AEOwnership & classification
Founded: 1978
Ownership
Gulf News is published by Al Nisr Publishing LLC, a privately held Dubai company. It was launched in 1978 by businessman Abdul Wahab Galadari, and after his financial collapse the title was bought in November 1984 from the receivers by Al Nisr Publishing, formed by prominent Emirati businessmen including chairman Obaid Humaid Al Tayer (later UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs), with the Al Tayer family/Al Tayer Group as the controlling interest.
Funding
Financed commercially through advertising, print circulation and digital subscriptions across its English-language daily and websites; no licence-fee funding.
Affiliation & stance
Although privately owned rather than a state broadcaster, Gulf News operates under the UAE's restrictive media environment and its chairman is a serving government minister, so coverage of domestic and regional politics closely tracks official UAE positions. Because editorial output is effectively aligned with and constrained by a government-linked ownership and the UAE state, it is classified as DEPENDENT rather than fully independent.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 234
69/100
Factual
66/100
Objective
307
Articles
301
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
This year's El Nino set to be strongest in more than a century, UK forecasters say
France 24 reports that this year's El Niño weather pattern is expected to be the strongest in over a century, according to predictions by Britain's national weather agency, the Met Office. The phenomenon is characterized by unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the tropical eastern Pacific, leading to significant global climatic impacts. Adam Scaife, head of long-range forecasting at the Met Office, described the anticipated El Niño as 'unprecedented,' with peak temperatures potentially exceeding three degrees Celsius. He warned of severe droughts in regions such as South America and the West Pacific, as well as increased rainfall and storm activity in the UK during late autumn. The report highlights the long-term nature of these climatic shifts and their potential effects on food security.
Christian man enters Quran contest and wins free Umrah trip, but there’s more to the story
A Christian man participated in a Quran recitation contest organized by a UAE-based Islamic organization and won a free Umrah pilgrimage trip. The article highlights that while the contest was open to all faiths, the winner's religious background raised questions about the inclusivity of such competitions. It notes that the event was hosted under the supervision of a Muslim cleric, and the winner was invited to perform the recitation at a mosque. The story emphasizes the broader implications of allowing non-Muslims to participate in religious contests, sparking discussions about cultural integration and religious tolerance in the UAE.
Watch: USS George Washington night flights highlight US naval presence amid Iran tensions
The article reports on nighttime flight operations conducted by the USS George Washington, a U.S. aircraft carrier, which are being used to demonstrate American naval presence in the region. This activity occurs during heightened tensions with Iran, suggesting a strategic military posture. The focus is on the visible display of U.S. military capabilities as a deterrent measure. The report does not provide specific details about the number of flights, their purpose beyond deterrence, or any direct interactions with Iranian forces.
Abu Dhabi reopens parks and beaches after temporary closure for bad weather
Abu Dhabi has reopened its public parks, recreational facilities, and beaches after temporarily closing them due to anticipated severe weather conditions. The closures were implemented as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety amid unstable weather, including heavy rain, dust, and sandstorms, affecting parts of the emirate. The National Centre of Meteorology issued a yellow weather warning for areas south and east of Abu Dhabi, highlighting risks such as high winds, rain, and thunder. Abu Dhabi Civil Defence also urged residents to remain cautious during the rainfall, avoid wadis and water pools, and adhere to temporary traffic regulations. Unsettled weather is expected to persist through the weekend, with temperatures in the low 40s and potential fog or mist in coastal regions.
UAE residents’ update: Latest on Trump’s Iran deal push, Hormuz tensions and flights status
The article provides an update from UAE residents regarding recent developments involving U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal, heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, and the current status of flights through the region. It highlights concerns over geopolitical instability affecting regional security and travel logistics. The piece focuses on the implications of these issues for UAE citizens and their daily lives, including potential disruptions to air travel and increased scrutiny of international agreements. While the article reports on ongoing developments, it does not take a clear stance on the political positions involved.
Scientists beat Johnson & Johnson in fight over talc cancer research
A group of scientists has successfully challenged Johnson & Johnson in legal proceedings related to research on the potential link between talcum powder and cancer. The case centers around claims that the company withheld critical data regarding the safety of its products. This development could influence future litigation and regulatory actions concerning talc-based products.
Jodie Foster the python makes history with pioneering cancer treatment
The article features a fictional or metaphorical account of 'Jodie Foster the python' achieving historical significance through a pioneering cancer treatment. The phrasing suggests a blend of celebrity reference and animal imagery, likely intended as a creative or satirical piece rather than a serious report. No concrete information about a real person, event, or medical breakthrough is provided, making it difficult to assess factual accuracy or journalistic rigor. The headline appears to be more of a provocative or humorous statement rather than a straightforward news update.
The death of the perfect Instagram feed
The article discusses the decline of the 'perfect Instagram feed' as a cultural phenomenon, attributing this shift to changing social attitudes and the increasing awareness of the curated nature of online personas. It highlights how younger generations are moving away from the pressure to maintain an idealized image on social media, favoring authenticity over perfection. The piece explores the psychological impact of maintaining such feeds and suggests that the trend reflects broader societal changes in how people perceive self-presentation online.
Netherlands fines Uber $960m for suspending driver accounts
The Netherlands has fined Uber $960 million for suspending driver accounts without proper justification. The fine was imposed by Dutch authorities, who ruled that Uber violated regulations by failing to provide adequate explanations or opportunities for drivers to contest account suspensions. The case highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny of ride-hailing companies and their treatment of independent contractors. Uber has previously faced similar penalties in other jurisdictions over labor practices and data privacy issues.
Benjamin Netanyahu calls Turkey's Erdogan 'antisemitic dictator'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has referred to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as an 'antisemitic dictator.' This statement comes amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Turkey, which have been exacerbated by regional conflicts involving Palestine and Syria. Netanyahu's remarks reflect a broader pattern of criticism against Erdogan from Israeli leaders, who often accuse him of harboring anti-Israel sentiments. The comment was made during a speech or interview, though specific context surrounding the statement is not provided in the available information. Such rhetoric could further strain diplomatic relations between the two nations.
UAE, Saudi Arabia and six other countries condemn Israel’s E1 settlement plan
The article reports that the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and six other countries have condemned Israel's E1 settlement plan. The E1 plan involves expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank, specifically in Area C, which is considered occupied territory under international law. The condemnation reflects broader regional concerns over the expansion of Israeli settlements, which many nations view as a violation of the Oslo Accords and international agreements. The move by these countries highlights ongoing tensions between Israel and its neighbors regarding territorial disputes and peace negotiations.
Iran calls for end to war as US pressure mounts: What UAE residents need to know tonight (August 21)
The article reports on Iran's call for an end to the war, noting increasing U.S. pressure on the country. It aims to inform UAE residents about the implications of this development, particularly regarding regional stability and security concerns. The piece highlights the geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States, suggesting potential shifts in the conflict dynamics. While the focus is on international relations, the article emphasizes the relevance of these developments to the UAE's strategic position in the region.
WSJ: Iran has shifted to a survival economy; drastic moves are being made
The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked despite claims by Washington that the critical shipping route has been reopened. Neither Iran nor the United States show signs of backing down from their negotiation conditions. President Donald Trump asserts that Washington has 'full control' over Hormuz and that economic pressure will force Tehran to make concessions. Iran rejects these claims and states that the strait will remain closed until its conditions are met. The American blockade has severely impacted Iran's economy, with the Pentagon estimating a loss of around $4.8 billion in oil revenue between April 13 and June 18. Tehran estimates damages since the start of the conflict at the end of February at around $270 billion and seeks war reparations. Iranians are feeling the effects of the war, with food inflation reaching nearly 130 percent, unemployment at 9.1 percent, and companies increasingly offering installment plans and 'buy now, pay later' models to attract more cautious consumers. However, economic pressure has not yet led to the regime's capitulation. According to the Wall Street Journal, Tehran has shifted to a form of 'survival economy,' rationalizing fuel and electricity,限制