Latest news with #KhaledAlShehhi
Campaign ME
07-07-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Agency of The Year Middle East 2025: First wave of judges
Campaign Middle East has revealed the first round of judges for the fourth edition of its annual Agency of the Year Middle East 2025 awards. This first wave of 11 judges have been selected for their seniority, cross-sector expertise and sharp understanding of the media, advertising, marketing and communications industries. They've built brands, led strategy, and navigated the shifting currents of media and marketing in the Middle East. Now, they're turning their attention to the region's best agencies. Winning an Agency of The Year Middle East 2025 award gives your agency exposure and positions how effectively it works in front of potential clients. Shortlists and winners will be given editorial coverage in Campaign Middle East, with more than 20k newsletter subscribers and 90,000 monthly page views. Being shortlisted provides a unique platform to promote your agency and talent and boost morale. Integrity is a core component behind awarded recognition and Campaign Middle East is committed to ensuring that the judging is fair, trustworthy, and ethical. MediaSense audits our judging process to ensure judges' decisions are objective and based only on the entry in front of them. Enter now for a chance to be recognised as the best in the region. Entries can be made at a discounted rate for the early bird deadline of August 7, 2025. To download the full entry kit, click here. To assist with the entry process, Campaign Middle East in partnership with Haymarket Media Group is hosting a free-of-cost awards clinic webinar on Thursday, July 10. Click here to sign up. We asked the first wave of judges to share some tips entrants should consider when they create their entries for the Agency of The Year Middle East 2025 awards. Here's what they had to say: Khaled Al Shehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communication, UAE Government Media Office 'Tell the story behind the numbers. This award isn't about campaigns; it's about your agency as a business. Show how you achieved what you did, what challenges you faced, and how your people made it happen.' Jon Barber, Vice President – Marketing & Communications , TECOM Group 'Tell a compelling story with clarity and focus. Make sure your objectives, strategy, execution, and results are clearly linked and backed by evidence.' Beatriz Bendetti, Head of Marketing MENA, BRF 'Choose your best business cases, which you are most proud of and which represent the agency's culture, and be clear when presenting the main results.' Ahmed El Gamal, Partner & Co-founder / Executive Director of Marketing, Mr. Regimen 'What I'd like to see is why this problem mattered and the impact your work had in the real world. Be it brand, human, or commercial, every business has a number of challenges, but it's how you overcome these challenges that makes your case interesting.' Melanie De Souza, Destination Marketing – Executive Director, Royal Commission for AlUla 'Tangible demonstration of how excellence and integrated marketing deliver against business objectives with qualified and quantified KPIs.' Tiya Fazelbhoy, Global Marketing – Hydration, Sports & Teas, The Coca-Cola Company 'Structure your entry to tell a compelling story of how your agency strategically planned and executed initiatives that not only aligned with your client's clear objectives but also drove significant revenue and record-breaking results.' Loay Nour, VP, Brand & Marketing Communications, Accor – Fairmont Hotels & Resorts 'Demonstrate your KPIs and define how did you measure success.' Wassim Derbi, Head of Marketing & Brand Communication, Hyundai Motors UAE 'Focus on quantifiable results. Back up every claim with hard data, metrics, and client testimonials that demonstrate tangible success. Highlight your agency's values, diverse talent, and collaborative environment. Give yourself ample time to gather information, write, and refine your submission.' Manoj Khimji, Managing Director, The Vantage 'Be concise and prioritise the key points of the entry. Use design to draw attention to the main highlights of your presentation. Keep the entry 'real' such that judges can feel a connection to the work and the agency through the deck.' Ramzi Atat, Head of Marketing & PR, Lotus Cars 'A strong entry isn't about listing everything you've done, It's about telling a sharp, emotionally engaging story that clearly connects creativity to commercial impact. Be bold, be selective, and most importantly, make us feel something.' Nicola Porter, Executive Editor, Bloomberg Media 'Ensure the entry articulates your USP – what makes your agency stand out against the rest and what impact did it have.' To stay updated with judges announcements for the Agency of the Year Middle East 2025 awards, click here.
CairoScene
16-06-2025
- Sport
- CairoScene
UAE Claims First Place at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Grappling World Tour
The UAE topped the tournament leaderboard with 31,000 points, ahead of Brazil and Russia. Jun 16, 2025 The UAE has taken first place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Grappling World Tour, hosted at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) Federation, the international tournament attracted elite grapplers from more than 50 countries for a weekend of intense competition. Leading the Emirati team was Khaled Al Shehhi, who earned gold in the professional division with a performance marked by technical precision and strategic execution. In the heavyweight category, Pouya Rahmani added to the UAE's medal tally with a dominant run to gold. The UAE finished the tournament with a total of 31,000 points, edging out Brazil, which placed second with 30,600 points. Russia followed in third with 19,000 points.
Gulf Today
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
UAE finish on top at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Grappling World Tour
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Grappling World Tour concluded on Saturday at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, featuring hundreds of athletes from over 50 countries. The event was organized by the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) Federation. The tournament witnessed a fierce display of skill, strength, and strategy as elite competitors from around the world battled across grappling and ground fighting disciplines. Each bout showcased the highest levels of athleticism, with nations fielding their best talents in a bid for international supremacy. Amidst this intense competition, it was the UAE that emerged as the dominant force, topping the overall standings with a remarkable total of 31,000 points. Brazil, long regarded as a powerhouse in the world of grappling, followed closely with 30,600 points, while Russia secured third place with a solid 19,000 points. These results not only reflect the high caliber of the tournament but also shine a spotlight on the incredible rise of Emirati athletes on the global stage. The UAE's commanding performance is a testament to years of focused investment in sports development, world-class training infrastructure, and the strategic vision of the country's leadership, which continues to empower local athletes to reach new heights. The success of the Emirati contingent in such a high-profile event marks a significant milestone in the nation's sporting journey—one that signals its growing influence in the global martial arts community. Emirati champion Khaled Al Shehhi delivered a dominant performance to claim the gold medal in the highly competitive professional division, emerging victorious after a series of intense and decisive matches. His path to the top was paved by a combination of sheer physical power, exceptional technical mastery, and razor-sharp tactical intelligence. With every bout, Al Shehhi demonstrated why he is considered one of the UAE's premier athletes, executing his strategies with clinical precision and an unwavering fighting spirit. His victory not only highlights his individual excellence but also stands as a proud moment for the nation, reinforcing the UAE's growing prominence on the international martial arts stage. Tareq Al Bahri, General Manager of AJP, attended the finals and presented the awards. Shehhi commented: 'This achievement is the culmination of years of relentless dedication, sacrifice, and the unwavering support I've received—especially from our wise leadership, who have always believed in the power of sport to inspire and unite. 'Standing on the top of the podium here in Abu Dhabi, my home, is a feeling that words can hardly capture. It's not just a personal victory—it's a moment that belongs to every coach, teammate, and supporter who has stood by me through the journey.' He continued:'The level of competition was incredibly high, with opponents representing a wide range of grappling schools and styles from around the world. Each match tested not just my physical condition, but my mental sharpness and adaptability. What made the difference today was my preparation, my belief, and my unwavering determination to make my country proud. This gold medal is more than just a symbol of success—it's a major milestone in my career and a source of motivation to keep pushing forward.' Pouya Rahmani, a standout in the heavyweight grappling division, also earned gold after a string of impressive performances through the elimination and final rounds. He said: 'Competing in AJP events always feels special. It's organized at a world-class level and attracts the strongest competitors. I sensed I was performing in front of an audience that truly values this sport, which gave me a crucial motivational boost. The organization was flawless, the referees top-tier, and the conditions perfect for delivering my best.'
Arabian Post
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Arabian Post
Emirati Dominance Marks Abu Dhabi Grappling Grand Prix
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi hosted the culminating round of the Grand Prix Grappling World Tour at Mubadala Arena, Zayed Sports City, drawing hundreds of athletes from over 50 nations yesterday. The UAE secured top position in the overall standings, with 31,000 points, narrowly surpassing Brazil's 30,600 and Russia's 19,000, highlighting Emirati athletic rise in combat sports. Leading the charge was Khaled Al Shehhi, who seized gold in the professional division after a series of commanding performances. Demonstrating exceptional physical strength and technical finesse, Al Shehhi attributed his victory to years of rigorous training and unwavering institutional backing from national leadership. He praised the diversity of grappling styles present and affirmed that the title represents a 'significant milestone' in his career. ADVERTISEMENT In the heavyweight division, Pouya Rahmani also took home gold. He commended the tournament's professionalism, citing world‑class refereeing and flawless logistical arrangements, which, he added, elevated his performance amid a passionate crowd. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Jiu‑Jitsu Pro Federation, the event underlined Abu Dhabi's growing stature as a global combat‑sports hub. Its presence on the AJP calendar consistently attracts elite talent and contributes to the city's international sporting profile. Analysts note that this iteration—held on 14 June 2025—reflects a wider trend of rising investment and performance in grappling disciplines across the Gulf. With significant prize money and global ranking points at stake, UK‑based grappling commentator James Carter remarked: 'This tournament is fast evolving into a key international stage for pro grapplers—it draws tactical competitors from Europe, South America, and Asia alike.' Data from AJP shows this year's event awarded 2,000 global ranking points to each champion—an incentive that has increased both participation and competitive intensity. At the closing ceremony, Tareq Al Bahri, general manager of AJP, lauded the standard of competition and Emirati athletes' achievements. He emphasised that national development programmes have been instrumental in nurturing home‑grown talent, with jiu‑jitsu federations investing in grassroots camps and international coaching exchanges. Veteran coach Maria Fernandez, who oversees female grappling teams across the region, observed that the UAE's multi‑tiered strategy—combining youth training, scholarships, and elite events at Mubadala Arena—has yielded visible results. 'What we've seen here isn't just isolated wins; it's structural change. The UAE is visibly closing the gap with traditionally dominant nations like Brazil and Russia,' she said. Looking ahead, organisers confirm that the Abu Dhabi stop is set to remain a keystone of the 2025‑26 AJP Grappling World Tour. Future events, including youth and professional categories, will continue at Mubadala Arena and additional venues across the emirate, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's role in hosting elite martial‑arts competition. For Khaled Al Shehhi and Pouya Rahmani, the gold medals on home soil represent both personal triumph and national pride. Their performances, supported by a robust governance and funding framework, signal a shifting landscape in global grappling—a sport now gaining serious ground in the Middle East.
Sharjah 24
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Sharjah 24
UAE tops Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Grappling World Tour
UAE claims first place in overall rankings The UAE led the final standings with 31,000 points, followed closely by Brazil with 30,600 points, and Russia with 19,000 points. The strong performance highlights the growing international success and development of Emirati athletes in combat sports. Khaled Al Shehhi wins gold in professional division Emirati grappling star Khaled Al Shehhi secured a gold medal in the professional division, impressing with his strength, technique, and tactical mastery. He expressed pride in representing the UAE and credited his victory to years of preparation and support from the country's leadership. Pouya Rahmani dominates heavyweight division In the heavyweight division, Pouya Rahmani also clinched gold after a series of commanding performances. He praised the event's organization, the quality of competition, and the passionate crowd that motivated him to deliver his best. Abu Dhabi reinforces its status as a global combat sports hub The event further solidified Abu Dhabi's reputation as a premier destination for international combat sports. As a key fixture in the AJP calendar, the Grand Prix continues to attract top-tier athletes and raise the global profile of grappling sports.
