Our team.
Ananda
Ananda Shakespeare is a former journalist turned PR practitioner, and a lifelong environmentalist and vegan advocate. She founded two environmental charities in the UK, and currently runs two non-profit groups, one for the vegan community and ‘Vegan Curious’, another for the media community, both based in Dubai, UAE.
She spent several years as head of content for a telecoms firm, before founding her own PR firm, Shakespeare Communications, which works with sustainable, ethical and innovative clients.
Laura
Laura takes care of the back office operations at Shakespeare Communications, being responsible for day-to-day administrative tasks and assisting Ananda and the team behind the scenes.
With a wealth of experience in business support, Laura is the founder and CEO of Your Virtual Assistant, a dynamic agency offering tailored back-office solutions to SME’s as well as larger businesses. Based in Dubai, Laura has built a successful agency that empowers businesses to streamline their operations, reduce overheads, and focus on growth by providing expert virtual assistance services.
Having transitioned from a varied career in the UK, Laura recognised the need for flexible, cost-effective support solutions that cater to the unique challenges of SMEs. Her mission is to provide entrepreneurs with the freedom to grow their businesses by ensuring her clients receive top-quality support, tailored to their needs.
Will
Will has spent his entire career working in journalism, PR and copywriting. He has worked on several successful titles in the UAE, including conceiving and launching Banker Middle East and The Oath, a legal title, and he revamped Pipeline, the oil and gas magazine, turning it into the most read energy title in the region.
Having spent nearly two decades in the UAE, Will is currently based in London, where he continues to work with UAE companies, organisations and government departments.
He has worked with a ‘Who's Who’ of multinationals, launched several websites and worked with significant publishing houses including Reach, Daily Mail Group, The Times and The Wall Street Journal Europe.
Nichole
Nichole is a comms professional with a decade’s experience in the UAE and UK.
Spinning multiple plates over the years, her career spans a wide spectrum of specialties ranging from public relations and copywriting to marketing and journalism.
Starting her professional journey as a freelance writer for Gulf News, Nichole has gone on to work with renowned brands in Dubai and major retail players in London.
Nichole has a Bachelor’s degree in PR & Advertising from Middlesex University.
She is currently Senior Account Executive at Shakespeare Communications.
Annie
Annie Meikle is a communications professional with 20 years of experience within the digital communications space with experience in consumer and corporate 'worlds.'
Annie started at 'social media ground zero' in the Middle East when she joined the team setting up the Social@Ogilvy program at Memac Ogilvy. As Head of Content, Ogilvy One, she worked with global brands like Sprite, IBM, SAP, Volkswagen, Kotex and Sony Mobile to help them deliver content to engaged social communities in the region.
From 2016 to 2022, Annie co-founded and managed The Social Shop by Aurora, a corporate social media agency in Dubai. There she focused on corporate and consumer social media - working within the tech, retail, health technology and aviationindustries. The agency's niche developed into delivering impactful social media strategies to B2B clients.
She sits on the board of the Canadian Business Council (Dubai & the Northern Emirates), where she helps shape programming and partnerships that support trade, networking and Canadian-UAE business ties.
Ghida
Ghida Abou Zaki is a highly driven communications and public relations professional with over a decade of experience across the UAE and regional markets. Holding a BA in Business Management from the American University of Culture and Education in Beirut, she has built a proven track record in strategic communications, media relations, and integrated marketing.
Her expertise spans diverse industries including real estate, marine, plastics, cosmetics, F&B, and logistics, where she has led and executed impactful PR campaigns that delivered measurable value. Ghida is also passionate about digital innovation, leveraging social media strategies to help SMEs establish their presence, strengthen their brand identity, and achieve sustainable growth.
Recognised for her professionalism, creativity, and results-oriented approach, Ghida brings a strong balance of strategic vision and hands-on execution, making her a trusted partner for clients seeking to build influence and meaningful connections in competitive markets.
Kawther
Kawther joined Shakespeare Communications in 2022 as Junior Account Executive to further diversify and grow her field of expertise and knowledge.
She graduated from Abu Dhabi University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration majoring in management.
She joined ADNOC LNG right after graduation gaining four years’ experience in the Projects Department liaising between the company and local/ overseas contractors. This experience enabled her to become well-rounded in business, while building a strong foundation in communication and administration skills.
She is also experienced in social media platforms, specifically Snapchat and TikTok.
Her passion for acquiring knowledge from various disciplines empowers her to excel in her current role by adding creative flair to her skillset.
In her spare time, she enjoys socialising, music and art as well as fitness and enjoying a good book.