New Yemen Times Editor-in-Chief

Sanaa, 28 February – The Board of Directors of Yemen Times Establishment for Press and Publishing has officially appointed Nadia Abdulaziz Al-Saqqaf as the new Editor-in-Chief of The Yemen Times starting tomorrow, March 1st 2005.

After roughly six years of service as the Editor-in-Chief, Walid Al-Saqqaf will be ending his term of office and temporarily leaving Yemen for training and post-graduate studies.

His post will be taken over by his sister Nadia, who has been working for Oxfam Yemen for more than a year, and who has also worked for The Yemen Times during various periods of her professional career.

“I believe that is it about time for the newspaper to have a new Editor-in-Chief and give a female leader a chance to take the paper to greater horizons.” Walid said.

Walid Al-Saqqaf had started working at The Yemen Times since his Bachelor’s Degree graduation in 1998 and had to take over the leadership role of the newspaper since June 2nd 1999 when a traffic accident killed his father, the Editor-in-Chief of The Yemen Times then, and the founder of the leading Yemeni media enterprise.

“I will always remember those who supported me and the newspaper through the good and difficult times, and will be keeping in touch with all of our staff members. I believe that now is the best time to pursue higher studies and enhance my professional and academic qualifications, to better serve Yemen once I return.”

New leadership, new vision

On her part, Mrs. al-Saqqaf expresses her excitement and enthusiasm in taking the new position, hoping that she will raise the newspaper’s standards and maintain its number one position as the leading English-language newspaper in the country.

“It is not an easy task. It is, in fact, a challenge. But I know that the newspaper’s strong institutional organization and respectable position in the country will help me manage the newspaper in the most appropriate manner. I also feel greatly humbled by the trust of members of the board and readers, and feel that with the help of our staff members, clients, readers, and friends I could do a lot to improve the statues of the newspaper and rise to the level of expectations.”

Mrs. al-Saqqaf is a graduate of Sterling University in the United Kingdom with a Masters degree Information Systems Management. She graduated with Upper Grade with Distinction and had also enrolled in a number of training programs and courses including a month-long course on Human Rights in Strasbourg, France.

During her work at The Yemen Times, she said she would be focusing on supporting human rights, gender issues and womens’ rights.

A formal reception

A special, formal reception and farewell party for Walid Al-Saqqaf will be held at the Taj Sheba Hotel in Sana’a on March 9th. The event will also coincide with The Yemen Times’ 14th anniversary. The occasion will be an opportunity to introduce the new leader of the newspaper and welcome her to her new post.

Source: Yemen Times