Middle East Reporter

Skift; Dubai; Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading travel news source is seeking a Middle East Reporter to cover the travel industry in the MENA region. The role involves breaking news, analyzing trends, and developing sources. Ideal candidates have journalism experience, strong writing skills, and a solid understanding of the travel sector. This position is fully remote, requiring strong communication skills and self-direction.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Diverse and inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Proven experience in journalism, especially in travel or economic reporting.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English.
• Established network of sources in the travel and tourism industries.

Responsibilities

• Break news and spot trends in the travel industry.
• Produce sourced features on key developments.
• Develop high-level connections in the MENA region.

Skills

Journalism experience

Understanding of MENA travel sector

Strong news judgment

Writing skills

Communication skills in English

Data visualization

Interviewing C-suite leaders

Job description

Skift (verb) - origin: Nordic languages - meaning: Shift; transformation.

As the daily homepage for the world’s largest industry, we are the leading news source for travel executives. We’ve proven ourselves as the information and intelligence brand at the center of it all, monitoring the ever-evolving transformation into the future of travel.

Every day, our award-winning team of journalists provides pivotal media insights on key travel sectors - with marketers, strategists and technologists top of mind. In doing so, we decipher and define global travel trends through a combination of news, research, conferences, exclusive interviews, strategic sector-focused newsletters, and more.

We are the leading travel news outlet - on a journey to better understand the world’s largest industry.

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.

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.

PLEASE SEND US A COVER LETTER ALONG WITH YOUR RESUME when you apply through our application system.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, Skift celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our goal for our team and our culture is to reflect the diversity of travelers around the globe.We welcome applicants from all life experiences and encourage members of traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ people.

Here's What You Can Expect Next

If you apply and are selected to interview, a Skift team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect .