Gulf News Wins WAN-IFRA Gold for Gaza War Digital Coverage

Gulf News secured the Gold Award for Best News Site at the WAN-IFRA Digital Media Awards Middle East 2024, specifically cited for its comprehensive digital coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict. The Dubai-based daily was recognized for its structural newsroom shifts and technical adaptation during the first 100 days of the war. Strategic Newsroom Reorganization The award follows a reported "mindset switch" within the Gulf News editorial team, which implemented a "war planning" protocol to manage the high volume of breaking news. This strategy involved the creation of dedicated 24-hour digital desks and the deployment of real-time verification tools to counter misinformation. The editorial transition focused on moving beyond traditional reporting toward a data-driven, mobile-first approach to reach global audiences. WAN-IFRA (the World Association of News Publishers) judges evaluated entries based on innovation, engagement metrics, and the ability to maintain journalistic integrity under high-pressure conditions. Gulf News competed against major regional broadcasters and digital-native outlets to take the top spot in the news site category. Digital Engagement and Growth During the…