In the bustling media landscape of the Middle East, few names resonate as powerfully as Mayssoun Azzam. A senior political anchor and news presenter based in Dubai, Azzam has carved a niche for herself at Al Arabiya News Channel, where she has been a steadfast presence since 2003. Her journey from a young girl in Abu Dhabi to a prominent figure in Arab journalism is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to truth.
Early Life and Education
Born on May 26, 1973, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Mayssoun Azzam hails from a Palestinian family. Her parents, Isaaf El-Youssef and Nawaf Azzam, fled Palestine in the 1948 Nakba, seeking refuge in Lebanon before eventually settling in the UAE.
Growing up in Abu Dhabi, Azzam attended the Rosary School, where her passion for communication and storytelling began to take root.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts with an emphasis in Journalism from the Lebanese American University (formerly Beirut University College). She later pursued a master’s degree in Global Politics from Birkbeck College, University of London. This blend of communication and political science laid a strong foundation for her future in journalism.
Career Beginnings
Azzam’s professional journey in journalism began in the 1990s, with early roles at Emirates News, Abu Dhabi TV/Radio, Arab News Network (London), and Al Jazeera (London), where she presented business bulletins and reported from global economic forums.
In 2003, she joined Al Arabiya News Channel in Dubai, quickly gaining recognition for her articulate delivery, sharp analysis, and ability to navigate sensitive regional issues. Over the years, she has conducted high-profile interviews with leaders such as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
Rise to Prominence at Al Arabiya
Her breakthrough came with the weekly talk show “Mashahed wa Ara’” (مشاهد وآراء), which ran for three years and offered in-depth discussions on regional and global affairs.
Today, Azzam anchors “Khat al Mowajaha” (The Frontline), a flagship weekly program revisiting pivotal historical incidents that shaped the Arab world. She also continues to lead daily regional news bulletins focused on political, social, and humanitarian issues.
Her field reporting from refugee camps in Jordan and Yemen to conflict zones in Palestine underscores her commitment to amplifying human-interest stories and giving voice to the marginalized.
Humanitarian Advocacy and Initiatives
Beyond journalism, Azzam is an active humanitarian advocate. She was chosen as the First Media Advocate of Josour, a UNESCWA initiative dedicated to reducing inequalities in the Arab world by creating youth employment and training opportunities.
She is also the founder of Nehki Falastini (2022), a youth-driven platform that promotes Palestinian rights, narratives, and culture, as well as Ikremhom Tikrimni (2022), a humanitarian initiative supporting refugees through responsible giving.
Her work has earned her recognition as a leading child-welfare activist, with efforts that go far beyond reporting from moderating panels at the World Government Summit and EXPO 2020 to engaging directly with refugee communities.
As an educator, she taught at the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication at the American University in Dubai, where she led courses in multi-platform storytelling and media ethics, mentoring the next generation of journalists.
Awards and Recognition
Mayssoun Azzam’s career has been decorated with numerous honors celebrating both her journalism and humanitarian work:
- Excellence Award in Media – Arab Women’s Festival (2025)
- Atwar Bahjat Award – Outstanding Media and Humanitarian Work (2024)
- Best TV Anchor – Social Affairs, World Social Media Forum (2022)
- Best Media Influencer on Humanitarian Issues – Ziad Oudah Awards (2022)
- Representative of Nineveh Voluntary for IDPs, RNVDO Iraq (2019)
- Best Personality for Enhancing Media Standards in MEA (2022)
These awards highlight her unique role in shaping Arab journalism, while also advocating for freedom of the press, humanitarian causes, and social justice.
Personal Life and Social Media Presence
Azzam is known for her authentic presence on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where she shares professional milestones, behind-the-scenes insights, and personal reflections. Her approachable style has helped her build a loyal following, bridging the gap between journalist and audience.
Looking Ahead
As she continues her work at Al Arabiya, Mayssoun Azzam remains unwavering in her mission: to deliver impactful journalism that informs, educates, and inspires. With her new program “Khat al Mowajaha”, her humanitarian platforms Nehki Falastini and Ikremhom Tikrimni, and her role as the Media Advocate of Josour, she continues to expand her influence far beyond the newsroom.
In an era where truth and compassion are vital, Azzam stands as one of the most influential voices in Arab media a journalist, educator, and humanitarian whose legacy continues to grow.
As she continues her work at Al Arabiya, Azzam’s influence in the media landscape is set to grow, inspiring future generations of journalists to uphold the values of integrity, empathy, and dedication to truth.
Do follow her on Instagram.
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