XPRESS pushing boundaries

"A good newspaper is a nation talking to itself." Arthur Miller 

I consider this line by the American playwright as the most honest commentary on print media. Extending Miller's tribute, I would like to add that newspapers are a true reflection of the society they thrive in. And if that society happens to be a place like Dubai — a complex mix of nationalities, languages, beliefs and morals — the job of a newspaper becomes even more challenging.

Dubai-haters often crib about the so-called lack of press freedom in the emirate. Here, they complain, truth remains hidden and unspoken. They allege that behind the glitz and glamour of Dubai lurk dark realities that most newspapers overlook.

The truth is far from this convoluted perception. I agree that many newspapers stay away from contentious issues or under-report stories that are perceived to be potentially sensitive or controversial. Unwilling to take chances, some journalists here close an eye when they see injustice or wrongdoing.

But I strongly disagree with those who blame the UAE press laws and media regulators for gagging the media. The inability of some newspapers to boldly reflect upon social issues or to highlight wrongdoings of individuals and institutions is due to two factors — self-censorship by newspapers and society's widespread indifference.

Also, there is a general disconnect between newspapers and people. Unlike other developed cities, residents and citizens of Dubai don't have a bonding with the media. There's a lack of trust — the main driver of this relationship.

Thankfully, XPRESS has managed to buck this trend. Today, five years after it was launched on March 15, 2007, we have developed a close bond with the people of Dubai. This relationship is built on trust and mutual respect. We never fail to expose the hidden, dissect the convoluted, go beyond the news and tell the unsaid — all for the benefit of our readers.

From job scams and illegal sale of alcohol in labour camps to dodgy water purification companies, XPRESS has exposed them all.

It has also highlighted stories of a woman whose husband ran away with her three kids and the cafeteria waiter who became a millionaire but couldn't afford a meal. We have also not shied away from commenting on dark realities reflecting the lifestyle of expatriates — substance abuse by teens and their underground parties, or the way expat women are using cheap ulcer medicines to terminate unwanted pregnancies. These are just a handful of the hundreds of stories that make XPRESS a compelling read.

Today, marking the fifth anniversary, XPRESS brings to you stories of some remarkable individuals who have put community before self. In the following sections, you will find some talented people from the field of cinema, fashion, entertainment and sports.

Also, don't forget to read about those you, dear readers, generously helped when XPRESS highlighted their plight.

Happy reading!