Senior Reporter – Whats On Dubai

Motivate Media Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Motivate Media Group is seeking a Senior Reporter for its Whats On editorial team in Dubai. The role involves hands-on reporting for digital, social and print content, with responsibility for high-quality features, guides, reviews and lifestyle stories.

You will generate ideas, optimize content for SEO, and contribute to the daily editorial calendar while shaping the brand's digital presence and audience engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Media Communications or related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills are essential.
• Solid understanding of UAE lifestyle and media landscape.

Responsibilities

• Research, write, edit and publish engaging stories for Whats Ons digital platforms.
• Generate original story ideas and stay updated on UAE trends, launches and events.
• Write SEO-friendly content using keywords and audience insights.
• Sub-edit and fact-check to uphold high editorial standards.
• Create content for Instagram, TikTok and other social platforms, including short-form videos.
• Contribute editorial content to Whats On magazine.
• Attend events and cover launches, press conferences, and briefings.
• Collaborate with contributors and freelancers to manage stories and meet deadlines.
• Produce branded and sponsored content while maintaining Whats On tone.
• Use analytics to understand performance and shape future content.

Skills

Strong writing

Editing

Proofreading

Storytelling

SEO understanding

CMS (WordPress)

Analytics tools

Social media

Video creation

Education

Degree in Journalism/Media

Tools

WordPress CMS

Google Analytics

Search Console

Job description

Whats On is looking for a talented Senior Reporter to join our editorial team in Dubai. This is a hands-on role for an experienced journalist who can spot a great story write with speed and accuracy and create engaging content across digital social and print.

You will be responsible for generating and publishing high-quality content across news features guides reviews and lifestyle stories while contributing ideas to the daily editorial calendar. You will also help shape our digital and social presence ensuring content is relevant engaging and optimised for our audience.

What you will do:

• Research write edit and publish engaging stories for Whats Ons digital platforms.
  
• Generate original story ideas and stay on top of the latest UAE trends news launches and events.
  
• Write SEO-friendly content using keywords search trends and audience insights to improve reach and engagement.
  
• Sub-edit and fact-check content to maintain high editorial standards.
  
• Create content for Instagram TikTok and other social platforms including short-form videos and social posts.
  
• Contribute editorial content to Whats On magazine including features reviews and special reports.
  
• Attend and cover events launches press conferences and media briefings turning them into strong editorial stories.
  
• Work with contributors and freelancers to manage stories and meet deadlines.
  
• Produce branded and sponsored content while maintaining the quality and tone of the Whats On brand.
  
• Use analytics and audience data to understand what performs well and shape future content.
  

Requirements

What were looking for:

• 57 years of journalism or editorial experience ideally within lifestyle consumer or digital media.
  
• Strong writing editing proofreading and storytelling skills.
  
• Excellent knowledge of the UAE media and lifestyle landscape.
  
• Strong understanding of SEO search intent and digital content performance.
  
• Experience using a CMS such as WordPress and analytics tools such as Google Analytics or Search Console.
  
• Comfortable creating and editing short-form video for Instagram Reels and TikTok.
  
• A confident creative journalist who can work quickly without compromising on quality or accuracy.
  
• Experience managing contributors freelancers and multiple deadlines.
  
• A strong understanding of social media and digital audiences.
  
• A degree in Journalism Media Communications or a related field or equivalent professional experience.
  

Motivate Media Group is the regions leading multi-platform content producer with a diverse portfolio of media interests comprising magazines digital social video exhibitions & events cinema OOH and books.

Required Skills:

Requirements: Bachelors degree in marketing business or a related field. Over 3 years of experience in social media sales. Proficiency in using social media platforms for business purposes. Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.