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September 24, 2013
Zaman’s Radar (Busier than DXB Airport !)

Zaman’s Radar (Busier than DXB Airport !)

We have scratched beneath the surface and uncovered a wealth of the team’s creative influences. Here are some of recent treasures.

“Tableau” photographs have been created since the beginning of photography. However, we find Metz+Racine props cleverly staged and witty. The sets evoke the essence of craft and their constructed scenes remind us of the cubists painters. Their stylized use of colors and pure geometrical forms create elaborate architectural sets with wonderland aesthetics.

We love the assortment of balloons and the Winter Olympic flags that Andrew B Myers created. His top down view on objects staged against simple color backgrounds remind us of the pop colors of the 70s and 80s.

Christine Gustafsson and Nicolas Lydeen have embarked on a unique artistic journey. AGONISTParfums are presented in handcrafted glass created in collaboration with glass artist Asa Jungnelius. Every detail is exclusively developed with regard to nature and raw material. ISIS for instance is bottled in a glass sculpture that had tension inside which made it crack and break during the installation to express the bud bursting in spring. Wait until they discover the individuality of Oud.

As the season for festivals is about to start in Dubai, we were wondering if there is room for a holistic event like the DUMBO festival in New York. DUMBO is only for three days in September. However, its impact is felt for the whole year as the participants who win the hearts of the public get to stay and are offered free space. In its 2nd year of practice they received more than 200,000 visitors and got emerging artists to exhibit side by side with established professionals. This year they are aiming for more. The objective: “the best free contemporary art experience for all ages for years to come”. Now there’s a challenge.

Pascal Zoghbi is one of only a few designers working in the relatively new discipline of contemporary Arabic typography. Having studied extensively in Europe, Zoghbi returned to his hometown of Beirut in Lebanon to found 29letters. His work involves creating new Arabic typefaces, corporate identities and print publications. Understanding the structure of traditional calligraphic styles is important to contemporary Arabic typeface design, and Zoghbi’s objective is to create a balance between the old and the new.

Last but by no means least for this blog The Oh my God Exhibition takes a geometric look at character design. In ancient Greece they had something better than superheroes; they had gods, each with their own powers, weaknesses, backstory and followers. Each one a brand. Presenting them in this contemporary form could induce new interest amongst a young audience.

September 8, 2013
PUTTING THE SPOTLIGHT ON BRAND

PUTTING THE SPOTLIGHT ON BRAND AUTHENTICITY

In 2011 Zaman launched 100 Most Authentic Arab Brands (100aab), a unique brand index aimed at gathering insightful public opinion on how Middle Eastern brands deliver on promises that they make to target audiences. The initial interest in this campaign by both media & the public was a clear sign for us that the mission of 100aab definitely struck a chord.

The context of the world today is that as consumers we are inundated with so many brand choices. In many cities across the Middle East region brand billboards are adding their colourful mark to the skylines of emerging markets. In our work as brand strategy consultants for the past 17yrs we have seen a variety of brands evolve and go on to achieve success and recognition both locally and internationally.

As we continue to gear up for a followup edition of 100aab, we have created the Authentic Arab Brands blog. The primary function of this blog to provide a dedicated space where we will explore deeper the tenets of authenticity and branding, drawing references from case studies or trends in international markets, as well as applying the context of Arab culture.

We look forward to your comments and contributions.

June 12, 2013
Senso issue 13 – Zaman’s brand & design newsletter is here!

Zaman’s latest edition of its signature newsletter Senso is now out & the print editions are on their way to our clients and subscribers.

In this 13th issue of Senso, we’ve provided snapshots of some of the varied projects we worked on in 2012 and a few that extended into the first quarter of this year. Much of last year was characterized by a marked rise in incoming queries from companies keen to adopt a more strategic design approach in how they participate in industry events. Coined ‘environment branding’ this is basically the extension of the experience of product or service, or any distinguishing characteristics as expressed in designs, naming and symbols to the design of an interior or exterior physical setting (retail stores, exhibition booths, office space, etc). As the UAE continues to prove itself as a competitive destination in the MICE industry, we look forward to collaborating with many local & regional brands.

Featured Zaman projects in this issue include: the identity created for the 20th art furniture gallery La Galerie Nationale located in Al Quoz, Dubai; our second year running collaborating with Abu Dhabi property developer Sorouh to support their presence at CityScape Abu Dhabi 2012; working with global motion & control leader Parker Middle East in its participation at ADIPEC 2012 and a parallel direct email marketing campaign; working with the UAE’s Ministry of Social Affairs to design and kit-out its three centers setup to support the development of women in Ajman, Fujairah & Umm Al Quwain; designing and managing an event for QFB (formerly QFIB) to mark an important milestone; chronicling the 50yr legacy of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group to create an updated corporate brochure and a coffee table book; conceptualizing & developing Al Rostamani’s 2013 calendar; and creating the Watani t-shirt design contest as a vehicle to celebrate the UAE’s 41st National Day.

If you’d like to receive a complimentary print copy of this issue or join our database to for future issues please send an email to info@zaman.ae or give us a call on +971 4 3261000

June 12, 2013
Senso issue 13 – Zaman’s brand & design newsletter is here!

Zaman’s latest edition of its signature newsletter Senso is now out & the print editions are on their way to our clients and subscribers.

In this 13th issue of Senso, we’ve provided snapshots of some of the varied projects we worked on in 2012 and a few that extended into the first quarter of this year. Much of last year was characterized by a marked rise in incoming queries from companies keen to adopt a more strategic design approach in how they participate in industry events. Coined ‘environment branding’ this is basically the extension of the experience of product or service, or any distinguishing characteristics as expressed in designs, naming and symbols to the design of an interior or exterior physical setting (retail stores, exhibition booths, office space, etc). As the UAE continues to prove itself as a competitive destination in the MICE industry, we look forward to collaborating with many local & regional brands.

Featured Zaman projects in this issue include: the identity created for the 20th art furniture gallery La Galerie Nationale located in Al Quoz, Dubai; our second year running collaborating with Abu Dhabi property developer Sorouh to support their presence at CityScape Abu Dhabi 2012; working with global motion & control leader Parker Middle East in its participation at ADIPEC 2012 and a parallel direct email marketing campaign; working with the UAE’s Ministry of Social Affairs to design and kit-out its three centers setup to support the development of women in Ajman, Fujairah & Umm Al Quwain; designing and managing an event for QFB (formerly QFIB) to mark an important milestone; chronicling the 50yr legacy of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group to create an updated corporate brochure and a coffee table book; conceptualizing & developing Al Rostamani’s 2013 calendar; and creating the Watani t-shirt design contest as a vehicle to celebrate the UAE’s 41st National Day.

If you’d like to receive a complimentary print copy of this issue or join our database to for future issues please send an email to info@zaman.ae or give us a call on +971 4 3261000

June 4, 2013
Libya’s flags of brand opportunities

Back from his business trip to Libya last week,  Zaman GM John shares a few thoughts on what Libya has to offer itself and the world in the aftermath of the Arab Spring uprising.

“The colours of Libya’s new flag are everywhere and so is the sense of infinite opportunity. After 42 years of not being able to do much at all people now have the clear belief that anything is possible. Tripoli, mostly undamaged by the war, is lively and bustling and according to regular visitors an entirely different environment.

It is, however, unimaginably underdeveloped for an oil rich capital especially when coming from the Gulf. The feeling of frontier is never far beneath the surface and political dialogue still involves taking to the streets. Unsurprisingly global brands are staking their claims.

New cars are everywhere (though old school driving still rules) and mostly Korean. LG and Samsung rule the billboards, the city’s dominant media, selling household electronics that are breaking the back of the electricity grid. Marks & Spencer, BHS, Babyshop, Monoprix now live in shiny new premises that overwhelm the merchants around them. They are demanding a change in lifestyle and if the world is their test case they should get the response they are looking for. But for now the habits of a lifetime are, for the vast majority, unchanged and we hope their intrinsic ‘Libyaness’ will remain strong and prominent as the country takes its new shape.” ~ John Eccles

Head to our Facebook page to see more photos from John’s trip.

May 31, 2013
A sneak peek – 13th edition of our branding newsletter

After months of copywriting, scheduled photoshoots, brainstorming on a design concept that’s a reflection of who we are & the flavour of the Arab world – the 13th edition of Senso is here!

Well, yesterday we received the colour proof from the printers and there are few adjustments to be made (read our previous post on the printing press check process). In the interim, here’s a sneak peek of  one of the inside spreads.

May 1, 2013
Spotlight: dubai film screening of ‘ampoule’

Yesterday evening, after a productive day at Zaman I made plans to attend the first private screening of a short film called ‘Ampoule’, at the Meydan IMAX Theater.  Ampoule is a fantasy drama directed and written by SAE course coordinator of the film department, Stephane Randjelovic. It’s set on the aftermath of a cataclysmic solar flare that has destroyed all electronic devices and energy sources, taking away our digital memories and humanity along with it. One of the lead characters is the Butcher who becomes one of the few strong enough to survive in this desolate wasteland. While he rests in his antiquated cabin he discovers a young boy named Ampoule hiding out behind the rubble and the most unlikely friendship develops. Together they journey into rediscovering the humanity and kindness that has been denuded from the world and they flourish in bringing back the joy of film, friendship and compassion.

On reaching the Meydan IMAX theater for the first time, along with my colleague Dejana and my friend Ayham, we were astounded by the unexpectedly high amount of people that had gathered to watch Ampoule for the first time. I entered the lobby where everyone was assembled and started to converse with folks in the film industry varying from actors, directors and media-equipment providers. I bought myself a snack and queued between eager people also waiting for the film to start. I also bumped into Grace and John (Zaman bosses) in the theater.

The movie began with stunning direction, direction of photography (DOP), and a great story. I found the story very powerful since it was highlighting the fact that cinema reels are not being used anymore and have been replaced by a virtual format called ‘Digital Cinema Package’ that would be destroyed and forgotten following a catastrophic event that could wipeout electricity and power sources from our world. The make-up artistry and effects were alright although it could’ve been done better, for example when the Butcher slashes one of the thugs with his meat cleaver, the blood splash looked very fake and there was no blood on the meat cleaver and when Ampoule was playing the violin the music was not synched with his movements.

Overall, the film was intriguing and exciting with a few less than stellar actors and visual effects.

**Post by Sari Al Houseini, Zaman’s newest & youngest team member.**

January 5, 2013
Zaman’s 2013 calendar celebrates 12 arab proverbs

Happy New Year to all our blog readers and we hope that you’ve kick started the new year on a positive note. Our first post for the year is about the 2013 edition of our signature calendar which we send out to our clients & business partners every year.

Designed 100% in-house, each year we look for a specific theme based on a subject that has inspired us. Two years ago the artwork for the calendar was a fusion of Arabic and Latin typography, East meets West, while last year’s calendar was inspired by colourful artworks that adorn ‘jingle trucks’ on the UAE roads. This year our calendar draws inspiration from popular Arab proverbs.

A love of eloquent verbal expression has long since been a distinct characteristic of culture across the Middle East; where a common held belief is that the Arabic language is one of the most eloquent, subtle and beautiful of all tongues, whose wealth of expressive power lacks comparison. Like storytelling and poem recitals have long since been popular devices in the verbal expression of this language, so too are Arab proverbs.

Short popular sayings of ancient origin, that serve to heed warnings, inspire or teach; the Arab proverb user garners respect through linguistic skill; where form and delivery of the intended message are as important as the content itself.

To generate the artworks for Zaman’s 2013 calendar we selected 12 proverbs that 1) are used daily and across generations and 2) inspired the team to create charming, illustrative metaphors.

‘Grapes are eaten one by one’ – for this proverb we opted for a progressive pattern depicting a visual step-by-step approach which in turn mirrors the lesson imparted by this particular proverb.

‘Winds do not blow as the ship wishes.’ – in this artwork typography becomes the wind that is blowing the ship’s sails.

So, like storytelling and poem recitals, Arab proverbs serve as powerful conversational devices. Through our 2013 calendar Zaman becomes a celebrant bearer of these wonderful literary devices and we hope that the artworks we’ve created continue generating these conversations.

 

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