The Qatar Press Center (QPC) recently published the book Abdullah bin Yousef Al-Husseini: A Pioneer of Magazine Publishing in Qatari Journalism by journalist Ahmed Abdullatif.
In an exclusive interview with Gulf Times, author Abdullatif, speaking live from Cairo, said: “At the outset of my comments on this publication, I would like to express my gratitude to the QPC and to my friend, the media figure Sadiq Mohammed al-Ammari, the Center’s Director-General. They played a very significant role in bringing my book to light.
My book, Abdullah bin Yousef Al-Husseini: A Pioneer of Magazine Production in Qatari Journalism, is the first in a series of forthcoming publications that will document and chronicle the origins and early stages of Qatari independent journalism. Abdullah bin Yousef al-Husseini founded Al-Ahd magazine and Al-Jawhara magazine. I have chronicled the journey of these publications, their editorial policies, their coverage of local and cultural affairs, and their treatment of Arab and international issues, with a detailed history that includes documents, photographs from investigations and interviews, and images appearing for the first time in Qatari journalism.”
Abdullatif said: “I reviewed everything published and written about Qatari journalism, which consisted only of brief introductions and preliminary information. No one had previously discussed the content, direction, and cultural, political, and economic orientations of Qatari journalism. This book is the first in a series documenting a significant period in the history of Qatari journalism. This period, from 1970 to 1995, marked the birth of independent journalism in Qatar. I have documented these experiences, spanning a quarter of a century, and aim to chronicle the history and biographies of five pioneers who established seven leading initiatives in Qatari journalism,” he said.
The book chronicles the career of Qatari writer and media figure Abdullah bin Yousef al-Husseini, who launched Al-Ahd magazine on July 9, 1974, with his son, the media figure Khalifa Abdullah al-Husseini, serving as its editor-in-chief. Three years later, he launched Al-Jawhara magazine, the first women’s magazine in Qatar. The book includes a biography of Abdullah al-Husseini and the early stages of Al-Ahd magazine’s development. It also traces the magazine’s evolution, its editorial policies, and how it addressed local, Arab, and international affairs, contributing to paving the way for and developing Qatari media professionals in journalism and writing.
The book also features examples of writings by Abdullah al-Husseini and his son, the media figure Khalifa al-Husseini. Finally, it presents testimonials from contemporary officials, intellectuals, writers, and literary figures regarding the Al-Ahd magazine experience. This book is part of a larger project undertaken by the QPC to chronicle and document the journey of pioneers in Qatari journalism and how their experiences enriched the journalistic landscape and the newspaper and magazine industry.
Abdullatif had worked at Al-Raya newspaper from 2003 to 2007, during which time he authored several books, including Road Accidents in Qatar: Challenges and Confrontation and Cultural Cafes in the Arab World and Their Role in Shaping Awareness.
