Following the successful launch of Ramzi Raad’s second book, “The Story of Middle East Advertising” in 2022, a significant development has been announced: the launch of the digital version of the publication, catering to the growing academic interest in the book across universities in the Middle East.
During his extensive tour of universities in Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates, Raad donated copies of his book to libraries, focusing on institutions with schools of advertising and marketing. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with educators identifying the book as invaluable teaching material for understanding regional advertising dynamics and expressing their interest in including some of its chapters in their academic syllabus.
Reflecting on this milestone, Ramzi Raad, Chairman of TBWA\RAAD Middle East and author of “The Story of Middle East Advertising”, explained: “One of the key observations from our discussions with universities was the scarcity of case studies from our own region. Students are typically exposed to case histories from the US, Europe, and Asia, but there’s a notable lack of material that taps into the unique challenges and successes of brands in the Middle East. This is where the importance of the book came through, as it addresses this gap. I hope it serves as an inspirational resource for those interested in understanding the rich history and dynamic evolution of communication and advertising in the region.”
Raad’s book showcases a plethora of Middle East and Arab case histories, such as the pioneering launch of bottled mineral water in Saudi Arabia and the evolution of consumer preferences towards household products like detergents and diapers. These examples offer insights into cultural shifts and consumer behaviors specific to the region.
Recognizing the demand for broader academic accessibility to this invaluable resource, Raad and his team have now launched an enhanced online version of the book. The digital edition includes practical additions, such as references to media articles, books, stories, commercials, and campaigns, all available on the website for readers to download along with the chapters and reprint for research purposes. Additionally, visitors can engage directly with the author and editorial team through the website’s interactive features, sharing their thoughts, reviews, and addressing questions.
The online launch of “The Story of Middle East Advertising” marks a significant milestone in Middle Eastern publishing, offering unprecedented access to a wealth of knowledge previously confined to hardcopy editions. Academics, students, and industry professionals can now explore these resources to enrich their studies and advance their understanding of regional marketing dynamics.