Advertisers are calling for independent audits of regional publications in order to boost confidence in the publishing industry. Audits are used by prospective advertisers to determine a publication's circulation, and its worth to an advertising campaign. "The demand for using audited titles from advertisers is increasing," said Zubair Siddiqui, who is a member of the regional advisory board of BPA Worldwide, an auditor of media titles. 

Arabian Business reports that Gulf Sports Media will be launching Sports 360, an English sports daily newspaper that will be based in Abu Dhabi later this year. London-based journalist Steve McKenlay, a former executive sports editor of The Sun and head of sport at the London Standard, has been hired to edit the newspaper.