Marking his tenth year as Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, Faisal Abbas has posted a teaser video for a new project, captioned “Arab Views – coming soon.”
The post has left readers wondering whether the 51-year-old Saudi daily is heading for a rebrand as a “viewspaper,” whether Abbas himself is preparing to step down, or whether a new product is on the way.
Neither Abbas nor Arab News responded to Communicate’s requests for comment. However, industry sources told Communicate that a full rebrand of the newspaper is highly unlikely.
“We are most probably looking at a new product, such as a viewsletter or a podcast,” said one source adding that it is unclear whether Arab Views will be launched under the Arab News umbrella or as a new personal project.
“Stopping the news service altogether would be extremely high-risk, as it would deprive Saudi Arabia of its main English-language news outlet,” he added.
Other sources, however, said a departure is possible, noting that Abbas explicitly tied the video to his ten-year milestone in the role.
According to one source, Abbas was seen in Dubai last week meeting an international executive recruiter working on behalf of a major media brand, reportedly a leading Saudi group. The same source pointed to the rising profile of his deputy, Noor Nugali, who recently attended leadership programs at INSEAD and London Business School alongside the Ministry of Media, and has been hosting visiting ambassadors at Arab News’ Riyadh headquarters.
