Arab News at 50 — a legacy of vision, growth, and global dialogue
This year marks a significant milestone in the history of Arab media: the 50th anniversary of the founding of Arab News, the first English-language daily newspaper in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Established in 1975 by the late brothers Hisham and Mohammed Ali Hafiz, who had a far-sighted media vision, Arab News was created to fill a crucial gap in the Arab media landscape — providing an authentic Arab voice to the world in English at a time when narratives about the region were often told from external perspectives. The paper witnessed great expansion and success under capable and distinguished editors-in-chief, notably under the leadership of the late Prince Ahmed bin Salman, who chaired the Saudi Research and Marketing Group, playing a vital role in its growth and development.
From its inception, Arab News recognized the importance of English-language media in building bridges of understanding between cultures. It quickly became a trusted window for English speakers both inside the Kingdom and around the world to understand Saudi Arabia and the Arab world from an internal viewpoint. It established itself as a key regional reference in English.
Arab News served as the foundation for the Saudi Research and Media Group, which has become the largest publishing house in the Arab region. This enabled the organization to expand, attract talent, invest in quality content, and build a distinguished professional reputation over the decades. The newspaper evolved from a local publication into an international media platform covering major regional and global events from an Arab perspective.
One of the most significant shifts in the newspaper's journey was its early embrace of digital transformation. Arab News swiftly adapted to changing reading habits and the emergence of digital platforms, launching a redesigned website along with social media accounts targeting a global audience. It also introduced multiple language editions, including French, Japanese, and Urdu, greatly enhancing its global presence. This transformation was more than a technical upgrade; it represented a true reimagining of the role of Arab media in the digital age. Effective communication with global audiences requires content that resonates with their interests and worldview — making the message more impactful and effective.
Personally, my experience with Arab News marks one of the most important chapters in my professional journey. I began my official career at SRMG as a field reporter with Arab News, and it was like a school that shaped my outlook and encouraged me to think globally in my media work. I later moved to other publications within the group, before returning to Arab News in 2013, this time as editor-in-chief.
This experience was a turning point in both my personal and professional development. It gave me the opportunity to engage with international media organizations, collaborate with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds, and learn from the challenges and opportunities that come with leading a media platform of such scale and influence. Together with my colleagues at the newspaper, we focused not only on the English language itself, but also on delivering content that reflected the mindset and expectations of international audiences.
The newspaper has evolved into a global media platform.
Mohammed Fahad Al-Harthi
Perhaps one of Arab News' most vital roles has been its contribution to building cultural bridges between the Arab world and the international community. By providing accurate and balanced narratives that highlight the region's complexities, achievements, and challenges, the newspaper has helped correct stereotypes and enhance mutual understanding.
Arab News also takes pride in being a platform that nurtures and develops young Saudi journalism talent interested in working in English-language media. Through training, empowerment, and international opportunities, the newspaper has helped prepare a new generation of journalists carrying an ambitious and open Saudi media message to the world.
Today, as the global media landscape continues to evolve with the growing influence of artificial intelligence and interactive content, Arab News remains committed to its core mission: delivering the truth, fostering dialogue, and representing the Arab voice in the international media sphere.
The 50th anniversary of Arab News is not merely a celebration of a newspaper's journey, but a testament to the power of vision, the importance of media in connecting cultures, and the essential role of journalism in shaping shared global understanding. Looking forward, Arab News stands as a symbol of what Arab media can achieve when professionalism, vision, and openness to the world come together.
I believe that English-language and multilingual media now bear an even greater responsibility to convey messages clearly and effectively, especially in a time of confusion, misinformation, and the chaos often stirred by social media. This is where strong media institutions can play a critical role in presenting facts with credibility and professionalism, helping to bring societies closer and build a shared global awareness.
— Mohammed Fahad Al-Harthi is a former editor-in-chief of Arab News.
X: @mfalharthi
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