RIYADH: Veteran Saudi journalist and former editor in chief of the now-defunct English-language newspaper Riyadh Daily, Talaat Fareed Wafa, died yesterday in Riyadh after a brief illness.
He was buried at the Ummul Hammam Cemetery following funeral prayers at King Khaled Mosque. A large number of people, including journalists, senior government officials and diplomats, attended the funeral.
Wafa, 53, was adviser to the editor in chief of Al-Riyadh Arabic newspaper. He had undergone treatment in the United States for malignancy for over a year.
Wafa graduated in mass communications from King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh and completed his master’s in political communications at the American University in Washington DC. He joined Al-Riyadh newspaper in 1976 as a full-time journalist, soon becoming the managing editor at its Washington Bureau. He was appointed editor in chief of Riyadh Daily in 1989 and became adviser to the editor in chief of Al-Riyadh newspaper in January 2004.
Wafa’s congenial and compassionate nature won him many friends in government, diplomatic and media circles. He interacted professionally with several state leaders, including those from the Middle East, the United States, the United Kingdom and France. His last article published in Al-Riyadh newspaper was on US President-elect Barack Obama and his future policies.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Faten Zamil, a lecturer at King Saud University, and two daughters: Taala, a microbiologist who is doing her master’s in Houston, and Lana, a secondary school student. His father Fareed Wafa was a general in the Saudi security forces and his brother, Hani Wafa, is the political editor in Al-Riyadh newspaper.
In recognition of his services to the media, Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, met the full costs of Wafa’s treatment both in the United States and in the Kingdom.
Arab News Editor in Chief Khaled Almaeena described Wafa as a journalist of repute both at home and abroad. “He was a good friend who helped me when I left Arab News for some time. He made me write a column for his daily, which gave me a moral boost in those days,” Almaeena said, stressing that the vacuum created by his demise would be difficult to fill.
Riyadh Kheneini, deputy chief of mission at the Saudi Embassy in Colombo who was at the funeral, said Wafa’s death was an irreparable loss to the Saudi media.
Vinod Menon, a former journalist with the Riyadh Daily, said, “I have worked with many editors in chief, but Talaat Wafa was different. He was truly a kind-hearted human being. He would never speak ill of anyone.”
Babakr Al-Wakeel, a journalist with Al-Riyadh newspaper, said, “We are going to miss his amiable ways and pleasantries. He treated everyone alike and was kind to all his colleagues and subordinates.”
Al-Wakeel added that Wafa used to come to office and ask people to pray for him and forgive him if he had displeased anyone.
Naser Ahmed of the communications department at ABB said, “We meet a lot of people, but a few remain in our hearts forever because of their sincerity and true friendliness. Talaat was one of them.”
