The National goes green

editor — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:10:35 -0800

Abu Dhabi Media’s award winning English language newspaper, The National, has switched to printing on 100 percent recycled paper today. The move reinforces the publication’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, and will significantly reduce its impact on the environment by reducing energy consumption and waste sent to landfill.

The switch from conventional paper to fully recycled comes with the support and sponsorship of Masdar, regional leaders in sustainable thinking, and has come at a time when recycling is an important issue in the UAE.

The Emirates currently has one of the highest rates of waste per person in the world. Recycling a ton of paper can help save 17 trees as well as over 7,000 gallons of water, and is also more energy-efficient, requiring on average 60 percent less energy compared to producing virgin paper.

Hassan Fattah, Editor in Chief of The National, said: “In this industry, we aware of our impact on the environment, and how we can play our part to become more sustainable. We all have a responsibility to think long term and assess how we can reduce our carbon footprint while still delivering a high quality product. Moving to printing on 100% recycled paper is one small positive step we can make to reduce our impact on the planet, and fits with The National’s continued commitment to raise awareness about environmental issues.”

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said: “We are pleased to partner with The National on this initiative and applaud Abu Dhabi Media on taking proactive steps to enhance their corporate sustainability. This project serves as an example of Abu Dhabi’s strong support and commitment to environmental stewardship.”

The National kick-started its environmental commitment in 2010 with its inaugural ‘Green Issue’, a special eco-focused edition dedicated to sustainability. The issue was part of the paper’s ongoing ‘Earth Matters’ initiative, which aims to draw attention to environmental issues in the region.

Martin Newland to spearhead brand expansion plans at The National

editor — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 02:28:17 -0700

Abu Dhabi Media Company today confirmed that Martin Newland, the founding Editor in Chief of The National, will spearhead expansion of the newspaper's brand across the company's range of platforms and services in a new role as Editorial Director. Hassan Fattah will step up from his role of Deputy Editor to become the new Editor in Chief.

Commenting on the promotions, Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Media Company said: "The National has rapidly established a reputation for quality, innovation and authority thanks to its world-class editorial team. We are delighted that Martin will now focus his efforts on the next phase of brand expansion across our digital and broadcast spaces, enabling us to pioneer a new era of regionally relevant, on-demand content to rival the multiple platform approach of global news brands. Day to day editorial control of The National's converged newsroom passes to the experienced hands of Hassan Fattah. Together, these well deserved promotions from within the company reiterate our commitment to The National and to recognising the achievements of both Martin and Hassan."

Martin Newland said: "Launching The National has been a great accomplishment. My new role allows me to build on this success and to explore the brand potential in the new multi platform era. My job of building the business of The National story remains on the ambitious path of growth and expansion. I am as excited by the new challenges today as I was when I first started.

Edward Borgerding, CEO of Abu Dhabi Media Company, said: "Martin Newland and Hassan Fattah have forged a formidable partnership in setting up The National; A partnership that will be invaluable as Martin now drives the broader ambitions of The National brand forward."

The National's new Editor in Chief, Hassan Fattah said: "We have assembled a dream team of journalists over the past year and a half with the ambition of making The National essential reading in the UAE and the region as a whole, setting a new bar in excellence in journalism and production. In the dynamic environment of the Middle East media landscape The National will continue to thrive based on its commitment to excellent journalism, photography and more. The National is evidence to the publishing world that great brands, built on quality, can succeed and grow."

Abu Dhabi Media Company also confirmed that Bob Cowan is promoted to Deputy Editor at The National.