Government relations, business advisory and strategic communications firm, Basilinna, has elevated Essam Aljifri to the role of Senior Vice President. Based between Riyadh and London, he oversees Middle East strategic communications and policy advisory across government, business, and NGOs, while continuing his role as issues and crisis management specialist at the firm.
Essam joined Basilinna in 2024, following more than seven years at Edelman, where he last held the role of Vice President, Issues and Crisis Management, Middle East for Edelman Global Advisory. He also brings comms experience from Burson.
Ambassador Yassir Elnaggar, Chairman of Middle East at the firm, said, “Essam exemplifies Basilinna’s insight-backed approach at the intersection of policy and communications. His leadership strengthens how we help clients navigate complexity and deliver outcomes that matter.”
“I’m honoured to step into this role and build on Basilinna’s mission - bringing policy fluency and strategic communications to support leaders driving transformation across the region,” commented Essam on his new appointment.

Essam Aljifri steps up into new expanded role
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Action Global Communications has named Camilla d’Abo to head up its UAE operations.In this role, she takes on the mandate to grow the business, succeeding Euan Megson, who over the past decade, has scaled the firm into a team of over 100 across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond. Euan is now taking on the role of MENA Director, overseeing Action’s footprint across Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
With over 25 years in the business, Camilla has built and led agencies and advised global brands. Her portfolio includes being the Co-founder of DABO & CO until its acquisition by Edelman in 2015. After that, she went on to lead Edelman DABO, and then held senior leadership roles at APCO Worldwide and most recently, WPP's BPG UAE.
“Camilla’s arrival is a statement of intent,” said Euan. “She brings an entrepreneurial edge, global perspective, and a proven ability to lead agencies through growth and transformation.”
Camilla commented, “Action has heritage, talent and momentum. My vision is to build on that foundation and ensure the agency continues to set the benchmark for integrated communications in the Middle East.”
Dubai-based PR and communications consultancy, LOVE by LV Partners, has welcomed three new clients to its portfolio. TATEL Dubai and Ines Chatti Patisserie have joined the agency's line-up, which includes the Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal. A returning client is Feastival, the homegrown organisers of pet-friendly events in the UAE.
Additionally, the team also launched LV Partners Strategic Partners Programme. This initiative is designed to honour the contributions of its partner consultants, the talent who work closely with its Founder, Jennifer Love (pictured), to drive LOVE, as well as LV Partners’ broader divisions, CAPITAL, and LINK.
The inaugural partner joining the growing programme is Imogen Long, a consultant who has partnered with the company since 2023. The programme provides handpicked freelance consultants with financial and professional security through guaranteed billable hours, enhanced benefits that foster camaraderie while maintaining flexibility, and mutual growth opportunities aligned with LV Partners’ values and ambitions.
“I created LOVE by LV Partners organically and authentically and ensured that everything we do is driven by passion and purpose. Telling stories that matter, creating authentic connections, building brands that last - and we’re not just ‘servicing’ clients, but providing them with a tailored, boutique and understanding experience where everything lies in the power of partnership," said Jennifer, who is also the Founder of LV Partners MEA.
"As we step into a new season for Dubai, we are proud to evolve alongside the market, welcoming incredible new clients while launching initiatives that empower the consultants and partners who are part of our evolution. This next chapter is about growth with intent, working with brands and individuals who share our values, and continuing to redefine what modern PR can look like.”
Dadang Irsyam has stepped into the role of Chief Communications Officer at VizzEoN, based in Indonesia. In this role, he leads strategic communications, corporate branding, stakeholder relations, content development, digital marketing, and events, for the training company.
Dadang brings communications and project management experiences from placements including Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor and Pondok Modern Tazakka, where he oversaw various events and initiatives. He first joined VizzEoN in April 2025 as a Data Artist, where he focussed on translating insights into brand narratives.