in Saudi Arabia, bringing the network’s total operations across five countries and seven cities. O2 Branding has offered its services to elite government, public and private sector clients throughout the region, including local government entities such as the UAE Foreign Investment Office and the Abu Dhabi Emiratization Council.

These activities become even more important considering the fact that strong brands have managed to resist the effects of the global financial meltdown and maintain a profitable standpoint. According to a study conducted by Business Week magazine in association with Interbrand,  Top 100 international brands—companies like Coca Cola, IBM and Microsoft—represent around $ 2 trillion worth of business, and are examples of companies that are able to persevere through tough financial times.  However, even strong Middle Eastern brands like Emirates Airlines, Al Jazeera Television, and Zain Telecommunications, didn’t make it into the Top 100. O2 Branding will help regional companies move into this top-tier category.

“O2 Branding will help regional Arabic brands solidify their presence on the international scene, capitalizing on market trends and overcoming challenges posed by market fluctuations,” added Johmani.

Nermin Habib, Creative Strategist for O2 Branding, said:

“The essence of our approach is to believe in a brand even before it is created.  As brands’ lives unravel to accommodate their surroundings, believing and seeing their full potential is the constant amongst continuous change.  This is how we give rise to believable brands.”

To learn more about O2 Branding, visit: www.o2-branding.net

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About O2 Network

The O2 Network is an award-winning, research-oriented agency that has been established to fill the gap in the Middle East’s communications industry.  Founded in Dubai in 2005, the O2 Network consists of four agencies: O2 Marketing Communications (O2MC), O2 Public Relations (O2PR), O2 Interactive (O2i), and O2 Branding.

The O2 Network is renowned for its innovative communications strategies rooted in extensive market research.  This researched methodology enables O2 to develop successful campaigns that effectively engage the consumer through multiple channels.  O2’s vision is to be the first UAE-based global marketing communications network to compete on the international stage. Through its unique approach “KNOW YOUR MARKET FIRST”™, O2 aims to put businesses, consumers, and the market at the core of all strategic planning.  O2 Network prides itself on its high-profile, international client base.  O2 partners have included Wahooo! Waterpark, Dubai Municipality, Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, Durrat Marina, Tameer, aswaaq, Al Ain Dairy, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University, Entrepreneur Business Village, Center of Waste Management Abu Dhabi, and the National Centre for Documentation and Research.

To learn more about this unique concept, please visit the O2 website at www.o2mc.net.

For more information please contact:

O2 Public Relations

Alaa Tarabay

Email: alaa.t@o2pr.net

Tel:  00971 50 1546747

O2 Marketing Communication buys silver Nol cards for its employees

In an aim to cooperate with RTA and its new public transportation plan for Dubai, O2 Marketing Communications has purchased Nol silver cards for all its employees in the UAE. The Nol Silver Cards gives access to ride the Dubai Metro and other integrated public transport methods in Dubai.

This step came as a contribution from O2 Marketing Communications to alleviate congestion and to encourage its employees to use public transport, especially the Dubai Metro that will be launched on 09.09.09.

O2 Marketing Communications has linked the use of the public transportation system to its KPI “Key Performance Indicator” of its employees, the more the employees make use of Dubai’s public transport system, the more points they get in their KPI.

Mr. Mohamed Johmani, Managing Director of O2 Marketing Communications said:

“This idea comes as a contribution from O2 Marketing Communications to encourage the use of public transportation, especially the metro, which is situated outside of the O2 office. It is considered one of the most important methods of transport, used in developed countries, especially those with high population.”

“Dubai Metro is a pilot project, as it is the longest electronic driven railway/subway in the world. It is a safe and easy means of transport, and will no doubt change the perception and behaviour of the people of Dubai,” concluded Al Johmani

He also called on all companies and institutions operating in Dubai to take after O2 Marketing Communications and encourage its employees to use public means of transport, especially the Dubai Metro to eliminate traffic jams, and congestions in the streets.

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ABOUT O2

O2 MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS is an award-winning research-oriented agency that has been established to fill the gap in the Middle East’s communications industry.  Established in 2005 in Dubai, O2MC creates and focuses on effective, innovative marketing and market research.

Today, O2 has branched out to include O2Public Relations (O2PR) and O2Interactive (O2i). With a branch in Bahrain (2006) and Abu Dhabi (2008) and a new branch that opened in KSA in Riyadh and Jeddah in March 2009, O2 prides itself on its high-profile regional and client base.

In 2007, O2 MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS (O2MC) were officially notified they had been granted an Arabian Property Award “the property industry’s most prestigious awards programme”, sponsored by CNBC. Last month O2PR and O2i were notified that they had been granted an Arabian Property Award for 2008. O2 was also recently presented with the title “Best Marketing and Promotion Business” by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, in the Young Business Leaders Awards.

O2 MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS corporate aim is to be the first UAE-based global marketing communications network to compete effectively alongside global communications players. Through our unique concept “KNOWY OUR MARKET FIRST”™, we aim to put the consumers, the customers, the market, and the audiences at the core of our clients marketing plans and strategies.

Mr. Amitabh Mathur with Mr. Samer Nassif

O2 Marketing Communications Named The Dragon’s Official Communications Agency

The Dragon Hotel & Resort has officially appointed O2 Marketing Communications as their exclusive Advertising and Public Relations consultant. The Dragon, managed by Gama Hospitality Consultants, is a BD 22 million luxury Hotel & Resort and first hotel to inhabit Amwaj Islands.  The Project is one of the few in Bahrain which offer a range of exquisite accommodations, magnificent seafront views and is located close to the Bahrain International Airport.

The Dragon Hotel & Resort is a gateway of luxurious accommodations including suites, chalets and VVIP Villas overlooking the Arabian Gulf.  From private infinity pools and terraces to exclusive Jacuzzis and futuristic elevator lifts, the Dragon Hotel and Resort provides guests with a variety of choices and a range of features.  To compliment this, the Dragon offers a selection of leisure and entertainment facilities which are also open to the public, including water sports, fine dining establishments, premier sea front lounges, conference and banqueting venues and services as well as a first class Salon & Spa.

Mr. Amitabh Mathur, Director of Gama Hospitality Management said: “We have high hopes for the Dragon Hotel & Resort, not only as a premier destination in Bahrain but in the MENA region.  We are confident that our vision of transforming this project into a lavish all inclusive resort will be effectively attained through the expertise of O2 Marketing Communications.”

O2 Marketing Communications will provide the Dragon with exceptionally creative Advertising services and comprehensive Public Relations strategies for all of the project’s components in order to effectively launch the brand in Bahrain and the region while providing effective market engagement and full publicity.  “The Dragon Hotel & Resort is a phenomenal opportunity to showcase our marketing and public relations capabilities in the fields of hospitality and tourism.  We are looking forward to launching this unique concept in the region and working hand-in-hand with Gama Management Consultants in attaining their objectives,” said Mr. Samer Nassif, General Manager of O2 Marketing Communications, Bahrain.

Gama Hospitality Consultants, the company managing the Dragon Hotel & Resort is renowned for handling some of Bahrain’s major establishments, leisure attractions, and providing professional services within the hospitality, events management and food & beverage sectors. O2 Marketing Communications will be working closely with Gama Hospitality Consultants towards the planning and implementation of communications strategies and tactical campaigns for all of the Dragon’s features and facilities.

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Dragon Hotel & Resort

The Dragon marks the first hotel & resort of Amwaj Islands, a multimillion Bahraini Dinar real estate project composed of manmade islands off the northern coast of Muharraq.   The Dragon is a luxury hotel set along the waterfront with an estimated value of BD 22 million.  It was established by established by Mr. Saoud Kanoo, a private investor and distinguished Bahraini business man.

About Gama Hospitality Consultants:

The Dragon Hotel & Resort is a managed by Gamma Hospitality Consultants, one of Bahrain’s leading hotel companies that provides comprehensive hotel management services.  Gama Hospitality Consultants handles several projects in Bahrain including Dragon Resort, Sea Loft, Al Khobar Plaza and other establishments such as Wrangler, Cocoon Lounge and Champs.  Gama Hospitality Consultants provides management expertise to a range of clients, from small independent properties to corporate businesses and is comprised of a team that holds more than 30 years of expertise in the field.

About O2 Marketing Communications:

O2 is an award winning agency that provides all encompassing solutions in the fields of Marketing Communications, Public Relations, Interactive Digital Media, and Branding.  It is part of a larger network that spans the Middle East and holds affiliate offices across the world.  O2 is renowned for its unrivaled creativity and customized communications strategies rooted in extensive market research that yield compelling, successful solutions.  O2MC is one of the leading marketing communications agencies in the Gulf, and the first independent regional network with global reach.