30september2007sunday (eyes...ON)

Eyes were on the clock at 06:02
Details will be posted soon..

29september2007saturday

Eyes were on the clock at 06:30
Detaisl will be posted soon...

Advertising - United arab Emirates

1.
2.

3. HSBC-Etihad (GN HPg-21) ***

HD: Win a million Etihad Guest Miles and make the skies your second home.

Copy: Imagine what it would be like to fly anywhere you've ever dreamed of, anytime you please. Get an HSBC tihad Guest Credit Card before 10th November 2007 and you could be one of 6 lucky winners to be awarded 1 Million Etihad Guest Miles. So apply now an dmake the skies your second home.

Baseline: The world's local bank.

*** Nice Campaign. One friend of mine did this photography. He did a damn good job.

28september2007friday

Eyes were on the clock at 07:05


Advertising - United Arab Emirates

1. THEone-Campaign 2nd Ad (GN HPg-17) ***

HD: Light travels at 299,792,458 meters per second. Show it some respect.

Copy: Better still, harness it. use it to paint light, shade and perspective. Pour it like cosmic champagne.In the right light, at the right time, the world is a beautiful place.

All our products are limited editions that look and feel more expensive than they are. http://www.theoneplanet.com/

*** 2nd ad of the Campaign. I liked the Champagne part of the copy- pour it like 'cosmic campagne'. In the first one -'love your neighbour' was about utilising space. Here its about light. Nice.

2. ETA Star (4th ad of the campaign -GN FPg-5) ***

HD: Glass.

Copy: Brittle enought to break. Yet, strong enough to protect. Sometimes reflecting light and sometimes allowing it in, only to break it up into its seven constituent colours. A paradox, an enigma, an illusion; it is many things to many people. But at ETA Star Properties, it is an inspiration that helps us follow its high ideals of transparency. Just like when you buy property with ETA Star Properties, you pay only for the net saleable area, not the gross area. Which is proof of how we never lose sight of all that matters to you. Because, at ETA Star Properties, glass doesn't just help us look outside, it heps us look within.

*** 4th ad of the campaign.. Stone, concrete, sand and now glass. I had pointed out one mistake rather misdirection in the 'sand' ad on last friday, which has got an overwhelming response from many of you, by mailing your views to me. Here in this ad, the twist factor is transperancy...Over all ..nice ad.

3. Splash (GN Friday Mag 2-3) **

HD: Splash. Break away

** A Mirror cracking visual.. but the mirror image is not matching against the main object, on many of the scattered pieces. They just duplicated the image. But at a glance, the look really cracks..good visual impact..that makes even the emotionless model, subdued. Good.

4. Al Anwar (GN Friday MAg-79) **

HD: Princess of Dusk {Evening in the Boudoir}

Copy: Resplendent, she makes the night come alive with the sparkle of the Ashoka diamond ring by Wiliam Goldberg (11.71 carat, G-Colour with VS1 claity) and the Pear drop earrings (8.05 ad 8.02 carats with SI -1 clarity)

Baseline: Inspired brilliance

** Good photography. Good reatouching. Good mood. Good frame. Good colour balance to enhance the subtle yet dominate the product. Good factors (always) dominate.

5. Avenue (GN Friday Mag pg-154) **

HD: Girl's dresses starting Dhs 35. Boy's T-shits starting Dhs 16. Mens' casual Shirts startig Dhs 39. Ladies Tops starting Dhs 19. Catwalk to fame. Starting today at Avenue.

Copy: Ramadan Rewards. Spend Dhs 150. Get a Gift voucher for Dhs. 25.

Fashion. Footwear. Perfumes. Cosmetics. watches. Accessories. Home Furnishings. Gift and more

** It reminds me Rainbow milk ad.. which had same colour tone and lifestyle like this. The creaive is good.. they could made the visual more warm, and bleed ad.

6. Marks & Spencer (GN Friday Mag Pg-115) *

HD: Ramadan Kareem

* Simple. The same model Dima has appeared for Nayomi, and with a same kinda look.

7. Nabeel - Centrillon (GN Friday Mag - 75) **

HD: Bloom all day long

Baseline: Stays with you.

** Nice thought. Background could have been more photo-realistic to pump the charactor. Something new to local perfume advertising wherein they showed the model more exposed than normal.

8. Now it looks better... In the last week's friday magazine (Please see last friday's reiview , ad No.7) , they had shown the same ad with a cross word visual.. and I had pointed out negatively as saying childish.

27september2007thursday (eyes...ON)

Eyes were on the clock at 06:02
Details will be posted soon...

Advertising: United Arab Emirates

1. Yas Island (GN Wrap)

Cover Headline: Coming soon to an island near you... n Abu Dhabi

Inside: YAS Island presents Wrner Bros. in Abu Dhabi

Copy: An Aldar. Abu Dhabi Media Company. Warner Bros. Joint production

Featuring

Thme Park & Hotel at Yas Island, Themed Multiplex Cinemas, Film Production, Interactive Video Games

In one of the most exciting new developments in the region, Aldar(of the Al Raha, Yas Island, Al Ruwais and Central Market fame) teams up with Warner Bros. (Hollywood's Leading Name) and Abu Dhabi Media Company to bring thrill-a-minute entertaiment in the picutesque locales of Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Arm yourselves with loads of popcorn for nun-filled times ahead. Yas Island, the world's most thrilling destination.

**Nice.

2. Deyaar (2nd ad of the campaign-GN Fpg-2) **

HD: A single decibel of ound makes a world of difference.

Copy: Perfection is in the details.

Filling ony the quietest, energy conserving air condidiners is one of many considerations we make when we desig our homes and ofices. Because we define with you in mind.

www.deyaar.ae

Baseline: Defining space.
** Not as good as the first one.

26september2007wednesday

Eyes were on the clock at 06:02
News

UAE upholds press freedom
In a victory for freedom of the press in the UAE, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday issued instructions that journalists in the country will not be jailed for doing their work.

Advertising - United Arab Emirates

1. Mercedes-Benz (GN HPg-26) ***

HD: Everyone has Ramadan prmotions. But not everyone has Mercedes-Benz.

Copy: In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Gargash Enterprises donates Dhs. 500 or every new car and Approved Used Car sold duting the holy month of Ramadan to support 'UAE ree of Thalassaemia 2012'.

This is the time of year that everyone in Dubai, Sharjah and the northern Emirates has been quietly anticipating,. In the season of giving you deserve to give a little somethig to yourself and what could be more appealing than the cool, understated luxury of a new Mercedes-Benz. With exclusive prices on 2007 models and all remaining 2006 models, plus a 3 year warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance, you can now look forward to unrivalled driving pleasure.

Hurry! Visit your nearest Gargash Enterprises showroom today.

*** Mercedes-Benz ads have always been attractive with its simplcity. The amazing factor is that despite doing the same layout through out the year, it would never give a monotonous feel... Its not like 'everyone'.

2. Al Zahra (GN HPg-18) **

Hd: Time for a joint replacement?

Copy: Whatever type of orthopaedic problem you suffer from, our joint replacement programme can ease your pain. At Al Zahra, we carry out sureries or the knee, shoulder hip and ankle joints as well as treat spinal ailments. As you miht expect, we have the most modern medical equipment; a fully fitted gymnasium; and importantly, reputed physiotherapists and doctors look after you. So get moving. Call for an appointment today.

Baseline: The healing touch.

** The ad has been appeared in Friday Magazine as a small strip ad, long back.. I think they started this campaign in that size only. In fact, that time, in this session I had made a comment saying if they could make this as half page, it would have had a better mileage.

Again the visual, even though the joints are old and rusty... for an imagery they could have minimised the damage. This is like a scrap..which normally people consider as waste. But you are talking about health....right?

3. GMC (GN-Hg-23) **
HD: Enjoy the season's ebst ofers plus shopping vouchers worth AED 2,000
Copy: Buy a GMC this Ramdan and get the following exclusive benefits*: 0 down payment . Preferential rofit rate . Fist instalment in 2008. 5 year / 100,000 km extended warranty
Base line: We are professional grade.
** ....ok.

25september2007tuesday

Eyes were on the clock at 06:14
News

Before things get out of hand (GN Editorial-Opinion Page -8)
It was undoubtedly a massive success. More than 180,000 immigrants living illegally in the UAE who took advantage of the three-month long government amnesty have left the country, hopefully for good. (To read the full story click on https://www.gulfnews.com/opinion/index.html )

Advertising - United Arab Emirates

There were three consecutive Nissan ads today

1. Nissan Altima (GN-FPg23) ***
HD: All-new Altima. Thrills at the touch of a button.
Copy: Push the button and move to a higher level, motivated by two next geeration engines, and feel the response of a groundbreaking Xtronic CVT transmission and a keyless push-button ignition with Intelligent Key. Now turn the wheel to feel your pulse accelerate. And enjoy vews that will take your breath away.
Baseline: SHIFT_convention
*** Nice visual. Good headline.

2. Nissan Xterra (GN Fpg-25) ***

HD: [dirt + H2O]+gravity = X

Copy: The new Nissan Xterra

Sometimes just getting out there is a sport itself. This in mind, we outfitted the all-new Nissan Xterra with a slew of hard-core off-road gear d class-leading 4x4 ground clearance. We also gave it a new 291-hp V6 4.0L engine - for those times when only sheer muscle will do.

Baseline: SHIFT_limits

*** Teriffic visual.. its about to rain heavily and again got to be wet and muddy... but who cares...?

The '2' of H2O has been misplaced.. Was that because of the gravity loss or 'shift' -as the baseline says; or merely a 'mistake' from the copy writer's part? That's the only X factor otherwise its a superb ad.

3. Nissan Qashqai (GN Fpg-27) *

HD: 100% urbanproof

Copy: Introducing the al-new Nissan Qashqai.

Copy: With a 2.0L, 142-hp, all-mode 4WD system and intelligent key, the new Qashqai is study and agile enough to play with whatever the city throws at you.

Baseline: SHIFT_attitude.

* I think this is to compete with Toyota RAV4. Visually not appealing much. Highly touched up car image, as if the metal has become plastic. Art direction not so great... forgot the dimension while placing the image on the wall.

4. Sahara Centre (GN HPg-18) **

HD: Ramadan Sahara Charity Auction

Copy: The money you spend is the money we give.

In the spirit of giving, Sahara Centre is hosting its first Charity Auction, where all the money raised will go towards helping the needy. Take part in the Auction from Sept. 13th to Oct. 20th ad bid on your favourite cars, electronics and handicrafts. The highest bid wins nd all proceeds go to charity. In addition, spend Dhs. 200 at any Sahara otlet ad enter the draw to win a Corvette Z06. So go shop, go play and give to those in need in this month of giving.

** Its for a good cause... so why this visual?

5. Deyaar (GN Fpg-35)**

Hd: A single centimetre makes a world of difference.

Copy: Perfection is in the details.

Fixing a peephole to a height that is accessible is one o many considerations we make when we desig our homes and offices. Because we define spaces with you in mind.

http://www.deyaar.ae/

Baseline: Defining space.

** Visual is of a lady looking through a peephole. A different idea-straight to the concept and it drag the attention,because of many reasons.

Outdoor

Location: Across Dubai, Mainly Jumeirah side.

24september2007monday

Eyes were onthe clock at 06:10
Advertising - United Arab Emirates

1. Nissan Altima (GN Wrap) *

2. Du (GN Hpg-47) ***

Hd:" I was learning to fast, but for the first time I'm fasting to learn."

Copy: A Charitable act during a charitable month.

Make this Ramadan as special as your first, Teach your children its true value.

Bigin every day in Ramadan with a charitable act. The value of your SMS of each day will be donated to the UAE Red Crescent Society by du.

Baseline" Ad life to life.

*** Nice. Good appeal with its colours and the smile of innocense.

3. Sharjah Islamic Bank (GN Hpg-14) **

Hd: Pick up the care of your dreams

Copy: Ejoy the lowest car finance rate at 3.79%

Buying the care of your choice has never been easier, thanks to Sharjah Islamic Bank. With an amazing 3.79% profit rate on car fianance, there's never been a better time than now to buy your dream car. Expect quick apprvals, zero down payment and no hidden fees. At Sharjah Islamic BAnk, we believe that going that extra step for you to chieve your dreams, sets us miles apart.

. No hidden fees

. zero down payment

. Quick approvals.

Baseline: We get you more.

** Nice. It reminds me yesterday's ARY Ad.

4. Emirates Bank (GN Qpg-11) *

Hd: Our gift to you this Ramadan... time.

Copy: Ramadan Kareem! Defer you oan instalment.

In keeping with the tru spirit of Ramadan, Emirates Bank ofers you the opportunity to give your loan instalment a month-long break.

. Offer vlid for all loan instalments due between 13th September and 20th Ocotber

. Offer open to al mePersonal customers only

. Avaiale through all branches of Emirates Bank.

Not an existing customer? Take a Personal Loan rom Emirates Bank during Ramadan and put your first payment on hold!

http://www.me.ae/

* very literal.

23september2007sunday

I was ON through out last night.. so were my eyes. (I had a presentation to work on.)

Arts - United Arab Emirates

Mark My words
Ali F. Mostafa an Emirati filmmaker with a strong screen presence. (Ali Mostafa 26, would love to direct Anthony Hopkins)

Excerpts:

(a)What inspires you as a filmmaker?

Life in general… culture, religion, politics, people around me, places I see. Everything inspires a filmmaker for the next project. A huge inspiration is watching a really good film.

(b)Where do you see UAE films in the next five years?

In the next five years, when you go to the cinema you will have at least 3 locally produced films of international standard to choose from. UAE cinema will be on the international map in the next two years! Mark my words!

(c) What kind of talent can we expect from Emiratis?

In terms of creativity and ideas, Emirati talent is at par with filmmakers from established markets. We have the potential to compete with the best, provided we get the much-needed technical support, an area that needs serious looking into.

(To read the complete story click on the link below

https://www.gulfnews.com/tabloid/People/10155492.html

Advertising - United Arab Emirates
1. Hummer (GN Fpg-32) ***

HD: There's excitement in the air and on the road.

Copy:

Free Insurance. Free Registration. 3.99% interest rate.

There are lot of deals during Ramadan, but none quite like this. Take advantage of this Holy Month's ofer and get yourself behind the wheel of a Hummer today

*** Nice visual. good creative. First I was bit confused about the phrase in the body copy 'get yourself behind the wheel of a Hummer today'. Second look at the dramatic visual where in the care is raising towads the Ramadan moon, made me realised that it was on the way to the moon..tagging along the all the excitements. 2. Sudhir Gopi Developers (GN 25x4) **

Hd: Now diversifying to building luxuries.

Copy: Sudhir Gopi Holdigs Inc, is a consortium of multinationl corporations committed to holistic excellence. In all our existig Universities, creativity and innovation are birdled by the durability of edcational excelece. Just like our commitment towards building secured careers. Sudhir Gopi Developers,the group's venture into housing is anchored by excellece. We at SGD adopt processes, emthods, policies and technologies to build structures that are luxurious embodiments of excelence. Our structurs reflect the mental makeup of the designers, the physical capability of the builders and the spiritual oulook of families that make each home a abode of love

http://www.sudheergopidevelopers.com/

** It should have been a full page ad. Good creative. they really diversified. But the pinnacle part on the 'building' looksodd and misproportionate.

3. Dubai Festival City (GN HPg-7) **

Hd: Discover aspects of Ramadan that can shape your character.

Copy: Experience the distinctive flavour of Ramadan, as heritage unfolds in front of your eyes. Visit cultural displays, interactive decorations, a wide range of Iftar offerings in a truly famiy atmosphere. Touch Ramadan this year at Dubai Festival City.

Touch Ramadan - At Dubai Festival City from September 13th till Eid.

http://www.dubaifestivalcity.com/

** Nice visual and thought.

4. Natuzzi (GN HPg-25) *
HD: Promotion
Copy: Even a promotion can be art for Italians.
Until 12th October save on selected sofas, armchairs and furniture.
ww.natuzzi.com
* It's not only the idea, but the execution makes the ad, an Ad. Very poor art direction.

22september2007saturday

Eyes were on the clock at 06:08
Advertising- United Arab Emirates
Today Gulfnews was creatively dry.
1. ARY (GN FPg-24) **
HD: We've designed a ew masterpiece for you.
Copy: The new-llo ARY store in Deira City Centre has re-opened
Dazzling, delightful, spectacular our new-llo store in Deira City Centre now oers you an even wider range of diamonds, pearls, 22K gold jewellery and watches in a breathtaking 3500sp feet setting. Whether it's a gift for a special occasion, something for loved onesor for yourself, you'll find everything you wish for right here.
1 st level Jewelry Court, Deira City Centre.
**The 'stone has become 2 dimensional. they could have taken the 3D render of the shop. Nice thought...not much in execution. Objectivewise it has the merrit of attention as well as motivation.

21september2007friday

Eyes were on the clock at 06:06


Advertising - United Arab Emirates

1. THEone (GN Fpg-25) ****

HD: Love thy neighbour. But always have more stylish furniture.

Copy: Let your neighbour do his thing. And you do yours. There's room for everyone. Even if you room looks better.

Every product featured here is a limited edition. Like all our products. http://www.theoneplanet.com/

**** Copy-Simply great. Hands off to the 'Wordsmith'. THEone ads have always been awesome with its look and words. The way they touch one story and then make a bridge to the brand. Here with headline - Love Your Neighbour. It creates fun, while reading... and love at the end.

Feel-good factor makes enough 'room' for the brand not only in the ad folks' mind, of this creative industry, but in the market as well.

2. Al Anwar Gold Jewellers (GN Friday Mag pg-44) ***

HD: Princess of HUSH

Copy: A rare moment of quiet

Surrounded by silence, immersed in thought, her eyes are eloquence. Echoing in unsaid words the vivid poetry of diamonds, pink sapphires, rubies and pearls.

Baseline: Inspired by brilliance.

*** (This is the second ad of the campaign..Details will be posted later after comparing with the first one..)

3. ETA Star (GN Fpg-2) **

HD: Sand.

Copy: Heavy enough to sink to riverbeds, light enough to fly in the wind. Solid enough to blot out the sun, flexible enough to take on the shape of any thing it is poured into. It becomes harshness itself as sandpaper, yet flows like silk through the tiny aperture of an hourglass. Sand is a study in versatality, just like ETA Star Properties, which creates everything from landmark residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects to large hospitality and education projects for customers to choose from. Which is why, at ETA Star Properties, sand is not just a product of nature, but the product of our imaginations.

Baseline: Built on trust.

** Stone-Concrete-sand. Third ad of the campaign. Nice. I am bit confused about the copy flow, especialy the sign off part - the product of imaginations.

They picked up 'sand'. Described nicely...with wonder.. its importance..etc. all with the aim of bringing its versatile nature; and then link that aspect with the brand. Hence ETA Star has been symbolised as sand by virtue of its so called features. Now the last line says- 'at ETA Star Properties, sand is not just a product of nature, but the product of our imaginations.' First person has become second... transition happend (don't you think so? If am mistaken... please mail your views to me shajizone@gmail.com)

4. Guess-GC (GN Friday Mag - 47) ***

Copy GC, Guess Collection. Swissmade.Addresspanel.

*** Nice visual. The mupis across UAE and looks good as outdoor.

5. Gulf News Self Ad (pg-29) ***

Hd: The competition has a new benchmark to look up to. 103,437*

Copy: Gulf News qualified daily circulation.

BPA Certified figures (The chart follows shows an increase of 10,000 in qualified circulation and Average Distribution in 2007; compared to last year)

Great leaders alwyas lead by example. And that's exactly what we've been doing, year ater year. This year has been no different. We've raised the bar to new heights and in the process continue to remain the leading publication of the region. By far.

We'd like to thank our readers, advertisers and staff for making it a success story.

*** Headline-says it all.

6. Max (GN Friday MAg-133) *
Hd: Winter by (Max-Logo)
Copy: Our new winter collection is now in store. Enjoy, pay less and feel good.
Childrenswear-Ladieswear-Menswear-Footwear-Household-Accessories
Baseline: Look good. Feel good.
* Look and feel is good, so is the idea. Lady's face has been heavily touched up, making it artificial and cut n' paste look.

7. Subaru (GN Friday MAg-pg139) *

Hd: Adventre in every turn.

Symmetrical AWD

This Ramadan feel the 'Spirit of Adventure' with Subaru. Buy a Subaru and a get a 'free airline ticket,' to a select set of destinations from around the world.

Enjoy the drive, relish teh adventure.

Baseline: Think. Feel. Drive.

* It's become too fun and childish. Hosewives and timekillers may have thought. felt and drove off with this ad.

20september2007thursday (eyes...ON)

Eyes were on the clock at 06:04
Details will be posted soon...

1.

Advertising - United Arab Emirates

1. Intense (GN Fpg-19)***

Copy: L'eau D'issey pour homme Intense Issey Myake

www.isseymiyakeparfums.com

3.

4. Kaya Ski Clinic (GN Qpg-31)**

HD: We don't promise you the moon, But radiance is given.

Copy: This Ramadan, let your skin complement the moon's radiance with our special ofers that will leave you with smooth, flawless and glowing skin. An compliments. Walk into our clinic this Septemeber and walk out looking your radiant best. Ever.

** Headline thought. Stock image.

5. Nahar's Amrit Shakti (GN Qpg-20)*

HD: My Inspiration. My neighbour

Myhome,mylife.

Copy: The world of Nahar's Amrit Shakti. Where homes are not concrete jungles but tastefully designed spaces which compliment nature. Where the wold's greatest architecture is surrounded by acres of landscaped gardens. Wher windows open to pristine green. A township of international style, designed by Hafeez Contractor and landscaped by Singapore's renowned Belt&Collins, eauipped with all the amenities that make living here truly a world-class experience. Luxurious 2 and 3 BHK apartments, international syle modular kitchen systems, a 50,000 sq.ft clubhous., a yoga and meditation centre, a diagnostic medical centre special gaming & party zones, mini shopping plazas, estaurants and a temple, amog other facilites.

* Nice headline. Address panel is green, looks funny.