Rashid is the Senior Correspondent (Diplomatic Affairs) at Arab News. When Rashid is not covering the largest events in Riyadh, you can find him relaxing with his family in one of Riyadh’s wonderful parks.
What types of stories, trends or issues are on your radar now?
I’ve always enjoyed writing stories/pieces on strategic affairs, diplomatic and bilateral relations, as well as development stories, including sports, Cricket, and changing lifestyles and culture, especially in youth, in line with ongoing transformation under Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia. Apart from that, I regularly cover major events in Riyadh, including G20 2020, the annual FII, also known as Davos in the Desert, Global Misk Forum, Global Cybersecurity Forum, Energy Conferences, LEAP Forum, OIC, GCC, Arab League and key bilateral and multilateral Summits.
Describe one of the wackiest proposals/ideas you’ve been sent.
I love writing about strategic relations, and sports to be specific Cricket, but to write about purely business development, especially with numbers is what irritates me, although I have extensively covered Saudi annual Budget and Riyadh Economic Forum, and have worked closely with the Federation of Saudi Chambers, purely business stories and interviewing business people is what I honestly don't enjoy. Appreciated widely in our newsroom as jack of all trades, trade story is what I just do, if and when required.
What elements or characteristics do you look for in a story?
A good newspoint or better narrative with top sources is always a good choice. I also like stories that are informative, insightful, and leave you with an afterthought.
What story or stories are you most proud of?
It has to be stories that I wrote at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 covering all the major G20 events, ministerial as well as the Leaders Summit at the climax of the G20 Summit. Apart from that, I truly enjoyed working on major interviews I did, including Gavi Alliance, EU, WHO, WFP, Saudi Aid Top Officials, Yemeni Minister, Former Indian Finance Minister P Chidambaram, another top official, Sam Pitroda, and the first FII Forum in Riyadh that made historic announcements.
Tell us about your dream assignment.
The Hajj 2023 full coverage and first FII Forum in Riyadh that made historic announcements: NEOM, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman saying; We are going back to Moderate Islam. Also, to write a comprehensive feature about giga projects in Saudi Arabia: Neom, Amala, Line Project, Red Sea Projects, and Qiddiya, and The IV News Agencies World Congress (IV-NAWC) in Riyadh
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Darbhanga, north Bihar, India, and grew up pursuing higher secondary and Bachelor's degrees at AMU, Aligarh, and a Master's and PG Dip in journalism in the capital, New Delhi.
How did you get your start in the media? What is your story?
In the beginning, I was passionate about civil services, and later switched to journalism as I had a knack for storytelling (thanks to my elder brother who inspired this in childhood, subscribing to some monthly children's digests), and I eventually started writing stories. From stories to factual reports and finally, I had pieces in the University magazines.
Finish this sentence: If I am not reporting, I am…
I like reading opinion pieces online and social media and spending time with family.
Favorite local restaurants or other places to hang out?
I love going to Indian/Pakistani restaurants, and there are many in Riyadh. Also, Riyadh has an abundance of beautiful family parks: natural reserves, Wadi Hanifa, Wadi Namar, and Lake Park!
Tell us a little about yourself.
As a free-spirited writer at heart, I thrive on an innate desire to pen down thought provoking developments in Saudi Arabia, where Vision 2030 is spearheading reforms, bringing in refreshing transformation, and capturing the essence of the moment, diving deep into the story to get needful info. I'm fueled by a passion to explore the unconventional. From local heroes to influential thought leaders, I've interviewed a number of people.
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