Acting Gulf Business Correspondent

Financial Times; Dubai; On-site; AED 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading news organization seeks a Business Correspondent in the Gulf to cover significant financial and political events. This role demands strong reporting skills and the ability to build critical contacts within various sectors. The successful candidate will work closely with teams to provide in-depth coverage on investment activities in a dynamic region. It offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth in an influential environment.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Medical cover

Inclusive parental leave packages

Subsidised gym memberships

Qualifications

• Experience in financial journalism is essential.
• Must be adept at cultivating sources in political and financial spheres.

Responsibilities

• Cover financial and political events in the UAE.
• Collaborate with the Saudi Arabia correspondent.
• Report on investment activities in the Gulf.

Skills

Ability to develop contacts

Strong writing skills

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Degree in Journalism or related field

Job description

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide.

At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world.

In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing.

Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere.

Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

The role

The FT is seeking a business correspondent in the Gulf, a region increasingly at the centre of global finance, deal making, and shifting geopolitics. This is a 12-month fixed term contract covering a period of parental leave.

With the Gulf’s two powerhouses – the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia – led by assertive, ambitious leaders, the oil-rich states are ploughing tens of billions of petrodollars into myriad sectors, from technology, AI, renewable energy, media and sport. They are also bent on projecting their diplomatic heft as the war in Gaza and hostilities between Israel and Iran shift the dynamics of the region.

The position is based in the UAE, which has for decades been the Middle East’s dominant trade, financial and tourism hub and is host to all the major banks and multinationals operating in the region. An entrepot between east and west, it has also become a centre for Russians seeking to avoid sanctions and establish businesses outside of Russia.

The UAE is home to some of the world’s largest and most active sovereign wealth funds, with more than $1.7trn assets under management, and it is a magnet for international financiers. Saudi Arabia is also spending hundreds of billions pursuing its own domestic development plans, driven by the Public Investment Fund, its $925bn SWF.

Qatar’s sovereign fund, the QIA, is also building up its resources as it prepares for a massive petrodollar-fuelled windfall.

The successful candidate would be expected to cooperate with our Saudi Arabia correspondent and would work closely with a range of desks, particularly markets, companies and world, with a focus on following the money.

Reporting from within the UAE has its challenges. The successful candidate would need to be able to develop contacts across the financial and political spheres, have the ability to build trust with those wary of speaking to journalists and be adept at switching between reporting on the latest investment to the latest palace intrigue.

It is a hugely rewarding job that is core to the FT’s foreign and financial coverage.

Please submit your application by the end of the day, Tuesday 9th September 2025.

The use of AI

Original reporting, great writing and intelligent commentary lie at the heart of FT journalism. Our readers trust us to produce quality journalism that is accurate, fair and insightful. This is why FT editorial staff do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to write articles or create other reader-facing content. For specific and pre-approved cases, AI can be harnessed for certain tasks, such as assisting data research for investigations.

We expect applicants to the FT newsroom to refrain from using AI in their test submissions, and any written materials should be a genuine reflection of their own knowledge, skills and experiences. We encourage candidates only to employ AI as a tool to help with research and interview readiness for a role.

Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process is monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.

What’s in it for you? Our benefits

Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.

FT Newsroom staff are expected to work onsite a minimum of three days per week, subject to role requirements and regular review. While flexible working requests will be considered, not all patterns are suitable for Editorial roles.

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email [e-mail] and a member of our team will be happy to help.

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