The death of Mohammed Ali Hafez, a pioneer of Saudi and international journalism

The Saudi and Arab media landscape lost one of its most prominent pioneers and architects on Sunday with the passing of publisher and esteemed journalist Mohammed Ali Hafez, the patriarch of the Al Hafez family. He departed after a long and distinguished career, during which he played a pivotal role in laying the foundations for the establishment and development of major media institutions that have become landmark figures in the history of Saudi, Arab, and international journalism.

Origins and beginnings: A journalistic environment that shaped the conscience

The deceased was born in Medina in 1356 AH (1937 CE), a time that coincided with the publication of the first issue of the newspaper “Al-Madina,” which was founded and edited by his father, Ali Hafez, and his uncle, Othman Hafez. He grew up in an environment steeped in a love of the printed word, which connected him early on to the world of journalism. He received his primary education in Saudi Arabia, then earned a scholarship to Egypt, where he studied journalism at Cairo University and obtained a bachelor's degree.

During his studies, he honed his skills working at Al-Ra'idin Printing Press and received practical training at the prestigious Dar Akhbar Al-Youm newspaper under the supervision of the late Egyptian journalist Mustafa Amin. He returned to the Kingdom in 1960 to join the Ministry of Information, beginning a career that transformed the face of journalism.

The establishment of modern journalism and the transition to institutional work

Between 1960 and 1964, he served as editor-in-chief of Al-Madina newspaper, jointly with his late brother, Hisham Hafez. During this historical period, the Kingdom witnessed the transition of journalism from individual ownership to a system of media institutions, and the late Hisham played a pivotal role in this transformation. The two brothers worked to develop the newspaper and enhance its presence, paving the way for the later establishment of the Saudi Research and Publishing Company, which became one of the largest media groups in the Middle East. This historical development was not merely an administrative change, but rather the consolidation of a media industry capable of keeping pace with the political and economic developments taking place in the Kingdom.

Mohamed Ali Hafez's impact on international and regional media

is Mohammed Ali Hafez an exceptional figure who recognized early on the importance of engaging with the outside world. In 1975, coinciding with the Kingdom's major economic boom, he and his brother co-founded Arab News, the first English-language daily newspaper in Saudi Arabia. Its strategic objective was to present the Saudi voice to the world and convey an accurate picture of Saudi society to residents and those interested in Saudi affairs. He skillfully led the editorial team and expanded its influence.

His ambition didn't stop there; in 1976, he assumed the position of Director General of Madinah Printing and Publishing. He crowned his career by co-founding and serving as editor-in-chief of Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper in London, the first international Arabic newspaper. The newspaper revolutionized regional publishing by printing simultaneously in several global cities via satellite technology, making it a trusted political and cultural reference for Arab readers everywhere.

Cultural legacy and ongoing support for younger generations

The deceased was known for his rich professional career and his extensive network of relationships in cultural, political, and social circles. He was not merely a publisher or editor-in-chief, but a mentor and unwavering supporter of young generations of journalists, opening the doors of his institutions to train and develop the national talent that leads the media landscape today. His profound interest in cultural and media affairs earned him a distinguished position and great respect among Arab media professionals and intellectuals. With his passing, a bright chapter in the history of media comes to a close, but the impact he left on the journalism industry will remain a source of inspiration for future generations.