Jeddah — Renowned Arab journalist Faisal J. Abbas has been appointed as editor-in-chief of Arab News, media reports said on Monday. He will start his new assignment from Tuesday (Sept. 27, 2016). Welcoming his appointment, eminent journalist Khaled Almaeena, who served as editor-in-chief of Arab News for 25 years out of the newspaper's existence of over 40 years, said that Abbas is among the rare breed of Saudi English language journalists. "Abbas is a good writer and a man who does not mince words in his widely read columns," said Almaeena under whose leadership Arab News came to be known as the "Green Truth." Abbas commands respect, said Almaeena, who was often described by businessmen and diplomats as the "people's editor." "I met him on many occasions at various international conferences. It gave me immense pride to see that the Kingdom has such qualified media professionals. He is a man who always had good relations with his colleagues and promoted their interests above his," said Almaeena, adding that Abbas will bring in a breath of fresh air. "I am sure he will mobilize the Arab News resources to attain higher levels. I am confident that he will expand the horizon of English language journalism in Saudi Arabia and cooperate with another Saudi English language daily Saudi Gazette. "My piece of advice to him is to cater to the needs of readers, mainly the expats who have contributed to the development of the Kingdom." Prior to his appointment as Arab News editor-in-chief, Abbas was the editor-in-chief of the Dubai-based Al Arabiya News Channel's digital English service. Having lived, worked and studied in the UK for nearly a decade before taking up the chief position at Al Arabiya English in Dubai, Abbas became renowned for his articles in Arabic for the leading London-based pan-Arab daily, Asharq Al Awsat, and in English for the renowned US news blog, The Huffington Post. He also appeared regularly on British media outlets and gave talks about the Middle East at leading academic institutions such as LSE and SOAS. In February 2012, he was made an honorary associate member at the Cambridge Union Society, following a memorable, and intense, debate on the Arab Spring and its impact on global security. Whilst in London Abbas also obtained a Master's degree from the University of Westminster, and was granted a prestigious "Cutting Edge Award" from International Media Council in 2009. The award was presented for his "continuing efforts both through his blogging and in the press to encourage standards of excellence."
