As we get ready to bid farewell to 2024, we invite you on a journey through the past 12 months at Katch International and take a look back at all the things that made this year truly remarkable
The New Year’s countdown is swiftly approaching and with the celebratory buzz filling the air, we’ve been inspired to look back at Katch’s most memorable highlights of the year. As we reflect on the past twelve months and set fresh intentions for the next, we can’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for all that our experiential PR agency has achieved. Undoubtedly, 2024 was the gift that kept on giving, from signing world-renowned hospitality brands and managing PR for Coldplay’s sold-out Abu Dhabi shows to celebrating Katch’s 14th birthday.
So, without further ado, join us as we end another stellar year with a look back at Katch’s biggest achievements in 2024:
Springing Straight into the Action of Q1
Starting 2024 strong, January hit all the right notes with a symphony of musical marvels. OneRepublic took centre stage at Bla Bla Dubai on January 25th, delivering a stellar performance of chart-toppers and fresh hits from their ‘Artificial Paradise’ world tour, with Katch orchestrating press coverage, media giveaways, and top-tier buzz. The very next night, Dubai’s urbanites turned up the volume at Break The Block, where Expo City Dubai transformed into an all-night playground of beats, bites, and boundary-pushing performances from acts like Jungle, Nightmares on Wax, and Egyptian DJ sensation Shadi Megalla.
In February, we began the season of love by unveiling Qartuli’s authentic Georgian flavours in Downtown Dubai and showcasing the Pierre Hermé Paris café’s decadent treats in Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. Then, we poured our hearts into delivering a standout PR campaign for UNTOLD Dubai’s debut. The star-studded festival witnessed over 185,000 music-lovers dance through four unforgettable days of performances from the likes of PSY, G-Easy, Armin Van Buuren, Tiesto, and many more.
Finally, we wrapped things up on a comedic high by partnering with Live Nation Middle East to promote Trevor Noah’s “Off The Record” tour, leaving everyone grinning ear to ear.
Before we had time to blink, it was March, and with that, we fully embraced the spirit of the holy month, launching a flurry of sold-out suhoors and iftars at Emaar’s Address Hotels & Resorts and Vida Hotels & Resorts, all fuelled by influencer buzz and lively press releases. Next up, we assisted in the launch of the Insta-famous EL&N London café in the UAE, treating taste buds and timelines to a pink-hued paradise. Adding a sustainable touch, we highlighted Earth Hour at Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites with family-friendly eco-activities to help make a positive impact on the planet.
Turning Up the Heat in Q2 with Sizzling Achievements
Once Q2 rolled around, things were starting to heat up – but don’t worry, we kept our cool. We turned up the laughter by handling PR for the sold-out Dubai Comedy Festival and spotlighting first-of-its-kind events like the inaugural Abu Dhabi Comedy Week and Cirque du Soleil’s UAE debut. Then, to amp things up even further, we promoted German rock legends Scorpions and their ‘Love at First Sting’ Tour at Etihad Arena during a night of electric performances.
The second quarter of the year was also monumental for our real estate clients, with exciting milestones that showcased their innovative contributions to the region. For Almal Real Estate Development, we spotlighted The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel and Residences, the developer’s flagship in Ras Al Khaimah, and brought our client Alpago Properties ‘ultimate billionaire’s dream’ to life with the launch of Kural Vista. Meanwhile, our partnership with ALTA Real Estate brought the ultra-luxury Mr. C Residences Jumeirah to the market, and we marked Berkeley Group’s decade in the GCC with a bespoke perfume collaboration with Anfasic Dokhoon.
Other highlights of Q2 included our success in promoting Rising Stars Arabia 4, which captivated the nation yet again on May 25th. Amidst all the action, we also managed to find our zen on International Yoga Day with a string of tranquil yoga sessions at Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, Palace Downtown, and Twine Restaurant in collaboration with TruFusion.
Last but not least, to celebrate the year’s halfway mark, we introduced the all-new Quizzy Tuesdays at Republic Adda Bar & Lounge, the vibrant desi hotspot nestled in DoubleTree by Hilton – Business Bay.
Q3: A Season of Innovation
Diving straight into Q3, we organised a jaw-dropping synchronised swimming performance at Address Beach Resort’s 77th-floor pool, in collaboration with DoubleD Sports Academy, to spotlight the hotel’s summer offers. We also created buzz for the launch of Rove JBR and the brand’s quirky Murder Mystery Game through influencer collaborations. In August, we turned heads by managing PR for the Tesla CyberTruck showcase at Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi and Rixos Premium Dubai while signing new clients JA Resorts & Hotels, The Ned Doha, and Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek.
To wrap up August, we celebrated Katch’s 14th birthday with the whole team - both in-person and over Zoom - digging into snacks, birthday cake, and plenty of laughs as we reflected on all we’ve accomplished. September kept the momentum going with Media Connect at Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach, where we invited top media to mingle with brand representatives and get hands-on with immersive activities like pastry-making.
Dipping our toe into the world of AI, September also saw us unveil our long-awaited white paper, a deep dive into how advanced technologies are revolutionising hospitality, following months of research and interviews. Hot on the heels of this milestone, our newly signed client Hyperfusion took centre stage at the Dubai AI & Web 3 Festival on September 11th and 12th, backed by a robust media campaign.
Amidst a jam-packed Q3 calendar, we also managed to squeeze in an unforgettable announcement for Coldplay’s upcoming concert in Abu Dhabi – no biggie. Presented by our esteemed client Live Nation Middle East, we had the honour of creating a buzzworthy PR strategy that would generate unprecedented excitement and anticipation among fans. The campaign made history, reaching an estimated 15.5 million views and an audience of almost 1 billion, making it the most talked-about event in the region.
No Chill This Winter: Sleighing Q4
One thing we’ve learned in PR is that it’s a marathon, not a sprint - so we made sure to save enough energy for an epic finish to one of our most successful years yet! October kicked off with a flavourful note as we helped orchestrate The Luminary Set’s first-ever four-hands dinner in the Middle East, featuring chefs Akira Back and Vineet Bhatia at Akira Back, W Dubai – The Palm.
Another standout moment was ‘A Legacy in Bloom’ at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, celebrating the property’s 10-year legacy with a breathtaking floral installation by the legendary Jeff Leatham.
In the realm of entertainment, the final quarter of the year was another show-stopping success, with our team handling PR for some of the region’s biggest events. Fans in Abu Dhabi witnessed the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party light up the stage and dove into a Neo-Tokyo-inspired anime frenzy at Animenia’s five-day extravaganza. We also worked behind the scenes for unforgettable shows featuring The Backstreet Boys, Lea Salonga, and the much-anticipated Wireless Festival Middle East 2024.
Additionally, we geared up for Pinktober by spreading awareness for the inspirational Ride with Rixos at Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi and generated hype amongst avid foodies for the second MICHELIN Guide Food Festival in Abu Dhabi. Building on the excitement, we saw our hard work come to fruition with the successful PR management of Banyan Tree Dubai’s grand opening, featuring a glamorous sunset event attended by over 300 distinguished guests along with the highly anticipated launch of the hotel’s holistic spa just a week earlier.
On November 14th, after months of anticipation and exclusive sneak peeks, we proudly celebrated the launch of Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, solidifying its family-friendly appeal just as we did for Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai. Meanwhile, in December, things really took off as we partnered with Bombardier Aviation at the MEBAA Show 2024, where their fleet of private jets stole the spotlight.
As we step into sweater weather and the scent of cinnamon wafts through the air, we raise a toast to a year bursting with standout campaigns and boundary-pushing creativity. While the seasons continue to change, one thing remains the same – Katch’s commitment to innovative PR and communications. Here’s to welcoming an even brighter new year and turning fresh challenges into sparkling triumphs!
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