Shireen Jabry
Nationality: British
Date of Birth: 1978
Email: shireenjabry1@hotmail.com
Book Publishing:
- Book 'Passionate Encounters' published in New York and PR campaign launched.
- Other fiction books are planned in the near future.
- Exclusives are conducted, written and will be part of a book that I am working on. The gist of the book will be one-to-one VIP interviews with C.E.O's of businesses, heads of media corporations, television personalities, film critics and producers, renowned journalists and PR gurus of both the Middle Eastern and Western world. This book will focus on establishing a platform that will portray the trend of similarities and differences in both regions of the world.
Work Experience:
December 2008 – April 2010
Serco Middle East
Permanent Position
Serco is a FTSE 100 International Service Company which combines commercial know-how with a deep public service ethos. They improve services by managing people, processes, technology and assets more effectively. By advising policy makers, designing innovative solutions, integrated systems and most of all delivering to the public. They began the operation of the Dubai Metro service following the official opening and inauguration on 9th September 2009, by his Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai.
Role: Media Relations Executive - Dubai Metro Contract (Pre & Post Launch Phases)
Responsibilities: Established and maintained an effective relationship with both English & Arabic mediums of the Media, i.e. TV, Radio, Magazines, News Wires and etc. Arranged Dubai Metro Events & Marketing/PR Collateral to increase and expand the public's awareness of the arrival of the newly launched Metro. A thorough approach was adopted here that involved writing Press Releases, Executing a Media Relations Plan that primarily focused on the pre-launch and post-launch phases of the Dubai Metro. In addition, a number articles were written and placed in various Transport Magazines. Writing speeches for a large number of Serco Middle East Directors, prepping them with their own set of Q&A’s and being present in the interview to ensure the over all success of the interview. The First Edition of the Dubai Metro Staff Newsletter was created and actioned.
Permanent Position
Role: Managing Editor of both Mercedes Middle East & Nokia Middle East Magazines
Responsibilities: Monitoring the in-flow of international articles, re-writing them to meet the local guidelines of the publications', as well as conducting relevant interviews to produce articles that would be in line with the publications' readership audience. Proof reading, sub-editing and the process of putting together the publications' from A-Z was handled and actioned.
The Mercedes Middle East Magazine: The ability to access and use the knowledge of the product to produce new ideas and leads for interesting articles that incorporate the latest news and the latest investigative technological advances in the automotive industry.
The Nokia Middle East Magazine: The articles highlight the expert flexible positioning of Nokia as a strong brand that targets all age groups across all income demographics. The latest mobile technological advancements were addressed and explained to reflect the lifestyle of the user.
Project Specific Assignment
Role: Business Writer
Responsibilities:One out of a total of 2 writers that wrote the 300 pages Emaar Yearbook. Downtown Dubai Mall Newsletter & Emaar Retail Guide were tackled single-handedly.
The Emaar Yearbook: Designed to incorporate the many facets of Emaar, the Middle East’s largest developer. An annual review of Emaar’s rapid master planned communities expansion brought to life for the reader. A special focus on highlighting Emaar’s Portfolio of Developments, while all the time maintaining its corporate image.
Method: In – depth interviews with key personnel Of Emaar’s Company, i.e. Directors of Retail, Leisure, Downtown Dubai – Burj Dubai, Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina and etc.
Downtown Dubai Mall Newsletter: A quarterly newsletter designed to highlight the Dubai Mall’s Latest Development, a written account that bares witness to the retail history as the world’s largest mall evolves.
Emaar Retail Guide: A comprehensive guide to the 'Know-How' of Retail Outlets within Emaar’s Residences & their Commercial Developments. This guide focuses on the overview of the Leisure, Retail and Basic Amenities for the residents of all Emaar's Properties.
Project Specific Assignment
ITP is the market-leading technology, business, consumer and communications publisher in the Middle East. ITP publishes a wide range of monthly titles most of which are in-house publications for the Middle East region in both English and Arabic.
Role: Supplements Editor of Arabian Business Magazine
Responsibilities: Hired to produce a 50 page Property Supplement, published to coincide with the Cityscape 2005 Exhibition in Dubai. As the only writer and editor on the supplement, all the elements necessary to produce a magazine of high calibre were handled with care. Interviews with the C.E.O’s of the most prestigious property developers and investors, as well as financial institutions took place. Some of which were: Nakheel, Emaar, 32 Group, Deyaar, Dubai Holdings, Dubai Islamic Bank and etc. Hundreds of copies were published and distributed on the first day of the largest property exhibition in Dubai - Cityscape 2005.
Project Specific Assignment
A small publishing house that has 7 publications across genres. Some of which are: Young & Trendy, Wheels & Gears, 4x4 Off Road, TAG, Gulf Auto and Me.
Role: Editor of Me Magazine
Responsibilities:Writing articles for Me Magazine, a Life Style publication. Choosing the required images and paying overall detailed attention to the editorial content and tone of the magazine. Ensuring that the final product that hits the shelves is of the required quality dictated by the company.
Permanent Position
G.B.C. is one of the Gulf’s Leading Magazine Publishers, with offices in Dubai, Doha and Saudi Arabia. They have numerous publications, most of which are part of contract publishing, with a few in house publications, Gulf Marketing Review, Race Week and etc. They have a strong presence in Saudi Arabia, with many publications; Sabic, Tadawel, Al Ahli, Al Mamlaka Publications and etc.
Role: Editorial Assistant for following publications - City Life, Metropolitan & Al Mamlaka
Responsibilities: In addition wrote articles in our other publications; i.e.RaceWeek, Dubai World Cup and etc. Dealt with writing features and articles in the Lifestyle and Entertainment Division. Part of my role included handling a lot of the factors relevant in putting a magazine together; helping out in a fashion shoot, location, models, arranging suitable products for Citylife’s product pages and contacting PR representatives for the latest beauty and fashion products.
Permanent Position
On-Board provides inflight entertainment, offering its clients the latest production technology. With direct access to the suppliers of International & Local programming material, On-Board provides airlines with the most innovative & cost effective IFE programs, tailored to their specific needs.
Role: Acquisition Coordinator
Responsibilities: Providing all our clients – (airlines – i.e. Saudi Arabia, British Airways, American Airlines and etc) with a tailored version of the latest movie releases; ensuring that all content in each movie corresponds to the client’s requirements and cultural understanding; editing each movie and selecting the latest releases that best accomadate the client’s interests and taste; preparing a movie brochure for each movie cycle detailing the recommendation for each specific client; liasing with all 14 distribution Hollywood companies/channels to integrate a full entertainment system on our client's airline and to ensure success from inception to delivery on the airline.
Permanent Position
Mozafarian Jewellers is a seventh generation family business that deals with commissioning jewelery pieces for Royalty and others, in Europe and the Middle East.
Role: Advertising and PR Consultant
Responsibilities: Creating, developing & organising various Advertising & Promotional Materials, (including leaflets, flyers, invitation cards,etc).
Co-ordinating events and networking were necessary.
• Kensington Palace, ‘The Royal Bolshoi Concert & Gala’
• Whitehall Palace,‘The Summer Russian Ball and etc.
Above events hosted by: Prince Michael of Kent, Prince of Romania, and the Stepmother of Princess Diana.
Languages Skills:
Fluent English, Arabic and a basic understanding of French.
Permanent Position
Serco is a FTSE 100 International Service Company which combines commercial know-how with a deep public service ethos. They improve services by managing people, processes, technology and assets more effectively. By advising policy makers, designing innovative solutions, integrated systems and most of all delivering to the public. They began the operation of the Dubai Metro service following the official opening and inauguration on 9th September 2009, by his Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai.
Role: Media Relations Executive - Dubai Metro Contract (Pre & Post Launch Phases)
Responsibilities: Established and maintained an effective relationship with both English & Arabic mediums of the Media, i.e. TV, Radio, Magazines, News Wires and etc. Arranged Dubai Metro Events & Marketing/PR Collateral to increase and expand the public's awareness of the arrival of the newly launched Metro. A thorough approach was adopted here that involved writing Press Releases, Executing a Media Relations Plan that primarily focused on the pre-launch and post-launch phases of the Dubai Metro. In addition, a number articles were written and placed in various Transport Magazines. Writing speeches for a large number of Serco Middle East Directors, prepping them with their own set of Q&A’s and being present in the interview to ensure the over all success of the interview. The First Edition of the Dubai Metro Staff Newsletter was created and actioned.
August 2006 – April 2007
B-MarketingPermanent Position
B-Marketing is a boutique advertising agency that specializes in delivering the latest creative, cutting edge ideas from inception to delivery. It’s publishing arm focuses on Contract Titles, some of which are: Mercedes & Nokia Middle East and other Automotive Titles.
Responsibilities: Monitoring the in-flow of international articles, re-writing them to meet the local guidelines of the publications', as well as conducting relevant interviews to produce articles that would be in line with the publications' readership audience. Proof reading, sub-editing and the process of putting together the publications' from A-Z was handled and actioned.
The Mercedes Middle East Magazine: The ability to access and use the knowledge of the product to produce new ideas and leads for interesting articles that incorporate the latest news and the latest investigative technological advances in the automotive industry.
The Nokia Middle East Magazine: The articles highlight the expert flexible positioning of Nokia as a strong brand that targets all age groups across all income demographics. The latest mobile technological advancements were addressed and explained to reflect the lifestyle of the user.
January 2006 – July 2006
The Media FactoryProject Specific Assignment
The Media Factory is a customer-focused media house based in Dubai Media City, featuring dedicated Media, Publishing and Events Management Teams. Our publishing arm includes: Consumer, Contract & Business to Business Titles.
Role: Business Writer
Responsibilities:One out of a total of 2 writers that wrote the 300 pages Emaar Yearbook. Downtown Dubai Mall Newsletter & Emaar Retail Guide were tackled single-handedly.
The Emaar Yearbook: Designed to incorporate the many facets of Emaar, the Middle East’s largest developer. An annual review of Emaar’s rapid master planned communities expansion brought to life for the reader. A special focus on highlighting Emaar’s Portfolio of Developments, while all the time maintaining its corporate image.
Method: In – depth interviews with key personnel Of Emaar’s Company, i.e. Directors of Retail, Leisure, Downtown Dubai – Burj Dubai, Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina and etc.
Downtown Dubai Mall Newsletter: A quarterly newsletter designed to highlight the Dubai Mall’s Latest Development, a written account that bares witness to the retail history as the world’s largest mall evolves.
Emaar Retail Guide: A comprehensive guide to the 'Know-How' of Retail Outlets within Emaar’s Residences & their Commercial Developments. This guide focuses on the overview of the Leisure, Retail and Basic Amenities for the residents of all Emaar's Properties.
August 2005 – September 2005
ITP, The Information & Technology Publishing Co Ltd, Dubai Project Specific Assignment
ITP is the market-leading technology, business, consumer and communications publisher in the Middle East. ITP publishes a wide range of monthly titles most of which are in-house publications for the Middle East region in both English and Arabic.
Role: Supplements Editor of Arabian Business Magazine
Responsibilities: Hired to produce a 50 page Property Supplement, published to coincide with the Cityscape 2005 Exhibition in Dubai. As the only writer and editor on the supplement, all the elements necessary to produce a magazine of high calibre were handled with care. Interviews with the C.E.O’s of the most prestigious property developers and investors, as well as financial institutions took place. Some of which were: Nakheel, Emaar, 32 Group, Deyaar, Dubai Holdings, Dubai Islamic Bank and etc. Hundreds of copies were published and distributed on the first day of the largest property exhibition in Dubai - Cityscape 2005.
May 2005 – July 2005
Strategic Publishing & Media Services Project Specific Assignment
A small publishing house that has 7 publications across genres. Some of which are: Young & Trendy, Wheels & Gears, 4x4 Off Road, TAG, Gulf Auto and Me.
Role: Editor of Me Magazine
Responsibilities:Writing articles for Me Magazine, a Life Style publication. Choosing the required images and paying overall detailed attention to the editorial content and tone of the magazine. Ensuring that the final product that hits the shelves is of the required quality dictated by the company.
March 2004 – April 2005
Gray Business CommunicationsPermanent Position
G.B.C. is one of the Gulf’s Leading Magazine Publishers, with offices in Dubai, Doha and Saudi Arabia. They have numerous publications, most of which are part of contract publishing, with a few in house publications, Gulf Marketing Review, Race Week and etc. They have a strong presence in Saudi Arabia, with many publications; Sabic, Tadawel, Al Ahli, Al Mamlaka Publications and etc.
Role: Editorial Assistant for following publications - City Life, Metropolitan & Al Mamlaka
Responsibilities: In addition wrote articles in our other publications; i.e.RaceWeek, Dubai World Cup and etc. Dealt with writing features and articles in the Lifestyle and Entertainment Division. Part of my role included handling a lot of the factors relevant in putting a magazine together; helping out in a fashion shoot, location, models, arranging suitable products for Citylife’s product pages and contacting PR representatives for the latest beauty and fashion products.
October 2002 – August 2003
On-Board International, (Dubai + London) Permanent Position
On-Board provides inflight entertainment, offering its clients the latest production technology. With direct access to the suppliers of International & Local programming material, On-Board provides airlines with the most innovative & cost effective IFE programs, tailored to their specific needs.
Role: Acquisition Coordinator
Responsibilities: Providing all our clients – (airlines – i.e. Saudi Arabia, British Airways, American Airlines and etc) with a tailored version of the latest movie releases; ensuring that all content in each movie corresponds to the client’s requirements and cultural understanding; editing each movie and selecting the latest releases that best accomadate the client’s interests and taste; preparing a movie brochure for each movie cycle detailing the recommendation for each specific client; liasing with all 14 distribution Hollywood companies/channels to integrate a full entertainment system on our client's airline and to ensure success from inception to delivery on the airline.
September 2001 – September 2002
Mozafarian Jewellers, LondonPermanent Position
Mozafarian Jewellers is a seventh generation family business that deals with commissioning jewelery pieces for Royalty and others, in Europe and the Middle East.
Role: Advertising and PR Consultant
Responsibilities: Creating, developing & organising various Advertising & Promotional Materials, (including leaflets, flyers, invitation cards,etc).
Co-ordinating events and networking were necessary.
Some of the events attended:
• Kensington Palace, ‘The Royal Bolshoi Concert & Gala’
• Whitehall Palace,‘The Summer Russian Ball and etc.
Above events hosted by: Prince Michael of Kent, Prince of Romania, and the Stepmother of Princess Diana.
Fluent English, Arabic and a basic understanding of French.
Education:
2003 City University
Novel Writing Course
Duration: 2 months Intensive (May & June)
1997 – 2000 Richmond, The American International University in London
Received the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications, December 2000
Degree validated by UK Open University Services 1998.
1989 – 1996 International School of London
Completed ten G.C.S.E, High School Diploma and International Baccalaureate.