Dubai daily 7DAYS to fold, leading to 100+ job losses

The 7DAYS newspaper, published from Dubai, is to close next month due to the “severely challenged” print advertising market.
More than 100 job losses will result from the move, across the print, online, sales and distribution arms of the business, staff members at the paper told Arab News.
The newspaper, as 7DAYS Media, is owned by the London-based Daily Mail & General Trust Plc (DMGT), which holds several newspapers in the UK. The company did not immediately provide a further statement when contacted.
Mark Rix, the newspaper’s CEO, confirmed to Arab News the plan to close the 7DAYS newspaper.
“The current trading environment and future global outlook for print advertising remains severely challenged,” he said in a statement.
“Whilst it was our stated intention to re-focus and restructure the business for 2017 and beyond, it has since proved not possible to create an acceptable cost base that could deliver a viable and sustainable business.
“It is therefore with great sadness that we announce the unique 7DAYS news brand will close and thus, cease to inform and entertain the UAE in its refreshing and inimitable way.
“I have only praise and admiration for the dedicated and talented team that have created such a popular media portfolio over the past 13 years and I wish each of them every future success and happiness.”
Claire Sharrock, managing editor of 7DAYS, confirmed that the closure would result in the loss of more than hundred jobs.
The free tabloid newspaper is known for its fun headlines and lively letters page, often filled with observations and bugbears of UAE-based expatriates.
Readers in the UAE turned to Twitter to express their disappointment that the newspaper is closing.
“A sad day for the #UAE,” wrote the radio DJ ‘Catboy’. “A #Dubai institution is closing its doors. Gutted for my friends. Thank you for your support, guys. End of an era.”
The closure marks the latest shift in the changing UAE media landscape.
It emerged earlier this month that the Abu Dhabi-based newspaper, The National, is being sold by government owner Abu Dhabi Media to International Media Investments, a private company held by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who also owns the Manchester City football club.

Source: Arab News