Faisal J. Abbas

Faisal J. Abbas is an award-winning journalist, author and Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, widely recognised for explaining the Middle East to global audiences. With more than 15 years of experience across television, print and digital media, he has developed a reputation for clear, insightful commentary on politics, society and culture in the Arab world. His international perspective and engaging communication style make him a highly sought-after keynote speaker and event moderator at global conferences and leadership forums.

Faisal began his career in 2000 as a reporter and producer for Future Television in Lebanon before moving into print journalism with Al Hayat. In 2005, he relocated to London to become Media Editor at Asharq Al Awsat, gaining international experience analysing developments across the Middle Eastern media landscape. He later began writing in English for The Huffington Post and has appeared regularly on global broadcasters, including CNN and BBC, as an expert on Saudi and Arab affairs.

His leadership roles include serving as Editor-in-Chief of Al Arabiya English before becoming Editor-in-Chief of Arab News in 2016. He also sits on the editorial board of Al Arabiya and, in 2024, was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Journalists Association. Alongside his journalism career, Abbas is the author of Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile, reflecting on his experiences between Arab and British cultures.

His work has received numerous accolades, including the Next Century Foundation Cutting-Edge Award for helping bridge the communication gap between the West and the Arab world, and the Social Impact Award for Saudi Arabia at the British Council UK Alumni Awards. 

As a keynote speaker and moderator, Faisal J. Abbas offers rare insight into Middle Eastern geopolitics, global media and cross-cultural dialogue, helping organisations navigate complex international conversations with clarity and authority.