29-Jul-2010
Al Watan newspaper, a prominent Arabic-language daily published in Bahrain by Al Watan for Printing & Distribution Company, is undergoing a makeover with new services and a new printing facility with added production capacity.
Adel Hiji Ebrahim, General Manager, Al Watan Newspaper, shares with ME Printer the company’s vision for Bahrain’s media sector and the establishment of a high-end printing services hub for the region.

Have you invested lately in new services or machines or adopted new software or workflow systems?
Yes, in order to keep up with the fast-paced revolution in information technology and the innovations brought about by new media, we always invest to develop our capacity and stay in line with these technologies. This is done either by purchasing new machinery or introducing new services, along with the required upgrades for various methods of work flow systems.
We recently made several trade agreements with our local, regional and international partners in various fields, most significantly in printing and information technology, which has resulted in the expansion and diversification of our product range.
As part of our development plans, we are currently working on completing a new printing press for the company, which will undoubtedly support our requirements for increased production capacity levels.

What are your new products and services to be launched in your markets?
Al Watan has offered and will offer in the near future a number of highly advanced publishing services and products that keep up with today’s informational revolution, partly because it’s our national duty, and also to increase trust among our local and international readers.
Among our innovative newspaper services is a new specialized daily economic supplement that distinguishes our brand from local competitors. With the completion and release of its third issue this month, the supplement proved to be a unique and successful project. Moreover, Al Watan recently presented a sports-specific service, which was directly linked to one of the most important international sports events- the FIFA World Cup 2010.
Al Watan is currently working on the final phase of completing its new printing press, which has been established according to the highest international standards and will mark an important shift in Bahrain’s paper and printing markets. The new press is also expected to attract many local printing orders, as well as printing and distribution orders for regional and international magazines and newspapers.
In keeping up with international technological developments, our company has developed an interactive news website, which is considered to be the first of its kind in Bahrain. The website has been developed with the most advanced visual and audio technologies, allowing browsers to express their opinions and share their perspectives either via SMS/MMS or by video. This portal also acts as a communication bridge between the company and its partners across the world.

Do you have plans to create new partnerships with printing manufacturers and developers of workflow systems?

We certainly do. According to short and long-term strategic plans, Al Watan for Publishing and Distribution is committed to being up-to-date with the constant developments in the printing and publishing industries. We are currently exploring a few partnerships that will advance our work and develop our productivity, as well as present new technologies that coincide with our clients’ expectations in the local and regional markets.

Have you recently organized any events, activities, seminars, educational courses, or exhibition shows to promote your products?

Yes indeed. This is usually accomplished through direct organization of events. We have run a unique, wide-scale campaign that continued for nearly one month and included many events and activities across the kingdom. Furthermore, we co-organize events with companies and commercial or local establishments that are linked to us in strategic ways.

Do you have plans for expansion, mergers, or takeovers in the near future?
In alignment with the strategic scheme that we have laid out, the company will soon be implementing its plans for expansion in related fields and taking up a more responsible and competitive role in Bahrain’s media sector.