Adnan Al Kateb, a British journalist of Syrian origins, works as the editorial manager of Hia Magazine and holds a master’s degree in journalism and modern literature. He is a member of the National Union of Journalists. Named the “interviewer of the famous”, he is known for having his own special way of technique of writing, and many call him the magician with golden fingers and the never-draining fountain of ideas. With an experience of over 25 years, AlKateb has succeeded in translating his strong connections and friendships with influential figures and celebrities into Arab and international interviews that have been circulated by many media and websites.
Born in Lattakia, Syria, in 1959, Alkateb faced and struggled against difficulties and poverty during his childhood. He currently resides in Dubai, with which he has a special connection: “An immense love story is what connects me with Dubai and its people, and I consider my residence in Dubai with my close family as one of the most important secrets of my success” (Adnan AlKateb to Emarat al Youm). He is married to the renowned journalist Mai Badr, and together they have a son, Badr. Many nickname him the ‘’ghost’’ or ‘’shadow man’’ as he very rarely attends social and official occasions. His is also one of the few British journalists of Arab origin that have the protection, support and immunity of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) as he has been one of its active members since more than 20 years.
1982: editor in a number of Syrian newspapers. Later editorial manager of the Syrian newspaper “Al-Wehda” and reporter to a lot of famous Arab newspapers and Magazines.
1994: editor at the Arab Press House in London and editorial manager of Sayidaty magazine.
2006 – present day: Editorial manager of Hia magazine.
2014: he is currently working on publishing ‘’The Encyclopedia of Celebrities” which will include information and photos, previously unknown to the public, about many celebrities.
He has left his special mark on all publications he has worked for as well as helped in their growth editorial and advertising wise thanks to his substantial experience and strong public relations.
Many of his interviews with stars and wives of Arab leaders are found on YouTube.
Awards and Recognitions
His Facebook page, which shares the latest news as well as exclusive photos from his personal archive, has gained more than 2 million “likes” within 14 months of its launch. As well, more than 20 million followers visit it weekly, and this is a record number which has not been achieved by any other Arab journalist since the launch of Facebook.
In 2014, he topped the list of the Most Important International Figures in Electronic Media and reached the number 1 rank globally according to the statistics published by website StarCount website that evaluates media, websites, and social networking. In fact, he is not only ranked number 1 on this global list, but he is also the only Arab on its top 100. The most important Arab media, including MBC and Emirati newspaper Al Ittihad Newspaper, have published this achievement and praised his success.
Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein after her marriage to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Several Emirati businesswomen and leading young Emirati women, including Mona Bin Kalli, Lamia Abdulaziz Khan, Samira Abdul Aziz, Amna Binhendi and Hind Abdul Hamied Seddiqi.
This is in addition to interviewing Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Monica Bellucci, Julia Roberts, Gisele Bundchen, Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez, Amy Adams, Beyonce, Diane Kruger, Laetitia Casta and Kate Bosworth.
