Middle East Reporter

The Opportunity

Skift is seeking a dynamic and well-connected Middle East Reporter to cover the travel industry across the Middle East and North Africa region, with reporting on major tourism developments, aviation, hospitality trends and policy shifts.

You’ll break news of deals on Skift.com and be first with exclusive analysis on major developments. And then you’ll lead the discussion on social media and at Skift events.

This role is ideal for a journalist who is plugged into the news cycle and can develop sources in the MENA region, one of the fastest-growing travel markets in the world.

As the Middle East Reporter, you will work closely with Skift’s global editorial team to deliver high-impact stories that inform, challenge, and engage our audience in the industry. You’ll bring a deep understanding of the region’s business and cultural landscape, and you’ll be comfortable working independently while collaborating across time zones.

Skift is a fully distributed, remote company with employees based across the globe. This position is remote and requires a high level of coordination and communication skills to be successful. You must be able to work independently, meet goals, set tasks in a timely manner, join meetings via video, and periodically work outside normal company hours for special events or projects.

Specifically, this role will

• Break News & Spot Trends – A shake-up at a major travel company? A new development deal? File fast on the latest news or better yet, be first with it.
• Enterprise & Analysis – Produce deeply sourced features that connect the dots.
• Develop High-Level Sources – From tourism officials at key destinations to executives at the most important companies in the MENA region.
• Public-Records & Data Sleuthing – Be creative: Did an established brand file a trademark? Post a job opening that signals a new venture? Be the first to report on it.
• Cross-Team Collaboration – Work with Skift’s climate, airline, and hospitality reporters to provide 360-degree coverage; appear on stage at Skift events.
• Perform other tasks as required.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in journalism, preferably in travel, business, or economic reporting.
• Deep understanding of the travel and tourism sector in the Middle East and North Africa.
• Strong news judgment and ability to break down complex topics for a professional audience.
• Established network of sources in the Middle East travel, tourism, or hospitality industries is a plus.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English (Arabic language skills are a bonus).
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple deadlines, and collaborate across global teams.
• Track record of turning complex data into compelling narratives and visualizations.
• Comfort interviewing C-suite leaders and officials
• On-stage interviewing experience a plus.

The Way You Work

• You communicate openly and share information regularly with your colleagues.
• You exercise astute and ethical judgment in your everyday actions.
• You form successful and strong work relationships.
• Your enthusiasm and dedication are at the heart of how you collaborate with teammates.
• You’re passionate about the world of travel and the forces shaping it.

Why Work at Skift

At Skift, we cover the world’s largest industry with curiosity, creativity, and rigor. Our team is collaborative, forward-thinking, and passionate about producing impactful journalism. You’ll be joining a respected global brand with opportunities to grow, contribute, and make your mark in the travel industry.

Personality/Attitude/Culture

Skift's culture is diverse, very cohesive and full of people who love what they do and bring the best of them to work. We are remote but very connected and caring about each other.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From AED275,000.00 per year

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• reporting in the middle east: 2 years (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)