The National, an IMI company, was founded in 2008 and has since set a new standard for quality English-language journalism in the Middle East. Widely recognised as one of the most influential news outlets from the region, The National has been awarded extensively for its journalism, design, podcasts, photography and videos, while its reputation for excellence appeals to decision-makers and industry leaders.
The National is committed to delivering quality journalism to its international audiences. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, it has bureaux in London, Washington DC, Beirut and Cairo, in addition to 200 correspondents and a wide network of contributors worldwide, The National has developed a reputation for providing in-depth coverage of the Middle East and a window into the region from the wider world.
Publishing across all digital platforms, The National also produces a print edition five days a week in the United Arab Emirates.
Job Purpose
The Video Journalist is responsible for producing high-quality, engaging, and accurate news content across digital and multimedia platforms. The role requires strong reporting skills combined with the ability to create video, audio, and social-first content that aligns with The National’s editorial standards and audience strategy.
Key Responsibilities
* Research, report, and produce original news stories across assigned topics and beats.
* Capture, shoot, and edit multimedia content including video, audio, and still images for digital platforms.
* Deliver fast, accurate, and engaging content for website, mobile, and social media channels.
* Conduct interviews on camera and in person with relevant newsmakers, experts, and stakeholders.
* Write scripts, captions, and digital copy aligned with editorial tone and SEO requirements.
* Work closely with editors, producers, and the digital team to ensure timely publication of content.
* Cover breaking news and live events when required, including field reporting.
* Ensure all content meets editorial, ethical, and legal standards of The National.
* Use analytics and audience insights to improve storytelling and engagement.
* Maintain awareness of regional and global news developments, especially relevant to UAE and MENA.
* Manage and organize multimedia assets and ensure proper archiving.
* Support video editing workflows by processing Abu Dhabi-assigned content remotely during London shift downtime, ensuring continuity of production across both offices.
KEY SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
* Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Media, Communications, or related field.
* 3–6 years of experience in journalism, preferably in multimedia or digital news environments.
* Strong reporting, writing, and storytelling skills in English (Arabic is a strong advantage).
* Proficiency in video shooting and editing tools (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro).
* Understanding of social media platforms and digital content formats.
* Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
* Strong interviewing and on-camera presentation skills.
* Familiarity with newsroom workflows and editorial standards.