Gulf News will stop printing on weekends

Gulf News, an English daily newspaper in the UAE, has decided to stop printing the physical newspaper on weekends.

In a letter dated May 29, 2023, sent to advertisers and other business partners, Al Nisr Publishing has informed that it would stop publishing on Saturdays and Sundays, starting June 03, 2023.

“We have observed a significant shift in reader’s preference and consumption habits, with an increasing number turning to our online platforms for news and information, and it is crucial that we adapt to these altered dynamics and realign our resources strategically,” the letter, signed by Anshuman Joshi, Director, Sales & Publishing, said.

“We want to assure you that this decision was not made lightly. It was driven by our dedication to serving the interests of our readers and advertisers alike and ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for our brand.”

The newspaper, established in 1978, was brought over by three Dubai businessmen in 1984 – Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Abdullah Hassan Al Rostamani, and Juma Al Majid. It was relaunched on December 10, 1985 by Al Nisr Publishing LLC.

On its website, Gulf News quotes a circulation figure of 77,781 from Saturday to Thursday, and 77,381 on Fridays.

Among its various innovations in the region was the fact that it became the first newspaper to adopt the now-popular Berliner format in 2012.

In a letter to readers, the Gulf News CEO and Editor-in-Chief explains why the newspaper would stop printing on weekends.

Why Gulf News will stop printing on weekends

We are stopping printing the newspaper on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning June 3.

It is sad news, for you and for us. You’ve been with us as loyal readers, on this journey for four decades.

It is no secret that the print media has been facing challenges on many fronts, be it the increasing cost of paper, ink, logistics and delivery charges.

Advertisement revenue has been shrinking month on month for years now.

Added to that we are constantly battling the sharks hunting in our territory: Google and Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to name a few are fishing for ad revenue in our waters.

They have dried up revenue for national media such as us. And their appetite is insatiable.

We went where our readers wanted to be – on smartphones, laptops, and tablets.

We hope we never see that sorry day.

Thank you,

Yours Sincerely,
Abdul Hamid Ahmad
CEO and Editor-in-Chief
Gulf News