April 2025 – The MENA region media landscape continues to evolve with exciting editorial changes, fresh podcast launches, and leadership appointments across publishing, broadcast, and digital platforms. Below are the highlights from this week’s top media developments, also available on our blog.
📰 MEDIA NEWS
Gulf News Editor-in-Chief Abdul Hamid Ahmad Steps Down After 24 Years
Veteran journalist Abdul Hamid Ahmad has departed Gulf News, concluding a remarkable 24-year tenure as Editor-in-Chief. His career spans editorial leadership roles at Al Azmanat Al Arabiya, Al Ittihad, and Al Bayan, before taking the helm at Gulf News in July 2001.
Travis Richards Joins Oil & Gas Middle East as New Editor
Travis Richards has been appointed Editor at Oil & Gas Middle East, part of ITP Media Group. Previously Digital Web Editor at eNCA in South Africa, Richards will relocate from Johannesburg to Dubai next month.
Savoir Flair Appoints Grace Gordon as Publisher
Grace Gordon, a long-time editorial team member, has been promoted to Publisher at Savoir Flair. She joined the digital fashion and culture platform in 2010 as Fashion Features Editor and most recently held the position of Editorial Director.
Samer Batter Goes Freelance After 27 Years at Arabian Business
After nearly three decades with Arabian Business, Samer Batter is embarking on a freelance career focused on business and tech reporting from Dubai. He’s also developing a podcast addressing complex cultural and tech issues in a simplified and authentic format.
Law Middle East Print Edition Launching in February
ITP Media Group is set to roll out the print edition of Law Middle East next month. The legal publication first launched digitally in April 2024 and will now release its first monthly print magazine in February.
New Sustainability Podcast Launches in Egypt
Egypt welcomes a new platform for green conversations with the launch of the Green Light Podcast. Hosted by journalist and sustainability expert Dr. Shaimaa El Badawy, and led editorially by Yasser Gomaa, the show will focus on CSR, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Condé Nast Relaunches GQ Middle East & Vogue Arabia Websites
Condé Nast has officially relaunched the GQ Middle East and Vogue Arabia websites in-house.
- Vogue Arabia was previously licensed to Nervora since 2016.
- GQ Middle East was introduced by ITP Media Group in 2018.
IN BRIEF – MOVES ACROSS THE REGION
- Dr. Mahinaz El Baz promoted to Content Director at Egypt Oil & Gas.
- Caroline Feghaly exits Dailyhunt MENA as Content Lead & Arabic Editor.
- Kate Birch joins Connecting Travel as News Editor.
- Younes Mazih signs on as Foreign News Journalist at Medi1TV.
- Tamer Gaber co-hosts new drive-time show Le7ad Ma Tewsal on Nagham FM.
- Kasun Illankoon becomes Editor in Chief at Tech Revolt.
- Hafsa Lodi joins Vogue Arabia as Features Editor; Nadine El Chaer as Arabic Director.
- Hasan Elsaadny becomes Sports Editor at Al Ghad TV.
- Mohamed Ibrahim joins Emarat Al Youm as Senior Technology & Education Reporter.
- Mohamed Amine El Amri promoted to Sports Editor in Chief at Le360.
- Dana Akkad joins MONIIFY as Executive Producer.
- Tammar Alhazzaa joins Khaleej Times as Multimedia Producer.
- Yousef Gamal El-Din, ex-Bloomberg TV anchor, launches You’re in Business — an online podcast show discussing business with regional leaders.
PR NEWS
MEPRA Hosts First-Ever Qatar Leadership Majlis
The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) will host its inaugural Qatar Leadership Majlis in Doha on February 26th, under the theme ‘Outlook for PR in the Middle East’.
👉 Click here for more info and ticket bookings.
TrailRunner International Promotes Seth Hand to Head of International
TrailRunner International, the global comms advisory, has elevated Seth Hand, currently Middle East MD, to Head of International, while retaining his regional base. He will now oversee global operations including London and Shanghai.
Luanne D’Souza Joins Current Global MENAT as Account Director
Bringing over a decade of experience in social-first campaigns, Luanne D’Souza has been appointed Account Director at Current Global MENAT (under Middle East Communications Network – MCN). She will work across brands like New Balance, Dubai Holding Entertainment, and Heinz.
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