Documents & Memoirs

Al Majalla at 45: Cover stories and digital platforms

Since its establishment in February 1980, Al Majalla has featured influential voices and diverse perspectives. Today, it leverages social media to engage with younger audiences.

Al Majalla

Al Majalla at 45: Cover stories and digital platforms

Al Majalla - London
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One of Al Majalla’s defining features on its 45th anniversary is its enduring presence in the Arab public sphere, reinforcing its credibility and trustworthiness. Over the decades, the magazine has built a solid reputation by upholding rigorous journalistic ethics and standards.

Since its establishment in February 1980, Al Majalla has been a platform for influential voices and diverse perspectives. In 1984, Al Majalla became the first Arabic publication to interview then-US President Ronald Reagan. Conducted over breakfast, the discussion centred exclusively on two key aspects of his foreign policy: the Middle East and relations with the Soviet Union.

In a striking cover story, former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and the late King Hussein of Jordan were featured face-to-face, setting the stage for an in-depth examination of their leadership styles and political decisions in the 1990s. These two prominent figures—often viewed through contrasting lenses—engaged Al Majalla’s readers in a compelling dialogue that illuminated their distinct approaches to governance.

In an exclusive interview with Al Majalla, the late King Hassan II of Morocco reflected on his transformative reign and the pivotal moments that shaped the nation. Speaking candidly, he detailed the challenges of navigating political unrest and regional tensions while striving to modernise Morocco.

Since its establishment in February 1980, Al Majalla has been a platform for influential voices and diverse perspectives

Al Majalla also dedicated a cover story to an exclusive interview with former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, in which he discussed the complexities of governing a country grappling with deep-rooted social and economic issues alongside intricate tribal dynamics. Conducted in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, the open dialogue provided readers with a unique insight into Yemen's conflicts and political transitions.

In 1988, Al Majalla established a new tradition in the Arab press by launching a special annual issue at the end of each year, showcasing the most influential Arab figures of the past year. This initiative featured prominent personalities across key fields, including politics, economics, literature, music, cinema, medicine, and sports.

Leading platform

For decades, our cover stories have been shaped by the complexities of political discourse, reflecting the often turbulent and dynamic landscape of the Arab world. Al Majalla has firmly established itself as a leading platform for in-depth political analysis, particularly in the context of regional conflicts.

However, its covers have also showcased exclusive interviews with poets, musicians, and intellectuals, offering readers critical perspectives on societal and political issues that continue to shape the Arab world.

In an exclusive cover story, the late Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish explored the evolving landscape of Arabic poetry, reflecting on the decline of symbolism in contemporary works. Known for his deep engagement with themes of Palestinian identity, exile, and longing, Darwish criticised the dominant poetic trends of the time, arguing that they prioritised superficial emotions over deeper symbolic meanings that resonate with readers on a profound level. He emphasised that the richness of Arabic poetry lies in its historical ability to convey complex truths through metaphor and imagery, drawing on a deep cultural and historical tapestry that speaks to the collective experiences of the Arab world.

Since the introduction of its new format two years ago, Al Majalla has leveraged social media strategies to engage a younger audience

Seamless integration

Since its relaunch in February 2013, Al Majalla has pursued a vision of seamless integration between its monthly print edition, digital platform, and social media channels. Since the introduction of its new format two years ago, Al Majalla has enhanced its digital tools by integrating multimedia elements and leveraging social media strategies to engage a younger audience.

Each month, Al Majalla dedicates its main cover story in Arabic to an in-depth, forward-looking, comprehensive analysis of a major issue. Additionally, its bilingual website—available in both Arabic and English—offers analytical coverage of various topics, offering in-depth insights into pressing and thought-provoking matters.

The magazine's most recent cover story focused on Syria's dramatic transformation in December 2024. Nearly two months after the fall of the Assad regime, the contours of a new Syria began to emerge. In his first speech as interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa outlined his agenda for the transitional period.

Selecting the cover story for November 2024 was particularly challenging, as it coincided with the US elections. Al Majalla devoted extensive coverage to the event, analysing the implications of Donald Trump's re-election and its potential global consequences. Equally significant was the escalating confrontation between Israel and Iran, with mounting tensions in Lebanon and Gaza providing a volatile backdrop.

One of the most impactful cover stories of 2024 was the May edition, which delivered an in-depth examination of the evolving Middle East following Hamas's attacks on Israel and the devastating onslaught Israel launched on Gaza and its residents. The issue highlighted that no single regional or international player holds exclusive control over shaping the region's future.

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