SAMAR FATANY Specialized magazines are becoming more popular with young Saudis who are interested in new trends and modern lifestyles. Moreover, many aspiring young journalists prefer to work for magazines that support a modernized and progressive way of life. Among these talented young Saudi journalists, two groups of young men and women have established their own publishing houses to cater to educated young professionals who want to keep up to date on issues of interest to progressive Saudi youth. Two English language magazines, “Dazzle” and “What's Up Jeddah” have had a great impact on young English speaking Saudis. The founders and editors of these magazines believe that they can play an important role in preserving their heritage and culture while providing their readers with progressive material of global interest. “Dazzle” and “What's Up Jeddah” are monthly magazines focused on projecting everything Saudi to the rest of the world. Reham Abulwafa, Ghadeer Zainy and Danya Al-Safadi, the co-owners of “Dazzle”, feature specialized articles that address the challenges facing the 21st century professional Saudi woman. Supported by a staff of ten talented women writers, editors, web designers, and IT specialists, they provide the latest reports and research related to women's health, psychological and family affairs and scientific analyses from a Saudi perspective. The articles address the challenges facing women and the opportunities available to empower them and help them succeed. The all-female Dazzle team believes in the need to encourage new trends to serve professional young women living in Saudi Arabia today. The women's magazine showcases the art and work of women who have something unique to offer society. It serves the trendsetters who wish to promote their brands, whether they be the latest collection of colorful hijabs and stylish abayas for women who are not able to find what they want in the market today, or new trends in designs that are inspired by the local culture, Arabic décor and Islamic architecture. These young professional journalists are on a mission to uncover the success stories of Saudi women who have been able to persevere and achieve their goals without compromising their role as mothers or their Muslim identity. Dazzle's online publication is widespread and it now has a global reach that projects the new image of educated Saudi women in business, banking, medicine, fashion, interior design and other areas who have been integrated into the Saudi workforce today. “What's Up Jeddah” is another magazine with a mission to serve young Saudis and promote Saudi culture and a modern lifestyle. It was founded in 2005 by Ghaith and Ghassan Al-Abdali and Turki Bin Abdullah. The three highly qualified young men, who have studied in the UK, are driven by the need to contribute to a more progressive society. In the past seven years, their magazine has gained popularity by featuring many articles promoting young community leaders and trendsetters. The magazine caters to young professionals and entrepreneurs and provides updated information about the products and the services of top Saudi companies. The monthly lifestyle magazine also focuses on providing the latest in fashion trends, designs, electronics, business, travel and autos, as well as food and restaurants. It is distributed in Jeddah and Riyadh and covers the latest events and activities that are popular with today's youth . These young media professionals represent a new image of Saudis who are progressive in their outlook and conservative in their behavior; keen to stay in touch with their roots but at the same time promoting new trends to serve their community. These young women and men are determined to provide a better way of life that can help members of their society compete with the more advanced countries of the world today. The media and literary contributions of young people in the Kingdom today are an indication of the development of the thought process within society. Only in societies where there is a free flow of thoughts and ideas can social development take place. Communities bloom when there are diverse opinions. We need to recognize the value of specialized magazines as they occupy an important niche that affects the nation's cultural and economic maturity. Young Saudi journalists today have an important role to play in the challenging process of modernizing the nation. They should be encouraged and supported by all. — Samar Fatany is a radio broadcaster and writer. She can be reached at [email protected]
