Building bridges

Munich-based Alpha Klinik, a leading international center specialized on knee problems and spinal conditions, has commissioned bridge:media with its regional communication and press work in the Arab Gulf states. Looking back at more than 30 years of experience in the field, the clinic is renowned across the world for its minimally invasive operation techniques. From its Dubai office, bridge:media will run a comprehensive cross-media campaign, covering TV, print and online.

At the occasion of its Middle East office launch, leading global provider for medical equipment MAQUET has commissioned bridge:media to run a PR campaign throughout leading general and special interest media in the GCC countries. MAQUET announced the launch of its Dubai office at the occasion of Arab Health, where the German global market leader was present with a 168m_ stand. bridge:media organized a press conference on the first day of the exhibition, with a range of journalists from top media present. In addition, a luxurious inaugural event was held in the Madinat Jumeirah complex, Dubai, which was attended by invited guests from all over the world and covered by the regional press. During and after Arab Health, bridge:media assisted with press contacts and liaised on behalf of MAQUET with journalists, thus producing further coverage in the regional media, including a cover story in one of the leading medical magazines in the Middle East.

bridge:media For the fourth consecutive time, bridge:media has been commissioned to take over communication work for the annual Emirates-Germany Business Summit, which will take place from 8-10 May 2007 in Frankfurt. This year's event is again set to attract major dignitaries from both sides, including H.H. Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qassimi, the U.A.E. Federal Minister of the Economy. On the German side, H.E. Dr. Roland Koch, Premier of the Federal State of Hessen, as well as H.E. Petra Roth, Lord Mayor of the City of Frankfurt, have both confirmed their attendance. bridge:media's responsibilities have been expanded for the 2007 Summit and now comprise not only public relations and advertising, but also visitor marketing in Germany. To this end, bridge:media has finalized a number of cooperation agreements with private and public sector partners in Germany. Moreover, the largest advertising campaign in the history of the Emirates-Germany Summit has been launched on a Federal level on 7 March. Throughout the coming weeks, some of Germany's largest media, including Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, FAZ.NET, and Financial Times Deutschland, will carry advertisements for the event. Other media partners for this year include leading German news TV station and CNN affiliate n-tv, DW-TV and special interest media, such as Middle East Real Estate and Büroanzeiger.

For years now, the German health care system has been enjoying an excellent reputation throughout the world - and this is the basis for Europe Health's success. The Munich-based company that currently employs 28 has set out to arrange medical treatment in German clinics for patients from the Arab world. So far they have created nine Medical Branch Offices in the South of Germany, all of them collaborating closely with their partner clinics. Another project involves ensuring the exchange of know-how between German doctors and Arab clinics.
And even though modern technology has made the world smaller, there are cultural and linguistic gaps to be bridged. To do this, Europe Health employs a team of six full-time interpreters, and has now commissioned bridge:media to tend to the cultural aspects - true to its name.
The PR specialists will first launch a Public relations campaign in Kuwait to adress potential patients for Europe Health. For one thing applies in the Arab region as well as anywhere else, and has become the company's motto: "Health is not everything, but everything is nothing without health" (Schopenhauer).

With a stadium for up to 50.000, Hamburg has hosted five games of this year's World Cup - among the guests were such illustrious guests as ex-world champions Argentinia and Italy. But for bridge:media's PR campaign, the focus was clearly on the Saudi Arabia - Ukraine game on 19th June, which they reported on in collaboration with TV stations, printed press and internet news agencies.

To reach as big an audience in the Arab World as possible, brige:media worked with TV stations like Abu Dhabi TV and various selected national and panarabian newspapers such as Al Watan, Asharq Alawsat and AL Bayan. Even English speaking publications were involved to ensure smooth coverage for the region's immigrants.

At this year's United Arab Emirates - Germany Economic Partnership Forum, the Dubai Logistics City will be represented by bridge:media, who have lead the forum's PR campaign for the third time in a row.

The Dubai Logistics City is planned go into operation at the Persian Gulf by late 2007. The unique logistics project is aimed at a complete readjustment of global and regional supply and delivery processes, thereby further expanding the range of business opportunities in the region. After all, the DLC will provide access to a market of two thousand million people. Furthermore, it is not only directed at logistics firms, but also other industries such as pharmaceutics, electronics and communication technology. In combination with the Jebel Ali port including its free trade zone and the Jebel Ali International Airport already in construction, the DLC will evolve into the world's largest multimodal logistics platform on more than 150 km2.

To gain as much publicity as possible and direct even more investors' attention to the steadily booming investment location, bridge:media have not only arranged numerous meetings with leading personalities and potential multipliers, but also launched a large-scale direct e-mailing campaign, which was further supported by telemarketing measures. The agency, which also provided post-forum analyses, has meanwhile evolved into a steady player on the economic forum scene.

After the overwhelming success of last year's UAE - Germany Economic Partnership Forum in Essen, which was supported by the former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder, and for the third year in a row now, bridge:media has conducted the PR campaign for this year's Emirates - Germany Economic Partnership Forum.

At the request of INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions Organisation Est., and as in 2004, bridge:media will be providing specifically produced reports and high-quality footage to the media. Further backing this year came from the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Economy. Additionally, brigde:media has managed to launch media cooperation partnerships with renowned TV stations and papers such as Süddeutsche Zeitung, n-tv, Deutsche Welle TV, Financial Times Deutschland, zenithbusiness, middle.east real estate magazine and Büroanzeiger.

Apart from tourism and IT, this year's forum placed special emphasis on trade relations between Germany and the UAE - one of the world's fastest growing economies, that continually endeavours to strengthen its global market position with liberal trade and tax legislation.

Whether it's advance announcements, live coverage, or interviews with ministers, commercial representatives, or leading figures in business and culture - bridge:media with its experienced and international staff is your contact for all things related to the Emirates - Germany Economic Partnership Forum.

Please click here for more information about the Forum www.epforum.ae

The third largest of the seven United Arab Emirates, which will be presented at this year's International Tourism Trade Fair (ITB) on 8-12 March for the ninth year in a row, has entrusted bridge:media with its PR campaign.
The emirate hailed "cultural capital of the Arab world" by the UNESCO leaves nothing to be desired by tourists: Not only its scenic variety will fascinate the visitor - Sharjah also offers beautiful sandy beaches both by the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. And while art connoisseurs enjoy museums and galleries, sports fans will delight in sampling the manifold in- and outdoor activities - from dune-diving and mountain-climbing to ice skating. Avid shoppers can choose from manifold designer shops or visit the famous Al Arsah Souq, and families on vacation will easily find activities to please all age groups.
For detailed info material and connections to all leading experts on tourism and the economy, as well as the Emirate's decision makers, contact s.hasner@bridge-media.com.