Communicating professionally is vital for organisational success

Manama, 21 May 2013: Bahrain-based President of Gulf Marcom Group and Founder and Chairman of Hill + Knowlton Strategies Middle East, Mr. Khamis Al Muqla, attended the Third Regional Public Relations Conference held by the International Public Relations Association, Gulf Chapter, in Doha, Qatar from 15th to 16th May, 2013.

The theme of the session was "Leaders' perception of the Role of Public Relations in the Arab World". Mr. Al Muqla told the audience of over 400 that public relations is a modern science that emerged in the early 20th century and flourished after World War II in the United States and western world as a reflection of the political, industrial, economic, social and media liberalization that occurred between two devastating world wars and global economic and financial crises. He quoted John W. Hill, legendary PR leader, as saying that the successful modern business must make sure that people - all kinds of people - know what it is doing and approve of its actions. If you refuse to tell your own story, somebody else will - and probably will tell it wrong.

In the Arab world, public relations made a late and modest beginning perhaps in the early 1950s in both Egypt and Lebanon. Gulf Public Relations Group, which is now Hill + Knowlton Strategies Middle East, which began in Bahrain in 1974, is considered one of the pioneers of this industry in the Gulf.

Al Muqla also outlined the 10 most important reasons for leaders to use public relations which included communicating with their stakeholders via traditional and digital media; in preparation of presentations for conferences and seminars, and most importantly in crisis management. He pointed out that a leader should be an example for others to follow and needs to have the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders, to win their hearts and minds.

Mr. Al Muqla concluded by outlining the important role of PR in the future of the Arab world and for new leaders. "PR is a byproduct of the opening up of communities and societies at all levels and people are expecting their leaders to communicate and influence them toward achieving their goals", he said.

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© Press Release 2013