Muhammad Ali Hafez… a rich pioneering path in establishing international and Arab journalism

The deceased was born in Medina in 1356 AH, corresponding to 1937 AD, coinciding with the publication of the first issue of “Al-Madina” newspaper, which was issued and edited by his father, Ali Hafez, and his uncle, Othman Hafez, in an environment that was early associated with journalism and media work.

The beginnings of Muhammad Ali Hafez

Muhammad Ali Hafez received He was educated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia until secondary school, before obtaining a scholarship to Egypt, where he studied journalism at Cairo University and obtained a bachelor’s degree.

During his studies, he worked at the “Al-Raedeen Press”, and he also trained in journalistic work at Akhbar Al-Youm House under the supervision of the late Egyptian journalist Mustafa Amin, before returning to the Kingdom in 1960 AD and joining the Ministry of Information.

And in the period between 1960 and 1964 AD, he took over He was the editor-in-chief of Al-Madina newspaper, jointly with his brother Hisham Hafez, where they worked to develop it and enhance its journalistic presence, before later continuing their journey in establishing and managing prominent media projects that left a significant impact in the Arab and international media.

A clear imprint in the media industry

The deceased is considered one of the media figures who left a clear imprint in the media industry; He participated with his late brother Hisham Hafez in founding Arab News in 1975, to become the first daily newspaper published in the English language in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he led the editorial work in it and contributed to developing its content and expanding its media influence.

In 1976, he also assumed the position of General Director of Medina for Printing and Publishing, and also participated in the editor-in-chief of Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper, which is considered the first Arab international newspaper, providing a professional and administrative model that contributed to the development of publishing concepts. And journalism in the region.

Muhammad Ali Hafez was known for his rich professional career and his extensive relationships in cultural and social circles, in addition to his continuous support for young journalistic generations and his interest in cultural and media affairs, which earned him a great reputation among media professionals and intellectuals.