By Hussain Sana
Yousuf Al-Alyan, the founder of Kuwait Times, was a trailblazer in the Gulf’s journalism landscape. His life, marked by dedication, resilience and an unwavering commitment to independence, is recounted by his son, Dr Ziad Al-Alyan, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Kuwait Times. He provides an intimate look into Yousuf Al-Alyan’s journey, contributions to journalism and the values that shaped his illustrious career.
Early life and education
Yousuf Al-Alyan’s father, Saleh Al-Alyan, sent him to study in Britain in the 1940s. He graduated from the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE) with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, becoming fluent in seven languages, including French and Urdu. Upon his return, Yousuf’s linguistic skills led him to a role as a translator for the Saudi royal family.
His work impressed the Saudi government, and he was appointed as the charge d’affaires in France, a role equivalent to an ambassador today. In the late 1950s, Yousuf decided to marry a French woman, a decision not permitted for someone in his official position without Saudi approval. Choosing love over his post, he returned to Kuwait in 1959.
Founding of Kuwait Times
In 1961, the then Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, sought to establish local journalism. Yousuf Al-Alyan was encouraged to start an English newspaper, while Abdulaziz Al-Massaeed was tasked with founding an Arabic one. As a result, Al-Alyan launched Kuwait Times, the first daily newspaper in the Gulf, predating Al-Rai Al-Aam by a few weeks. Al-Alyan’s paper served as a vital source of news, information and guidance, making Kuwait Times a respected institution across the region. The Kuwaiti government saw Al-Alyan and other press leaders as informal advisors, and he often accompanied the Amir on international trips, serving alongside influential figures like Hamad Al-Mutawa, Al-Massaeed and others.
Challenges and resilience during the invasion
The Iraqi invasion in 1990 marked one of the most challenging periods for Al-Alyan and Kuwait Times. Yousuf Al-Alyan chose to remain in Kuwait while his family was abroad. The newspaper’s office was ransacked and destroyed. Despite the losses, he quickly rebuilt and played a key role in publishing Al-Fajr Al-Jadeed (The New Dawn), the first Arabic newspaper issued after Kuwait’s liberation, symbolizing the nation’s resilience and freedom. Although some competitors criticized the necessity of Al-Fajr Al-Jadeed post-liberation, Al-Alyan decided not to fight back, avoiding confrontation and preferring to let the paper’s historical significance stand on its own.
Building the journalistic community
Al-Alyan was instrumental in establishing the Kuwait Journalists Association, serving as its president for several years before stepping down to make way for younger talent. He was a mentor to many in the industry, embodying a role as the "father figure” of Kuwaiti journalism. Known for his calm demeanor, Al-Alyan was frequently called upon to mediate disputes, always prioritizing dialogue and understanding over conflict.
Moreover, since the ‘80’s, Al-Alyan’s spouse Badrya Darwish managed the day-to-day business of Kuwait Times, gaining international acknowledgment over the years during her active participation in the foreign press in the UK.
Business ventures and philosophy
In addition to his journalistic endeavors, Al-Alyan ventured into business. He established the Al Alyan Trading Company (ALTC) in the 1970s, which became a distributor for various goods, including the iconic Quaker Oats, which still supplies 80 percent of the local "harees” (a type of pudding) today. He also founded a travel agency, though journalism remained his primary passion. Despite his success, Al-Alyan remained humble, maintaining a simple lifestyle. He stayed active, and even on the day he passed away, he drove himself to work.
The man behind the legacy
Described as modest and compassionate, Yousuf Al-Alyan had a unique approach to life. He treated everyone equally, whether they were senior journalists or the tea boy at the office, a trait that drew admiration from those who knew him. His dedication to fairness and equality was evident even in how he managed his business. Despite experiencing instances of theft and fraud, he chose forgiveness over retribution, a quality that often frustrated his family but spoke volumes about his character.
His love for travel was well known, and he was almost always on the move, accompanying Amirs and fulfilling his role as a representative of Kuwait’s press. He loved London as a city and enjoyed walking for hours. This constant traveling did not diminish his responsibilities; instead, it highlighted his dedication to being at the forefront of every major development concerning Kuwait.
The decline of quality journalism
Al-Alyan often spoke about the declining standards in journalism, lamenting the shift from the responsible, respectful reporting of his era to a more aggressive, less principled form. He believed in constructive criticism, a practice that focused on contributing positively to society rather than tearing it down.
A vision for independent journalism
Yousuf Al-Alyan remained committed to the independence of Kuwait Times, rejecting any financial or political support that could compromise its integrity. This stance allowed him to maintain an unbiased voice, which garnered respect from the highest levels of leadership. He often refused offers to work directly with the government, preferring to serve as an independent advisor.
The transition to the digital era
Before his passing in 2007, Al-Alyan was aware of the changes the Internet would bring to journalism. He understood that the future of media would differ greatly from its past, predicting that revenue from traditional advertisements and printing would decline. However, he remained optimistic about Kuwait Times continuing its mission, adapting to the changing landscape while maintaining its core values.
Continuing the legacy
After Al-Alyan’s passing, his son Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan took over as Editor-in-Chief, while Dr Ziad’s and Abd Al-Rahman’s mother Badriya Darwish continued to manage the operations of the paper. Together, they ensured that Kuwait Times evolved to meet the demands of modern journalism. Abdullah Boftain then took over the expansion of Kuwait Times and Kuwait News. expanding into digital media.
Conclusion
Yousuf Al-Alyan’s legacy as a pioneer of independent journalism is undeniable. Kuwait Times stands as a testament to his vision, resilience and unwavering belief in the power of the press as a tool for societal growth. His impact continues to resonate through Kuwait’s media landscape, serving as a beacon for the next generation of journalists committed to upholding the principles of quality, integrity and independence.