The Entertainer (discount publisher)

History

The Entertainer was founded by Donna Benton in 2001 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Benton was 26 when she launched The Entertainer as a “buy one get one free” voucher books provider.

In 2012, Riyada Enterprise Development, an investment platform of Dubai-based investment firm Abraaj Capital, acquired a 50% stake in the company, which marked the start of its “going international and going digital” agenda. Since launching its smartphone app in 2013, The Entertainer shifted fully from a print publication to a data-driven technology company with 38 destination-specific products, and tailored B2B solutions for corporate clients, with offers from over 10,000 merchant partners. The app operates across 20 destinations in 15 countries, and in a variety of languages based on location including English (global), Arabic (GCC), Greek (Athens and Cyprus) and Cantonese (Hong Kong).

In November 2013, the Entertainer launched a smartphone app. In addition to all the offers in the printed books, the App includes more offers added each month, which includes brunches, new restaurant openings and special promotions. Features include GPS mapping, advanced search capabilities allowing you to filter against certain attributes, social sharing and integration with Trip Advisor and Careem.

In 2015, the average Dubai customer saved over AED 6,000 (US$1,600) with the Entertainer App, which has seen over 2 million buy one get one free mobile offers redeemed in the UAE alone.

In July 2018, Bahrain's’ GFH Financial Group announced an investment partnership with Al-Futtaim and Al Zarooni Emirates Investments to complete its acquisition of 85 per cent stake in The Entertainer. The company sold the 85% stake in the company for an undisclosed sum.

Operations

The Entertainer has 46 products (books and apps) that cover 40 destinations across 15 countries.

The Entertainer is privately owned and has offices in the UAE, Qatar, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Africa, Cyprus, Pakistan and the UK.

According to a press statement, The Entertainer contributed $1.3bn to the economy each year, with its profits growing 25-30% annually.

Businesses

The Entertainer launched The Entertainer Business as a new division a few years back. The Entertainer Business is essentially a global loyalty provider. It has served many companies across several industries: Banking & Financial Services, Credit Card Issuers, FMCG, Telecommunications Providers, Insurers, Travel Industry, Retailers, Government Agencies and Employee Benefits Programmes.

The Entertainer Business Client List:

• HSBC (HSBC Entertainer App)
• Kelloggs
• Al Futtaim (Blue Rewards)
• Samsung
• DHL
• Emirates Skywards
• Travelex GO
• dU
• GSK
• Mastercard
• Visa
• Carrefour
• Emirates NDB
• BP
• Gems Education
• Wego
• Batelco
• Dubai Tourism
• Singapore Tourism

References

References

1. (Mar 26, 2012). "Abraaj puts faith in smaller firms in the Middle East". The National.
2. (Jan 27, 2007). "Entertaining two for one's cost". Gulf News.
3. "The Entertainer's Donna Benton on Selling 85% of the Business to Bahrain's GFH Financial Group".
4. "The Entertainer's Donna Benton on Selling 85% of the Business to Bahrain's GFH Financial Group".
5. "Wall Street Journal".
6. "Dubai Chronicle".
7. (13 November 2015). "7 Days".
8. "CodesPromofr".
9. (2 September 2020). "The Entertainer founder Donna Benton exits business; launches new swimwear brand in Dubai".
10. (May 7, 2018). "The Entertainer stake sold for 'nine-figure' sum, says founder". ArabianBusiness.com.
11. "7 Days".
12. (2 September 2020). "The Entertainer founder Donna Benton exits business; launches new swimwear brand in Dubai".
13. LLC, the ENTERTAINER FZ. "Customer Loyalty Program - Build The Best Loyalty Program".
14. LLC, the ENTERTAINER FZ. "Customer Loyalty Program - Build The Best Loyalty Program".