I would like to congratulate Arab News on its 40 year anniversary.

Over the years, as an English language newspaper, Arab News has played an important role in keeping the British community in Saudi Arabia updated on news and events especially from within the Kingdom. As use of smartphones has emerged, newspapers have had to adapt to this new challenge But the Arab News maintains a very vocal and active readership as can be seen through the comments and letters section.

And 40 is an important milestone for me too, since I myself will be celebrating my 40th birthday later this year — insha Allah!

Mohammed Shoukat

Britain's consul ceneral in Jeddah