In those days, I could not follow any news of my favorite teams when I came back to Saudi Arabia because local papers did not generally provide that kind of news.

However, I quickly became an avid reader of the “green newspaper”, which is how I used to describe it whenever I asked someone to pick up a copy for me from the market, when home delivery was not available yet.

I am naturally still a fan of Arab News. It is delivered to me at home every day and is my No. 1 source for international news. Even with today’s news accessibility through Internet, satellite news, etc., I find Arab News to be the best way to start my day by getting concise and across-the-board news of what’s happening in the world as I get ready for my work day over the breakfast table.

Arab News is also clearly a valuable source for local news not only for those of us living here, but also for international news organizations whom I find very often reporting on Saudi Arabia via news articles picked up from Arab News. The newspaper is certainly the No. 1 source of information and news about the Kingdom for all expatriates living here as well delivering news from their home countries.

Most newspapers in the world are either known for their international expertise, or for local coverage. Arab News has somehow managed to cover both sides well for its readers.

Its editor in chief, Khaled Almaeena, is an important and dependable resource for all international news outlets about the Kingdom and issues affecting our country.

Congratulations to Arab News on its 35th birthday, and I am sure the paper will continue being the primary source for international news and information in Saudi Arabia. With my best wishes.

— Ali Husein Alireza is the managing director of Haji Husein Alireza & Co., Saudi Arabia’s oldest automobile distributor, and is on the boards of other major companies.