Defamed ‘Four Seasons’ Sun Columnist Heads To Dubai

Pranay Gupte, who last week claimed the New York Sun stole his “Lunch at the Four Seasons” column after the paper ran it under a byline other than his, is headed to the Khaleej Times in Dubai.

To: Colleagues and friends
From: Pranay Gupte
Date: October 1, 2006
Re: Khaleej Times, Dubai

This is specially to let you know that I’ve just become executive editor/business at Khaleej Times, the leading English-language newspaper in the Middle East. My specific assignment is to create and launch a weekly review-magazine whose focus would be both regional and global, with a special emphasis on business, finance, communications, law and that zone where policy-making converges with decision-making, and where geopolitics and economics meet. I’ve also been asked to help streamline — and possibly re-invent — the daily usiness section of the newspaper, which was founded three decades ago. In time, the “Gupte touch” may be applied to the entire paper.

Through the print edition and popular Web site (www.khaleejtimes.com), the paper reaches more than a million people in the Middle East and internationally every day. It has a highly motivated and professional team here in Dubai, and I’m looking forward to working with the Khaleej Times staff.

Dubai, of course, has become a truly global city. It’s now the financial-services hub of the region, and also a center for transportation and communications. Tourism is thriving. Cultural activities are flourishing. The population is extraordinarily cosmopolitan. The business of Dubai is business.

I would welcome suggestions for articles and essays, and contributions for the new venture. The as-yet-untitled new publication will compensate contributors, of course. But it’s a little early in the game to relay payment rates right now. I’m expecting a launch by year’s end, and possibly earlier.

My warm thanks and good wishes.

Pranay Gupte
Khaleej Times, Dubai

EARLIER:

Ex-’Lunch At Four Seasons’ Columnist Says New York Sun Lied, Stole Column

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