When Arab News began publication in 1975 as a newspaper for expats who came from around the globe to take part in Saudi Arabia’s massive development projects, nobody might have thought it would one day become an outstanding English language daily, linking the Kingdom with the outside world and serving as a strong link between Saudi authorities and the millions of expats.
“Arab News is the top newspaper in Saudi Arabia,” says Mohammed Shaffe, principal of the International Indian School, Dammam.
Ever since he arrived in the Kingdom, Shaffe has been an avid reader of Arab News.
He is happy that Arab News has been maintaining its standard like leading newspapers in India and other parts of the world.
Shaffe believes that Arab News plays a significant role in the Kingdom’s economic and social development.
“I know that there are many Saudis who read Arab News and I have heard them quoting some important business-related reports published by the paper.”
During the campaign against illegal workers, Arab News served as a strong link between expats and Saudi authorities, informing expats’ worries and issues to government departments and publishing the latest Saudi rules and regulations.
Shaffe congratulated the Arab News management and staff on the 39th anniversary.
He proposed publication of a weekly education page to cater to the needs of both Saudis and expatriates, with articles on latest trends in education and career and personality development.
He also proposed a weekly column for learning English, adding that it would benefit both Saudis and expats who want to master the language to get jobs and improve their career.
“I have noticed that many foreign news agencies and satellite channels reproducing Arab News reports,” said Shaffe, who heads the Kingdom’s largest school with more than 16,000 students.
Siddeek Ahmed, CMD of Eram Group, commended Arab News for its great achievements, upholding journalistic ethics and morality.
“Being the recognized media giant in Saudi Arabia, Arab News has positioned itself as an International newspaper in the Arab world. It is well accepted, rather get addicted by all expatriates, including Indians,” he said.
Ahmed added: “As a humble investor in the region and a reader, I feel that Arab News always publishes socially relevant cultural news and political developments in different countries with focus on environmental issues.”
The Eram chief appreciated the newspaper’s efforts in providing guidance and legal awareness to foreign workers, especially during the Nitaqat times.
“Arab News is a great source of information for businessmen like me as it covers the latest trends in the changing economic scenario of the region as well as global technological developments.”
Arab News is a torchbearer of many revolutionary changes in the media industry, which also ultimately benefits Saudi Arabia as well as the Arab world, he said.
“Since 1975 this English daily has been trying to expand and enlighten the knowledge base of its readers with a humanitarian touch,” he said.
“I am very much pleased to notice that Arab News has been trying to fulfill the important functions of journalism by providing comprehensive education, information and entertainment… three basic three pillars of any responsible media.”
Alungal Mohammed, CMD of Al-Abeer Medical Group, congratulated the Arab News team on the happy occasion.
“We are very happy to count you among our closest friends while celebrating your 39th Anniversary. Arab News has a great team with wonderful journalists and writers, and this great people make a great society.”
Mohammed added: “Through your dedication you have been able to build such a brilliant group and we all are proud of you. We wish you continued success as you celebrate this important milestone and wish you all the very best for many more decades to come.”
Irshad A. Cader, executive director Al-Musbah, said he has been an enthusiastic reader of Arab News for many years.
“I always start my day after reading Arab News, which provides me with a balanced, reliable news that I could always rely and trust upon,” he said, while praising the good work of the paper’s professional team.
Cader wants Arab News to target students and youth.
“About 60 percent of the Kingdom’s population is under the age of 30. It’s important for Arab News to get into the hearts of these young men and women so that they would become its avid readers. Newspapers play a major role in molding and establishing a healthy society. I am sure Arab News would take a strategic direction in this regard.”
Akbar Batcha, a senior executive with MaxVision International, extended his best wishes to the management and professionals for their untiring efforts to produce quality news and analyzes.
“Arab News serves as a window to Saudi Arabia and entire GCC countries for English readers not only for news and analyzes, but also to learn the culture and tradition of Saudi nationals and Arabs.”
Batcha added: Arab News can be compared with top leading newspapers from US, Britain and France for its quality content be it economics, politics and social matters.”
He noted the wonderful news, analyzes and viewpoints it published during the Gulf war and Iraq’s occupation of Kuwait.
“While Arab News reflects the mood of the country, it also gives fair representation to expatriates by allowing their voices and opinions on various issues heard. It is needless to say that expatriates have a special affection toward Arab News and I request you to keep it up.”
Batcha expected Arab News management would continue to provide quality content.
“It is important for the newspaper to fully embrace digital era to offer overall portal experiences to readers. Perhaps, frequent updates of world and local news in their digital format would allow readers to have multiple visits on the same day.
“Arab News exercises fair freedom in reporting news and analyzes better than other Gulf English newspapers.”
Sabitha Rahim, a language instructor at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, also spoke highly about the paper.
“A newspaper reflects the heartbeat of a nation. Arab News’ measured progress has resulted in achieving higher transparency of the Kingdom, lending a clearer view of the country to the rest of the world. With wider coverage on all issues and neutral and fair reportage, it has proved to be a fine daily with integrity, accuracy, responsibility, and leadership in serving the public.”
She thanked Arab News for motivating her by publishing news of her works and achievements.
“Being associated with the Middle East’s number one English daily has made me feel honored and privileged. It has always recorded this country’s biometrics, its hopes and aspirations and its transition to amazing heights. I wish the Arab News and its fine, sterling staff more challenges and opportunities for growth, progress, and excellence.”
Usman Irumpuzhi, a journalist who has been following Arab News since 1980, said it was big blessing for expats, especially before the arrival of satellite channels.
“Many expatriates including myself used Arab News to learn English. It also helped readers know what is happening around the world. Many expats used to read Arab News with great passion. I had written a letter to the editor, pointing out that people surround road accident victims without helping them fearing police. A traffic official then replied through the paper urging the public to help those victims.”
Irumpuzhi said he has been considering Arab News as a main source of information for the last 33 years.
Saeed Ramadan, a Malaysian reader, described Arab News as a comprehensive English newspaper covering politics, business and social affairs.
“It fulfills the needs of foreigners in Saudi Arabia. Its reports help business leaders around the world to take decisions regarding investment projects in the Kingdom,” he said, while praising its professional presentation. The paper’s online edition helps expats and other English readers access it from around the world without any difficulty and get updated about Saudi developments, he said.