Pioneering study on Malayalam newspapers in the UAE

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

A groundbreaking research work is shedding new light on the significant role of Malayalam newspapers in the UAE. The study titled ‘Exploring Socio-Cultural Dynamics: A Comprehensive Study of Malayalam Newspapers and Diasporic Voices in the Keralite Community of the UAE’ by KT Abdurabb, is an academic exploration into this niche area in the Gulf region. The research highlights how Malayalam newspapers have become vital to the socio-economic, cultural and political integration of the Keralite community in the UAE, despite living and working in a predominantly Arabic-speaking region.

The author argues that newspapers such as Malayala Manorama, Gulf Madhyamam, Siraj and Mathrubhumi, serve as crucial links to their homeland for many Keralites. They help them maintain and strengthen cultural ties with Kerala. Despite financial hurdles and the rise of digital platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, the newspapers continue to be printed seven days a week, underscoring their relevance and resilience.

Interestingly, the study uncovers the fact that the first Malayalam newspapers in Kerala and the Gulf were both initiated by non-Keralites. Kerala’s first Malayalam newspaper, Kerala Mitram, was published in 1865 by Devaji Bhimji, a Gujarati, while the first Malayalam newspaper in the Gulf was launched by a Saudi Arabian company with an Arab editor, Farouk Luqman. The research also emphasises the absence of similar ethnic newspapers in other Indian languages such as Hindi, Telugu, Marathi or Gujarati in the UAE, though their speakers form substantial numbers in the country. Only an eight-page Tamil newspaper, Daily Thanthi, is the exception to the rule.

 Author KT Abdurabb.

The work sheds light on unique readership habits, revealing the bilingual nature of the Malayali community. A significant 67.5 per cent of respondents reported reading both Malayalam and English newspapers, reflecting the diaspora’s adaptability and the importance they give to staying informed, through multiple languages. However, a noteworthy 27.4 per cent of readers remain loyal exclusively to Malayalam newspapers. It demonstrates a strong connection to the native language and the importance of vernacular media. The study also underscores that Malayalam newspapers actively highlight the cultural, social, political and economic achievements of Keralites.

The rich tapestry of Malayalam newspapers in the UAE not only spotlights the linguistic diversity of the Kerala diaspora, but also serves as a testament to the enduring bond between Kerala and the Gulf. Malayalis or Kerala natives, have held roles ranging from house drivers to top executives for the past 50 years in the UAE. The influence of the newspapers extends beyond mere news reporting; they serve as a bridge between the community and their homeland, preserving cultural ties and enhancing the collective identity of Malayalis abroad.

The research involves interviews with 25 key stakeholders, including editors, journalists and readers, as well as a survey involving 202 participants. Their insights offer a comprehensive understanding of the significance of newspapers in the region, particularly in reflecting the concerns and aspirations of the diaspora. The first Emirati Arabic newspaper, Al-Nakhy, was launched in the early 1920s by Musabbah Bin Obeid Al Dhahiri, a shopkeeper in Al Ain. Another milestone in the UAE’s media history is the first English-language newspaper, The Recorder, launched in 1967 by Indian expatriate, Kawas Motivala. It focused on advertising and trade news.

KT Abdurabb, Ph.D., is a seasoned media professional with over three decades of experience in the UAE media industry. He was associated with the launch of the first Malayalam radio station in the Gulf and served as Managing Editor of the UAE edition of Malayalam News, the first Malayalam newspaper in the Gulf. He has also worked with major publications such as Gulf Today and Khaleej Times, and served as the UAE Editor of Arab News for eight years. Currently, he is the Media Relations Head for the Middle East at Larsen & Toubro. He has won several awards, including the DSF Journalism Award (2014) from the Government of Dubai. Abdurabb is also a Malayalam author, and has written books such as ‘Salam Football’ and ‘Yaadon Ka Safar’ (The Journey of Memories).