Editorial Standards — NAJM Press

NAJM Press is a regional magazine reporting on the United Arab Emirates and the surrounding Gulf. Our journalism is guided by principles of accuracy, independence, fairness and transparency. We aim to inform readers with trustworthy reporting and to hold power to account while respecting local law and the safety of the people we cover.

Accuracy

We verify information before publication. Reporters are expected to seek confirmation from primary sources, consult contemporaneous documents, and use multiple independent sources for significant claims whenever possible. Headlines, captions and summaries must accurately reflect the content of a story. If we rely on data, polling or studies, we identify the methodology and limitations that are material to interpretation.

Sourcing

We name sources whenever possible. On-the-record attribution is the default; material is attributed by name and role (for example, “Ministry spokesperson,” “consumer,” “industry analyst”) so readers can assess credibility. We do not pay for newsworthy information or for interviews. We avoid using material obtained through deception unless a compelling public interest overrides that approach and the decision is approved by senior editors.

Anonymous Sources

Anonymous sources are used only when there is a clear public-interest justification and when the information cannot be obtained on the record. Granting anonymity requires editorial approval and corroboration from additional sources or documents. When we rely on anonymous sources we will, where feasible, explain why anonymity was granted (for example, risk of retaliation, legal jeopardy) and provide a general description of the source’s position or proximity to the events. We do not grant anonymity to sources in exchange for payment.

Conflicts of Interest

Staff and contributors must avoid financial, political or personal interests that could compromise, or appear to compromise, their reporting. Reporters and editors must disclose to their editors any potential conflicts — including business relationships, outside employment, honoraria, paid travel, investments in entities they cover, or close personal relationships with subjects of coverage. Where a conflict exists, we will either remove the person from the assignment, disclose the relationship to readers, or take other measures to preserve editorial independence. We disclose relevant financial relationships and sponsorships that bear on coverage.

Separation of News and Opinion

We draw a clear line between reporting and opinion. News, features and investigative pieces adhere to factual standards and neutral presentation. Opinion, analysis and editorials are labeled as such and reflect viewpoints of the author or the editorial board. Sponsored content, advertising and native advertising are clearly identified as paid or promotional material and are kept separate from editorial content.

Corrections and Complaints

We correct significant errors promptly and transparently. Corrections will be made on the article page and, when appropriate, summarized on our corrections log. Corrections include what was wrong, what we changed, and when the change was made. If you believe we have made an error or fallen short of our standards, please contact us at [email protected] or use our /contact/ form. Editorial complaints are reviewed by senior editors; we will acknowledge receipt and explain the outcome of our review.

Fairness, Privacy and Harm

We aim to treat people with respect and to minimize unnecessary harm. Before publishing material that could seriously damage someone’s reputation, we seek comment from the person or organization affected and give them a fair chance to respond. We take special care with vulnerable subjects, children and victims of crime. We balance the public’s right to know with legitimate privacy concerns and legal constraints.

Journalists’ public social media activity can affect perceptions of impartiality. Staff should avoid public political campaigning or activity that could reasonably be seen as compromising their neutrality. Personal views must be kept separate from reporting duties, and staff must disclose their NAJM Press affiliation on public accounts used for reporting. Editorial staff must not assign or edit coverage where they have an unresolved personal conflict.

Implementation

Editors are responsible for enforcing these standards and for training staff and contributors on them. When standards evolve or incidents indicate a need for change, we will revise our policies and inform readers.

We welcome feedback and take complaints seriously. To raise an editorial concern, email [email protected] or use our /contact/ form.

Last updated: May 11, 2026