10 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS PROGRESS [Archives:2001/10/Last Page]
March 5 2001
During the celebration of Yemen Times for its 10th anniversary occasion, Yemen Times Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Walid Abdulaziz Al-Saqqaf gave a speech in front of the 200 plus guests that joined Yemen Times moments of joy in this fabulous occasion and thanked the guests for coming to celebrate this occasion. Below is the complete text of his speech.
“On behalf of Yemen Times, I would like to welcome all of you to this special occasion of Yemen Times 10th anniversary. We are happy that you have all come to join us our happy moments in celebrating the conclusion of our first decade. No doubt, this moment is a moment of pride for all of us at Yemen Times, administration, staff, and even readers. We are also glad that the mission of the founder of Yemen Times, Prof. Abdulaziz Al-Saqqaf is going on strongly and with great determination.
Our celebration today not only marks the beginning of a new decade of achievements, but it also resembles the trust that we gained from readers, sponsors, and advertisers. We promise you all that we will continue in our path of seeking the truth, and delivering it as it is, when it happens. We will in no way be biased in our stand, and will be a model for others to follow.
What made us distinguished during the last 10 years, is still what is making us distinguished today, our credibility, openness, courage, and independence. As we look back we could understand that this was only possible because we depend on no financial assistance of funding from any certain entity or group. We are moving along using our creativity in producing our own sources of income through advertising, sales, publishing supplements, and now through e-commerce.
We are slowly evolving into an international enterprise with great influence on the local arena. Yemen Times was found to live on, grown and prosper. We are proud that we are today witnessing the growth on all levels. We thank you for coming, and wish you a pleasant dinner.”
After giving his speech, Mr. Al-Saqqaf presented certificates of appreciation for all the employees represented by the heads of the different departments including the Editorial Department, Advertising Department, Technical Department, Administrative Department, Financial Department. He also presented certificates to the heads of Aden and Taiz branches, Mr. Radhwan Al-Saqqaf of Aden and Imad Al-Saqqaf of Taiz.
Then he presented certificates of appreciation and gratitude to the sponsors of the event including Arwa University, represented by its rector, Dr. Wahiba Fari, and Sheraton Hotel, represented by Marketing Manager, Mr. Sharif Sabri. The other two sponsors were also thanked for their contribution to the event, which includes Yemen Hunt Oil Company, and Artex Trading Company.
Later the editor presented the weekly competition prize of YR 18,000 in cash to the winner of the competition for the issue (7) Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Amrani represented by his relative in Sanaa Salem Mohamed.
Mr. Imad Al-Saqqaf then gave a short speech describing the difficulties that Yemen Times went through during the 10 years and the future ahead of the paper with the hardworking dedicated staff of the newspaper.
Mr. Hamod Al-Mutawakkil from Al-Muthallath advertising agency surprised Yemen Times by handing a gift to the Editor-in-Chief as a symbol of gratitude for the positive interaction and support it had given to the advertising sector in Yemen. Then Dr. Mohamed Sharaffeddin read a poem on this occasion so as to pay tribute to the deceased founder, Prof. Al-Saqqaf.
Finally, Mr. Walid inaugurated Yemen Times 11th year by cutting the cake that marked the end of “10 years of continuous progress.”
Journalists from Yemen Times talked with Yemeni and foreign guests and got many interesting comments about the newspaper, all of which indicate the tremendous success that the Yemen Times had gained throughout the last 10 years.
Editor-in-Chief Walid Al-Saqqaf handed a certificate of appreciation and gratitude the next day to Mr. Amin Zabara, General Manager of Yemen Hunt Oil Company at the company’s headquarters in Sanaa for the company’s sponsorship of the event. Another certificate was handed to Artex Trading Company represented by its General Manager Isam Al-Haiqi by Walid Abdullah, Advertising Manager of Yemen Times.
On Tuesday February 27 2001, Yemen Times celebrated the completion of its first decade. The first issue of Yemen Times was published in February 27 1991, marking the birth of a newspaper that stands strong today as one of the most prestigious newspapers in Yemen, the Middle East, and even the world. Ten long tedious years have passed, marking a new decade, with new ambitions, new plans, and of course, stronger determination to excel and improve.
Now as we entered the 11th year, let us look at the last 10 years, and evaluate the progress of Yemen Times:
In 1990, Prof. Abdulaziz Al-Saqqaf, returned back to Yemen after serving as the General Manager of the Arab Institute for Monetary Studies in Amman, and decided to start a project that became one of the most successful projects launched by the private sector in Yemen. He decided to found an English language newspaper that would resemble the independent press that would report news as they are focusing on democracy, human rights, freedom of the press, and other civil rights issues. He decided to found Yemen Times, a Weekly in English that signalled a pioneering movement in the field of the freedom of the press in Yemen. The intensive work to setup a location and buy the equipment necessary for the newspaper took many months and by 1991, he was still working on founding a strong basis to start on.
In 27 February 1991, the first issue of Yemen Times came to light. Quickly, the newspaper reached a few hundred readers mainly in embassies and government offices. It was in tabloid size in black and white color, with red color on some pages. It had one advertisement and one vacancy announcement. The first advertiser was FINE Industrial Co. (Yemen) Ltd.
In 1992, the newspaper improved significantly by increasing its pages to 16 and having more articles and more readers reaching little over a thousand.
In 1993, the newspaper witnessed rapid growth on the local and international level, as the editor-in-chief by then, Prof. Adbulaziz Al-Saqqaf decided to have it printed simultaneously in London for distribution overseas.
In 1994, the newspaper already became a giant enterprise respected locally and internationally for its renowned line of independence and courage in publishing news stories that others would rather refrain from publishing. The newspaper reported stories so sensitive and strong that the editor was jailed and beaten up for what he had published, yet he continued his strong stand for the truth regardless of the consequences.
In 1995, and after the civil war of 1994, Yemen Times became an internationally respected newspaper due to its accurate reporting regarding human rights violations and freedom of press issues. This led to having Prof. Al-Saqqaf nominated for the internationally famous freedom of press award of the Washington-based National Press Club. It was a delight to realize later in the year that he had won the prize, which brought Yemen Times on top of other newspapers, and made Yemen as a whole proud of his achievements as he was the first Arab ever to win such a prestigious award.
In 1996, Yemen Times witnessed a turning point in the history of the newspaper that would further boost its number of readers to tens, and hundreds of thousands. Yemen Times launched its own website to become among the first newspapers to have an online website on the World Wide Web (WWW) to get the news from Yemen to the rest of the world in a click of a button. The readership now has doubled and tripled, and Yemen Times became a resource of information for all foreigners and expatriate Yemenis abroad.
In 1997, Yemen Times continued its success and its circulation doubled. The distribution reached areas as far as Seyun in the east, Hodeidah in the west, Saadah in the North and Aden in the south, with a readership spread throughout the country.
In 1998, Yemen Times changed its location and obtained its own premises in Haddah Street, and started an investment in the fields of pre-press and obtained the most advanced computer hardware. The newspaper was confidently growing with a rate never witnessed before.
In 1999, Yemen Times witnessed the most tragic moments ever. Its founder, Prof. Abdulaziz Al-Saqqaf died in a car incident in June 2. The circumstances of the incidents raised a lot of concern of the possibility of being intentional. His elder son, Walid, took over and became the new Editor-in-Chief. The edition that was issued on the week after the incident had to be printed three times to cover the demand for the newspaper. That issue had the highest circulation in the history of Yemen Times until today. The proceedings of the court hearings were disappointing as the court refused to reinvestigate the case, which resulted in the ruling of a normal traffic incident, and in response the relatives of Prof. Al-Saqqaf refused to attend the sessions in protest of the court’s decision.
The newspaper continued to be published every Monday without any interruption at all. This was a major disappointment to the ones who thought that the newspaper would diminish as soon as its founder is dead. They were proven wrong.
In 2000, the newspaper continued to grow despite the death of the founder, and competed on the international level with an increasing number of advertisements and top quality news coverage. The 1,000,000 Yemen Rial competition that the newspaper sponsored shock many observers who realized the new height and dimension of the marketing abilities of the Yemen Times young staff.
In 2001, Yemen Times became one of the most widely read newspaper on the local level, and the most widely read Yemeni newspaper on the international level. Its relationship with various local and international organizations including the Committee for Protecting Journalists, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Arab and foreign embassies in Yemen reached the strongest level ever. In short, Yemen Times became an internationally renowned enterprise that had an extremely strong basis that no one could have imagined would withstand all the challenges. Its continuation to live and move on is guaranteed with any leadership, and in any circumstances. It had proven to the world that it was founded to stay, and it plans to stay forever, with no interruption whatsoever with a noble mission of delivering the truth and continuing in the path of its late founder, Prof. Abdulaziz Al-Saqqaf forever and more.
What they Said About YT
Dr. Khalid Mohammed al-Kumi, Ambassador of Egypt, said “I have taken over here since four months ago. I used to hear a lot about the late Dr. Abdulaziz al-Saqqaf. Yemen Times provides a wide-range of sources of information. I highly applaud the newspaper which most foreigners find it a wealth of information. It also reflects Yemen with a glorious gown. I seize this opportunity to congratulate Yemen Times on its tenth anniversary and wish it more success and prosperity.”
The German Ambassador said “According to my point view it is a very balanced view. One finds in Yemen Times every thing he looks for. Articles are dealt with in details and with lots of information. I wish the Yemen Times all the best for the next hundred years.”
The Russian Ambassador said “First of all I would like to congratulate Yemen Times journalists for their hard work in the newspaper. Ten years have passed and during this period the newspaper has become very popular. It produces very useful information on different matters of Yemeni life. I think it is a very good occasion not only to congratulate colleagues in Yemen times but also to advice them to work more efficiently to cover more issues in the future.”
Ambassador of Palestine said “Yemen Times is highly respected and commended by all the diplomats and diplomatic corps. I do highly appreciate this newspaper and I always follow it up. I hope it always develop and improve.”
Salim bin Musslim Masan, First Secretary Oman Embassy, said “We do congratulate Yemen Times on this occasion. We hope her the very best in time to come.”
First secretary from Chinese Embassy, said ” We do enjoy Yemen Times newspaper. It is really very good and we know lots of news from the Yemen Times.”
Dr. Wahibah Fare’a, director of Queen Arwa University, said “It is the newspaper of all the people. We do look at it and its staff as part and parcel of us. I do feel the loyalty and faithfulness of the late Dr. Abdulaziz’s friends when I read the Yemen Times. It is by virtue of the people who rally together and stand by the Yemen Times after the tragic loss of its founder. Many a person feels that the newspaper should continue on the same pace and on the same policy of its founder. It is the first English Language Newspaper in the country. It reflects views and stands by all sections of the society without any prejudice, fear or favor. It always seeks the truth and credibility. The best thing which makes me proud is that I feel that all its staff are my sons.
I pray to God that Yemen Times’ relations with academic and educational institutions will be strengthened in the coming years. Through this Yemen Times can have access to enormous and factious information and knowledge. I also pray that it will remain a clear and true picture of the realities of our society.”
Dr. Mohammed Abdulmalek al-Mutwakel said ” What the late Dr. Abdulaziz al-Saqqaf has achieved is far great. He had actually established a media establishment which most of the newspapers in Yemen failed to achieve despite the rich resources some do have. Hence, there is no reason it could live on after his death. In fact, the real test for any establishment is whether it could stay on after the death of its founder or not. But its staff proves that they are strong enough to stand the test.
We are proud of Yemen Times and view its continuation and progress a resounding achievement not for Abdulaziz al-Saqqaf alone but also for the whole people of the country. Yemen Times has always taken commendable and courageous stands which has given it popularity and fame locally, regionally and internationally. How much we wished if it is published in Arabic also for it is not fair that most Yemenis won’t read as many do not know English. We do hope that this will be the goal of Yemen Times leadership for the future,”
Alexander, GTZ, “Well I think it is a very good opportunity for the Yemen Times to present themselves and celebrate after ten years of hard work. I can only say I wish you good luck for the future.
I read the Yemen Times regularly. It is one of the few newspapers that I read regularly. It is of great benefit to foreigners who do not know Arabic language.”
Dr. Mohammed al-Maitami, well-known teacher of economics, said “It is a fact that Yemen Times is the first independent economic newspaper which reflects Yemen to the outside world. I have the privilege to say that I was a friend of the late Dr. Abdulaziz who was the founder of the greatest newspaper in the whole country. It is through the Yemen Times that he could make his voice heard inside and outside the country. Though, he has gone for good, he has left us a big establishment through which he will live on for ever. I believe that the staff of the newspaper headed by Mr. Walid Abdulaziz al-Saqqaf will always seek to keep Yemen Times the voice of people, the independent attitude, the fair and true voice for all the people of Yemen.”
Mohammed Abbass, British council, said “Honestly speaking, despite the short period I spent in the Yemen Times, three months, I think it is one of the richest and most diversified periods in my life. The moments I spent with Dr. Abdulaziz al-Saqqaf can never be forgotten. I think this impression is always held by anyone who chanced to know Dr. Abdulaziz al-Saqqaf closely. He was a very diversified person who used to know exactly what he wants. He used so many dreams and ambitions to improve the backward situation of this country. He used to suffered for all the defects and malpractices that spread in Yemen.
I feel sad to say that the vacuum that dr. Abdulaziz al-Saqqaf has left is hard to be filled. To this reason I do not think any one can cover his place. He was actually a hell of a great man.
Journalism is a hard career, demanding and challenging. It has its own limitations and when you work as a journalist in Yemen and in a foreign language, you have to run as fast as you can to stay where you are. So I do appreciate all the job the staff of the Yemen Times are doing. You are doing a great job. Keep it up and do not be daunted by any difficulties that you may come along.”
Khalid al-Ansi, lawyer and Human rights newspaper chief editor, said “Yemen Times evaluation was after the death of the late Dr. Abdulaziz al-Saqqaf. Many people expected that the newspaper would be closed down. I was different in my view for the fact that it has a strong basis and foundations. Throughout the ten years, Yemen Times has passed different hardships and obstacles and managed to overcome all of them including the censorship of the state.”
Mr. Nabil Saif al-Kumaim, al-Rayah al-Qatariah corespondent, said “We have plucked ten flowers from the age of the Yemen Times and say “May God Rest the Soul of Its Founder the late Dr. Abdulaziz al-Saqqaf in Peace”. Yemen Times has been distinguished because of his founder, his creativity, genius, shrewdness and love for his job. YT is the first to produce clear, creditable news and correct information. I hope it will continue to go on the same path following the same policy as an independent, impartial newspaper.”
Gerd Winkelhane, Resident Representative of ded, said “It is my pleasure to be here celebrating with you this occasion. Yemen Times is very interesting and very important for the democratic development in Yemen. I can only wish all success for the next ten years.”
Mohammed Sharaf al-Din, Sana’a University, said “I would be nice if Yemen Times would keep this habit and custom of commemorating Yemen Times achievements every time. If not every year it should be every other year. Perhaps Yemen Times is not aware how many people are fond of it. Much of the respect we have go to its founder the late Dr. Abdulaziz al-Saqqaf. Although he is dead but people think that Yemen Times helps in making him alive.”
Sultan al-Suraimi, well-known poet, said “I actually feel happy to participate in this ceremony. The newspaper has also played a double-role in making other people be informed about Yemen and in making the democratic process takes roots in the country. Dr. Abudlaziz was one of those who have taken it upon themselves to lead the change in the country. What makes me feel comfortable is that the newspaper continue to be published even after death. I hope the newspaper will continue following the same path drawn by the late Dr. Abdulaziz al-Saqqaf.”
Abdulmalek al-Ruwaishan, SUMSUNG public relations manager, said “Yemen Times has managed to make a position very much envied by other newspapers. It has a reputation that no body can deny. This is attributed to its qualified cadre and its unwavering determination to move following the steps of its founder the late Dr. Abdulaziz al-Saqqaf.”
Haje’a al-Jahafi, Al-Ra’ay Al-Aam secretary said “Many people thought that Yemen Times would be closed from the time it started addressing topics of common concern. However, the late Dr. Abdulaziz al-Saqqaf was determined to make a resounding success and a big press establishment and he made it. Now Yemen Times is well known locally, regionally and internationally. Despite the fact that there are some other newspapers in English, Yemen Times remain at the top and number one.”
Aydah Abdul Hamid, Saidati corespondent, said “I believe that Yemen Times could during these ten years stand out on a strong basis to be the first English Language newspaper in Yemen. It is the reference of so many people; of tourists, of foreigners and of students in Universities as well. It is an ideal example of the free press which we dream to achieve in our Arab world. I hope Yemen Times will continue to do the same mission in all the years to come.”
Mrs. Akram al-Akuri, Saba News Agency editing department, said “The leadership personality of the late Dr. Abdulaziz al-Saqqaf had made laudable strides with the Yemen Times. It has been a great and tremendous establishment for the Yemeni press. The government with all its resources has not been able to publish an English Language newspaper like the Yemen Times. Hence, it is the bridge that connects Yemen to the outside world and connects the world to Yemen. What makes it distinguished is that it voices up the sufferings of the people and objectively discusses all issues freely. It defends freedom press and human rights. I congratulate the Yemen Times and its staff and wish it a long prosperous life.”
Mohammed Ahmad Abdul Kader, Teleyemen Trade Products manager, said “I am very much a supporter of the Yemen times and I do appreciate the determination of its staff to continue following the same path of its founder, the late Dr. al-Saqqaf. I still remember when he came in August 1996 and was determined to make the Yemen Times the first Yemeni newspaper to have a web in the internet. I had some doubts that it might stop after his death. However, I am proud to say that it could continue mainly because of its cadre.”
Mrs. Noono Sa’ad Ali, journalist, Saba News Agency, “Yemen Times is considered to be number one in addressing distinguished political news. Yemen Times is made for the cultured and educated readers which has made it gain in support and reflect the concerns and worries of the whole people. It is the bridge that connects Yemen to the world and the world to Yemen.”
Qukab al-Wad’ee, Al-Yamaniah Newspaper editing secretary, said “I congratulate Yemen Times on the occasion of its tenth anniversary and do hope it will continue its progress according to the free press fundamentals drawn by its founder the late Dr. Abdulaziz al-Saqqaf.”
Hussain al-Wadee, TV producer, said “Yemen Times is a distinguished pillar in the Yemeni press. It has been so courageous in dealing with issues of common concern to all the people. The fact that Yemen Times continue to be published after the loss of its founder Dr. Abdulaziz al-Saqqaf is a sure signal that he has built a strong establishment which we hope the very best.”
Latifa, secondary school graduate, said “Congratulations for the Yemen Times and I hope it the very best and continuos progress.”
Najla’a, secondary school graduate, said “The most outstanding feature distinguishing the Yemen Times from other newspapers is its focus on human rights issues, heritage, and social traditions and conventions.
Above all, it is an independent newspaper that works far from the tribal, parties, doctrines tendencies. I wish her all the very best.”
Introducing the YEMEN TIMES
This is the first issue of the Yemen Times. Therefore, it is with pleasure that I use this editorial to introduce it to the reader.
The Yemen Times is an independent weekly paper not attached to any political party or though. As such, its stand vis-avis the various local, regional, and international issues is determined on the basis of an objective assessment of th merits and demerit involved. The paper aims to reach out to a large base of readers, specially amongst the intellectual classes, the decision markers, the business sector, and the international community.
Nevertheless, the paper covers with interest and commitment two categories of activities, which are:
1. Economic/Business Activities:
Yemen Times will provide a detailed coverage of economic and business activities in Yemen, and a synopsis of important regional and international issues in this sector. major emphasis will be placed on trade, investment, economic laws, tenders, and market-watch aspects in price levels, consumption, interest rates, exchange rates, etc. in general, government and private-sector efforts in the country’s socio-economic development process will be extensively covered.
2. Democracy and Human Rights:
Yemen Times believes that the prosperity and strength of nations, if at least in the long run, will depend o democratic values and the observation of human rights. In the absence of those two basic elements i society, tit is doubtful that much can be achieved. Therefore, the paper will closely follow those two issues as reflected in Yemeni life. Much has been achieved in both counts in the recent past, and much more remains to be achieved.
The paper will heavily depend on primary sources of information; i.e., interviews, pools, field surveys, and contributions and feed-back from our readers.
Yet, the paper will also provide information from secondary sources, specially through the weekly summary round-up of the local press. All in all, Yemen Times hopes to be informative and analytic i nature. All members of the paper promise to make a sincere effort to serve our readership, and all of us will appreciate an active participation and feed-back.
Till next Wednesday, take care!
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