Arts & Culture Reporter

The National , an IMI company, was founded in 2008 and has since set a new standard for quality English-language journalism in the Middle East. Widely recognised as one of the most influential news outlets from the region, The National has been awarded extensively for its journalism, design, podcasts, photography and videos, while its reputation for excellence appeals to decision-makers and industry leaders.

The National is committed to delivering quality journalism to its international audiences. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, it has bureaux in London, Washington DC, Beirut and Cairo, in addition to 200 correspondents and a wide network of contributors worldwide, The National has developed a reputation for providing in-depth coverage of the Middle East and a window into the region from the wider world.

Publishing across all digital platforms, The National also produces a print edition five days a week in the United Arab Emirates.

Role Summary:

The Arts & Culture Reporter is responsible for producing high-quality coverage of cultural events, trends, and personalities across the UAE, the Middle East, and globally. The role involves reporting, writing, and contributing multimedia content that reflects the richness and diversity of arts and culture, while maintaining the highest editorial standards. The Arts & Culture Reporter will generate original stories, conduct interviews, and provide insightful analysis to engage The National’s readers across print, digital, and social platforms.

Main Duties:

• Pitch, research, and write news, features, and analysis on arts, culture, and lifestyle topics.
• Cover a wide range of cultural events including exhibitions, film festivals, concerts, theatre, and literature.
• Conduct interviews with artists, cultural leaders, and influencers.
• Produce clear, accurate, and engaging copy under tight deadlines.
• Collaborate with photographers, videographers, and social media teams to deliver multimedia storytelling.
• Respond quickly to breaking cultural news and trends.
• Contribute to forward-planning by identifying upcoming events and feature opportunities.
• Ensure all reporting aligns with The National’s editorial standards of accuracy, fairness, and balance.
• Build and maintain strong contacts within the arts and culture community.
• Represent The National at cultural events, press conferences, and festivals.

Role Requirements:

• Strong reporting, writing, and interviewing skills.
• Excellent editorial judgment with a strong interest in arts and culture.
• Ability to identify stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Skilled at working across digital and print platforms.
• Familiarity with multimedia production, including video and audio.
• Strong time management and ability to deliver under deadline pressure.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of digital publishing, SEO, and social media engagement.
• Strong reporting, writing, and interviewing skills.
• Excellent editorial judgment with a strong interest in arts and culture.
• Ability to identify stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Skilled at working across digital and print platforms.
• Familiarity with multimedia production, including video and audio.
• On-camera presenting experience for video reports, interviews and other visual storytelling formats.
• Strong time management and ability to deliver under deadline pressure.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of digital publishing, SEO, and social media engagement.
• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Media, Communications, Literature, Arts, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.