41 years of trust

As we mark a milestone tomorrow, it’s time for celebrations and reflections

As Gulf News marks its 41st anniversary tomorrow, it’s time for both celebrations and reflections. We have grown along with the UAE to chronicle the country’s unparalleled success story of growth and development. And we have evolved with you — dear reader — adopting swiftly to new standards and technologies, to be always at the forefront of the rapidly-changing world of journalism.

Forty-one years ago, on September 30, a new English language newspaper was born in the UAE.

Gulf News was initially launched in a tabloid format and began with a modest circulation. But on December 10, 1985, it was relaunched under a new ownership, marking a new beginning for the paper that went on to achieve phenomenal success and create benchmarks in quality journalism. Tomorrow, Gulf News turns 41.

It’s been a long and eventful journey from the world of vintage keyboards, wispy paper stocks and letterpress metal type, to the age of digital production, Instagram videos and Facebook live.

But as we mature in age, Gulf News remains committed to the same curiosity, innovation and concern for our readers that distinguished our journalism in our infancy and helped establish our reputation as a media leader in the region and beyond.

Forty-one years is a long time in journalism. In those years, the world has changed dramatically, and so has the UAE. And you — dear reader — have also changed. The way you consume news has evolved.

That’s why Gulf News has constantly evolved. In the past four decades, Gulf

News has grown along with the UAE to chronicle the country’s unparalleled success story of growth and development, becoming a media brand synonymous with credibility, innovation, reader affinity and market trust.

And we have grown and evolved with you — adopting swiftly to new standards and technologies of journalism, whether it’s embracing a digitalfirst culture, or reinforcing our commitment to verify breaking news in a world of deep fakes.

We were there when the first Emirates flight soared into the skies in 1985. And we are here today, as the nation celebrates Hazzaa Al Mansoori’s historic achievement as the first UAE astronaut. Between then and now, as we mark our 41st anniversary tomorrow, we share with you today glimpses of this long journey — a journey distinguished by many milestones and achievements.

The Albert press was a major investment for the relaunched newspaper, which allowed Gulf News to be the first in Gulf to use colour printing. Right: Gulf News marks the first anniversary of its relaunch with a reception at the Hyatt Regency on December 11, 1985. Picture shows Abdullah Hassan Al Rostamani, Shaikh Hasher Al Maktoum, Director of Information, with Saeed Al Ghandi. Back row: Brigadier Dahl Khalfan Tamim, Abdul Rahman Al Ghurair, Abdullah Al Mulla and Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Partner and Director of Al Nisr Publishing.