The PR Academy MENA has announced the launch of its services in the region, with its base in Dubai, triggering a new shift in the public relations (PR) industry in the UAE and the wider region. The PR Academy will now enable both seasoned and aspiring PR and communications professionals to take up courses offered and accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR). The coveted courses will be delivered in partnership with the UK’s leading entity in the field of PR education – PR Academy.
Giving insights into the new partnership, Reem Masswadeh, Head of Communications at The PR Academy MENA, said, “The PR industry in the MENA region is currently valued at AED 3.7 billion, with prospects for this figure to further gain traction and reach AED 7 billion by 2030. The opportunities resultantly mean that there will be demand for more skilled professionals in the field in the coming years. This inspired us to take this decision.”
She further said, “It is a matter of pride for us that we have been chosen to represent and partner with PR Academy, one of UK’s leading providers of PR and communication education. With the new Academy, our aim remains to promote and provide CIPR qualifications to professionals at various levels of their careers.”
The first CIPR qualifications, dedicated to the MENA region cohorts, whichwill start in October 2021 include:
- CIPR Professional PR Diploma
- CIPR Specialist Diploma: Crisis Communication
- CIPR Specialist Diploma: Digital Communications
The courses will be taught online, and students will benefit from supporting resources from an online library. Further information about the courses can be found at https://www.tpra.me/
Masswadeh added, “It is increasingly recognised that good and ethical PR practice is underpinned by the foundational training and education. CIPR qualifications are recognised throughout the world and they are designed to enable professionals to become more strategic, ensuring that the right approach is undertaken to deliver valuable results. All CIPR qualifications are built on a strong foundation of ethical practice.”
Dr Kevin Ruck, co-founder and director of PR Academy, said: “Through this partnership, we want to make CIPR accredited qualifications more accessible to professionals in the MENA region. Holding an accredited professional qualification can enhance an individual’s CV and help to improve team performance.”
Alongside the course, The PR Academy MENA will also offer training and consultancy services with a focus on digital and social media, media training, crisis PR, and PR programming.
Masswadeh concluded, “We are both excited and humbled to be able to help elevate the PR industry in the region. Both the training and consulting elements of The PR Academy MENA have been designed to help raise the bar for PR in MENA. Our mission is to empower communication professionals with applied learning and to provide consultancy services to our clients by leaning on our combined years of expertise with PR Academy UK.”