RIYADH: The Saudi Research and Marketing Group (SRMG) — the Middle East’s largest integrated publishing company — has announced the appointment of Faisal J. Abbas as editor-in-chief of Arab News effective Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016.
“The decision complements SRMG’s future vision of taking our titles to new heights by empowering young Saudi media leaders capable of meeting the aspirations of the new generation who are today’s biggest media consumers,” SRMG Chairman Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohamad bin Farhan Al-Saud said.
“Faisal J. Abbas is among the most prominent Saudi journalists on the international scene; he brings an impressive track record of successful media brands re-launching as well as expanding newsroom operations,” said Prince Badr.
He thanked the outgoing editor-in-chief of Arab News, Mohammad Al-Harthi, for his “enormous efforts.”
“We will continue to benefit from his expertise in various fields within our group. In addition, Al-Harthi will continue to maintain his position as the editor-in-chief of Sayidaty and Al-Jamila Magazines as well as their websites,” the chairman said.
Abbas thanked Prince Badr and the SRMG Board for their trust, saying: “I look forward to be working alongside the board and the team at this prestigious international Arab daily. Together, we will drive it to achieve its full future potential.”
Prior to joining Arab News, Abbas was the editor-in-chief of the Dubai-based Al Arabiya News Channel’s digital English service between 2012 and 2016.
He has also worked as a senior Middle East correspondent for the International Resource Journal and a blogger with the Huffington Post since 2008. Between 2004–2009 he was the media editor at SRMG’s London-based Pan-Arab daily, Asharq Al Awsat.
Abbas is a regular speaker at the World Economic Forum (Davos), Institute for Public Diplomacy (Berlin) and Aspen Institute Italia. He is a fellow of the US State Department Edward R. Murrow Excellence in Journalism IV program, as well as an associate member of the Cambridge Union Society (CUS). He holds a Masters in Marketing Communications from London’s University of Westminster and a bachelor’s degree from the Lebanese American University.
Arab News, which is based in Jeddah, was founded in 1975. For over 40 years, it has been renowned as Saudi Arabia’s premier English language daily, covering local, regional and international affairs. It is available online via www.arabnews.com and across a number of social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter.
Faisal J. Abbas appointed editor-in-chief of Arab News
Faisal J. Abbas appointed editor-in-chief of Arab News
