
ADCCI launches Public Relations and Digital Marketing Working Group
This initiative reflects ADCCI's commitment to empowering the PR and digital marketing industry and strengthening its vital role in supporting Abu Dhabi's sustainable economic growth and diversification.
His Excellency Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ADCCI, said:
'The launch of the Public Relations and Digital Marketing Working Group acknowledges the pivotal role played by the communications and marketing sector in the UAE, and underlines Abu Dhabi's dedication to nurturing and advancing this important industry. By bringing together experts and industry leaders, we are fostering collaboration that drives innovation and raises standards.'
This initiative is part of ADCCI's broader strategy to promote dynamic business development and foster stronger public-private partnerships across Abu Dhabi. Since January 2023, ADCCI has played a vital role in establishing sector-focused working groups, creating platforms for meaningful dialogue between government entities and the private sector.
The working groups provide an essential forum for consultation and advocacy, ensuring that private sector input is incorporated into regulatory discussions and policy-making. Their remit includes identifying key challenges and opportunities in the PR and digital marketing sector, proposing practical solutions to relevant authorities, and reviewing legislation to enhance sector efficiency and competitiveness.
The Public Relations and Digital Marketing Working Group includes a distinguished group of industry leaders:
Ghaleb Zeidan, Regional Managing Director at Weber Shandwick MENAT, Chair of the Group
Samir Hammad, Founder of Columna Agency, Vice Chair
Ashraf Shakah, President, PR & Influence at Memac Ogilvy MENA
Baha Haroun, Senior Vice President at Burson
Jonty Summers, Managing Director at Hanover Middle East
Kate Midttun, Founder & CEO of Acorn Strategy, Chairperson of MEPRA
Louise Jacobson, Managing Partner at Brazen MENA
Omar Qirem, CEO of Edelman Middle East, Deputy Chair of Corporate Affairs for EMEA (PRCA MENA)
Peter Jacob, Managing Director at Current Global MENAT
Ghaleb Zeidan, Regional Managing Director of Weber Shandwick MENAT, and Chair of the Public Relations and Digital Marketing Working Group Said:
'As the UAE's business landscape evolves rapidly, more organisations are realising the value of communications in building influence, shaping reputation, and tackling challenges. I'm honoured by ADCCI's trust in appointing me Chair of this Group, and look forward to working with fellow industry leaders to create meaningful impact.'
About the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI):
ADCCI is Abu Dhabi's leading business support organisation. Focused on enhancing trade and investment, the Chamber plays a key role in driving the growth of the emirate's economy — especially for SMEs and the wider private sector. Through its strategic initiatives and partnerships, ADCCI fosters a dynamic business ecosystem that promotes investment and sustainable development across the emirate.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Arabian Business
Etihad hits 2m passengers in July 2025 as fleet grows to 111 aircraft
Etihad Airways welcomed 2m passengers in July 2025 and added five new aircraft to its fleet in a record month for both growth and expansion. The UAE's national airline reported a 19 per cent year-on-year increase in passenger traffic, alongside a milestone rolling 12-month total of 20.3m travellers, reflecting strong global demand and its expanding network. In July alone, the carrier's passenger load factor rose to 90 per cent, up from 89 per cent in July 2024, signalling efficient capacity management and sustained demand. Etihad Airways growth Etihad's operating fleet now stands at 111 aircraft, supporting a growing network of 81 passenger destinations, up from 76 a year earlier. The month saw the arrival of its first Airbus A321LR, along with two Boeing 787s, an Airbus A350-1000, and an A320. Year-to-date, Etihad has flown 12.2 million passengers, a 17 per cent increase over the same period in 2024, with an average load factor of 88 per cent versus 86 per cent last year. Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said: 'We continue to see strong momentum in our performance, with passenger numbers in July growing by 19 per cent year-on-year. Our rolling 12-month total has surpassed 20m for the first time in our history reflecting the trust our customers place in our service and the strength of our network.'


Al Etihad
2 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi clubs gear up for Pro League season
14 Aug 2025 00:39 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)As the countdown goes down to the start of the ADNOC Pro League's new season, clubs are burning the midnight oil to pick up players even though the transfer window remains open until October clubs are trying to get their new signings into the country as early as possible while the season's opening fixtures are set to unfold on Saturday and Sunday, marking the 18th staging of the league in its professional season's launch was preceded by a formal draw event held at ADNOC headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The event was attended by dignitaries, including Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC CEO, as well as Abdulla Al Jneibi, Chairman of the UAE Pro League and First Vice President of the UAE Football the draw introduced a novel AI-driven schedule mechanism, designed to distribute high-profile matches evenly across rounds, avoid clustering matches within the same city, and respect clubs' continental commitments. The first round has ensured easy match-ups for the top-table clubs from last year's standings, thus expecting a flying first round will feature the following pairings: Shabab Al Ahli vs Al Dhafra; Dibba vs Sharjah; Al Ain vs Al Bataeh; Ittihad Kalba vs Al Nasr; Ajman vs Al Wahda; Khor Fakkan vs Al Jazira; and Al Wasl vs Bani clubs based out of the Abu Dhabi emirate, Al Jazira have bolstered their squad by securing Brazilian defender Willyan Rocha from CSKA Moscow in their latest addition. He joins the 'Pride of Abu Dhabi' club, comprising foreign players such as Egyptians Ibrahim Adel and Mohamed Elneny, French playmaker Nabil Fekir, and the Argentine forward Roman Merez. Rocha's arrival underscores Al Jazira's ambition to enhance defensive depth while maintaining creative midfield and attacking Ain will commence the season against newly promoted Al Bataeh. The leading club from Al Ain Region strengthened their squad in June by recruiting Houssine Rahimi on a four-year contract; the midfielder comes from Raja Casablanca and joins his brother, Soufiane, at the Wahda, another prominent Abu Dhabi-based side, will face Ajman in the opening Yas executed a flurry of transfer activity in recent days, adding several foreigners to their roster. They signed Brazilian midfielder Kaiki Pereira (25), previously with Botafogo and Spartak Subotica; UAE international Mackenzie Hunt (23), from Fleetwood Town in England; and Tunisian playmaker Oussama Abeid (23), from Étoile du Sahel. The club complemented these with other signings and who were presented in front of iconic local backdrops. Uzbek player Akmal Muzgovoi was announced via visuals at Yas Marina Circuit, Mali's Mahamadou Camara was introduced through heritage-themed content, and Ivorian striker Ismaël Touré was revealed using footage from Zayed International Bataeh, meanwhile, signed Guinean midfielder Omar Keita, 22, on loan from Shabab Al Ahli. Al Dhafra have added Moroccan striker Karim El Berkaoui, 30, on a free transfer for one season. Among the Dubai clubs, Al Wasl have unveiled their marquee acquisition, Sergio Pereira Andrade or Serginho, from Cape Verde. He joins from the Danish club Viborg. The signing for the club, nicknamed Emperors, was publicised through a creative video produced at the Jebel Ali racecourse – colloquially called the 'Yellow Track.' The distribution of matchups through the AI-based draw system aims to set an even competitive tone in the initial rounds. Clubs will aim to deploy their enhanced rosters effectively in order to commence the season with results that reflect their aspirations.


The National
4 hours ago
- The National
UAE telecoms authority begins public consultation for satellite reseller regulations
In what could be a watershed moment for satellite service re-sellers in the UAE, the country's telecoms regulator has announced that it was taking public input as it creates a licence framework. On its website, the UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority emphasised it wanted feedback for regulations to "regularise the current resale of satellite services". Once the TDRA finalises specifics for what it describes as a "category B" licence, the door would be opened for many businesses and entities to sell connectivity devices and services – paving the way for resellers of low-earth-orbit satellite internet communications devices such as Starlink. Under current regulations, only certain UAE entities with the current telecoms licence are permitted to provide these services. During the public consultation, the TDRA is seeking to "take relevant input provided by the stakeholders into consideration when drafting its regulation", according to the consultation form on the authority's website. According to SpaceX, operator of Starlink, the service is "pending regulatory approval" in the UAE. A document posted this year to the TDRA's website showed that Starlink was granted a regulatory licence in 2024 that will last about 10 years for 'maritime satellite internet services'. In the Middle East, Starlink is available in Qatar, Yemen, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan and Israel. Jimmy Grewal, executive director Dubai-based marine electronics company Elcome International, said he was excited about the the opportunities presented during the public comment period. "The TDRA's open consultation is a welcome step that brings clarity to a fast-moving market and will accelerate the safe rollout of next-generation satellite connectivity across the UAE," he said. Mr Grewal said a detailed framework for resellers like Elcome will strengthen options, resilience and productivity for government, maritime, aviation and offshore energy sector workers seeking internet and communications connectivity. He said he was also prepared for the possibility of the regulations opening the door for Starlink access in the UAE. "As one of the first and largest Starlink resellers in the world, Elcome is keen to bring the benefits of Starlink to our home market once the new regulatory framework is in place," Mr Grewal said. According to the TDRA's feedback form posted on its website, relevant entities are being asked about ideal licence durations, satellite reseller fees and overall reactions to draft legislation. The regulatory body is accepting public consultation until September 25.