Veteran Al Jazeera journalist Jamal Rayyan passes away

Prominent Palestinian journalist Jamal Rayyan, one of the most recognisable faces of Al Jazeera Media Network, has passed away after a long career in Arab broadcasting.

Rayyan was widely regarded as one of the channel’s most prominent anchors and had been associated with Al Jazeera since its launch in 1996, when he appeared among the first presenters to deliver the network’s news bulletins.

He began his media career in 1974 as a presenter of news and political programmes on Jordanian radio and television. Over the following decades, he worked for several Arab and international media outlets, including South Korea’s Broadcasting Corporation, Emirates TV and BBC Arabic.

After joining Al Jazeera, Rayyan became one of the network’s leading presenters, known for his professional style and distinctive presence while covering major political developments in the region.

Originally from the Palestinian city of Tulkarm, Rayyan left a lasting mark on Arab journalism. His name became closely associated with television news broadcasts and political programmes watched by millions across the Arab world.

Before joining Al Jazeera, he had also worked with BBC Arabic in the early 1990s, contributing to a range of news and current affairs programmes.

Following the announcement of his death, colleagues, journalists and media figures across the region expressed their condolences on social media, paying tribute to his decades of service to Arab media and journalism.

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