The Middle East PR Association is forging ahead with plans to extend its influence across the region after welcoming its first company member from Jordan
MEPRA, the Dubai Media City-registered industry association, is looking towards establishing chapters in a number of Middle countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt.
“We’re receiving growing interest from PR agencies in many parts of the region, already have a member in Qatar, and while we’re happy to welcome new members from anywhere in the Middle East, we also want to increase the practical benefits of membership on a regional basis,” said MEPRA chairman, Sadri Barrage.
“To this end we’re examining the prospects of setting up chapters in several countries, as this may be the most effective way to extend MEPRA’s influence and deliver valuable member benefits.
“At the same time we’re in the process of recruiting a full-time executive secretary to reinforce the efforts of our Executive Committee, the members of which all run successful PR agencies.”
TactiX Strategic Consulting, a consulting firm based in Amman, is one of three MEPRA newcomers, joining as Associate Members.
Managing Partner Nasif Khoury said: “TactiX is honoured to have recently joined MEPRA. This new venture gives TactiX the opportunity and edge in better serving our clients and partners as to expand regionally. We look forward to working with other members within the network and cross promote each other and spread the true spirit of Public Relations.”
Also joining as Associate Members – agencies with between one and four full-time employees – are Dubai-based Regester Larkin, the specialist crisis and issues management consultancy.
Managing Consultant Caitlin West said: “There are very few, if any, companies providing the type of specialist consultancy we offer in the Middle East. We already have some fantastic clients in Dubai and are looking forward to working more intensively in the region.”
Meanwhile, media monitoring agency Media Watch Middle East have joined MEPRA as Affiliate Member. Affiliate membership is available to companies, and individuals, who provide services to the PR industry.
Mazen Nahawi, Managing Director of Media Watch, said: “We are honoured to join MEPRA. We believe the association has pushed the regional public relations industry into the 21st century and we are excited at the opportunity of contributing to the growth and progress of the PR industry."
MEPRA (www.mepra.org) offers Corporate Membership for companies’ senior corporate communications or PR managers, plus two nominated members of the corporate communications or PR team. Individual membership is also available to Individual Public Relations practitioners. Established in 2001 to represent the interests of the Middle East's public relations industry, MEPRA is a full member of the International Communications Consultancies Organisation (http://www.iccopr.com).
