The newspaper has been at the forefront of the Emirati media scene ever since its first edition was published on April 16, 1978 LONDON: Khaleej Times, the UAE’s first and longest-running English newspaper, celebrated its 45th anniversary on Sunday. The newspaper has been at the forefront of the Emirati media scene ever since its first edition was published on April 16, 1978. It has offered insight on global events, as well as charting the transformation of the UAE over four-and-a-half decades. The newspaper said in a piece to mark the anniversary: “Newsrooms may have undergone an overhaul and platforms may have evolved, from a paper you need to hold with both hands to a screen that can fit in your palm, but for KT some things never change: The grit, the passion, and the mission to deliver stories that matter.” Leading Emirati government, community and media figures, as well as influential members of society, paid tribute to the newspaper’s impact. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Media Council, said the newspaper had played an “exceptional role in chronicling the nation’s transformation over the years and supporting its progress.” Mona Al-Marri, director-general of the Government of Dubai Media Office, said the publication was “well placed to navigate transformation in the global media industry.” Mohammed Jalal Al-Rayssi, the director-general of the Emirates News Agency, praised the newspaper for telling the world the story of the UAE and the Middle East region. He added: “I am confident KT will continue doing credible and sterling journalism in future, disseminating the message of unity, harmony and prosperity that the UAE stands for.”