The first brand under license will be the fashion and lifestyle weekly Stylist, which will be launched into the UAE in September 2014, introducing the ‘freemium’ magazine sector to this market.
Tim Ewington, Co-Founder and International Director of ShortList Media said: “Stylist has taken the UK by storm over the last four years. With our first overseas edition in France now firmly established we are thrilled to be launching into the dynamic and important Middle East market. We are delighted to be working with APP in the Gulf. They are experienced and professional operators – perfect partners to recreate in a new region the same impact that our brands have had in the UK and France.”
Similar to its UK and French versions, the Arabia edition of Stylist will be a premium magazine targeting cosmopolitan, urban professional women aged 25-40 years, who appreciate the latest fashion, beauty, travel and entertainment, say the publishers. From launch the magazine will be the highest circulated women’s weekly title in the market with a 50,000 print run distributed across the UAE, including highly populated areas such as the Dubai Marina, Dubai Downtown, JLT, TECOM, DMC and the Abu Dhabi Corniche. The magazine will also be made available at five star hotels, airline business class lounges, spas, salons and universities, and will be sent direct to ITP’s extensive female database. An online edition of the magazine will be available from Apple iTunes together with a fresh new creative digital proposition that will create an immediate online community. The title will be BPA audited.
Ali Akawi, Managing Director of APP Gulf said: “We are excited to see the APP Group further expand its portfolio and bring the first ‘freemium’ magazine to the Middle East. We look forward to building a large interactive community of readers and are confident we can replicate the success that the brand has had in the UK and France.”
Akawi continued: “The impact that this brand will have on the women’s media landscape cannot be underestimated and we look forward to it leading the market through its innovative approach to connecting with readers.”
