Insights
Industry
People
Culture
Brand Studio
Facebook Hub
Choueiri Group Deep Dives
OMD Corner
LEAD with ABG
Insights
Brand Studio
Facebook Hub
Choueiri Group Deep Dives
OMD Corner
LEAD with ABG
ABOUT US
CONTACT US
ADVERTISE WITH US
Insights Industry
Back
IAA’s UAE President, Hani Ghorayeb, on local talent’s present and future
By Arjun RKTue, May 05 2015

Contact
iaas-uae-president-hani-ghorayeb-on-local-talents-present-and-future

Communicate chats with International Advertising Association’s (IAA) UAE chapter President, Hani Ghorayeb for an insider’s perspective on the local talent pool as well as what initiatives he believes should be taken, going forward, to promote the industry.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the local talent pool?

Over the years, I have seen the talent pool in the UAE is young, creative and eager to learn and grow within their respective fields. It is multicultural and diverse, and as the region develops, we are attracting some of the best minds from across the world.

One thing that could be improved is talent having more access to continuing education and learning on the job about different aspects of advertising, marketing and communications. The IAA UAE Chapter is heavily invested in making it possible for young advertisers to learn about different discipline within the field – from their peers, from agency heads, and more.

One current example of this was the IAA Lynx session that was dedicated to young advertisers – it was called “The Young Guns” initiative. Additionally, we hold regular talks, inviting members from our industry to speak to their peers about their specific discipline. Our networking sessions are also geared towards helping young advertisers learn more and develop.
Finally, the IAA has launched a project called #IAATicketToCannes to provide the regional talent pool with an opportunity to learn and grow from global experts and acclaimed industry gurus at Cannes Lions 2015.

What could the industry do to include more local (UAE national) talent?

I’m not entirely sure why the advertising industry hasn’t seen more interest from young UAE nationals. Over the past decade, many industries have seen increasing numbers of Emiratis in the workforce. Rationally, this should be no different for advertising. I think part of the problem is that there is less awareness of the advertising industry, as a whole, at the student level. The best way to tackle this issue would be to raise the profile of the industry amongst college-bound Emiratis. Presently, the IAA is working on formalizing an approach.

What measures could be taken by the industry to recruit more women talent?

First, I don’t think that the industry is set up to keep women out. Talented women have always been part of the advertising industry ranks in the UAE, and their presence continues to grow in our industry. To say that the industry must take measures to recruit more women is to say that the industry does not recruit women. I do not find this to be true. The industry is open to men and women alike and those who put in the time and effort and show results should move up through the ranks regardless of their gender. Most agencies are equal opportunity employers in this regard.

From a more personal perspective, there are some things that could make the industry more attractive to women, especially mothers of young children. Many mothers feel the pressure to choose between a full-time job and being a full-time mother. Unfortunately, around the world, advertising and media demands long hours and everyone has to put in the time and effort if they want to succeed and grow.

Would it be nice to have certain initiatives that make it easier for mothers to stay in the career race? Of course, it would. Would it be good to make changes so that women wouldn’t have to make sacrifices to hold senior-level positions? Yes, of course. As things stand, this is not the case – and not just in the UAE or the region, but across the world. But, for women who are able and willing to make that sacrifice, the industry is just as open to seeing them grow into senior positions.

 

RELATED TOPICS
Advertising Emirati Local Talent Uae Women
MORE IN Industry
Industry
November 01, 2020 How to Build a Winning Gen Z Strategy on Mobile

App analytics and market data company, App Annie, have released a new report that sheds light on Gen Z’s mobile behavior, in order to help marketers develop effective strategies to reach them. 98% of Gen Z report owning a smartphone, on average receiving their first at the age of 10. They are also part of […]

Industry
October 28, 2020 Micro-Influencers Are Still an Important Channel in the Marketing Funnel

Experticity, the world’s largest community of influential category experts have released a new study that sheds new light on the importance of micro-influencers on the average consumer. The study was conducted with online interviews of more than 6,000 individuals from the United States drawn from Experticity’s micro-influencer network and the general population. In addition, more […]

Industry
October 28, 2020 Global Media Insight Report Provides Concise Picture of Media Trends in UAE & KSA

Market research companies eMarketer and Global Web Index have collaborated together to release the 10th edition of the global media intelligence report. The report is a detailed compilation of data and insights about internet users’ traditional and digital media usage in 42 key markets worldwide. Communicate will be highlighting the key trends that are shaping the […]

Industry
October 27, 2020 Socialbaker’s New Report Highlights Slow Return to Normalcy in Digital Space

Social Bakers, a global AI-powered social media marketing company has released the Q3 edition of their social media trends report. The report reveals where the industry is currently standing with regard to spending and engagement globally. Here are the key findings – ADVERTISING Worldwide ad spend increased by 56.4% in Q3 compared to where it […]

Subscribe to

our newsletter.

This site uses cookies: Find out more.

Logo
  • Insights
  • Industry
  • People
  • Culture
  • Brand Studio
  • Facebook Hub
  • Choueiri Group Deep Dives
  • OMD Corner
  • LEAD with ABG
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
NEWSLETTER

Get a monthly round-up of Communicate's best insights

© 2020 communicateonline.me
About Us
Contact Us
Advertise With Us
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer
icon
icon
icon
icon
icon
© 2020 communicateonline.me