FORBES Middle East has completed its in-depth study into top media with an online presence in the Arab World. The full list will be unveiled on Wednesday (Dec. 26) during a celebratory event to be held at Dubai's Meydan Hotel, it said in a statement Saturday. The special occasion is set to attract a wealth of high-profile guests including key figures in the region's media industry as well as diplomats, government representatives and prominent business leaders such as Dr. Nasser bin Aqeel Al-Tayyar, President of Arab Publisher House. In light of rapid technological advancements, the region's thirst for fast, reliable and informative content, and the increasing number of media establishments entering the Arab world's media scene day-by-day, the latest Forbes Middle East study covers two main categories: • Top Newspapers Online in the Arab World and • Top Websites in the Arab World In producing an accurate and objective study, the two main rankings were based on information provided by Google Analytics from Aug. 31, 2011 to Aug. 31, 2012. In addition, given its centrality to the media industry today, the impact of social media was also afforded significant consideration. Following extensive research, the final study consists of data from 14 Arab countries, encompassing 71 media outlets. “We wanted this year's study to be more in-depth and comprehensive to cover a whole range of media outlets accessed by Arab audiences everywhere. We also took into consideration social media and the effect that it has today on the reach of newspapers online,” said Khuloud Al Omian, Editor-in-Chief, Forbes Middle East. – SG
