AEOwnership & classification
Founded: 2008
Ownership
The National is an Abu Dhabi English-language outlet first published on 17 April 2008 by the government-owned Abu Dhabi Media. In 2016 it was acquired by International Media Investments (IMI), part of the Abu Dhabi Media Investment Corporation, a private investment vehicle of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister of the UAE and a member of the Abu Dhabi ruling family. It relaunched under IMI ownership in 2017.
Funding
Funded through advertising, subscriptions and the backing of its IMI owner; effectively underwritten by an Abu Dhabi ruling-family investment group rather than self-sustaining commercial revenue alone.
Affiliation & stance
Owned and bankrolled by a vehicle of the Al Nahyan ruling family, The National presents a pro-government, pro-UAE editorial line on Gulf and foreign affairs even though editors reject the 'mouthpiece' label. Because ultimate control rests with a senior member of the Abu Dhabi government, it is classified as DEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 862
82/100
Factual
76/100
Objective
1151
Articles
1129
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
Dubai government to use AI and data to monitor efficiency of employees
The Dubai government is implementing a new AI-powered system to monitor employee productivity across 32 government departments. The system aims to analyze the relationship between resources and outputs to improve planning efficiency and institutional performance. This initiative aligns with the UAE's broader goal to integrate AI into half of its federal government services within two years. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the ruler of Dubai, has emphasized training all federal employees in AI skills to create a globally leading AI-driven government. The system is designed to support policy development, enhance decision-making accuracy, and promote sustainable institutional performance through data-driven governance.
Emirates responds to Ryanair's 'hate it' dig at new economy headrests
Emirates and Ryanair engaged in a lighthearted social media rivalry after Ryanair mocked Emirates' new economy-class headrests on X. Emirates showcased its U-Dream Headrest, featuring adjustable design elements for comfort, while Ryanair responded with 'hate it.' The exchange included playful posts from both airlines, with Emirates countering Ryanair's comment by highlighting the legroom benefits. This interaction fits Ryanair's known style of humorous engagement with competitors. Similar friendly rivalries between airlines have occurred before, such as British Airways and Norwegian's World Cup-related bet. The U-Dream Headrest, part of Emirates' Safran Seats Z400 economy seat, offers padded side wings for neck support and is certified by the EU Aviation Safety Agency.
New 102-metre bridge opens in Dubai to boost city's mountain biking trail
A new 102-meter bridge has opened at Dubai's Mushrif National Park, connecting previously separate sections of a mountain biking trail to form a continuous 182-meter route. The bridge allows cyclists to ride uninterrupted without crossing vehicle roads, improving safety and the overall experience. It includes dedicated lanes for both mountain bikers and hikers. The project is part of Dubai's initiative to promote wellness, outdoor activities, and active lifestyles through enhanced urban green spaces. Officials highlighted the bridge as a significant enhancement to the park, emphasizing its role in integrating recreational opportunities with environmental preservation.
F1 committed to finishing season in Abu Dhabi: 'Calendar is confirmed'
Formula One's 2026 season will end in Abu Dhabi on December 6, with a race in Qatar scheduled for November 29, as originally planned. Concerns arose due to regional tensions linked to the Iran war, which led to the cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Bahrain's Grand Prix was rescheduled for October 4 and will now take place in Malaysia. Tickets for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are nearly sold out, with limited availability remaining. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed the calendar remains unchanged, emphasizing commitment to delivering the season as promised. He ruled out moving the finale to Europe, despite earlier suggestions, and stated preparations are proceeding smoothly. Abu Dhabi authorities expressed pride in hosting the event since 2009, highlighting its economic and cultural significance.
Dog-friendly hotels in the UAE: Where to go for a staycation with your pet
The article discusses the increasing availability of pet-friendly accommodations in the UAE, particularly in anticipation of International Dog Day on August 26. It highlights several hotels offering special promotions and amenities for travelers with pets, such as dedicated spaces, food, and even resident dogs like Sawyer at Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown. The piece emphasizes the growing trend of welcoming pets in hospitality settings, noting partnerships with animal welfare organizations and specific policies for pet stays, including fees and deposits.
Khalifa: The Ruler review – Prithviraj Sukumaran brings old-school action thrills
The article reviews the Malayalam action thriller 'Khalifa: The Ruler,' starring Prithviraj Sukumaran. It discusses the film's setting in the UAE, highlighting its influence on Indian cinema due to the large Indian expatriate community there. The plot follows Aamir Ali, an ambitious fashion entrepreneur drawn into crime to protect his family. The film is praised for its action sequences, cinematography, and performances, particularly Sukumaran's portrayal of Aamir's transformation. While acknowledging the strong supporting cast, including Suresh Oberoi as a mentor figure, the review notes that some characters lack depth. Overall, the film is described as a nostalgic crime thriller that blends Indian storytelling with UAE settings.
Iraq PMF law risks entrenching Iran-backed militias as parallel force
The National reports on a proposed law in Iraq that would grant the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an Iran-backed militia group, permanent legal status as a national security institution. Experts warn this could entrench the PMF as a parallel power structure, undermining Iraq's democracy and sovereignty. The PMF, composed of Shiite paramilitary groups formed during the fight against ISIS, currently operates with a large budget and significant influence over Iraq's politics, economy, and society. The law faces opposition from U.S. officials who fear it could destabilize the region, especially as the Iraqi government is under pressure to disarm these militias by September 30. Critics argue the legislation locks in the status quo, making reforms unlikely, and strengthens Iran's influence through its support of the PMF.
US imposes 50% tariffs on Canada
The United States has imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, marking a significant escalation in trade tensions between the two nations. The tariffs, effective immediately, target products like plywood, liquor, electrical equipment, and hockey gear. In response, Canada announced it would retaliate 'dollar for dollar,' with Prime Minister Mark Carney stating that retaliatory measures would begin on September 8. The U.S. had previously paused the tariffs in a last-ditch effort to salvage trade talks, but negotiations collapsed due to conflicting claims of responsibility. The U.S. accused Canada of making last-minute demands, while Canada criticized the U.S. for unfair and unreliable proposals. The tariffs are enforced under a rarely used Depression-era law, and although they do not affect crucial exports like oil and potash, economists warn they could lead to nearly 90,000 job losses in Canada.
Landmark Toyota building has been a home for thousands and a witness to Dubai's rapid expansion
The article discusses the historical significance of the Toyota Building in Dubai, which has stood since 1974 and played a role in the city's rapid development. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the 15-story structure was one of Dubai's earliest buildings and witnessed the transformation of the area into a highly developed urban center. However, the building is set to be demolished next year by its owner, the Nasser Rashid Lootah Group. The article also includes a personal account from a former resident who lived in the building for three years in the mid-2000s, describing it as a modest yet affordable place that housed a diverse community of residents from various nationalities. The author highlights the contrast between the building's simplicity and the opulence of newer structures nearby, while emphasizing its role as a 'city within a city' reflecting Dubai's multicultural nature.
My Dubai Rent: Nurse-turned-consultant pays Dh690,000 a year for five-bedroom Al Barsha villa
The article features a personal account of Sarah Donaldson, an Australian nurse turned consultant, who pays Dh690,000 annually for a five-bedroom villa in Al Barsha, Dubai. The property includes a private pool, extensive renovations, and a detached majlis used as a business space. The couple moved from other residences in Dubai due to location and work requirements, highlighting the high cost of living and the importance of location in rental decisions. The piece provides insight into the lifestyle and financial commitment associated with owning a villa in Dubai.
Hull City v Man United ratings: Mendy 7, McBurnie 9; Santos 4, Mbeumo 6
Hull City, newly promoted to the Premier League, stunned Manchester United with a 2-0 victory at MKM Stadium in the opening match of the season. Goals from defenders Nobel Mendy and Semi-Ajayi secured the win for Hull, marking their first top-flight appearance since 2017. Manager Sergej Jakirovic employed a defensive strategy that effectively stifled United's attack, despite the introduction of Marcus Rashford in the second half. The result silenced critics who doubted Hull's ability to compete in the top flight. Meanwhile, Manchester United's captain Bruno Fernandes acknowledged recurring issues with their performance, particularly conceding early goals. Hull's players expressed pride in their achievement, emphasizing their commitment to staying in the league.
Lando Norris produces 'best lap of my life' to seal Dutch GP pole with title-race leader Kimi Antonelli third
Lando Norris claimed pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix after delivering what he described as 'the best lap of my life' during qualifying at Zandvoort. The 19-year-old McLaren driver, who recently won in Hungary, will start ahead of Mercedes' George Russell, with title contender Kimi Antonelli of Ferrari securing third. Norris edged out Russell by 0.102 seconds as rain began to fall, marking his second consecutive pole position. Russell, who won the sprint race earlier, finished third in the championship standings. Antonelli admitted to making a mistake in the final corner during his final lap, costing him a potential pole. He will start alongside McLaren's Oscar Piastri. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will start fifth and fourth respectively, completing the top five.
Iran gives permission for Iraqi oil tankers to pass through Strait of Hormuz
Iran has granted permission for Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, following repeated requests from Baghdad. Iraq relies on foreign tankers for its oil exports since it lacks a national fleet. Iraqi President Nizar Amidi emphasized that Iraq aims to remain neutral in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States, warning that continued escalation could severely impact Iraq economically due to its reliance on oil and trade ties with Iran. The agreement reportedly came up during the visit of Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf to Iraq. Additionally, the Iraqi government has set a deadline for armed groups to surrender their weapons, although some Iran-backed factions are resisting.