RIYADH: Representatives from the business and diplomatic community were impressed by the gala event held recently to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Arab News.

Bangladesh Ambassador Golam Moshi, who attended the event at the Riyadh Intercontinental Hotel on Monday, praised the newspaper for its organization of the gathering.

“Arab News celebrated their four decades of service in style with traditional folklore, erudite speeches, a documentary on the history of the newspaper, and traditional Arabian hospitality hosted by its Editor in Chief Mohammed Al-Harthi,” said Moshi.

South African Ambassador Mohammed Sadick Jaffer said: “It was a grand event and clearly portrayed the services rendered by Arab News over the past 40 years.” He hoped the newspaper would grow in stature and provide further service to the kingdom and the world.

Sri Lankan Ambassador Mohammed Hussein Mohamed told Arab News that the celebrations have been the talk of the town. “My colleagues in the diplomatic corps gave me an impressive picture of the event which everyone enjoyed,” he said.

Prominent among the diplomats were Hemant Kotalwar, charge d’affaires at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. He was accompanied by Dr. Hifzur Rahman, first secretary (political and information). “It was a great opportunity for diplomats to meet and learn about the role of the newspaper domestically and globally,” said Rahman.

LG Electronics Saudi Arabia President Deuk Soo Ahn, whose company was a platinum sponsor, said: “We were impressed with the successful organization of the event. We appreciate Arab News management’s long-standing support for LG Electronics.”

He praised Arab News for bringing together royal dignitaries, Shoura Council members, top diplomats and senior public and private sector officials. The event also provided excellent networking opportunities for the business community.

“We hope to continue working with Arab News to promote our mutual interests. In a rapidly changing digital media industry, we see a much bigger role for Arab News,” Ahn said.

Another platinum sponsor, Abdullah Omar Qandeel, an international artist, said: “I am honored to have attended the 40th anniversary of a newspaper that I started reading when I was 13 years old. Arab News has allowed local talent to flourish by giving them the platform to communicate to the Kingdom and the world.

The positive social impact of this newspaper is incalculable, I want to say thank you to everyone at Arab News.”

Elias I. Aramouni, advertising and media manager for Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF), said: “I was really impressed with the great preparation that included good speeches, awards and honors, marking in style the journey over four decades.”

Shehim Mohammed Unni, regional director at Lulu Hypermarkets, said he was very happy to be associated with such a well-organized celebration. “It was indeed a great pleasure and a very positive experience being part of the beautiful ceremony that gave good insight into the rich history of Arab News.”

“We were deeply touched when Editor in Chief Mohammed Al-Harthi acknowledged us and made sure that we were taken care of,” he said. “I was particularly impressed by the joke at the end of his speech about the genie and the deadline.”

Bandar M. Al-Aida, chief of media relations at the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden), echoed these sentiments and said he was delighted at being part of an event that brought together so many leaders.

Suresh Srinivas, Centerpoint national marketing manager in Riyadh, said the event “was very well organized with beautiful presentations.” The business community supports the newspaper judging by those who turned up for the event, he said.

Anthony Ravi, project manager at Wipro Arabia Ltd., described the evening as “outstanding” saying it provided a good platform for interacting. He said there were impressive presentations that included the “wonderful speech by Editor in Chief Mohammed Fahad Al-Harthi.”

He said the documentary on Arab News’ journey from the first English daily in the country to one of the largest operations in the Gulf region was beautifully filmed. There was also insightful information provided on various aspects of journalism and Saudi society.

Ian Qi, public relations director general of Huawei Saudi Arabia, expressed his delight at being part of the gala evening and described the newspaper as an outstanding “objective” publication, with reliable sources, and cherished by all sections of local society.

Fahad Ayed Al-Sahoom, vice president for advertising and media from Riyad Bank, praised the newspaper for the organization of the event and bringing together so many important people.

“Arab News’ 40th anniversary celebrations have proven why the newspaper remains No. 1,” said Sultan Mazharuddin, a leading advertising executive. “The attention to detail, the colorful program and the impeccable anchoring made it a memorable event,” he said.