Arab News Marks Golden Jubilee: Founders Honored, AI Expansion to 50 Languages Announced

By: Syed Zia ur Rahman, YaHind.Com

RIYADH: Arab News celebrated its Golden Jubilee with a gala honoring founding brothers Mohammad and the late Hisham Ali Hafez, hosted by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps on Sunday. A trophy was presented to economist and columnist Talaat Hafiz by Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Assistant Minister of Media Abdullah Al Maghlouth, Dean Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, and Editor-in-Chief Faisal Abbas.

Prince Turki recalled the newspaper’s 1975 establishment under King Faisal, involving himself, Sheikh Kamal Adham, and the Hafiz brothers. He described it as “the moderate voice and shining image of Saudi Arabia in the English language” over 50 years, crediting dedicated individuals for its success.

Abbas announced the paper’s expansion to 50 languages through partnership with AI firm CAMB.AI, headed by Avneesh Prakash, making content accessible to 6.5 billion people (80% of the world). He called it a way to amplify regional voices globally, with official details at the FIPP World Media Congress in Madrid on October 22. Abbas thanked SRMG leadership, past editors, and the team.

Hosted by Ambassador Bamakhrama at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, he praised Arab News’ digital innovation and role in blending journalism with diplomacy. Thanks were extended to Amsa Hospitality, Teeb Made, and the Cultural Palace.

Attendees included ambassadors, media figures like Princess Lamia bint Majeed Al Saud (Rotana Media Group CEO and AlWaleed Philanthropies Secretary General), CNN’s Caroline Faraj, SRMG’s Saleh Al Dowais, and others. Arab News Deputy Editor Noor Nugali emceed, with a performance by Saudi opera singer Sawsan Bahiti.

Source: Arab News