‘Future’ List Triumphs in Saudi Journalists Association Elections

The President and members of the board of the Saudi Journalists Association after their election. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The President and members of the board of the Saudi Journalists Association after their election. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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‘Future’ List Triumphs in Saudi Journalists Association Elections

The President and members of the board of the Saudi Journalists Association after their election. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The President and members of the board of the Saudi Journalists Association after their election. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi journalists and media figures, running on the “Future” list, were elected members of the board of directors of the Saudi Journalist Association.

The elections, held on Sunday, drew significant participation from the Saudi journalistic community.

Adhwan Alahmari, Editor-in-Chief of Independent Arabia, was elected president of the Saudi Journalist Association.

The elected board members of the board are: Zaid bin Kami, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Asharq Al-Awsat; Mohammed Al-Bishi, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Eqtisadiah; Faisal Abbas, Editor-in-Chief of Arab News; Adhwan Alahmri, Editor-in-Chief of Independent Arabia; Ali Al-Hazmi, Editor-in-Chief of Sabq; Hamed Alshehri, Editor-in-Chief of the Saudipedia platform; Fatima Al-Awfi from the Media Department at the Ministry of Sports; Lama Al-Shethry, Editor-in-Chief of Sayidaty; May Al-Sharif, Assistant Editor-in-Chief of Independent Arabia; Noor Nugali, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Arab News; Bushra Alrabiah from the Government Communication Center; Thekra Al-Atyawi from the Saudi Broadcasting Authority; and Mamdouh Al-Muhaini, General Manager of Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath television stations.

Saudi Media Minister Salman Al-Dosari, in a statement posted on “X,” highlighted the importance of civil society in developing journalists’ skills and enhancing media performance.

He congratulated the newly elected board of the Saudi Journalists Association, thanked the outgoing council led by Khaled Al-Malik, and expressed optimism about a productive partnership for advancing the media industry.

Following the election, the Board of Directors held its first meeting, electing Alahmari as president, and Faisal Abbas as president while Bushra Alrabiah was elected as treasurer.

Alahmari thanked his colleagues for the confidence entrusted in him.

He hoped that the new team can achieve their hopes and aspirations. He also praised the great efforts made by the members of the previous boards who made outstanding contributions in meeting objectives.

He said his colleagues will present their visions at the next meeting to develop an organized strategy for their work that stems from the main objectives of the association and is consistent with the aspirations of Saudi media and journalists.



Buyer Splashes Out $1.3 Million for Tokyo New Year Tuna

 The head of a 276-kilogram bluefin tuna that was auctioned for 207 million Japanese yen (about 1.3 million US dollars), which was bought jointly by sushi restaurant operator Onodera Group and wholesaler Yamayuki, is carried by a sushi chef at an Onodera sushi restaurant after the first tuna auction of the New Year in Tokyo, Japan January 5, 2025. (Reuters)
The head of a 276-kilogram bluefin tuna that was auctioned for 207 million Japanese yen (about 1.3 million US dollars), which was bought jointly by sushi restaurant operator Onodera Group and wholesaler Yamayuki, is carried by a sushi chef at an Onodera sushi restaurant after the first tuna auction of the New Year in Tokyo, Japan January 5, 2025. (Reuters)
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Buyer Splashes Out $1.3 Million for Tokyo New Year Tuna

 The head of a 276-kilogram bluefin tuna that was auctioned for 207 million Japanese yen (about 1.3 million US dollars), which was bought jointly by sushi restaurant operator Onodera Group and wholesaler Yamayuki, is carried by a sushi chef at an Onodera sushi restaurant after the first tuna auction of the New Year in Tokyo, Japan January 5, 2025. (Reuters)
The head of a 276-kilogram bluefin tuna that was auctioned for 207 million Japanese yen (about 1.3 million US dollars), which was bought jointly by sushi restaurant operator Onodera Group and wholesaler Yamayuki, is carried by a sushi chef at an Onodera sushi restaurant after the first tuna auction of the New Year in Tokyo, Japan January 5, 2025. (Reuters)

The top bidder at a Tokyo fish market said they paid $1.3 million for a tuna on Sunday, the second highest price ever paid at an annual prestigious new year auction.

Michelin-starred sushi restauranteurs the Onodera Group said they paid 207 million yen for the 276-kilogram (608 pound) bluefin tuna, roughly the size and weight of a motorbike.

It is the second highest price paid at the opening auction of the year in Tokyo's main fish market since comparable data started being collected in 1999.

The powerful buyers have now paid the top price for five years straight -- winning bragging rights and a lucrative frenzy of media attention in Japan.

"The first tuna is something meant to bring in good fortune," Onodera official Shinji Nagao told reporters after the auction. "Our wish is that people will eat this and have a wonderful year."

The Onodera Group paid 114 million yen for the top tuna last year.

But the highest ever auction price was 333.6 million yen for a 278-kilogram bluefin in 2019, as the fish market was moved from its traditional Tsukiji area to a modern facility in nearby Toyosu.

The record bid was made by self-proclaimed "Tuna King" Kiyoshi Kimura, who operates the Sushi Zanmai national restaurant chain.

During the Covid-19 pandemic the new year tunas commanded only a fraction of their usual top prices, as the public were discouraged from dining out and restaurants had limited operations.