'I need to know what's happening in the world'

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I need to know whats happening in the world

Dubai - Aviamost magazine's editor likes to read local and Middle East news

by

Nivriti Butalia

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Published: Sun 16 Apr 2017, 12:24 PM

Last updated: Mon 17 Apr 2017, 4:29 PM

For most people in the UAE - and perhaps everywhere, apart from her homeland China - it's easier to say 'Jade' than it is to call her by her name, Xiaojia (pronounced Sshhh-aoya). But luckily for some of us, Jade has no issues being addressed by her 'English name'.
Jade Zheng is editor of the Aviamost magazine (published in English, Russian and Mandarin). She moved to the UAE seven years ago. Dubai is now a second home. Does she read the paper? Yes, of course. It's a routine for her to go through Khaleej Times every day. She's been reading it for as long as she's been in the UAE. "As part of what I do, I need to know what's happening in the world," she says. But even outside of work, she makes it her business to keep up with especially local news and news of the Middle East. The other stuff, what's happening elsewhere - passengers being tossed out of United's airplanes and such like - she gets from other websites. She's not much of an online reader. We talk about paper versus tablet, how
despite the world trundling along to the tune of Digital First, some readers are more attached to the physical form, the feel of the newspaper. The physical paper is a habit for Jade, as well.
An aspect of reportage in KT she's always impressed with is the rapidness of breaking news. That's about the only stuff she reads online (breaking news), those headlines about fires and flights. Has she noticed any changes of late? No, it's a consistent product. She likes that most communities who live here are adequately represented. "I really appreciate that Khaleej Times focuses on featuring different nationalities and communities in the UAE, which is very interesting and special for readers in this region. It is appealing and connecting. I also hope that we can read more different opinions from people who can inspire us".
Do most of her friends here also read KT? "Yes, my collegues (in print) and some of my friends (digitally) do read the paper, but I'm not sure about the frequency".
Special coverage: KT turns 39
She spends a lot of time with her friends in Dubai. Weekend trips around the UAE and meals at the new restaurants in town. Socialising is usually out of the house, at a sushi place, at Korean or Japanese joints, and of course to the Chinese restaurants, with familiar cuisine and endless cups of Oolong.
Are newspapers read with a mug of tea in the morning as well? Indeed. It's a part of the experience. A coffee - or in her case, a mug of tea - at work does just fine.
Any suggestions on how we can make the offering any more palatable to our readers? She's big on local news, so she says, maybe that. "There can be more of that."
Does she have a birthday message for us at Khaleej Times? Indeed. "Congratulations to the most established newspaper in the UAE (perhaps I should say, one of the most in the Middle East also?). Wish you another 40 years of great success!"
nivriti@khaleejtimes.com


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