Journalist Abdullah Al-Qubai'i dies in London after a 50-year career
The media and journalistic circles in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab world have lost one of the most prominent pioneers of the word and pillars of journalism, the veteran writer and journalist Abdullah Al-Qubai’ , who passed away in the British capital, London, after a struggle with illness, thus concluding a full professional journey that extended for about half a century.
Half a century of service to the media
Abdullah Al-Qubai was not merely a passing figure in the history of Saudi journalism; he was a witness to and active participant in the transformations of the media landscape over five decades. The late journalist moved between major media institutions, leaving a clear mark on the newspapers "Okaz , "Al-Madina ," and "Al-Watan ," in addition to his work at the international newspaper "Asharq Al-Awsat ." These moves were not simply changes of workplace, but rather a cumulative journey that honed his experience and made him a professional authority, combining local journalistic expertise with the international dimension of Arab media.
Historical context: The pioneer generation and major transformations
Al-Qubai belongs to the pioneering generation who witnessed the golden age of print journalism, its transition from the foundational stage to one of widespread dissemination and influence. He worked during a period when the press was the primary source of information and the shaper of public opinion. His experience is particularly significant because he worked in London, the center of gravity for Arab expatriate journalism, which allowed him to engage with diverse journalistic schools and broaden his professional horizons, a fact clearly reflected in his writing style and his management of journalistic work.
A cultural and professional legacy that transcends news
In addition to his work in the newsroom and editorial department, the late journalist made significant intellectual and cultural contributions. He enriched the Arabic library with works reflecting his critical vision and extensive experience, most notably "Space Mischief" and "My Letters ." These publications were not merely memoirs, but rather meticulous observations of societal and media transformations, offering a distillation of the experience of a man who lived the demanding nature of journalism in all its facets.
Impact and Absence
The passing of Abdullah Al-Qubai' is a great loss to the Saudi journalistic community, as he is considered one of the leading figures who contributed to the development of editorial departments and the training of young talent. The deceased was a paragon of professional commitment and integrity, and his pen remained dedicated to the causes of his nation and people until his final moments. The legacy Al-Qubai' left behind is not limited to his vast journalistic archive, but extends to the professional values he instilled in those who worked with him and learned from him, ensuring his name remains etched in the memory of Saudi journalism as one of its noble knights.
