Justin Harper’s journalism career has taken him across four continents and through some of the world’s most prominent newsrooms. With a particular focus on business and personal finance, Harper’s approach has remained consistent: making complex topics more accessible to everyday readers.
From Business Studies to Business News
Although drawn to journalism from a young age, Harper initially pursued a degree in business. His interest in economics, commerce and finance led him to study how markets function and how businesses grow. But the pull of media and communication remained strong. A postgraduate course in journalism allowed him to combine both interests—giving him the analytical tools to understand financial systems and the journalistic discipline to communicate them clearly to others.
This intersection between business expertise and editorial integrity would shape the trajectory of his career. It has allowed Harper to interpret complex financial themes—stock markets, economic cycles, cryptocurrencies, and fintech innovations—for mainstream readers who may not have formal financial training.
Early Years in Local News
Harper began his career in the UK, working for a small weekly newspaper in Essex. Like many journalists of his generation, he cut his teeth on local stories, learning how to build contacts, work to tight deadlines, and verify facts with rigour. These formative years in local newsrooms provided the foundation for the rest of his career—where storytelling, accuracy and audience awareness were valued above all.
From those early days in regional media, Harper moved into financial journalism with a role at Financial Times Business, part of the FT Group. The position marked his entry into national-level reporting, offering exposure to a broader range of economic and business topics.
A Global Career
Over time, Harper’s career took on an international dimension. He worked across North America, Europe, and Asia before eventually settling in the Middle East. Along the way, he contributed to a wide range of media brands including The Telegraph, Daily Mail, and the BBC—covering everything from corporate affairs to consumer finance, emerging markets, and tech trends.
His time in different media environments has given him a unique perspective on how journalism operates across cultures and economic systems. Each move brought new audiences, new editorial demands, and new formats—requiring him to adapt while staying grounded in his core mission of clear, accessible reporting.
Justin Harper : Embedded in the UAE Media Scene
Now based in Dubai, Harper contributes to several regional titles. In the Khaleej Times, he pens a weekly personal finance column, offering practical insights on how readers can better manage their money. He also contributes to the newspaper’s LUXE weekend magazine, where he writes longer features on business, property and technology trends. His work can also be seen in Arabian Gulf Business Insights (AGBI), among other regional platforms.
In addition to print and digital writing, Harper has embraced newer formats such as cryptocurrency podcasts and YouTube scripts. His freelance schedule is intentionally varied, allowing him to move between traditional reporting, multimedia production, and consulting roles. This flexibility reflects the broader evolution of journalism, where many experienced reporters now operate across platforms rather than within a single newsroom.
Simplifying the Complex
A consistent theme in Harper’s work is keeping it simple. He is particularly focused on breaking down complex or jargon-heavy topics for wider audiences. In fields like personal finance and cryptocurrency, where technical language and industry-specific terms often dominate, he aims to offer straightforward, well-explained content.
This editorial approach is part of the reason Harper co-founded The Crypto Radio, a media platform dedicated to explaining blockchain, crypto and Web3 developments in plain English. In a field often characterised by jargon, speculation and hype, the platform attempts to provide measured, informative content for readers outside the crypto echo chamber.
Navigating a Changing Industry
Harper’s career has spanned a period of enormous change in journalism. From the decline of print to the rise of digital-first platforms, from the influence of social media to the emergence of AI-generated content, the media landscape has shifted dramatically. He has navigated these changes by adapting to new tools and embracing new formats while holding on to the editorial standards developed during his time in traditional newsrooms.
While many of the industry’s foundational roles are now being disrupted, Harper has managed to remain active and relevant by focusing on quality over quantity, and by developing a broad portfolio of work. His move into podcasting and influencer scripting reflects this shift—where storytelling takes place across multiple channels and success is defined by impact, not just clicks.
Continuing the Journey
Despite the pressures facing modern journalism, Harper remains committed to the field. Living in Dubai has allowed him to engage with a fast-developing media market, where regional and international stories often overlap. He continues to explore new editorial opportunities and is currently working on launching a new media platform that will focus on financial education and building a like-minded community of readers.
His work stands as an example of how journalism can evolve while still upholding its core values: clarity, accuracy and a strong understanding of audience needs. In a content landscape that is increasingly fragmented, Harper’s ability to move across platforms—while keeping his content grounded and useful—highlights the adaptability that modern journalists increasingly require.
Do follow him on Linkedin
Expo Smart Queue UAE: A Game-Changer for Hassle-Free Exploration
