The National, an IMI company, was founded in 2008 and has since set a new standard for quality English-language journalism in the Middle East. Widely recognised as one of the most influential news outlets from the region, The National has been awarded extensively for its journalism, design, podcasts, photography and videos, while its reputation for excellence appeals to decision-makers and industry leaders.
The National is committed to delivering quality journalism to its international audiences. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, it has bureaux in London, Washington DC, Beirut and Cairo, in addition to 200 correspondents and a wide network of contributors worldwide, The National has developed a reputation for providing in-depth coverage of the Middle East and a window into the region from the wider world.
Publishing across all digital platforms, The National also produces a print edition five days a week in the United Arab Emirates.
Role Summary
Senior business Reporter produce outstanding content across all platforms of The National under the direction of the Business Editor, helps to lead the more junior members of the business staff and represents the title within the UAE's business community.
The role requires a strong focus on logistics, supply chain, transport, trade, aviation and infrastructure sectors, with the ability to provide in-depth coverage and analysis of regional and global logistics trends and developments.
Key Responsibilities
- Wide knowledge across business sectors, with as well as logistics, supply chain management, transportation, trade corridors, ports, aviation, and infrastructure development.
- Strong news judgement and an ability to quickly decide a story's local, regional, and global potential are important.
- Other requirements: excellent grammar and language skills; experience with online publishing systems and Excel.
- Receives assignment or evaluates news leads and news tips to develop story ideas and pitches them to the business editor or a designate.
- Gathers and verifies information regarding stories through interviews, observation, and research. Ensures facts are checked, sources in place where applicable and context provided when needed.
- Writes stories according to prescribed editorial style and format standards.
- Shoots or sources photographs and video as required to illustrate stories.
- Ensures the National style is followed.
- Works to produce online stories as assigned, be it in short form bulletin or longer form and updating as required.
- Articles must be filed with tags, keywords, a suggested SEO-friendly headline, related links, photos, video and GPS coordinates.
- Where a reporter is assigned a beat S/he is expected to demonstrate competence in this field as well as maintaining a current list of relevant contacts.
- Develops and maintains a strong network of logistics, supply chain, transport, trade, aviation, and infrastructure industry contacts across the UAE and wider region.
- Identifies emerging trends, regulatory changes, trade developments, infrastructure projects, and supply chain disruptions, delivering insightful and forward-looking coverage.
- Produces and adapts content specifically for social media platforms, including video elements, to maximise reach, engagement, and audience growth.
- Creates data-driven stories using visual storytelling techniques, including charts, graphics, and interactive elements.
- Upholds and respects the social, cultural and moral standards of life in the UAE as well as the political and strategic national direction. Avoid circumstances in which the brand could be brought into disrepute and respect the custodianship of IMI and its constituents.
Independence & Accountability
- Duties in this position are highly complex involving analysis of major problems or conducting original research.
- The person devises work methods according to general directives, policies and advanced professional standards, and completed assignments are subject to review by supervisor.
- The person holding this position should be aware that their actions, recommendations or decisions are of considerable significance involving adverse effects on customers or personal relationships, and should act to limit such effects.
Role Requirements
- Extensive knowledge of newsroom workflow systems and copy flow software.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw well-supported conclusions.
- Ability to interpret complex financial, corporate, and economic information clearly and accurately.
- Excellent writing and storytelling skills with strong command of written and spoken English.
- Demonstrated experience covering logistics, supply chain, transportation, trade, ports, aviation, or infrastructure sectors.
- Strong understanding of regional and global logistics networks, trade flows, supply chain dynamics, and the UAE's strategic position as a logistics and transport hub.
- Proven ability to create content tailored for social media platforms, with an understanding of audience engagement strategies and digital storytelling formats.
- Experience in data visualisation and visual storytelling to enhance business and logistics reporting.
- Hands-on experience using Flourish or similar data visualisation tools to create interactive charts and graphics.
- Strong news judgment and ability to identify impactful business angles and trends.
- Effective communication and cross-team coordination skills.
- Strong time management and ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
- Proactive approach with the ability to initiate action independently.
- Strong follow-up and execution capabilities.
- Creative thinking in story development and content packaging.
- High attention to detail and strong commitment to accuracy and quality.
- Flexibility and sound decision-making in a fast-changing news environment.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in journalism, reporting, or a desk role within a newsroom environment.
- Proven experience covering business, markets, corporate affairs, or economic topics, with specific experience in logistics, supply chain, transport, aviation, and infrastructure reporting.
- Strong understanding of the UAE economy and the wider regional business landscape.
- Experience working within fast-paced newsroom workflows and meeting tight deadlines.
- Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Business, Economics, Finance, or a related field.
