Readers have been generous in extending greetings and showering congratulatory messages on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Arab News. Here some of them narrate their own experiences in the Kingdom with Arab News being a part of their source for news and views:

Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, President of the World Muslim Congress and former Vice Chairman of the Shoura Council:

I had certain reservations, and even though I am not a regular reader, I have found Arab News to be useful, and informative. It is an effective medium for the non-Arabic speaking people, and I hope it continues to be so in times to come.

Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Ali, President of the Islamic Development Bank:

It was a good coincidence that Arab News and the IDB were celebrating their 30th anniversaries together. We, at IDB, are happy to express our congratulations to Arab News, its leadership, and all its staff for this great media achievement. I commend the daily for its excellent journalism and high standards as well as its good analytical stories and presentations. These are at par with international newspapers. Arab News has maintained its outstanding standard for a long time and become a media institution not only in the Kingdom but also in the Gulf and the Arab region. English language media have an added responsibility as they convey the developments in Saudi Arabia as well as its culture and traditions not only to expatriate workers in the Kingdom but also to foreign visitors. Arab News has always maintained its reputation and it always gives the correct picture of this country and its culture.

C.A. Raja, Chief Executive, Marhaba Group of Restaurants:

I am a resident of the Kingdom for 20 years and have found Arab News a must reading for all of our executives. We have opened our every new branch with a new subscription for Arab News, because we consider it as an essential ingredient of successful business and management. It keeps us updated on all that matters like no other publication. The coverage is exhaustive and the range wide, from the community to the cosmos, from the condition of the roads and the litterbugs to literature, from the latest in business, economy, science and technology and computers to the space. You have it all. It is a newspaper with commitment and professionalism, from which both the layman and the professional can benefit. Operations Manager Salim Masood, Jeddah Branch Manager Ijaz Ahmad Qazi, and Alkhobar Branch Manager Ghulam Murtaza say they start their day with Arab News. Masood says all of them have always welcomed Arab News and have always felt welcome by the daily. Qazi says Arab News is evidently and visibly different. It is bold and has grace, get-up and set-up. It not only brings the world to them, but also reflects the life and times of the Pakistani expatriate community in the Kingdom. Murtaza says it is their reliable source for news from home and extensive coverage of the community here.

Shahid Amin, Chartered Engineer, President, JCL:

I started playing cricket on the second day of my arrival — on Thursdays with 1395 and Fridays with Pak Saudi, the oldest club of Saudi Arabia founded by Zain Khan and Rizwan Khan in 1966. Nine months after the birth of Arab News, it got a new dimension as yours truly started reporting local cricket for the first time in January 1976. I still remember that I had to personally deliver the reports and pictures to the Arab News office. After having relations in London’s Fleet Street, the Arab News office seemed peaceful with its most friendly atmosphere. Who knew at that time that Khaled Almaeena would head Arab News one day? It is a fact that he used to field alongside me in the slips. We are very proud that apart from other issues, sports is well covered in Arab News. Local and international events get equal importance. Deserving communities and rightful organizations get fair projection. I feel very proud that I have been part of the Arab News team that has covered many cricket world cups and important international series, and have represented Arab News at international events alongside Sunil Gavaskar, Geoff Boycott, Vivian Richards and Wasim Akram. Deployment of latest technology has given it an edge over others, while online topics still have room for improvement. Promotion is one thing but a proactive approach in sponsoring events not only makes the daily a popular one but the main essence is that it draws the respective communities closer to it and makes them vouch for it. Jeddah Cricket League (JCL) came into being on April 14, 1976 - 359 days after the first issue of Arab News hit the stands. Since then it seems both the organizations are in a race. Why not? JCL could move from Baghdadia Graveyard area, where two teams (Pak Saudi and Jeddah Cricket Club) used to play every Friday, to the present Obhur Complex, which has an ultimate provision for 20 grounds and a stadium with 500 meters of its private beach. It is known to be the largest cricketing complex of its kind in the world. Then Arab News has to stay at par with the most modern technology and friendly and painstaking staff and, above all, their leader Khaled Almaeena who is worth remembering for the rest of my life. Everyone at Arab News deserves more than what words could ever convey. Heartiest congratulations from the members of JCL and Central Cricket Control Board, the maiden bodies and pioneers of cricket in the Kingdom. Khaled Almaeena, you are the patron of both well-established organizations. We thank you all for serving the community through the newspaper.

Fareed Al-Khalawi, President & CEO, Amiantit Group:

In the IT age when we are inundated with news and information on TV and the Internet, newspapers still retain their prime value by being the first source of news we see each morning, presenting it in a clear and easily assimilated format. As the head of a global industrial group active in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and the rest of the world, it is vital that I get local, regional and international news fast, presented in a quick-to-read format and accurate in content. This is what Arab News delivers. It is the first paper I turn to because I get the most vital news at a glance. On this anniversary, it is a pleasure to extend my congratulations on a 30-year success story to an international newspaper created, directed and staffed by Saudis and published right here in the Kingdom.

Christine Anne Birkette, British Expat:

Having arrived in the Kingdom over 27 years ago, it was a pleasant surprise to find an English language newspaper. Over the years, Arab News has grown into a polished and professional publication which has been an important source of information for many interesting topics. Long may your success continue!

Dr. Mohammed Iqbal A. Sanai, Senior Saudi Consultant Cardiologist:

Being English oriented, we were all very delighted to have access to an English daily published in Saudi Arabia from its very inception three decades ago. But what surprised us was that almost from its first edition, Arab News exhibited a very high standard of journalism and publishing capability. And over the years there has been a remarkable and steady increase in quality. There are pages on local news, international events, sports, tidbits, world and local stock markets, letters to the editor and a regular Bridge column. But more remarkably, there is a page on religion twice a week with excellent interaction on religious issues between readers and a panel of scholars.

Dr. Saleh S. Al-Wohaibi, Secretary-General, WAMY:

I congratulate Arab News on its 30th anniversary and express my gratitude and appreciation for its coverage of Islamic news in general and World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) activities in particular. Arab and Muslim newspapers have a responsibility toward depicting a true image of Islam and presenting Muslim news and viewpoints. In particular, they have to shoulder the responsibility of presenting factual information about Islamic charities and philanthropic institutions that have been unfairly targeted by the Western media as part of a well-planned and malicious move to cut off all sources of funding. Arab News has played a useful role in educating the general public about the nature of such charities and the services they render to the poor and the needy worldwide. I wish Arab News a bright future in promoting Islamic values and thus enhancing world peace and mutual respect and understanding among nations.

Durlabh Trivedi, General Manager, Saudi Red Bricks Co.:

I have been an avid reader of Arab News for 28 years. I can rate it as one of the best English newspapers in the world. It is a sheer joy getting comprehensive world news including entertainment and sports from the world over without excessive advertisements. In spite of reduction in the news coverage from the Indian Subcontinent, it is still very popular with the South Asian expatriates like me. I sincerely hope that in the near future more coverage of news from various parts of India will be published. Needless to mention that Arab News is the only source of authentic news from the Kingdom for those who cannot read Arabic. I am sure all readers will appreciate and welcome an additional page of local news. High quality, unbiased and professional reporting and editorials covering a wide range of topics have made Arab News a necessity. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary, I congratulate the entire management and staff of Arab News on the great job they are doing in keeping their loyal readers informed.

Ahsan Rashid, President, Fuchs Petroleum Saudi Arabia Ltd.:

It was in 1978 that I landed in Jeddah on a two-year contract, which for reasons I could have never imagined has stretched to 27 years and seemingly has become a lifelong commitment to the Kingdom. In 1978, Jeddah was a small city looking more like a construction site with construction cranes all over. Life was relatively simple with no English TV and satellite stations, no videos, no fast food and fancy restaurants, no direct dialing or mobiles. Pakistan looked a far away land with letters as the only way of communication. In spite of all this life was generally peaceful. BBC radio and Arab News, which at that time was a much smaller paper than today, were the only channels of keeping in touch with the homeland. One of the first fellow countrymen that I met in Jeddah in 1978 was the late Mohammed Ali, a fellow Pakistani who played a key role in founding Arab News and what a man was he, highly knowledgeable, modest and down-to-earth, and ever willing to help one and all seeking his assistance. I felt very proud of him for his achievement in helping start the first English newspaper of the Kingdom. Jeddah of today is a completely different city, having developed into a modern city with a plethora of shining shopping malls and restaurants. Amid all this development is the extraordinary progress made by Arab News, which today is a world-class newspaper. Most of the improvements have come from initiatives of its Editor in Chief Khaled Almaeena and I wish to compliment him for his unrelenting efforts. He is an outstanding journalist and writes extremely well. In many ways he has become the most successful spokesman to the West for not only the Arab world but also the Muslim world. I take the opportunity to congratulate Arab News, and Almaeena and his team on this 30th birthday and pray that Allah gives them ever-greater successes in the years and decades to come. (Amen). As for me, I don’t know how long will I be in the Kingdom, but I am sure of one thing that in spite of the Internet and all the TV channels in the world, as my day is not complete without Arab News, it will continue to be part of the rest of my life regardless of where I will be.

Lubna Faqih, Saudi English Language Educator:

Congratulations on celebrating the 30th anniversary of Arab News. The daily has certainly taken a bold step in journalism in Saudi Arabia. Its coverage of sensitive local issues and wide-ranging international topics has been commendable. It has been able to uncover through its extensive army of journalists those in wolf’s clothing and credit those who have been angels in disguise. The editorial columns and articles have opened doors to those seeking to have their voices heard. I sincerely hope Arab News will continue to stand out in journalism.

Maqsood Aga, London Businessman:

During my 26 years’ stay in Saudi Arabia, Arab News has been like an oasis in the desert for English reading expatriates. With its informative and unbiased coverage of local, regional and global events, it has been something to look forward to every morning. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Arab News on its 30th anniversary. Keep up your high standards!

Walid S. Ashoor, General Manager, Saudi Economic Survey:

I have been reading Arab News since its inception 30 years ago. Even as a student in the United States, where I studied economics and computer science, I subscribed to the daily and found it a good and reliable source of information of my country’s news, business and economic activities, and all-round growth and developments. It kept us up-to-date on what was happening back home. I like the way the newspaper covers different aspects of world news. I appreciate its simplicity, professionalism, presentation and layout. Arab News has been a “must” in my home and office for the last three decades. It has remained truly reliable, informative, educative, and international in its coverage and outlook without losing the traditional core values that it is rooted into, and is known beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia. It is said that a picture speaks a thousand words. I would say color too speaks as many and the green of Arab News is very eloquent. It speaks a lot about the daily.

Muhammad Salahuddin, Veteran Arabic Journalist and Publisher:

I have been a reader of Arab News since it hit the newsstands 30 years ago. The daily reflects what is going on in Saudi Arabia for expatriates in the Kingdom. Under the leadership of its Editor in Chief Khaled Almaeena, it advocates a lot of Arab and Muslim causes and explains to non-Arabs and non-Muslims the facts and real issues of concern to us. The Islamic page that Arab News publishes is a very good service for non-Muslims, because it explains the essentials of Islam, the fundamental issues, and the Qur’an. This was really a magnificent contribution. In general the newspaper is a good daily means for any expatriate who wants to know what is going on in Saudi Arabia. The recent revamping of Arab News was a step forward and long awaited.

Enn C. Baybay, Treasury Operations Officer, Saudi Hollandi Bank, Riyadh:

When I arrived in Jeddah on April 19, 1984, the first thing I did was to look for an English newspaper. I went to a newsstand and bought Arab News, and since then my day starts with this valuable newspaper. It was in October 1990, while I was working with a local bank’s regional office in Jeddah that I called one of Arab News staffers to inquire if I can send my sports write-up related to our regional sports fest. The reply was positive and I handed personally the report. My article appeared on Oct. 9, 1990. I bought more than five issues on the day my write-up was published and shared it with my colleagues. Earlier, in the Arab News issue of Nov. 30, 1988 I saw a picture of mine on its sports page congratulating an opponent during the Afia Tennis tournament at the Albilad tennis courts. I remember, to my amazement, I bought some 10 issues and distributed to my friends. Some issues even reached my home in the Philippines. My friends and relatives back home saw Arab News for the first time and were full of praise. Thanks to Arab News for the compliments I received from friends. Arab News being an English newspaper is very popular among the expatriate community. Factual, accurate and balanced coverage of the latest news has made Arab News the premier newspaper in the Kingdom since its inception.

Dr. S. Othman Abdul Qader, Saudi Doctor at the Royal Court, Jeddah:

I have been an avid reader of Arab News since the 1970s when it started as a tabloid. Before that there were only Arabic newspapers. Despite claims to the contrary, the verifiable fact is that in those very early days I wrote to the editor that space should be provided for readers’ opinions, and this was printed as the first ever letter to the editor. The newspaper has grown tremendously since then, and suffice it to say it is the leading English newspaper today.

Azzam Abalkhail, CEO, Bank Albilad:

Congratulations to Arab News on achieving this milestone. Whatever changes we have seen in Saudi Arabia, Arab News has reported and recorded since its inception. Over the years, it has grown into an internationally respected newspaper because of its journalistic integrity and high editorial standards. The readers are counting on the media to provide objective news and sound reporting, and highlight key issues that are of paramount concern. Whether business, economy, sports, culture and tourism, the need for quality journalism in the Kingdom continues to increase and I am sure Arab News will continue to play a major role in this vital and dynamic industry. I am looking forward to another 30 years of reliable reporting, candid comment and invaluable information.

Faiz Al-Najdi, engineer and writer, Riyadh:

My first day in the office on my arrival here 10 years ago was quite eventful. I was anxiously waiting for the office to get over so I could take my newfound friend Arab News home and explore. Arab News for many reasons has remained my unfailing company ever since. I was reminded of late A.K. Brohi, a legal icon of Pakistan, who once stirred uproar when he spoke his mind about the quality of Urdu press in Pakistan. He was reported to have commented that the Urdu press was so hopeless that he read all sorts of incorrect things in it instead of learning anything new.

However, in the case of Arab News, I must admit I learn new things every day, from new vocabulary to interesting phrases of the English language and news and views from the Kingdom and all corners of the globe. The newspaper is the most widely read English language daily in the Kingdom. In other parts of the Arab world and the Gulf, Arab News is widely respected and trusted. The reason, I understand, is its unbiased reporting of news in its true perspective. Arab News has always taken a lead in reporting, uncovering, and bringing to light all sorts of issues that used to otherwise remain hidden from the readers. Whether it is local issues like injustices meted out to the expatriate workers, torture of maids by their local sponsors or those related to the problems of Saudi youth, Arab News is on the lead. It also comprehensively covers international affairs like war on terror, the US aggression in Iraq, and those that the Muslim Ummah faces in the form of the plight of Palestinians, Kashmiris or the festering humanitarian problem of stranded Pakistanis waiting to return home from the squalid camps in Bangladesh.

It would be unfair if Arab News were not commended for its continued support for the cause of the stranded Pakistanis in Bangladesh. Since 1993 until now Editor in Chief Khaled Almaeena has lent extraordinary moral support to this humanitarian issue. Almaeena and Dr. Omar Abdullah Naseef are the two noted Muslim intellectuals who are widely respected among the expatriate communities from the subcontinent for their immense contribution toward humanitarian issues including the one related to stranded Pakistanis. Arab News, under the able leadership of Almaeena has been on the spearhead in highlighting humanitarian issues across the length and breadth of the globe, be it the Tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia, massive earthquake in Iran, tornadoes and hurricanes in North America, floods in Europe, political unrest in South America or human catastrophe in Congo, Ivory Coast and Sudan. In my opinion, Arab News deserves a national award in recognition of its outstanding service toward projecting a good image of the Kingdom. It surely is worthy of the coveted title of a true companion in the desert land.

David Maltby, Managing Director, BUPA Middle East

Arab News is one of the most recognizable papers in the Gulf region. Not being an Arabic reader, I am reliant on the local English papers for my news briefing and I receive Arab News daily. Having traveled widely, I am used to finding limitations placed on an otherwise “free” press, and I have been impressed by the Arab News’ more recent approach to reporting. Even in the short period of time I have been resident in the Kingdom, I have found the paper become more assertive and confident in its reporting. Areas that I believe were once taboo, are now openly reported, with readers’ comments published in response. A newspaper’s role is not to dictate thought, but to report, inform, comment and prompt debate. Arab News has managed to maintain the balance between accurate reporting within the bounds of political correctness. At the other extreme, however, news can occasionally be too graphic, with pictures of mutilation which would be masked in other countries receiving Front Page coverage. I encourage Arab News not to go down the well-trodden path of sensationalizing the graphic at the expense of delivering a respectful account of events. Congratulations on reaching your 30th anniversary. I wish Arab News continued success in providing balanced reporting, inspiring debate and celebrating the diversity that makes Saudi Arabia unique.

Syed Ehsanul Haque, Electrical Engineer & PRC Convener

Pakistanis who came to work and reside in the Kingdom a couple of decades ago preferred to read the newspapers from their home country to stay in touch with the developments taking place in their cities, districts, regions and the country as a whole. I was in a similar situation when I moved to Jeddah in July 1986. However, in August 1988, when President Zia ul-Haque died in a plane crash and the country was in a political crisis, I felt that the delay in getting news was very frustrating specially when PTV and Pakistan Radio were providing only censored news. At that time, we didn’t have satellite channels. It was then that I discovered how Arab News was useful, as it was giving news coverage, inside stories and analysis that every reader was anxious to know. Since then I have been a reader of Arab News. Arab News provides Pakistani news — national, political, community, etc, as also credible views and analysis. Like many others, I too cherish the contribution of Adel Salahi in the paper’s focus on Islam. To top it all, the paper has attained respectability and credibility with Khaled Almaeena as editor in chief who takes keen interest in focusing on community news that interest the large expatriate segment of the Kingdom. The paper has also been strongly projecting humanitarian issues of Palestine, Kashmir, stranded Pakistanis, etc. Almaeena has also taken the initiative to promote sports through the newspaper, especially cricket, which is one of the popular games among the large expat community. He has also initiated the Internet/web communication, which has enabled me to be in touch with the newspaper whenever I travel outside the Kingdom. I enjoy reading letters to the editor which enable the readers to express their views in a frank and forthright manner. I wish success to Arab News and its able team in their future endeavor.

(With input from Amatunnoor Syed & Habib Shaikh)