Bazaar Times has acquired The National News for an undisclosed amount, taking full ownership of the Abu Dhabi-based English-language publication from its previous parent, IMI. The transaction transfers the newspaper’s editorial operations, digital platforms, and regional bureau network to Bazaar Times, which now assumes control of the brand.
The National, founded in 2008, has built a reputation for in-depth reportage and investigative journalism across the Middle East, with offices in London, Washington DC, Beirut, and Cairo. It publishes across digital channels and maintains a five-day print edition in the UAE. Bazaar Times, a digital-first publisher with a growing international readership, has focused on business and current affairs coverage. The acquisition gives Bazaar Times a significant foothold in the Gulf media market and access to The National’s established reporting infrastructure.
For Bazaar Times, the deal is a direct expansion of its newsroom capacity. The National’s team of correspondents across the Mena region and beyond will complement Bazaar Times’ existing output, allowing the combined operation to broaden its geographic scope without building new bureaux from scratch. The National’s strong following among business leaders and decision makers also aligns with Bazaar Times’ editorial focus on economic and policy analysis.
The National’s award-winning design, photography, and video units will remain intact under the new ownership, according to the terms of the transaction. Bazaar Times has indicated that the publication will continue to operate under its current name, preserving its distinct identity while integrating back-office functions such as advertising sales and subscription management. No changes to editorial leadership have been announced.
The combined entity will now compete more directly with larger regional news organisations, leveraging The National’s established brand recognition alongside Bazaar Times’ digital distribution capabilities. The success of the acquisition will depend on how smoothly the two newsrooms integrate their workflows and whether Bazaar Times can maintain The National’s editorial standards while pursuing broader commercial efficiencies.