KUWAIT: Monday marked the 15th anniversary of the death of Yousuf Al-Alyan, founder of Kuwait Times, the first English daily in Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf. Alyan was one of the most influential people in Kuwait's journalism and one of the founders of Kuwait Journalists Association. On December 5, 2007, Yousuf Al-Alyan passed away at the age of 75.

January 1969 file photo shows Interior and Defense Minister HH Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah with Saud Al-Abdelrazzaq, Yousuf Al-Alyan and Baqir Khuraibet.

On September 24, 1961, Kuwait Times published its first issue, ushering in a modern era of Kuwait journalism. Established just after Kuwait's independence and the start of the country's development renaissance - coupled with a social movement, cultural diversity and the welcoming of Arab and foreign residents - Kuwait Times served as the first newspaper for non-Arabic-speaking residents in Kuwait, bringing them the news of the world and presenting Kuwait's news to the world. It represented the state abroad in front of the international community.

Yousuf Al-Alyan with Jumaa Yaseen, Raouf Shahouri and Khalid Qatma in Lebanon during a ceremony in honor of Karam Melhem.

HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Yousuf Al-Alyan on board the aircraft during their return from Doha Khaleeji in this file photo.

Yousuf Al-Alyan with Jassem Al-Khorafi

The late Yousuf Saleh Al-Alyan (may Allah bless his soul), was one of the pioneers of journalism in Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf. He served as Editor-in-Chief of Kuwait Times from its establishment in 1961 until he passed away in 2007. He was born and attended high school in Kuwait, then went to Britain and joined the prestigious University of London, where he obtained his BSc in Economics and Political Science in 1953.

He was selected as honorary president of Kuwait Journalists Association in appreciation of his role in serving journalism, replacing the late dean Abdulaziz Al-Musaeed. He was one of the founders of KJA in 1964 as well as Editor-in-Chief of Al-Fajr Al-Jadeed. Alyan served as KJA President from 1978 until 1985 and from 1990 until 1992.