Reader Johnson Thomas on reliable Gulf News

Dubai: Johnson Thomas may have moved cities in the last four decades but didn’t change one thing: his habit of reading Gulf News every morning.

The managing partner at First Flight Couriers (Middle East) subscribed in 1982 in Abu Dhabi and moved to Dubai about 10 years later. And one of the things he took with him was his subscription to the paper.

He said he chose the newspaper because of its popularity at the time and has stuck to it because of its “reliable and timely news reporting”.

He specially enjoys news coming from the subcontinent, especially Kerala. “I’m personally very impressed with the in-depth coverage of Kerala news. I need not read Kerala’s local newspapers to know what is happening in my hometown,” the 66-year-old said.

“My trust in Gulf News has been built over many years. I am confident and believe the news that comes in Gulf News so much so that I need not verify anything. Till date I have not come across any biased or false reporting in Gulf News.”

Over time, Thomas has made it part of his routine to read Gulf News early morning, he said: “Before starting my breakfast, I complete reading Gulf News.” However, he likes sticking to the traditional-style print edition. “I always prefer reading the newspaper in hand and I get a special satisfaction compared to reading it online.”

Over the years, Thomas has increasingly liked reading the newspaper and observed positive changes. Commenting on those, he said: “Gulf News has definitely improved on its design over the past few decades making it more enjoyable and organised to read. One of the major changes I’ve observed is that Gulf News has reduced its size making the entire reading experience effortless.”

The Indian national has passed down his reading habits to his family members. He said: “Watching me read Gulf News religiously every morning has influenced my wife and both my kids to take up this useful habit.”

Thomas thinks that publications such as Gulf News are essential in terms of bridging the gap between the public and authorities. He also credits the newspaper for helping him network as an entrepreneur. He said, “From my experience, UAE compared to any other country in the world, has given business owners like me such amazing opportunity and infrastructure for us to flourish. Gulf News has played an extremely vital role in this by creating a link between the government bodies and us common folk. I take this opportunity to thank the UAE Rulers for their vision and dedication in creating a wonderful system for everyone.”