Akram Alfi, Ahmed Shaaban (Cairo)
Adding another distinguished honour in its professional path, Aletihad Arabic newspaper was awarded the Arab Media Excellence Award in its ninth edition during the 55th session of the Council of Arab Information Ministers held in Cairo on Wednesday at the Arab League headquarters in the presence of Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
Aletihad won the award for Best Investigative Report for its piece titled “Arab Youth and New Media: An Inspiring Role in Leveraging Social Platforms”, prepared by Hazza Abu Al-Reesh. The award was received on his behalf by Somaya Al Ali from the UAE Media Council.
Media experts, diplomats, and political analysts stressed that Aletihad’s win of the 2025 Arab Media Excellence Award, sponsored by the Arab League, marks a prestigious professional milestone in the newspaper’s history and a well-deserved recognition of its role in championing Arab and international causes, and in providing credible content that keeps pace with media developments and reflects the voice and concerns of the Arab citizen.
In statements to Aletihad, they said the award crowns a long journey that began with the newspaper’s launch on October 20, 1969, during which it has distinguished itself through continuous development, expanding influence, a commitment to objectivity, respect for readers’ intelligence, and journalistic treatment based on analysis, follow-up, and diverse perspectives — far from sensationalism, superficiality, and bias.
Distinguished Journey
Emad El-Din Hussein, Editor-in-Chief of Egypt’s Al Shorouk newspaper, said Aletihad’s win of the media excellence award is welcome news that deserves congratulations for everyone working at this reputable newspaper, especially since the award comes from a prestigious institution such as the Arab League.
Hussein added that he used to follow Aletihad daily during his 10-year tenure in the UAE, noting that the newspaper is one of the important Arab newspapers distinguished by its opinion and features pages, and has continued its development since its inception, attracting outstanding journalists and influential writers.
He said that during his participation in the Dubai Media Forum, he observed Aletihad winning awards in most editions for journalistic excellence, pointing out the distinction of the newspaper’s website in terms of updates, clarity, and engaging content. He affirmed that the award is the result of great effort and continuous work with a professional spirit.
He expressed his wishes for Aletihad and all Emirati and Arab newspapers to continue excelling, stressing that the Arab world genuinely needs advanced-level journalism that can compete globally and provide Arab readers with developments as they happen — contributing to building genuine Arab awareness capable of facing the mounting challenges in the region.
Humanitarian Role
For her part, Dr Howayda Mostafa, Dean of Mass Media and Communication at Misr University for Science and Technology, said Aletihad’s win of this prestigious award is an honourable recognition for Arab journalism, emphasising that the newspaper has played an important role in championing Arab causes throughout various historical stages, distinguished by depth of coverage and broad impact.
She pointed out that this recognition reflects the vital role of Arab journalism in defending the nation’s causes and professionally covering topics that concern Arab citizens. She noted that Aletihad enjoys strong resonance among readers thanks to its distinguished writers and editors who hold prominent stature and wide trust.
She explained that Aletihad’s coverage of Arab issues is not limited to news reporting but extends to follow-up stories, interviews, analyses, columns, and opinion pieces that open spaces for dialogue and exchange of perspectives among thinkers and writers — giving the newspaper an influence that goes beyond national borders to the wider Arab and regional spheres.
The dean added that Aletihad has presented a notable model in “humanising” issues by focusing on the human dimension in conflicts, especially in Gaza, Sudan, Lebanon, and Syria — a direction that has generated wide empathy and resonated with global media.
Well-Deserved Recognition
Dr Amr Eldeeb, Professor of International Relations at Lobachevsky State University of Russia, said Aletihad’s win is a well-deserved recognition of high-quality, professional journalism, after becoming a go-to publication for those seeking balanced and unbiased coverage of international and regional issues.
Dr Eldeeb added that the Emirati newspaper has discussed numerous international issues without siding with one party over another, making it one of the most respected Arab newspapers and a primary source of trusted news. He noted that since the start of the Russia–Ukraine war in February 2022, Aletihad has provided extensive daily coverage of developments.
He pointed out that Aletihad was among the leading media outlets covering the prisoner-exchange mediation between Russia and Ukraine led by the UAE, which earned broad international praise, in addition to its coverage of the humanitarian aspects of the conflict.
Soft Power
Dr Ayman Al-Riqib, Professor of Political Science at Al-Quds University, praised Aletihad’s win of the media excellence award, reflecting the distinction of its professional journey over several decades, noting its important role in supporting and advocating for the just Palestinian cause.
He explained that the newspaper maintained constant communication with experts and sources inside the Palestinian territories to convey the reality on the ground since the outbreak of the Israeli war on Gaza in October 2023, emphasising that it prioritised humanitarian coverage over political angles — contributing to stronger solidarity with Palestinians.
Al-Riqib added: “We believe in the influence of soft power, including reputable journalism, in shaping public opinion. We extend our greetings and appreciation to the UAE and Aletihad for their continued support for the people of Gaza over the years.”
Strategic Vision
Ambassador Salah Halima, Vice President of the Egyptian Council for African Affairs, praised Aletihad’s role in serving Arab and African causes and its excellence award win, describing it as an honour for the newspaper and its staff and a confirmation of its distinguished, objective, and credible approach to covering issues.
Halima highlighted Aletihad’s focus on African political, economic, and humanitarian issues, particularly new and renewable energy, climate-change crises, and humanitarian aid — in addition to covering developments in the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandeb Strait and their impact on international navigation.
He explained that Aletihad also covered the rise of terrorist organisations in the Sahel, Lake Chad region, and the Horn of Africa — reflecting a comprehensive strategic vision that helps enhance security and stability and support efforts to counter emerging threats.