It started in April 1975 in the humble surroundings of a garage on Jeddah’s Madinah Road; the country’s first English-language daily. Arab News was a bit like the building — not exactly the polished article sold on the streets of London or New York or Delhi or Singapore; a four page tabloid produced on linotype containing what local and international news could be gleaned on a shoestring budget. But it was a beginning, and sales rose. Then came the transfer to a small, dilapidated building in Sharafiya right next to the old airport where the roar of planes used to shake the building. With the change of location, came a change in the paper’s character and look; Arab News inched forward, acquiring not only extra space but also a bigger and better look and feel. There was increased content and change from reporting just the mundane to the more incisive, the more readable and the more informed. There was more international news, more sports, more opinion, and more of the news from home that expat readers wanted.
In 1983 the paper moved to the Square Bridge, again off Madinah Road where it remained for the past 26 years. The move was a relief — more space, better equipment and an opportunity to hire more staff. This gave staff at Arab News a chance to further excel and expand. A proper work environment helps productivity.
During the time we were at that building, many world events took place: assassinations, coronations, the end of the Afghan War, the fall of the Soviet Union, the invasion and then liberation of Kuwait, and the invasion of Iraq. Presidents Reagan, Bush Sr., Clinton, Bush Jr. and then the epoch and historical election of Obama were all reported and argued over in that building. But the life of a newspaper is not just about news, it is also about how news is assembled and reported. The last 20 years has seen massive changes in the media industry and the way people access news and information thanks to new technology. It was in the building off Madinah Road that the first computer in our publishing group was brought and installed. It was also in that building that Arab News went online, a move that put us on the world map.
It was also there that women were employed and began to take their rightful place in the media. There were many other firsts. The move to further modernize the Kingdom by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, his resolve to take Saudi Arabia on to the international stage as a major player, to become a part of the brave new technological world rather than a mere bystander and consumer changed the way people in the outside world viewed Saudi Arabia and Saudis viewed themselves and the rest of the world. That had major consequences in the editorial room.
People started probing, asking questions, and wanting to know what was the Saudi view on this, the Arab take on that. The paper had become the leading English language daily in the Middle East. At the click of a mouse, online readers headed for arabnews.com from offices and living rooms all over the globe, especially from the United States, to find answers. Hits on the paper’s website grew apace, reaching an average of a million and a half a day, 70 percent of it from the US. During times of crisis in the Middle East, they would rise to two and a half million and more. They wanted to hear from another voice, a voice different from the Western press with its preconceptions and agendas. So many came and stayed, so much so that today it can be said that they first get the news at Arab News. One group that logs on regularly is cause for particular satisfaction: former expats who have either returned home or moved elsewhere. Having been readers of Arab News’ print edition while in the Kingdom, they continue reading the paper online, even years after leaving. Their continued interest and loyalty is greatly treasured.
With all these people wanting news and views about the Kingdom and the Middle East, it was left for us to provide answers. Many heated debates took place in our editorial room, and often women’s voices began to eclipse their male counterparts.
We grew and developed. As part of the Saudi Research & Marketing Group (SRMG), we began to feel strength. We went public, and that brought more responsibility, this time to our shareholders. There were other changes. The new administration, spearheaded by a dynamic chairman, Prince Faisal bin Salman, provided a boost to the editorial aspect of our work. Newly founded departments, such as human resources, marketing and business development relieved the pressure; editorial staff had to do much of the work beforehand. Thus we prospered.
However, as we grew and added more in terms of technology it became clear that we had outgrown the premises off Madinah Road. With encouragement from the chairman, we searched for another location where we could function. It was not easy. Jeddah lacks sufficient state-of-the-art office space for a 21st century newspaper. Only after a two-year grueling search did we find the right place to move to.
We have done that today. And it was no mean feat. I would be failing in my duty if I do not thank all those who contributed their best to see that we transfer there today. It has been a great journey — not just physically but also spiritually. The shifts have been not only physical ones but a series of paradigm shifts as well. Each move has seen the paper change and grow. From a sleepy start to a paper that is instantly on the ball, through writing soft news, to focusing on issues that were previously taboo, Arab News became a leader in its field.
As an English language paper in an Arabic-speaking country, its pride lies in having such an impact worldwide.
Dubbed the “Green Truth” by supporters and detractors alike, it has braved challenges, moving despite the obstacles and gaining its rightful place in the world of journalism.
There will be further changes as a result of this latest move. Arab News has not stopped growing. Expect another paradigm shift. We are on the threshold of new developments — more in-depth journalism, responses to the challenges of the Internet, satellite TV, blogs. Based in our new home, we are ready to take on the challenges.
