Baker Atyani

Baker Atyani is a veteran journalist who covered conflict zones across Asia for over two decades. As an expert on militant groups in Asia, Baker has produced numerous documentaries, articles, and investigative stories detailing terrorism and armed conflict. In 2012, his name made headlines around the world after he was kidnapped and held hostage for 18 months by the Abu Sayyaf group in the Sulu jungle of the Philippines. 

Already established as a Middle East and Asia correspondent by the 2000s, Baker, who was working for the Middle East Broadcasting Centre, made history as the last journalist to interview Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden in 2001, three months before the tragic 9/11 attacks. Following Al Arabiya’s launch in 2003, Baker became a prominent field correspondent throughout the Middle East and Southeast Asia, becoming known for covering Jihadist groups, insurgencies, and interviews with Taliban figures. In 2012, whilst working on the documentary ‘Conflict in Mindanao Islands in the Philippines’, in which he was aiming to interview the leaders of the militant Abu Sayyaf group, he once again made international headlines. En route to the interview location, Baker and two of his colleagues were forcibly captured and held captive by the individuals associated with the Abu Sayyaf group. Baker went to spend around 550 days imprisoned by militants in the Sulu jungle, suffering serious health problems and desperately harsh conditions. Securing his release 18 months later, Baker gave several interviews detailing those traumatic months, his escape attempts, and the environment inside the Abu Sayyaf camps. In 2017, he was appointed Southeast Asia Bureau Chief of Arab News, helping to expand Arab News’ presence across the region by leading the launch and management of the Pakistan edition from Islamabad. Currently, the Asia Bureau Chief for Arab News, his journalism covers food security, politics, and regional affairs across Pakistan and South Asia. 

As a result of his incredible journey, Baker has been recognised with several awards, including the MCF ‘Exceptional Courage in Journalism’ award, the MBC Group ‘Courage in Journalism’ award, and was recognised by the UN for his historic contributions to journalism. His story has been shared worldwide by major media outlets, including The Independent, Associated Press, TIME Magazine, Reuters, and many more. 

A legendary, history-making journalist, Baker is the perfect addition to a multitude of events for his impactful storytelling, astute perspective, and incredible experiences. As a regular speaker throughout the Middle East and Asia, Baker captivates audiences with his insider knowledge and analysis on terrorist organisations, militant groups, current conflicts, and geopolitics.