Shakespeare Communications to handle regional PR for The Drill
The Drill, established in 2016, offers digital crisis simulation tools used by organisations to train staff and test response strategies under high-pressure scenarios. The platform has seen growing interest from sectors across the region, particularly in aviation, healthcare, government, oil and gas, and financial services.
Gerry McCusker, Managing Director of The Drill, said: 'Having visited the GCC for work over the years, we'd become aware of and met Ananda and several of her team. We felt their knowledge of regional media, plus understanding of our platform would help us build brand awareness when the time was right. And that time is now.'
The agency's remit will focus on increasing awareness of the platform in the GCC, where demand for crisis preparedness has grown in response to challenges ranging from cybersecurity and misinformation to operational disruptions.
'We are really looking forward to working with The Drill,' said Ananda Shakespeare, CEO of Shakespeare Communications, 'as it's an essential tool for any organisation which cares about having the right plans and skills for managing crises. As any business owner knows, being forewarned is being forearmed – and that ethos literally needs to be drilled into all issues, risk and crisis response staff. Preparedness before crises erupt is key, and we are helping The Drill get that strong message out across the region.'
Earlier this year, The Drill launched an Arabic-language version of its platform, aimed at tailoring simulation experiences to the needs of Gulf-based clients.
The Drill joins a growing client list at Shakespeare Communications, which provides media relations and strategic PR consultancy to companies operating in the UAE and wider Middle East region.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
30 minutes ago
- Zawya
Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy appoints chief executive officer to lead global growth
Specialist fire and life safety consultancy, Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy (FEC), has appointed Sam Alcock as chief executive officer. In his new role, Alcock will lead the consultancy's strategic expansion, with a strong focus on scaling operations in existing markets and developing new regional and international opportunities. Alcock joined the consultancy in 2011 as a fire consultant and was appointed Dubai director in 2016. He has been instrumental in positioning Tenable FEC as a trusted fire engineering partner across the GCC and internationally, expanding the consultancy's footprint in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Africa and India while maintaining strong profitability and client relationships. In 2024, Alcock helped the company achieve a 25 per cent increase in revenue and led a company-wide restructuring to strengthen long-term agility in 2025. With Tenable FEC now Salamah-approved in Saudi Arabia and the local office fully operational, the consultancy is targeting 30 per cent growth in 2025, driven by large-scale infrastructure and masterplanning projects. Sultan Al Maskri, founder and chairman of Tenable FEC, commented on the appointment: 'Sam embodies the ethos of our organisation and has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and a clear commitment to our company values. His technical knowledge, business acumen and drive for innovation have made a huge impact throughout our organisation over the years and he is an integral part of our growth. I am confident under Sam's leadership, Tenable FEC will continue to deliver exceptional value to our clients and strengthen our position in key markets.' Commenting on his new role, Alcock said: 'It's a privilege to be awarded the role of CEO at such a pivotal time for the business. Our team has built a strong foundation for growth and I look forward to continuing this momentum. My focus will be on expanding our capabilities, enhancing service delivery and strengthening our reputation as a leader in fire and life safety consultancy.' In 2024, Tenable FEC delivered over 540 projects valued at US$6 million, spanning mixed-use and hospitality developments and pre- and post-contract fire engineering services for high-end projects such as those along the Dubai Water Canal. So far in 2025, the consultancy has been awarded projects worth US$4.2 million, keeping it on track to exceed last year's performance and achieve its targeted 30 per cent growth this year. Alcock holds a bachelor's degree in Fire Safety Management and is recognised for his collaborative leadership style. He has championed workplace wellness initiatives and inclusive practices throughout the organisation, contributing to a positive internal culture and high-performing teams. About Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy (FEC): Founded in Oman in 2010, Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy provides a comprehensive range of high-quality, fire and life safety services, including code consulting, fire system design, performance-based fire design and third-party verification within the built environment. Tenable FEC adapts the latest fire engineering techniques to ensure the architectural integrity of a project is never compromised. Using the latest code requirements, engineering expertise and fire modelling tools, they improve building safety performance, protect architectural design aspirations, optimise floor plans and reduce unnecessary construction costs. With offices in Muscat, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and London, Tenable FEC executes regional and international projects of any size in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia. The team approach projects with leading talent and innovative technologies while adhering to international best practices, design codes and standards.
Zawya
31 minutes ago
- Zawya
UAE: 405 cases of ‘Fake Emiratisation' in H1 2025
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced it had detected 405 cases of 'Fake Emiratisation' in private sector companies during the first half of 2025. The Ministry asserted that legal action has been taken against companies involved in 'Fake Emiratisation' schemes, in line with Cabinet Decision No. (43) of 2025 Concerning Administrative Violations and Penalties Related to Initiatives and Programmes of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC). In a press statement, MoHRE stressed the efficiency of its field inspections and digital monitoring system in detecting negative practices, chief among them being 'Fake Emiratisation' schemes, which are considered a limited negative practice and do not constitute a concerning phenomenon in the UAE labour market. The Ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to dealing firmly and decisively with companies that fail to comply with Emiratisation policies and decisions, highlighting the negative repercussions of 'Fake Emiratisation' schemes on the broader objectives of Emiratisation efforts, which go beyond employing UAE citizens, and aim to develop a productive and sustainable Emirati human capital in the private sector. Emiratisation plans enable Emirati talents to actively participate in the country's development journey, and contribute more significantly to the national economy, especially in priority sectors targeted by semi-annual Emiratisation goals, the MoHRE statement continues, noting that these goals require enhancing UAE citizens' competency within real skilled jobs, where they perform duties that truly advance their capabilities. The Ministry commended the private sector's commitment to Emiratisation policies, decisions, and targets. It affirmed its continued support for compliant companies by including them in the Emiratisation Partners Club, which enables them to receive 80% reductions on Ministry transaction fees, and grants them priority in the government procurement system, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance. Compliant establishments also benefit from the support provided by the Nafis programme for UAE citizens' wages, along with other benefits and advantages.
Zawya
32 minutes ago
- Zawya
Mideast Stocks: Most Gulf equities end lower ahead of Powell's Jackson Hole speech
Most Gulf stocks fell on Wednesday in tandem with weaker global share markets, as investors wait for signals on the U.S. interest rate outlook from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the Jackson Hole symposium later this week. When Powell gives his speech on Friday traders will be watching closely for any pushback against expectations for a rate cut next month. U.S. monetary policy strongly influences Gulf markets, where most currencies are pegged to the dollar. The Qatari benchmark index fell for a fourth straight session, closing down 1.6% as profit-taking persisted after last week's earnings-fuelled rally. All constituents declined, including Qatar Islamic Bank, down 2.9%, and Qatar National Bank, off 1.5%. "The market in Qatar is awaiting the FTSE Global Equity Index quarterly review this week, which could influence trading activity," said Osama Al Saifi, managing director for MENA at FTSE Global Equity Index is considered a key benchmark among global institutional investors. Dubai's benchmark stock index dropped 0.5% after four sessions of gains, with most sectors lower. Blue-chip developer Emaar Properties lost 1%, and Emirates NBD fell 1.3%. The emirate's largest lender ENBD issued a 1 billion renminbi ($139 million) three-year Dim Sum bond at par to yield 2.4%, IFR reported. "The index continues to linger near multi-year highs, with its next direction uncertain. A correction remains possible if the market fails to find new support," said Al Saifi. The Abu Dhabi benchmark index eased 0.1%, weighed down by a 0.9% drop in Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and a 2% fall in ADNOC Drilling. Saudi Arabia's benchmark stock index was little changed, as gains in finance and consumer discretionary shares outweighed losses elsewhere. Al Rajhi Bank added 0.9% and Arab National Bank advanced 2.4% while Saudi Basic Industries and ACWA Power dropped 2.6% and 1.2% respectively. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index slid 1% with almost all of its constituents in red. Commercial International Bank retreated 1.5% and Juhayna Food dropped 5.2%. SAUDI ARABIA ended flat at 10,878 KUWAIT down 0.3% to 9,301 QATAR fell 1.6% to 11,307 EGYPT lost 1% to 35,732 BAHRAIN gained 0.3% to 1,933 OMAN up 0.4% to 4,939 ABU DHABI down 0.1% to 10,204 DUBAI dropped 0.5% to 6,122 (Reporting by Md Manzer Hussain; Editing by Helen Popper)
