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GQ Middle East has appointed Ahmad Swaid as editor-in- chief of the title. Swaid will take the helm of GQ Middle East on March 7, working on its April issue onwards and will be based in Dubai.
In his new role, he will become only the second editor-in-chief at the Middle East edition of GQ.
Swaid, who is British-born and of Lebanese and Sierra Leonean descent, has spent the last ten years working in the industry, collaborating with some of the biggest names in fashion publishing. Most recently Swaid held the position of Head of Content at Dazed Media where he managed the content strategy for issue launches featuring talent including Harry Styles, Rihanna, Frank Ocean and Billie Eillish to name a few. During this time he also worked on key projects with brand partners including Burberry, Gucci, Spotify and TikTok.
“I’m excited to ring in a new era at a time of great global change. The voices of the next generation have never been so important, neither has creating a sense of togetherness - between communities and cultures,” said Swaid.
With a passion to support and elevate Middle Eastern talent on a global stage, Swaid also co-founded the non-profit organisation Creatives for Lebanon in 2020 in response to the devastating explosion in Beirut. At GQ Middle East, it is his mission to build even further upon the brand’s reputation for ground-breaking content across the Middle East and the diaspora, with a specific focus on Qatar and Saudi in terms of growth.
GQ Middle East became the 21st edition of the global men’s media brand when it launched in October 2018 with a cover starring Rami Malek. It has rapidly gone on to become one of the most influential men’s brands in the region, with highlights including record-breaking covers of the Arab legend Mohamed Salah, hosting its Men of The year awards at the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, and signing a first-of-its kind partnership with the gender equality organisation UN Women.
