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Okaz


Okaz (Arabic: عكاظ) is an Arabic-language daily newspaper headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, founded on 28 May 1960 by Ahmed Abdul Ghafoor Attar. Its inaugural issue was published in Taif before relocating operations to Jeddah, establishing it as one of the Kingdom's oldest continuously operating newspapers. Named after the historic pre-Islamic Okaz market renowned for poetry and trade, the publication has evolved into a leading Arabic daily with the highest readership in Saudi Arabia, offering comprehensive coverage of politics, economy, sports, culture, and international affairs. It maintains a sister English-language counterpart, Saudi Gazette, launched in 1976, and pioneered digital transformation among Saudi media outlets, including early adoption of online platforms and multimedia content. Ownership transitioned from individual to a civil society institution via royal decree in 1964, reflecting governmental oversight typical of Saudi print media, though Okaz has notably pushed boundaries in social and cultural reporting within the Kingdom's conservative framework. The newspaper has faced external challenges, including a 2019 cyberattack attempt attributed to Iran-backed actors seeking to undermine its credibility.

History

Founding and Early Development

Okaz was established in 1960 by Ahmed Abdul Ghafoor Attar in , , as one of the kingdom's pioneering private newspapers. Its inaugural issue appeared on May 28, 1960, in , Makkah Province, marking the beginning of its operations under the Okaz for Press and Publication. In its formative phase, Okaz relied on manual and mechanical printing techniques, reflecting the limited technological infrastructure available for print media at the time. The newspaper initially operated under restrictive press regulations, which prompted a relaunch as a daily on October 17, 1964, following the enactment of a new press law that facilitated expanded operations. This transition enabled Okaz to increase its frequency and reach, solidifying its position among Arabia's enduring media outlets despite the era's governmental oversight on .

Expansion and Key Milestones

Okaz transitioned from a weekly to a daily in 1964, a pivotal expansion that broadened its reach and operational scope amid Saudi Arabia's evolving regulations. The inaugural daily edition appeared on October 17, 1964, aligning with the implementation of a revised that facilitated greater frequency and distribution. This shift enabled Okaz to cover more comprehensively, transitioning from manual typesetting to enhanced printing capabilities and establishing it as a mainstay in Jeddah's media landscape. Subsequent milestones included the construction of a expansive new headquarters in during the early 2000s, which symbolized the 's infrastructural growth and capacity for larger-scale operations, including expanded and facilities. By the mid-2010s, under the Okaz for Press and Publication, the entity diversified into digital platforms alongside its core print titles, positioning itself as a leader with ventures enhancing online content delivery and audience engagement. A major digital overhaul occurred in December 2019, rebranding Okaz with a modernized and integrated technologies to adapt to shifting reader habits, thereby sustaining its prominence amid from global digital media. The organization further extended its footprint by maintaining offices across , supporting nationwide distribution and localized reporting. In , Okaz marked its 60th anniversary, underscoring its endurance as one of the kingdom's oldest continuously operating newspapers, with reported high readership rates affirming its expanded influence.

Adaptation to Digital Era

Okaz initiated its digital expansion in the mid-2010s by integrating online ventures with its established print operations, positioning itself as a leader in media's shift toward platforms. In 2018, the organization convened strategic brainstorming sessions to address the existential challenges confronting print newspapers amid the rise of digital consumption, exploring innovative approaches to sustain relevance in a technology-driven landscape. A pivotal advancement came on December 16, 2019, when Okaz launched a revamped and new visual identity under the of high-level officials, marking a deliberate evolution toward enhanced digital capabilities after 59 years of primarily print-focused publishing. The platform's metrics reflect robust growth, including 1.3 million unique browsers reported in mid-2010s analyses and, by January 2022, topping Middle East's rankings for most-visited news sites in the MENA region with 2 million followers and 26.9 million views. Complementing this, the website offers structured digital access to content across categories such as local politics, , , , and , enabling real-time updates and archived issues to supplant traditional print distribution. Leadership has underscored sustained adaptation, with Jameel Altheyabi stating in February 2024 that media entities unprepared for digital shifts risk , aligning Okaz's trajectory with broader efforts to modernize amid rising penetration.

Ownership and Operations

Ownership Evolution

Okaz was established on May 28, 1960, in by Ahmed Abdul Ghafoor Attar, who held initial individual ownership of the newspaper. In 1964, a Royal Decree restructured its ownership, transferring control from Attar to a institution—described as a public establishment—to terminate individual proprietorship and promote institutional stability amid early operational challenges. By the late 20th century, Okaz had evolved into a publication of the Okaz Organization for Press and Publication, a private joint-stock company with controlling shares held by prominent Saudi businessmen, distinguishing it from fully state-controlled media outlets in the kingdom. Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Kamel has chaired the organization's board of directors since at least 2012, with unanimous re-election for a new five-year term approved by the general assembly in late 2024, reflecting continuity in private-sector leadership tied to influential commercial figures.

Publishing Infrastructure

Okaz's publishing operations are overseen by the Okaz Organization for Press and Publication, headquartered in , which handles , production, and distribution logistics for the daily . The organization maintains dedicated facilities in , located in the , and in , allowing for simultaneous of editions to support timely distribution across the kingdom. These in-house presses were developed starting in 1985 (1405 AH), marking a shift from reliance on external services to self-sufficient production capabilities on purpose-built facilities. Distribution infrastructure leverages a network of regional offices throughout , enabling efficient delivery primarily to the and provinces while extending coverage nationwide. This setup supports the newspaper's broad operational footprint, with serving as the central hub for administrative and production oversight.

Editorial Management

The editorial operations of Okaz are overseen by Editor-in-Chief Jameel Altheyabi, who assumed the role on December 1, 2015, and continues to lead as of 2024. Altheyabi, also general supervisor of the sister publication , emphasizes professional standards such as precedence, credibility, and reliability in content production, guiding the newspaper's adherence to these principles amid digital transformations. Supporting the is Deputy Editor-in-Chief Faisal Al-Khamash, who collaborates on key initiatives, including events. The editorial hierarchy includes an executive editor, currently Anas Alyusuf, responsible for operational oversight of activities, and an assistant editor-in-chief, Khalid Saim Al-Dahr, who aids in content coordination and policy implementation. This structure ensures streamlined decision-making for daily Arabic-language editions and affiliated English content. The broader editorial management integrates with the Okaz Organization for Press and Publications' administrative framework, where the periodically reviews and refines structures, such as implementing cost-cutting measures and new hierarchies to enhance efficiency. Abdullah Al-Hassoun handles operational alignment between editorial and publishing functions, facilitating and strategic adaptations. These mechanisms prioritize factual while navigating regulatory contexts, with leadership meetings often involving regional officials to align on national priorities.

Editorial Stance and Content

Political Orientation

Okaz occupies a relatively position within the Saudi press landscape, characterized by support for gradual social reforms and modernization efforts aligned with , while adhering to the kingdom's monarchical framework and Islamic conservatism. In contrast to more conservative outlets like Al-Riyadh, Okaz has been noted for pushing boundaries in cultural and social coverage, including discussions on women's roles and economic diversification, though always within government-approved parameters. This orientation reflects a reformist tendency rather than opposition, as evidenced by its editorials praising Saudi industrial transformations and national leadership initiatives. The newspaper's stance emphasizes nationalism and alignment with official , such as firm support for cause against perceived external impositions and advocacy for geopolitical interests. For instance, Okaz has critiqued international plans undermining positions while endorsing Riyadh's regional . Analysts attribute this to its semi-independent ownership structure, allowing limited space for debate on domestic reforms compared to state-controlled media, though persists to avoid challenging core authorities. Critics and observers, including international media watchdogs, highlight that Okaz's "" is contextual—moderate by standards but conservative globally, with no tolerance for dissent against the ruling family or Wahhabi-influenced norms. Its coverage often features opinion pieces from contributors advocating pragmatic adaptations, such as in response to or economic shifts, underscoring a causal link between editorial freedom and state stability rather than ideological pluralism. This positioning has sustained its influence amid broader media consolidation under .

Core Coverage Areas

Okaz devotes significant space to local political news, emphasizing developments within , including government policies, national events, and regional issues in the and provinces. Its coverage extends to Arab and international politics, often highlighting Middle Eastern affairs alongside global events. The newspaper maintains dedicated sections for economy and business, reporting on financial markets, trade, investment trends, and Saudi economic reforms such as those under Vision 2030. Sports constitutes a core pillar, with extensive reporting on Arab leagues, international competitions, and Saudi domestic events, including soccer, athletics, and emerging disciplines aligned with national sports initiatives. Cultural and arts content focuses on , heritage, festivals like Souq Okaz, and artistic expressions, alongside opinion pieces from columnists analyzing societal and intellectual topics. Additional areas include sciences, technology advancements, and miscellaneous social issues, such as , and environmental matters, reflecting a broad national scope with integration for visual reporting.

Prominent Contributors

Jameel Altheyabi has served as of Okaz since 2015, overseeing its editorial direction with an emphasis on professional media standards including precedence, credibility, and reliability. Al-Humaid, a prominent writer and former of , joined Okaz as a in January 2020, contributing three articles weekly on political and social topics. Hussein Shobokshi, a Jeddah-based and businessman, has written for Okaz on progressive reforms and economic issues, reflecting a blend of traditional values and modern aspirations as noted in analyses of media landscapes. Randa Al-Sheikh maintains a weekly column in the newspaper, focusing on literature, short stories, and cultural commentary, establishing her as a recognized voice in literary circles. Abdullah bin Bakheet contributes weekly articles to Okaz, drawing from his background as a to address societal and literary themes. Earlier pioneers include Abdul Majeed Ali, among the first journalists at Okaz during its formative years, who helped shape its foundational reporting practices.

Circulation and Audience Metrics

Print Circulation Trends

Okaz's has experienced a decline consistent with broader trends in Saudi Arabia's newspaper industry, driven by the rapid adoption of and smartphones. Without an independent audit bureau, figures are typically self-reported or estimated, leading to variability in available data. Historical reports indicate a daily circulation of approximately 250,000 copies in the early . By 2015, similar estimates persisted at 250,000. However, print sales for Okaz fell by 14.3% between 2005 and 2015, paralleling a national drop in print sales value from $407.6 million to $271.2 million over the same period. More recent estimates from 2024 place Okaz's daily print circulation above 100,000 copies, with the majority of readers in the region including , , and . This reduction reflects ongoing challenges in the sector, including rising printing costs, reduced advertising revenue, and a shift toward platforms, prompting many newspapers to halt or scale back print distribution by 2019. Okaz continues to print simultaneously in and , maintaining a physical presence amid the transition.

Digital Readership and Engagement

Okaz's digital platform, okaz.com.sa, has demonstrated robust online traffic, recording 131.2 million unique visitors in 2021, which positioned it third among MENA news websites according to data for that year. By 2025, the outlet maintained 720,000 digital subscribers, reflecting a strategic pivot toward subscription-based online access amid broader shifts in media consumption. Audience demographics skew heavily male, with 76.64% of visitors identifying as such and 23.36% female, per traffic analytics. Social media engagement bolsters Okaz's digital reach, amassing over 7.17 million followers across platforms by February 2024, crowning it Saudi Arabia's most followed newspaper according to the Pulse application metrics. This follower base supports interactive content dissemination, though specific engagement rates like shares or comments remain less documented in public reports. The outlet's 2019 mobile app launch for iOS and Android devices further enhanced accessibility, prioritizing user-friendly navigation to sustain engagement in a mobile-first environment. Overall, these metrics underscore Okaz's adaptation to digital trends, with online metrics surpassing traditional print circulation of around 250,000 copies.

Influence and Societal Role

Impact on Saudi Public Discourse

Okaz has played a pivotal role in public discourse as a relatively liberal-leaning daily , distinguishing itself from more conservative outlets like Al-Riyadh by advocating for measured modernization within Islamic frameworks. Established in and converting to daily publication in 1964, it achieved an 18.3% among Saudi print titles by the late 2010s, fostering debates on , , and social evolution through investigative reporting and s that challenge traditionalist views without direct royal ownership. Its stance, often aligned with pragmatic reforms, has amplified voices for incremental change, such as labor market adjustments and women's participation, thereby broadening the parameters of acceptable public in a environment historically dominated by oversight. The newspaper's extensive coverage of , launched in 2016, exemplifies its influence, with analytical studies documenting over 1,000 articles in its pages by 2020 that framed the initiative as a pathway to economic diversification and reduced oil dependency, thereby cultivating public buy-in for structural shifts like targets aiming to elevate the private sector's GDP contribution from 40% to 65% by 2030. Critical discourse analyses of Okaz front-page headlines reveal a linguistic strategy that constructs Saudi identity around and progress, subtly shifting narratives from absolutist conservatism toward adaptive governance, as seen in portrayals of social reforms balancing tradition with empowerment initiatives. This framing has contributed to evolving public perceptions, evidenced by its digital platform ranking among the top three most-visited sites in the MENA in 2022, engaging demographics increasingly receptive to reformist ideas. Despite its impact, Okaz's discourse-shaping capacity operates within constraints of governmental alignment, particularly historical ties to the Ministry of Interior under Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz, which critics argue tempers bolder critiques and prioritizes stability over unfettered pluralism. Nonetheless, its digital pivot since the mid-2010s has democratized access, with high engagement metrics enabling real-time opinion formation on events like women's driving rights legalization in 2018, thus accelerating societal adaptation to Vision 2030's cultural pillars amid a transitioning landscape.

Coverage of National Reforms and Events

Okaz has extensively covered Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 reforms, initiated on April 25, 2016, by Crown Prince , emphasizing economic diversification, , and reduced oil dependency. The newspaper frequently highlights progress in these areas, such as projects and growth, aligning with its position as one of Saudi Arabia's more liberal-leaning dailies that supports modernization efforts while operating within constraints. In social reforms, Okaz reported on the August 1, 2019, decree allowing women aged 21 and older to obtain passports and travel abroad without male guardian approval, framing it as a significant step toward easing the male guardianship system. This coverage followed earlier reporting on the June 24, 2018, lifting of the women's driving ban, which Okaz portrayed as advancing gender equity and workforce participation in line with Vision 2030 goals. The outlet also documented the April 2020 abolition of flogging as a punishment, presenting it as part of broader penal reforms under the crown prince's oversight. On economic fronts, Okaz detailed challenges within Vision 2030, including a May 2020 report on an $8 billion budget reduction for related programs amid oil price volatility and measures. It has featured interviews with the crown prince affirming steady progress, such as countering rumors of delays in the Aramco and pledging major announcements to sustain momentum. For national events tied to reforms, Okaz provides real-time reporting on initiatives like the launch of and tourism openings, often emphasizing their role in job creation—targeting 1 million new positions by 2030—and cultural shifts, including entertainment sector growth under the General Entertainment Authority established in 2016. Coverage of annual events, such as Saudi National Day on , integrates reform narratives, showcasing public participation in concerts and festivals as evidence of societal transformation from conservative norms. Despite this supportive tone, analyses of Okaz's front-page headlines reveal a prioritizing national unity and leadership directives over critical scrutiny of implementation hurdles.

International Perception

Internationally, Okaz is frequently characterized as a mainstream daily that aligns closely with government policies, reflecting the broader constraints on media independence in the Kingdom. Organizations monitoring global press freedom, such as (RSF), describe Okaz as part of the "liberal" camp in , alongside Al-Watan, in contrast to more conservative outlets like Al-Riyadh; however, this operates within a system of heavy and adherence to official narratives disseminated via the Press Agency. Arabia's press freedom ranking of 162 out of 180 countries in the 2025 underscores the environment in which Okaz functions, where criticism of the can lead to , and independent reporting is virtually absent. Western analyses often portray Okaz as pro-government, with its editorial stance echoing state priorities on domestic reforms, regional security, and foreign relations. For instance, in coverage of U.S. , Okaz articles dismissed then-President Obama's speech as a "," aligning with official skepticism toward American commitments in the , as noted in international policy reviews. The includes Okaz in its overview of as a Jeddah-based daily that, like peers, supports government lines on key issues, contributing to perceptions of it as a tool for shaping public discourse rather than challenging authority. In academic and assessments, Okaz's role is seen as amplifying geopolitical interests, such as in coverage of conflicts involving or , where its framing mirrors state media patterns without deviation. While some regional observers acknowledge Okaz's influence in Arab media circles for its reach and digital engagement, Western critiques emphasize its lack of autonomy, viewing it as emblematic of Saudi Arabia's controlled press landscape where even relatively progressive outlets avoid sensitive topics like abuses or royal family intra-dynamics. This perception is reinforced by reports from groups like the , which document media's general alignment with regime directives amid broader suppression of dissent.

Criticisms and Controversies

Allegations of Government Influence

Okaz has been accused of maintaining close ties to the Ministry of Interior, fostering allegations of government influence over its editorial direction. The newspaper's board chairman, Dr. Sa’id al-Harthi, served as an adviser to Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, the long-serving responsible for and oversight, which reportedly positioned Okaz as aligned with security apparatus priorities. Editors-in-chief of Saudi newspapers, including Okaz, required approval from the , reinforcing claims of structural control. Specific incidents underscore these allegations. In March 2002, Okaz published criticism of for hindering rescues during a girls' school fire in Mecca, describing their actions as "preventing life and propagating death," but the soon ordered all newspapers, including Okaz, to cease coverage. Similarly, columnist Hussein Shobokshi's July 2003 piece in Okaz advocating accountability, elections, and women's right to drive prompted complaints from tribal and religious groups, leading to his year-long from Saudi press and the paper's directive to halt his column. During the 2018 disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Okaz exemplified pro-government alignment by dismissing international accusations against Saudi officials as fabrications by adversaries like Iran, Qatar, and Turkey, while warning citizens against sharing unverified reports under threat of imprisonment. Such coverage aligned with state narratives amid broader Saudi media self-censorship, where outlets like Okaz, despite a relatively "liberal" stance within the kingdom's polarized press, adhered to official guidelines from the Saudi Press Agency to avoid critiquing the monarchy or Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. These patterns reflect systemic pressures in Saudi Arabia's media environment, where private ownership coexists with regulatory oversight and surveillance, limiting independent scrutiny of power structures.

Handling of Sensitive Social Topics

Okaz has historically approached sensitive social topics through the lens of Saudi Arabia's official Islamic framework and governmental policies, often emphasizing moral and cultural preservation while aligning with state-directed reforms. In the early 2000s, the newspaper began addressing previously taboo subjects such as crime, drug use, divorce rates, and the presence of AIDS in the kingdom, marking a shift toward more open discussion of societal challenges amid growing public awareness. This coverage pushed boundaries in a religiously conservative context, though it remained constrained by self-censorship and regulatory oversight to avoid contradicting Wahhabi norms or state authority. On , Okaz has reported favorably on reforms under Vision 2030, such as the 2018 lifting of the driving ban and increased female participation in the and , framing these as compatible with Islamic values and national progress. However, the newspaper upholds traditional elements of the male guardianship system, critiquing Western-style as incompatible with Saudi customs and rarely challenging legal inequalities in , such as requirements for male approval in or . Coverage often highlights initiatives to empower women economically while reinforcing roles centered on family and piety, reflecting broader media caution on customs that could provoke conservative backlash. Regarding LGBTQ issues, Okaz adheres to Saudi penal codes that criminalize same-sex acts under interpretations, with reporting focused on enforcement actions rather than advocacy or normalization. In 2011–2012, the newspaper publicized government arrests of over 260 individuals for homosexuality-related offenses, presenting such measures as necessary to uphold and deter "deviant" behavior. This stance aligns with official religious rulings denouncing same-sex relationships as grave sins, and Okaz has not featured sympathetic portrayals or calls for , consistent with the kingdom's on public discussion that could undermine Islamic prohibitions. In handling religious freedom and sectarian sensitivities, Okaz reports interventions against perceived threats to , such as the dismissal of imams failing to denounce Shia-linked Houthi actions, as in a January 2021 case involving seven preachers in . The newspaper avoids critiquing restrictions on non-Muslim worship or proselytization, instead emphasizing state efforts to combat and maintain religious unity under Hanbali . Coverage of or cases typically supports judicial outcomes, including executions or floggings, as deterrents to societal discord, without questioning the underlying legal framework that privileges . This approach underscores Okaz's role in reinforcing theocratic stability over pluralistic discourse.

Responses to External Critiques

In the aftermath of Khashoggi's disappearance on October 2, 2018, which drew widespread international condemnation of Saudi and alignment, Okaz columnists countered accusations by portraying them as fabrications propagated by adversarial states. One contributor asserted that claims against were engineered by , , and to undermine the kingdom. Another argued that Khashoggi himself had promoted 's agenda and engaged in activities like inciting public opinion and destabilizing the country, framing the narrative as part of a broader campaign. Okaz editorials during this period emphasized national resilience against external pressures, with outlets including the newspaper issuing defiant statements urging critics not to "test our patience" amid global scrutiny. Such responses aligned with broader media tactics of deflecting blame onto geopolitical foes rather than engaging directly with allegations of or . Regarding internal controversies, such as a incident involving a that prompted the dismissal of editor Fahd Al-Tunisi, Okaz addressed fallout by his personal alongside a clarification that the article relied on unverified external s, thereby attempting to restore credibility without conceding . This approach highlighted reliance on verification as a defense mechanism against claims of or in sensitive coverage. Okaz leadership has occasionally underscored the newspaper's commitment to journalistic precedence and factual reporting in rebuttals to implied critiques of reliability, as articulated by Jameel Altheyabi in discussions of standards. However, explicit denials of sway remain limited, with the publication's content often reflecting alignment with official narratives on reforms and , interpreted by defenders as patriotic duty rather than .

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