Arab News

Arab News is an English-language only daily newspaper founded in Saudi Arabia. Founded in 1975 by Hisham and Mohammed Ali Hafiz, it is now based in Riyadh and targets nationals and foreign residents, and from various socio-economic levels. With its wide readership profile, the paper serves as a much sought-after medium for advertising and regional brand building (Arab News, 2018).

Being the first English newspaper to report and publish a Saudi perspective on both national and international events (Arab News, 2018), Arab News quickly rose to prominence. It has a diverse range of columnists who offer their various perspectives on matters ranging from politics and finance to sport and social events. Today, it is one of the 29 publications owned by the Saudi Research & Marketing Group (SRMG) (Arab News, 2018) which is closely associated with the government. Despite the aforementioned association with the government, Arab News takes a largely liberal view on polarizing issues especially those concerning the Middle East which can be seen through their articles on topics such as women’s rights and US politics (Arab News, 2020).

Arab News also partnered with online global polling firm YouGov in order to “shed light on regional opinions on international happenings, as well as becoming a basis for credible research on international sentiments towards Arab affairs” (Gleeson, 2017). Widely known for its “objectivity, credibility and professionalism”, its motto was recently changed to “The Voice of a Changing Region” and it is widely known for its objectivity, credibility and professionalism amongst “members of the diplomatic community” (Hassan, 2020). Although Arab News is largely print media, delegates can use other multimedia options like video broadcasts.