Khaleej Times – A Chronicle of Excellence in UAE Journalism
The United Arab Emirates’ first English daily newspaper, Khaleej Times, was established on 16th April 1978. The paper has been running for more than four decades and has transformed along with the region and its people. Khaleej Times has always made sure to provide insightful analyses and news coverage of the entire region. Once the UAE began its transformation, it reflected that along with the rapid development of the region. Throughout four and a half decades, the Khaleej Times newspaper has played a pivotal role in transforming the media landscape of the region.
Founding and Early Years
Khaleej Times newspaper was the product of a collaboration amongst the government of the UAE, the Galadari Brothers, and the Dawn Media Group from Pakistan. This collaboration launched the first English Daily paper of UAE in 1978 and thus marked a significant milestone in the history of the nation. Displaying unmatched diligence and setting an example for future journalists, the inaugural team consisted of Patrick Heyland, Malcolm Payne, Iqbal Noorie, M.J. Zahedi, and others.
The newspaper quickly gained popularity amongst the citizens. People also trust it as a reliable source of news within the diverse expatriate community in the UAE. Whether related to local, regional, or international movements, the newspaper is making sure to inform the readers about important events.
Diversity Of Content And Editorial Staff
An outstanding characteristic of Khaleej Times is its multicultural employee base. Its staff includes professionals from the Indian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka). Emiratis, Arabs from many countries such as Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon, Mexicans, British, Americans, and Filipinos. This multiculturalism strengthens the newspaper’s outlook and broadens its readership.
The newspaper encompasses several divisions:
General News: This section specializes in local, regional, and international news. It ensures that the audience is well-informed on various happenings.
City Times: This section supplements lifestyle and entertainment, covering the cultural and social life in the UAE.
Business: This section covers the economic and financial aspects of the country, emphasizing the position of the UAE as a global business centre.
Sports: This section covers local and international sporting activities for the interests of all the readers.
WKND Magazine: This is a weekly lifestyle publication that deals with fashion, health, travel, and technology.
Buzzon: This is a section where ads and services for the community are posted.
Digital Transformation
The evolving environment of media led Khaleej Times to launch its website, www.khaleejtimes.com, in 1997. This marked the digitisation of the company enabling it to cater to a wider readership. Throughout the years, the newspaper has kept up with technological changes to make its content available on different digital mediums. In September 2020, Khaleej Times started a free news subscription service. Subscribers were provided with daily news updates via Telegram.
Recognising the changing trends of reading as well as consumption of news through digital channels, Khaleej Times dropped its print edition for weekends in June 2023. It reinforces the digital-first approach of the company.
Leadership and vision
Charles Yardley was appointed CEO of Khaleej Times in September 2023. With vast experience working with global media brands, Yardley will lead the newspaper’s digital transformation. It ensures that it maintains its position as one of the top media companies in the UAE and the rest of the region.
The newspaper leadership has a vision for Khaleej Times to improve its media reporting to the next level. They will be transforming the company into a dominant media channel for virtual and augmented reality as well as artificial intelligence.
Community Engagement and Initiatives
Besides reporting news, Khaleej Times has also engaged in proactive community initiatives. KT Events serves as an engaging platform for a variety of allied parties. It includes policymakers, businesses, entrepreneurs, specialists, and consumers. The newspaper broadened its readership appeal by introducing KT Gamez, a new platform that features interactive games for millennials and Gen Z.
Legacy and Impact
In its 45 years of existence, Khaleej Times has documented the UAE’s journey from a developing country to a global superpower. In the process, the paper’s credibility and the vast institutional trust that has emerged around it continued to grow due to its journalistic accuracy and diversity. In today’s era of constant shifts in media and journalism, Khaleej Times remains evidence of how the industry needs credible journalism.
Conclusion
The Khaleej Times newspaper has not only witnessed the exemplary progression of the UAE but has also played a major role in its story. From serving as the first English daily of the country to becoming the first digital newspaper, the Times has consistently transformed. The Khaleej is unique due to the range of concepts it covers, its editorial diversity, and the need to be up-to-date with the latest advancements within the industry. The Times will continue serving its readers and inspiring them for decades to come with the adoption of new technologies and new platforms.
FAQs
When was Khaleej Times established?
The first English language daily newspaper in the UAE, Khaleej Times, was started on 16th April 1978.
What does Khaleej Times contain?
Apart from world news, business, sports, lifestyle, and entertainment content, the newspaper also provides supplement features. It is like City Times, WKND Magazine, and Buzzon magazine, which carry classified advertisements.
How has Khaleej Times responded to new technology over the years?
With the launch of their KhaleejTimes.com website in 1997, Khaleej Times began its transition to digital media. In September 2020, they launched a subscription-based news service on Telegram. In June of 2023, they discontinued their print editions over the weekends to allocate resources to their online content.
Who owns Khaleej Times?
Galadari Printing and Publishing Co. L.L.C. publishes the Khaleej Times.
