Good journalism is always valued: XPRESS

Dubai Four months ago an XPRESS reporter was invited to a Nad Al Sheba single-room dwelling of a Sri Lankan housemaid and her three children. On a table were dozens of trophies, memento and medals. They belonged to Shahra Jafar Ali, 17, the housemaid’s eldest child who couldn’t afford to pursue college. Two days after Shahra’s picture appeared on XPRESS front page, readers flooded our mailbox with generous help offers. Soon a Dubai university offered her free admission.

A month later, an Indian storekeeper Shaikh Syed Bawazeer sent an SOS - his newborn son Mohammad was stuck in hospital due to unpaid bills totalling over Dh200,000 and his wife had died after giving birth. XPRESS published his story on January 15. In one week, readers raised the full amount and the newborn was discharged.

Shahra and Mohammad highlight the generosity of Dubai residents, often labelled cold-hearted and materialistic. In both cases, help came quickly and in big numbers. Readers also pitched in for a long list of others. Today, XPRESS is celebrating its seventh anniversary. More than an annual ritual, this is an occasion to recognise and salute our readers and express our gratitude. One way to thank them is by delivering on our promise - to investigate, go beyond the news and report on issues not covered elsewhere.

XPRESS has established itself as a brand with a long shelf life and strong content recall value. Readership on our website www.xpress4me.com is also robust. All this is testimony to the fact that good journalism is always valued.

There’s plenty to read and reflect in this edition too. Enjoy.

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