Celebrating 47 years of shaping the UAE's success story
As the clock strikes April 16, 2025, Khaleej Times, the UAE's pioneering English-language newspaper, marks a remarkable milestone — its 47th anniversary. For nearly five decades, KT has been a trusted companion to the UAE's journey, chronicling its growth, progress, and transformation with unwavering dedication and journalistic integrity.
Born in 1978, KT has been reporting history and illuminating it with unmatched credibility and vision in a dynamic media world. From its beginning as a broadsheet in Dubai to its current stature as a multimedia powerhouse, KT's journey reflects the UAE's own transformation into a global hub of innovation and opportunity. This commemorative edition celebrates KT's enduring legacy, its bold embrace of the future, and its unwavering commitment to informing, inspiring, and uniting communities.
A pioneering voice
When Khaleej Times printed its first edition on April 16, 1978, it filled a critical gap in the UAE's media landscape as the nation's first English-language daily. Founded through a partnership between the UAE government, Galadari Brothers, and Pakistan's Dawn Media Group, KT set out to document the UAE's ambitions and connect its diverse, multilingual population.
Over the decades, it has chronicled the nation's meteoric rise —from a modest trading port to a global metropolis — while providing balanced, insightful coverage of regional and international events.
KT's editorial ethos, rooted in credibility and impartiality, has made it a trusted source for millions. Its pages have captured pivotal moments: the UAE's economic diversification, its emergence as a tourism and finance hub, and its role in fostering peace and innovation worldwide. With a multinational newsroom reflecting the UAE's cosmopolitan spirit, KT has consistently delivered stories that resonate across cultures, earning its place as the region's newspaper of choice.
Embracing the digital age
As the media industry has evolved, so has Khaleej Times. Today, KT is not just a newspaper but a dynamic multimedia platform that meets readers where they are —whether in print, online, or on social media. Its website, khaleejtimes.com, is on track to achieve 100 million monthly page views, a testament to its digital dominance. With 6.5 million followers across social media, KT's reach is unmatched in the region, making it the go-to choice for readers and advertisers alike.
The launch of KT+ in 2024 marked a bold step into premium digital content, offering subscribers exclusive shows, in-depth analyses, and interactive features. Meanwhile, the introduction of an Arabic website has brought KT's trusted journalism to a broader audience, honouring the region's linguistic heritage while embracing its global outlook. These platforms reflect KT's 'digital first' philosophy, ensuring that breaking news and thought-provoking stories are just a swipe away.
KT's adoption of technology extends beyond delivery. The newsroom leverages data analytics — tracking unique visits, page views, and engagement time — to tailor content for diverse audiences. Stories are crafted with precision, blending text, audio, and visuals to captivate readers across platforms. From mobile-first formats to multimedia storytelling, KT remains ahead of the curve, proving that innovation is not just a strategy but a mindset.
A new era of identity
In 2024, Khaleej Times and its parent company, Galadari Brothers, unveiled a transformative brand identity, signalling a new chapter in their storied history. This rebranding, marked by a modern logo and a fresh visual language, reflects the group's commitment to staying relevant in a fast-changing world. Complementing this visual evolution is a new sonic identity, crafted with global agency WithFeeling, which captures the essence of KT's vibrancy and forward-thinking spirit through sound.
The launch of KT LUXE during Ramadan 2025 further elevated KT's portfolio. This premium lifestyle title celebrates the UAE's sophistication, covering fashion, culture, and luxury with a distinctly Emirati flair. KT LUXE has quickly become a must-read for those seeking inspiration and elegance, reinforcing KT's ability to cater to every segment of society.
Beyond its publications, KT, a part of Galadari Brothers, has contributed to the group's wider social impact. The Kafaat programme, recognised with the ET HCA Mena Award 2024, empowers Emirati employees with cutting-edge skills, fostering a workforce ready for the future.
Meanwhile, Galadari Brothers' Dh10 million donation to the Fathers' Endowment underscores the group's commitment to community welfare, honouring the UAE's founding values while supporting its vision for progress.
Driving economic and social progress
Khaleej Times has long been a partner in the UAE's economic development. Its comprehensive coverage of economic trends — GDP growth, inflation, real estate, and energy markets — has guided businesses and policymakers alike. From the introduction of value-added tax to the rollout of corporate tax, KT has provided clarity and context, helping readers navigate complex changes. KT's reporting on global crises, market volatility, and investment opportunities has empowered individuals and organisations to make informed decisions, driving economic growth.
Financial literacy is another cornerstone of KT's mission. Through columns, expert advice, and accessible articles, the newspaper promotes smart saving, investing, and budgeting. By demystifying personal finance, KT equips readers to build wealth and achieve security, contributing to a more resilient society.
KT's influence extends to public awareness campaigns and well-being initiatives. Whether spotlighting environmental sustainability, health, or education, the newspaper amplifies issues that matter, fostering dialogue and inspiring action. Its thought-provoking analyses and research-oriented stories challenge readers to think critically, reinforcing the vital role of a free press in a thriving democracy.
A creative legacy
KT's commitment to creativity is evident in its storytelling and beyond. A striking example is the Dh1 million portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, crafted from shredded banknotes by artist Emadeldin Abdelsalam under the vision of Mohammed Abdullatif Galadari. This objet d'art, unveiled as a tribute to the UAE's founding father, symbolises KT's ability to blend artistry with innovation, capturing the nation's spirit in unforgettable ways.
The newspaper's magazines — City Times, WKND, and Young Times — complement its daily coverage with vibrant lifestyle, culture, and youth-focused content. These publications, alongside KT's e-paper and podcasts, ensure that every reader finds something to engage with, from hard-hitting news to lighthearted features.
Looking ahead
As Khaleej Times steps into its 48th year, it remains a trendsetter in the region's media landscape. Its adaptability —whether through tech adoption, new platforms, or bold initiatives — ensures it will continue to lead.
KT's success lies in its people: the journalists, editors, and innovators who bring stories to life with passion and integrity. Their work has made KT a household name, trusted by millions to deliver news that informs, educates, and inspires.
As the UAE continues to shape the global stage, Khaleej Times will be there — pen in hand, lens focused, and heart open — chronicling every moment with the same grit and vision that defined its first 47 years.
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