Riyadh- Chairman of Saudi Research and Marketing Group (SRMG) Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohamad bin Farhan Al-Saud announced the appointment of Faisal J. Abbas as editor-in-chief of Arab News effective Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016.

“The decision complements with SRMG’s future vision of taking our titles to new heights by empowering young Saudi media leaders capable of meeting the aspirations of the new generation who are today’s biggest media consumers,” said Prince Badr.

“Faisal Abbas is among the most prominent Saudi journalists on the international scene; he brings an impressive track record of successful media brands re-launching as well as expanding newsroom operations,” Prince Badr added.

He thanked the outgoing editor-in-chief of Arab News, Mohammad Al-Harthi, for his “enormous efforts.”

“We will continue to benefit from his expertise in various fields within our group. In addition, Al-Harthi will continue to maintain his position as the editor-in-chief of Sayidaty and Al-Jamila Magazines as well as their websites,” the chairman said.

For his part, Abbas thanked Prince Badr and the SRMG Board for their trust, saying: “I look forward to be working alongside the board and the team at this prestigious international Arab daily. Together, we will drive it to achieve its full future potential.”

Prior to joining Arab News, Abbas was the editor-in-chief of the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya News Channel’s digital English service between 2012 and 2016.

He also worked as a senior Middle East correspondent for the International Resource Journal and a blogger with the Huffington Post since 2008.

Between the years 2004–2009 he was the media editor at SRMG’s London-based Pan-Arab daily, Asharq Al-Awsat.