Saudi Gazette, the English-language newspaper published by Okaz Media Group, has been awarded the Best News Site Relaunch at the 2026 Middle East Digital Media Awards organized by WAN-IFRA. The jury described the project as a "remarkable digital transformation," reflecting the newspaper's success in keeping pace with rapid changes in the digital media landscape.
A specialized jury from the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers, the largest international press organization, selected the winners based on criteria including reliability, audience engagement, innovation, and the overall value of media content in the region. The newspaper received the award in recognition of its successful reintroduction of a publication that has been in circulation for over 50 years, having been established in 1976, through a modern digital platform that prioritizes mobile-first experiences.
Event Details
The new platform for Saudi Gazette was launched in January 2026 by Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Kamel, Chairman of Okaz Media Group, as part of a comprehensive strategy for digital transformation and media platform development. The jury confirmed that this project represents a remarkable digital transformation that provides an engaging reading experience and contributes to enhancing the editorial publishing process.
Saudi Gazette, considered one of the first English-language newspapers in the Kingdom, has demonstrated its ability to adapt to rapid changes in the digital media sector. The newspaper addressed technical challenges that previously affected speed and worked on improving its visibility in search engines and user experience.
Background & Context
Founded in 1976, Saudi Gazette was among the first newspapers to offer content in English in the Kingdom. With the evolution of technology and the emergence of digital media, the newspaper faced significant challenges that required a reevaluation of its strategies. The digital transformation was a necessary step to keep up with these changes.
Competition in today's media landscape demands innovation and adaptation to changing audience needs. Therefore, it was essential for Saudi Gazette to update its platform to meet the expectations of readers in the digital age.
Impact & Consequences
The award for Best News Site Relaunch serves as a global recognition of Saudi Gazette's efforts in digital transformation. This acknowledgment reflects the newspaper's commitment to digital innovation while maintaining its journalistic identity and media legacy. The editor-in-chief of Okaz and the general supervisor of Saudi Gazette, Jamal Al-Dhiyabi, confirmed that the award represents the fruit of the work put into transforming the newspaper into a modern digital platform.
He also noted that this success was achieved with the full support of Chairman Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Kamel and the efforts of the newspaper's team, including editorial, technical, and administrative departments, under the supervision of editor-in-chief Anas Al-Yousef.
Regional Significance
This award is a testament to the ability of media institutions in the Arab region to adapt to challenges and pressures. WAN-IFRA indicated that this year's winners represent journalism shaped under pressure and complexity, reflecting the capacity of media institutions to continue thriving in changing environments.
In light of rapid digital transformations, the success of Saudi Gazette serves as a model for other newspapers in the region, emphasizing the importance of innovation and adaptation in the media world.