WEBER Shandwick MENA, the region's leading public relations firm, was named 2016 Agency of the Year by the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) at their annual awards ceremony in Dubai last Nov. 23. Weber Shandwick MENA was awarded the industry's most prestigious accolade of the evening for its innovative and inspiring work throughout the Middle East and North Africa. The agency also took home separate awards in the ‘Best Live Event, Launch or Stunt' category for their work on the Global Women's Forum Dubai, as well as in the ‘Financial Communications' category for client Ernst & Young. Jamal Al Mawed, Regional PR & Corporate Communications Manager, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, and Chairman of the MEPRA Judging Panel, said: "This year we looked for the agency that showed the ability to grow despite the challenging market conditions, without compromising their fee structures, quality of staff or existing client relationships. We also looked for the agency that contributed constructively to our region's PR industry through the type of work they do and the values they uphold. Most importantly, we looked for the agency that has happy clients and staff in an industry that has a reputation for high turnover rates. Weber Shandwick was the deserving winner based on these criteria and their overall operational excellence has allowed them to consistently deliver quality work across the region, so we congratulate them and hope to see more of the same in the coming year." The Middle East Public Relations Awards Program is an annual celebration of creativity and innovation in the public relations and communication industry, with seventeen categories recognizing the achievements of agencies, in-house teams and individuals over the last twelve months. Honorees are selected by an independent industry panel, based on creativity, effectiveness and results achieved. Ziad Hasbani, Chief Executive Officer, Weber Shandwick MENA, said: "This is a fantastic accolade for us all here at Weber Shandwick MENA. Winning MEPRA Agency of the Year for the second time is a strong testament of where the firm is today in terms of creativity, collaboration, internal culture and results. The communications industry is transforming and we are at the forefront of this transformation delivering great integrated campaigns and results for our clients. I want to take this opportunity to thank our great talent around the region for their hard work, commitment and passion to "engaging always." Hasbani added: "Despite being an economically challenging year, the public relations industry is well positioned to support the communications needs and challenges for brands in the most effective way."
