International Media Investments group relaunched Alroeya, an Arabic newspaper, in print and on digital platforms, pitching it squarely at young Arabs throughout the region.
Editor-in-Chief Mohamed Al Hammadi told The National the main change for the publication now is its target audience.
“Now our target is Arab youth, everywhere in the UAE and the Arab region," he said. "We aim to engage young people through offering intelligent, rich and diverse content that meets the needs of the new generation and provide them with reliable news and in-depth analysis.”
Alroeya will also give young people the chance to contribute their own content with pictures, videos, reports and opinion pieces through the newspaper's 'Zoom' section.
“This section is dedicated to our audience, so they can be journalists through user-generated content,” said Head of Digital services Maithem Alanbari.
He said that material received would go through a screening process to ensure accuracy and adherence to the paper’s editorial guidelines.
Alroeya will present an integrated platform for the new generation through the printed newspaper, the website and social media, comprising written, audio and visual content under the name "Alroeya without Borders".
With writers from 20 countries on its staff, the platform aims to bring in-depth technology, science and future-shaping news, up-to-the-minute updates on topical issues and smart content presented by youth on diverse platforms, as well as comprehensive coverage and analysis of regional and global events.
It will also feature human interest and investigative reports on sports, culture and the arts.
Speaking on the role Alroeya aspires to, Mr Al Hammadi said: "We aim to become a platform for thought leadership, innovation, creativity, knowledge-sharing and youth empowerment. We are one human family, and therefore we seek to promote the values of openness, tolerance, respect and equality."
The print edition will be published six days a week, with a weekend edition on Fridays featuring special content.
The new digital platform will publish news, videos and podcasts around the clock, seven days a week. Alroeya's social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and YouTube – will focus on constant interaction with readers and offer live broadcasts and interactive material.
IMI also owns The National.
