Latest news with #WeberShandwick
Biz Bahrain
05-07-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Weber Shandwick and ZENDATA Cybersecurity Partner on Integrated Cyber Crisis Solution Across EMEA
Weber Shandwick, the earned-first global communications agency, has entered into a strategic partnership with ZENDATA Cybersecurity, a leading global cybersecurity firm, to deliver a fully integrated cyber crisis and resilience offering under Weber Advisory. The partnership combines deep expertise in cybersecurity and threat intelligence with industry-leading crisis communications and reputation management, offering clients a seamless solution to navigate today's complex risk landscape. This collaboration reflects a growing demand from boards, CEOs and communications leaders for a unified approach to cyber resilience, which addresses both the technical and reputational dimensions of modern crises. The Weber Shandwick–ZENDATA Cybersecurity alliance will initially launch from regional hubs in London, Geneva and Dubai, with a view to serving clients across Europe, the Middle East and beyond. 'This partnership is a powerful extension of Weber Advisory and a direct response to client needs,' said Alphonse Daudre-Vignier, Executive Vice President, Corporate, Weber Shandwick. 'Managing a cyber crisis has long required more than a technical fix; it's a test of leadership, trust and stakeholder confidence. By combining our strengths with ZENDATA Cybersecurity, we're giving clients the integrated capabilities they need to anticipate, manage and recover from digital threats with greater agility and authority.' ZENDATA Cybersecurity brings cutting-edge cybersecurity services to the partnership, including proactive threat hunting, dark web monitoring, and rapid incident response. These technical capabilities will be integrated with Weber Advisory's proven crisis communications frameworks and strategic counsel. Steven Meyer and Isabelle Meyer, Co-CEOs of ZENDATA Cybersecurity, have noted a widespread and dangerous trend: 'Companies consistently overestimate their readiness to face modern cyber threats. With this partnership, we're redefining what preparedness looks like. By fusing our cybersecurity expertise with Weber Shandwick's crisis communications leadership, we're helping organisations not just react, but respond with resilience and control.' The offering will include joint cyber crisis simulations, scenario planning, real-time incident response and recovery support. The integrated solution builds on Weber Shandwick's recent launch of RADIUS – an operational AI-powered issues and crisis platform developed in collaboration with clients – now enhanced with ZENDATA Cybersecurity's cyber threat intelligence.
UAE Moments
02-07-2025
- Business
- UAE Moments
UAE Named Top Destination for MENA Content Creators
A new report reveals that the UAE is the number one choice for content creators in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with many praising the Gulf region for driving change—especially in tourism and entertainment. According to the second edition of the InfluAnswer Arabia report by Weber Shandwick MENAT, 77% of surveyed content creators believe that GCC countries are setting the pace when it comes to positive regional development. The study reflects growing confidence in how the Gulf is shaping the influencer space and wider industry trends. UAE tops the list, followed by Saudi Arabia and Lebanon When asked which country stands out the most in terms of innovation and influence, 45% of creators chose the UAE. Saudi Arabia came in second with 26%, while Lebanon followed with 10%. The findings reflect a shift in perception, with influencers now seeing the UAE and its neighbors not just as markets—but as creative hubs setting new standards across tourism, entertainment, and digital content. Influencers see growing opportunities in the GCC The report captures how creators in the region view the evolving landscape of influencer marketing. Many are drawn to the Gulf's fast-paced development, government support for digital growth, and increasing investment in events, travel experiences, and entertainment platforms. As the GCC continues to position itself as a hotspot for creators, the UAE remains firmly in the spotlight—not just for its infrastructure, but for how it supports content creation as a serious profession. What this means for brands and audiences With creators now aligning more closely with Gulf-based opportunities, brands in the region are likely to benefit from more localized and high-quality content. For audiences, this could mean more relevant, engaging, and culturally in-tune content across platforms. The message is clear: the GCC is no longer just catching up—it's leading the way.
Khaleej Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
UAE top country of choice for MENA content creators as GCC drives positive change
A growing number of influencers believe the Gulf is at the forefront of regional transformation — especially in the tourism and entertainment sectors. Among the standout nations, the UAE emerged as the top pick, with 45 per cent of surveyed creators pointing to its growing influence and innovation in this space. Saudi Arabia followed at 26 per cent, while Lebanon was chosen by 10 per cent of respondents. That's according to the newly released InfluAnswer Arabia report by Weber Shandwick MENAT (Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey), where 77 per cent of MENA content creators say GCC countries are leading the way in driving positive change across these industries. Now in its second edition, InfluAnswer Arabia captures the views of the region's influencer community, shedding light on how creators perceive shifts in the influencer marketing ecosystem and the broader role of countries in shaping industry trends. New and continuous content opportunities in UAE Speaking to Khaleej Times, social media influencer Jacquelyn May, who has 93.3K followers on Instagram, said, "I live in Abu Dhabi and truly love it. After spending nine years in the UAE, I can confidently say that both Dubai and the country as a whole are among the best places in the world to live. That's why working to promote the city and country I call home is something I'm genuinely passionate about." She explained as a content creator, staying on top of trends is important — though it can be challenging at times. "What matters is staying true to your niche and personal style. My audience is largely based in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, so while I keep an eye on trends, I always ensure that my content reflects who I am and resonates with my community." "One of the things I love most about being a creator here is how international the experience is. You meet people from all over the world and get to explore different aspects of content that appeal to a wide range of audiences. Dubai, in particular, feels like a creative melting pot — there's beauty everywhere, and it's incredibly photogenic.' May emphasized there's always something happening here, even in the summer. 'Whether it's spending time at Aquaventure, relaxing on the beach, or going night swimming, the city constantly offers new opportunities for content creation. It's a stark contrast to my time in Canada, where eight months of snow often meant staying indoors with little to do." Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said, "Travel growth in the Middle East is incredibly strong, with annual growth averaging more than 7 per cent through 2030. Bold national visions, game-changing developments, and enhanced connectivity are some of the key factors driving this momentum.' While short-form content continues to dominate, long-form content is growing in prominence. Many creators are experimenting with lengthy, in-depth content types that allow for more personal storytelling and authentic expression. Additionally, six in ten MENA creators say that they posted more in the past year about causes they care personally care about. 'My niche is very much focused on the GCC, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Many creators who move here from the UK or Australia tend to tailor their content to their home countries. But for me, my audience and identity as a MENA creator are deeply rooted in this region,' she added. Positive about AI Meanwhile, positive sentiment toward AI tools has surged, with influencers increasingly shifting from a neutral stance to hands-on implementation and broader experimentation. Almost half — 49 per cent — of creators in the MENA region now view AI positively, a significant rise from just 29 per cent last year. Digital creators believe the most notable impact of AI will be the emergence of more sophisticated tools and analytics -- cited by 63 per cent -- enabling them to automate repetitive tasks and dedicate more time to storytelling. Ziad Hasbani, Regional CEO, Weber Shandwick MENAT, said, "MENA's influencer landscape continues to mature, and despite increased competition, content creators are growing in confidence. The themes that are driving optimism and progress centre around authenticity, community-building, and strategic diversification in terms of platforms, content types, and monetisation. This year's report gives brands a clearer lens into what creators' value, and how to build partnerships that are authentic, impactful, effective, and built to last.'
Zawya
01-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Weber Shandwick and ZENDATA Cybersecurity partner on integrated cyber crisis solution across EMEA
London / Geneva / Dubai – Weber Shandwick, the earned-first global communications agency, has entered into a strategic partnership with ZENDATA Cybersecurity, a leading global cybersecurity firm, to deliver a fully integrated cyber crisis and resilience offering under Weber Advisory. The partnership combines deep expertise in cybersecurity and threat intelligence with industry-leading crisis communications and reputation management, offering clients a seamless solution to navigate today's complex risk landscape. This collaboration reflects a growing demand from boards, CEOs and communications leaders for a unified approach to cyber resilience, which addresses both the technical and reputational dimensions of modern crises. The Weber Shandwick–ZENDATA Cybersecurity alliance will initially launch from regional hubs in London, Geneva and Dubai, with a view to serving clients across Europe, the Middle East and beyond. 'This partnership is a powerful extension of Weber Advisory and a direct response to client needs,' said Alphonse Daudre-Vignier, Executive Vice President, Corporate, Weber Shandwick. 'Managing a cyber crisis has long required more than a technical fix; it's a test of leadership, trust and stakeholder confidence. By combining our strengths with ZENDATA Cybersecurity, we're giving clients the integrated capabilities they need to anticipate, manage and recover from digital threats with greater agility and authority.' ZENDATA Cybersecurity brings cutting-edge cybersecurity services to the partnership, including proactive threat hunting, dark web monitoring, and rapid incident response. These technical capabilities will be integrated with Weber Advisory's proven crisis communications frameworks and strategic counsel. Steven Meyer and Isabelle Meyer, Co-CEOs of ZENDATA Cybersecurity, have noted a widespread and dangerous trend: "Companies consistently overestimate their readiness to face modern cyber threats. With this partnership, we're redefining what preparedness looks like. By fusing our cybersecurity expertise with Weber Shandwick's crisis communications leadership, we're helping organisations not just react, but respond with resilience and control.' The offering will include joint cyber crisis simulations, scenario planning, real-time incident response and recovery support. The integrated solution builds on Weber Shandwick's recent launch of RADIUS – an operational AI-powered issues and crisis platform developed in collaboration with clients – now enhanced with ZENDATA Cybersecurity's cyber threat intelligence. About Weber Shandwick: Weber Shandwick is the earned-first global communications agency. Led by world-class strategic and creative thinkers and activators, Weber Shandwick has won some of the most prestigious awards in the industry, including being named #1 in the Public Relations and Brand Strategies category on Fast Company's 2024 Most Innovative Companies list, one of Fast Company's Best Workplace for Innovators in 2023, PRWeek's 2024 Global Agency of the Year, ranked #1 on PRovoke's Global Creative Index in 2024 and honored on Ad Age's A-List in 2024 & 2020 and Best Places to Work in 2019, in addition to being awarded Campaign Global's PR Agency of the Year in 2023. Weber Shandwick was the most awarded PR agency at the 2023 and 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, including earning the PR industry's first-ever idea-led Cannes Grand Prix in the Brand Experience & Activation category and cumulatively earning more than 225 Cannes Lions. Weber Shandwick has also been named PR Agency of the Year by Campaign US in 2021, honored as PRovoke's Global Agency of the Decade in 2020 and ranked #1 on PRovoke's Global Creative Index in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, the firm was named PRWeek's Global Agency of the Year in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 and was awarded PRWeek's Purpose Agency of the Year in 2020 and 2021. Weber Shandwick also received Honorable Mention on the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Global Marketing Agencies in 2021, as the only PR agency featured. Part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG), Weber Shandwick is the anchor agency within The Weber Shandwick Collective (TWSC) – the strategic communications and advisory network. For more information, visit About Weber Advisory Weber Shandwick's modern, global corporate affairs advisory unit — Weber Advisory — is designed for the realities of today's high-stakes business environment amid a dynamic cultural context. Weber Advisory offers a comprehensive suite of services and technology built to empower agile corporate and public affairs executives to create and protect stakeholder value in critical situations, including geopolitical issues, mergers and acquisitions, stakeholder activism, major crises, leadership transitions, and business transformations. About ZENDATA Cybersecurity ZENDATA is a leading cybersecurity company operating in Switzerland, the UAE, Bahrain, and Singapore. With a comprehensive portfolio that includes Threat Intelligence, SOC/MSSP, CREST-certified services, Incident Response, Red Teaming, vCISO, VAPT, and Cyber Crisis Management, ZENDATA protects critical infrastructure, as well as government, financial, and industrial sectors worldwide. ZENDATA Cybersecurity is renowned for designing and continuously improving its in-house cybersecurity programs and operating state-of-the-art Security Operations Centers (SOCs) located in Geneva, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore. Each year, ZENDATA conducts thorough due diligence on the latest cybersecurity advancements to deliver the most effective solutions to organizations, governments, and businesses. ZENDATA collaborates with law enforcement agencies such as the Geneva Police and Interpol and is frequently featured in the media. In addition to providing services, ZENDATA drives innovation by developing its own security products and managing large-scale projects. Notably, ZENDATA has built the world's first Cybersecurity Museum in Abu Dhabi and developed the world's first educational SOC in Bahrain. In 2025, ZENDATA continued to demonstrate its leadership in the cybersecurity industry by participating in some of the world's most prestigious events. These include GITEX, GICEC, Black Hat, and the Intersec 2025 Innovation Stage in the MENA region, DICYFOR Bangkok 2025, the HSBC Global Summit 2025 in Hong Kong, and Forward 2025 organized by Le Temps in Switzerland. At these events, ZENDATA showcased its cutting-edge solutions and expertise in combating evolving cyber threats. ZENDATA also received significant recognition for its contributions to strengthening cybersecurity maturity in Bahrain, winning a prestigious CREST award for its efforts. For more information, visit Contact: Charlotte Fougeres Company: Weber Shandwick Email: CFougeres@
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
AI sentiment among MENA's content creators shifts from neutral to positive, finds InfluAnswer Arabia report
Almost half (49%) is positive about AI, indicating a shift from neutrality to positivity 63% say a VIP experience is important – a significant jump from 51% last year Three-quarters (77%) believe that GCC countries are leading positive transformation in tourism and entertainment Brand reputation enters the top three factors in choosing which brands to collaborate with DUBAI, UAE – Weber Shandwick MENAT has launched the second edition of InfluAnswer Arabia, a report informed by the perspectives of content creators, that delves into the MENA region's evolving landscape of influencer marketing. The report also explores regional dynamics through the lens of its influencers, highlighting which countries they believe are spearheading positive transformation in specific sectors. While personal belief in a brand is still the most important factor for creators choosing a brand to work with, brand reputation entered the top three factors for the first time – overtaking even monetary value. This marks a clear shift from last year, reflecting how creators are thinking more critically about the public perception, values, and credibility of the brands they associate with. Other insights from the report include: Real-life experiences and brand connections With time and physical presence at a premium, creators say events must deliver something beyond the ordinary. Nearly two-thirds (63%) say a VIP experience is important – a significant jump from 51% last year. However, the most important goal when considering attending an event is still the connection with the brand – and this sentiment is growing even stronger for creators, from 66% last year to 80% this year. Positive about AI, concerned about deepfakes Positive sentiment toward AI tools has soared as influencers move beyond neutrality into practical implementation and wider experimentation. Almost half (49%) of MENA creators is positive about the use of AI – up from just 29% last year. Digital creators say the top impact of AI will be the introduction of more advanced tools and analytics (63%), allowing them to automate repetitive tasks and focus more on storytelling. Despite enthusiasm, there is concern about deepfakes, which ranked third (41%) in the most prominent impacts of AI. 'MENA's influencer landscape continues to mature, and despite increased competition, content creators are growing in confidence. The themes that are driving optimism and progress centre around authenticity, community-building, and strategic diversification in terms of platforms, content types, and monetisation. This year's report gives brands a clearer lens into what creators value, and how to build partnerships that are authentic, impactful, effective, and built to last,' says Ziad Hasbani, Regional CEO, Weber Shandwick MENAT. At the report's launch event, leading industry figures from Snap, TikTok, and Boehringer Ingelheim joined established regional creators Abdullah Raesi, Emkwan and Safa Srour to discuss the insights and themes impacting the growth and advancement in this dynamic field. 'This year's findings highlight a deeper shift – towards embracing AI implementation, prioritizing real-world connection, and exploring additional content formats. The best collaborations aren't just transactional; they're built on shared experiences, mutual respect, and brand purpose. As the line between content and community continues to blur, brands that invest in meaningful engagement will stand out,' added Ghaleb Zeidan, Regional Managing Director, Weber Shandwick MENAT. Friendly Gulf competition While the friendly competition between the ambitions of some Gulf countries can be seen in the many initiatives of their national visions, such as landmark firsts and business incentives, it's interesting to see signs of this good-natured rivalry and loyalty spill over into the content creator landscape. Influencers say positive transformation is happening in many sectors, 77% of MENA content creators believe GCC countries are leading positive transformation in the tourism and entertainment industry: 45% say it's UAE, 26% selected Saudi Arabia, and 10% chose Lebanon. Podcasts and purpose proliferate While short-form content continues to dominate, long-form content is growing in prominence. Many creators are experimenting with lengthy, in-depth content types that allow for more personal storytelling and authentic expression. Nearly half (48%) are considering exploring opportunities around podcasting, and 11% say podcasting is already a key component of their content strategy. Additionally, six in ten MENA creators say that they posted more in the past year about causes they care personally care about. As the demand for thoughtful, values-aligned partnership grows within the marketing communications industry, InfluAnswer Arabia 2025 offers key insights for brands seeking effective collaborations that can enliven their brand narratives and enable deeper connections with audiences. Weber Shandwick MENAT, a leading earned-first PR and communications agency, supports clients throughout the region – including Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Riyadh, and beyond – in cultivating meaningful, market-relevant connections with the creator community. For more insights and to view the full InfluAnswer Arabia 2025 report, please click here. -Ends- About Weber Shandwick: Weber Shandwick is a leading global communications network that delivers next-generation solutions to brands. Visit for more details and follow the agency on Instagram and LinkedIn. Contact: Arzoo Sippy ASippy@
