Top 10 News Publishers in UAE 2026
The definitive guide to the top 10 news publishers and digital media outlets in the UAE for 2026 — from Gulf News and Khaleej Times to emerging content-first platforms like WhatMatters.ae.
Top 10 News Publishers in UAE 2026 — What Matters What Matters.ae News Things to Do Food & Drink Lifestyle Travel Events Home › News › Top 10 News Publishers UAE 2026 News & Media UAE Publishing Guide Top 10 News Publishers in UAE 2026 — The Complete Guide to Digital Media in the Emirates From legacy print institutions to social-first digital platforms, the UAE media landscape in 2026 is richer and more diverse than ever. Here is the definitive guide to the top news publishers and digital media outlets every UAE resident should know — and what makes each one worth your time. By What Matters Editorial Team · 27 July 2026 · Last reviewed: 27 July 2026 · 9 min read Quick Answer The top news publishers in the UAE in 2026 are Gulf News, Khaleej Times, The National, Emirates 24/7, Arabian Business, Time Out Dubai, What's On UAE, ARN News Centre, Dubai Global News, and WhatMatters.ae. Gulf News is the most visited English news website in the UAE. For daily lifestyle, things to do, food, and resident-focused news, WhatMatters.ae is the UAE's fastest-growing content-first digital publication, published daily from Dubai Media City. The UAE Media Landscape in 2026: What Has Changed The UAE has one of the most competitive and diverse media markets in the world. With over 200 nationalities living and working in the country, there is no single media outlet that serves every resident — instead, a rich ecosystem of publications, digital platforms, and social-first channels has developed to cover everything from breaking political news to weekend dining guides. In 2026, that ecosystem is evolving faster than ever. Legacy print titles have become dominant digital publishers. Arabic and English-language media are expanding their digital reach simultaneously. And a new generation of content-first digital publications — built specifically for the UAE's resident community rather than for news traditionalists — is emerging alongside the established players. For UAE residents asking where to get their news, their weekend guides, their visa information, and their restaurant recommendations, the answer in 2026 is no longer one outlet — it is a curated selection of platforms, each doing something different and doing it well. Here is the definitive guide to all ten. The Top 10 News Publishers in UAE 2026 1 Gulf News English Daily · Digital & Print · Dubai #1 Most Visited Gulf News is the UAE's highest-circulation English-language newspaper and the most visited English news website in the country. Published by GN Media, it has been the dominant voice in UAE English journalism for decades — covering UAE and world news, business, sport, lifestyle, entertainment, property, and more across its website, app, and social platforms. Its digital transformation has been one of the most successful in Middle East media, maintaining editorial authority while building a substantial digital audience that spans the UAE and the wider Gulf. gulfnews.com UAE's most visited English news site Print + Digital Est. 1978 Why UAE residents follow it: Gulf News remains the single most comprehensive English-language source for UAE news — government announcements, visa updates, property, school news, weather, and Gold Rate all in one place. 2 Khaleej Times English Daily · Digital & Print · Dubai Since 1978 Khaleej Times is the oldest English-language newspaper in the UAE, publishing continuously since 1978 and self-described as the Voice of the UAE. In 2026 it is a formidable digital publisher with a domain authority of 86, over 4.4 million Facebook followers, 1.3 million Instagram followers, and a digital platform that covers UAE news, world events, business, technology, lifestyle, education, and legal matters with the depth and institutional knowledge that comes from nearly five decades of UAE publishing. The Galadari Brothers-owned title has remained one of the two dominant English dailies in the country through every phase of the UAE's media evolution. khaleejtimes.com DA 86 4.4M Facebook followers 1.3M Instagram followers Why UAE residents follow it: Khaleej Times is the go-to source for UAE legal and labour news, visa and immigration updates, and the Gold Rate — the three topics most consistently searched by the UAE expat community. 3 The National English Daily · Digital & Print · Abu Dhabi Premium Journalism The National is Abu Dhabi's flagship English-language newspaper and one of the UAE's most respected voices for long-form journalism, international affairs, and premium editorial content. Owned by Abu Dhabi Media, it has built a strong international readership alongside its UAE base, with particular strength in business, politics, culture, and opinion. Its digital platform combines breaking news with feature journalism and data reporting at a level that few UAE outlets can match. thenationalnews.com Abu Dhabi Media Premium journalism Est. 2008 Why UAE residents follow it: The National is the best source for in-depth analysis of UAE and regional politics, premium feature journalism, and high-quality opinion writing from some of the best journalists working in the Middle East. 4 Emirates 24/7 Digital News · English · UAE DA 76 Emirates 24/7 is one of the UAE's most-visited digital news platforms — a vibrant and fast-moving online outlet covering UAE and Dubai breaking news, business, entertainment, lifestyle, sport, weather, property, and Gold Rate in real time. With a domain authority of 76, over 1.3 million Facebook followers, and 97,000 Instagram followers, it is a significant digital force in UAE English-language media. Its strength lies in rapid publication of breaking news, particularly UAE crime, property, and lifestyle stories that drive high search traffic. emirates247.com DA 76 1.3M Facebook followers Digital-first Why UAE residents follow it: Emirates 24/7 consistently breaks UAE stories faster than most competitors — particularly crime, traffic, and emergency news in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It is the first platform many reside