 is an independent digital news organization providing in-depth reporting, analysis, and commentary on the Middle East and North Africa. Founded in 2014 and led by editor David Hearst, MEE covers major regional events with a focus on local perspectives and investigative journalism.){kind=link}
Middle East Eye (MEE). An independently funded digital news organization founded in April 2014, headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It focuses on news, commentary, and analysis related to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as well as related content from beyond these areas.
Overview
MEE aims to provide unique coverage by emphasizing on-the-ground reporting that highlights local viewpoints. Its journalists are encouraged to go beyond official narratives, offering deeper insights and investigative stories. The organization’s editor-in-chief is David Hearst, a former foreign lead writer for The Guardian.
Coverage and Editorial Approach
Middle East Eye covers events in 22 countries across the Middle East and North Africa. Its content includes news, opinion pieces, and essays. The outlet has broken several major stories, such as:
- The end of the siege of eastern Aleppo
- The investigation into the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a former MEE writer killed on orders of the Saudi Crown Prince
- The U.K. government’s involvement in allowing British-Libyans to fight Qaddafi
- A secret Arab plot to oust the Palestinian president
- The role of Iranian-backed militias against U.S. forces in Iraq
- Exposure of a covert U.K. government program disguised as a “woke” social media network for young people
MEE’s coverage is driven by a large network of journalists, freelance correspondents, opinion writers, and analysts based across the MENA region, with additional teams in New York, Washington, Jerusalem, and Ankara, as well as French-language digital platforms.
In 2019, MEE launched “Discover,” a features strand focusing on arts, culture, lifestyle, and travel in the region, including original video content. This initiative was highly commended at The Drum Online Media Awards 2020 for Best Lifestyle/Leisure News Site.
Recognition and Impact
MEE has a significant influence on regional news agendas, with its stories often picked up by other media outlets. Its reports have been cited by international organizations such as the International Criminal Court, United Nations agencies, NATO, the European Parliament, NGOs like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, and think tanks including Chatham House, RUSI, and Brookings Institute.
Several Middle East Eye journalists have won prestigious awards for their reporting, including:
- Celine Martelet (Premio Luchetta Awards, 2023)
- Dania Akkad (Write To End Violence Against Women Awards, 2022)
- Mohammed Amin (Martin Adler Prize, Rory Peck Trust, 2022)
- Suadad al-Salhy (The Drum Online Media Awards, 2022)
- Daniel Hilton (Amnesty Media Awards, 2021)
- Maha Hussaini (Martin Adler Prize, 2020)
- Shatha Hammad (One World Media New Voice Award, 2020)
- Peter Oborne (Drum Online Media Awards, multiple years)1
Controversies and Criticism
MEE has faced unsurprising accusations from the governments of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and BahrainBahrain of having a pro-Muslim Brotherhood bias and receiving funding from Qatar, which it denies. During the 2017–2018 Qatar diplomatic crisis, these countries demanded Qatar shut down MEE as part of their list of demands.
The website has been blocked in some Middle Eastern countries, including a permanent block in the UAE since 2016 and temporary blocks in Egypt during protests in 2019.
The ownership of Middle East Eye is undisclosed. Formally, it is owned by M.E.E. Limited, with Jamal Bessasso listed as the sole director, though the organization denies direct Qatari funding and ownership claims remain opaque.
Accessibility and Contact
Middle East Eye is accessible via its website and maintains an active presence on social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Contact can be made through their official website contact form.