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DAVID PORTER
Media director, Unilever MENA
To do all I can to see a world class TV people meter established in Saudi Arabia. Last year’s was to see one established in the UAE.

HERMANN BEHRENS
CEO, The Brand Union Middle East
In 2011 I aimed [to] take the following words out of my vocab – r_c_es_sion and d_w_t_rn – and I failed dismally on both fronts and added a few others as regular features like unpredictable, chaotic, and crazy to describe the year that has passed.
My new year focus is about creating opportunity, not waiting for it to happen.

YVES-MICHEL GABAY
General manager, MEC MENA
The ones from last year:
On a personal level:
• Quit smoking: Yes, I did – now for [more than] seven months... And it’s still hard
• Back home earlier (19.30 would be great): Missed – good for 2012
• Lose 10 pounds: Actually, I gained 10 more because I quit smoking – so I’ll keep this one too
• Do sports: Just started because of the above – continue in 2012
• Go to sleep earlier: Missed in 2011 – OK, will try for 2012.
On a professional level:
• Try to convince my professional counterparts [and] media partners that we have to play the game as jointly responsible players in order to improve our industry in all domains (research, payment, fees, pitches, etcetera): I will definitely continue this one in 2012
• And, on a less serious note: To finish the decoration of our new office before the end of 2011: Done.

HUBERT BOULOS
Head of strategic planning, JWT
Achieved partially last year’s resolution: I did move back to Dubai. The rest… Work in progress. For 2012 I’d like to pig out as often as possible in Michelin Star restaurants. First objective: Noma in Copenhagen; it’s voted the best restaurant in the world, yet it only has two stars in the Michelin guide. That discrepancy needs to be thoroughly investigated.

LOUAY AL-SAMARRAI
Managing director & partner, Active PR
To “expand” the agency’s presence across an industry category or a geography by 2012. Yes, I had a beautiful baby daughter called Maya.

MOHAMMED TAYEM
Managing director, Entourage
Once I put my mind to something, achievement is assured. So, yes, to your [second] question. For 2012, we at Entourage look forward to spreading hope wherever we go. Spreading smiles is our specialty.

TONY ORSTEN
CEO, twofour54
To lose my Abu Dhabi belly. (Last year’s was the same, but they opened Hakkasan 500 meters away from my house, so what could I do?)

AZHAR SIDDIQUI
General manager, Magna Global
The New Year’s resolution is MORE. More productivity at work, more quality time with the family, more commitment towards health and fitness.

ALAIN BRAHAMCHA
General manager, UAE, Starcom MediaVest
I did achieve my last one. It was basically to get myself a house and I actually did it. That was a pretty big thing for me.
I think one of the main [resolutions] at this point in my life may be to think about settling down. That is something that I’ve been struggling with, so I’m putting it into my head that I have to really focus on it.

FADI CHAMAT
General manager, PHD Abu Dhabi
I think the reason most NY resolutions don’t get fulfilled is because we make them when we’re not our normal selves; we’re euphoric, intoxicated or just plain daring.
I’ve had my share of those over the years; I don’t know why such a big deal is made of them.
Having said that, [this] year I’m going to stop deforestation, melting ice caps, rising carbon emissions, fix the Middle East problem, and maybe exercise a little bit more.

NIZAR ABOU SAAB
Senior director – client leadership, Mindshare UAE
A Harley Davidson, a penthouse, and the Fashion TV Private Cruise Party – The White Cruise, not the Black one.
[To the second question]: The Fashion TV Private Cruise Party?… Well… No.

YOUSEF TUQAN TUQAN
CEO, Flip Media
2012’s resolution is the same as last year’s: to run a sub-four-minute marathon. I’m afraid I didn’t achieve it last year.

ZOYA SAKR
Editor-in-chief, Nawa3em.com
My 2012 resolution is to make Nawa3em the leading choice for online Arab savvy women. My last year’s resolution was to start my own business, and I am glad I successfully did it.

MICHEL BORT
Client relationship director, Kassab Media
Get in better shape, grow my network, [and] come up with more innovative ideas. I did achieve 80 percent of last year’s resolution; a big part of it had to do with health and shape.

PAUL LOUZADO
Executive director, Siegel+Gale Middle East
This year’s resolution is the same as the last – to deepen my relationships with the people who matter in my life.
Easy to say, but you have to [be] incredibly organized to achieve it. We all know how crazy this business can be, but the last year has taught me that family and friendship are more important than ever.

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