The Egyptian Gazette, the Middle East’s oldest English-language newspaper, is marking 146 years of continuous publication, reaffirming its role as a key chronicler of Egypt’s national story and a trusted window on regional and international affairs.
Founded on January 26, 1880, the Gazette has, for nearly a century and a half, documented history in words, images, and analysis, shaped by successive generations of journalists who kept pace with political change, social transformation, and the evolution of the media industry. Today, it remains at the forefront of English-language journalism in Egypt and the Arab world.
The newspaper’s longevity and distinct identity stem from the work of dedicated journalists who have consistently adapted to changing reader expectations and rapid technological shifts. Its articles are regularly cited by international news agencies and foreign newspapers, underscoring the Gazette’s credibility, balance, and professional standing. The paper has undergone a series of upgrades aimed at modernising content and presentation while preserving its core values.
Throughout its history, the Gazette has borne witness to defining moments in Egyptian and global history. In its early decades, under British editors including its first editor-in-chief Andrew Philip, the newspaper reflected British community interests and policy in the region. Following the 1952 Revolution, it was Egyptianised and became the English-language voice of the Egyptian government during a period of sweeping political and social change.
Its coverage has spanned major events including the Orabi Revolution, the digging of the Suez Canal, World Wars I and II, the establishment of the United Nations and the African Union, negotiations over the 1954 Anglo-Egyptian Agreement, financing of the High Dam, and the wars of 1956, 1967, and 1973. In every phase, the Gazette served as a primary source of news and analysis on Egypt for both domestic and international audiences, a role it continues to play today.
From its beginnings as a four-page weekly tabloid published in Alexandria, Egypt’s main Mediterranean port, the newspaper evolved into a daily publication and later moved to Cairo, following a path familiar to historic titles worldwide. Today, it appears as an eight-page daily, produces a 16-page weekly edition (The Egyptian Mail), and maintains a strong digital and social media presence.
As it enters its 147th year, the Gazette is positioning itself to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing media landscape shaped by digitisation, new content models, and evolving readership habits. The newspaper has intensified its coverage of Egypt’s ancient civilisation, archaeological discoveries, and the country’s sweeping development drive, including mega-projects such as the New Suez Canal, the New Administrative Capital, high-speed electric rail, monorail systems, nationwide road networks, land reclamation, clean-energy transportation, and comprehensive education reform.
With renewed energy and a youthful spirit, The Egyptian Gazette continues its “sacred mission”: to reflect Egypt’s reality, ambitions, and history to the world in an international language, while remaining faithful to the standards and legacy built over 146 years.
