EDITORIAL STANDARDS

Editorial Standards

Herald of the Emirates' changing horizon

Sidre Wire — Editorial Standards

Sidre Wire reports on the United Arab Emirates and the wider region according to clear, consistent standards. Our mission is to provide accurate, fair and independent journalism in English, honoring the heraldic spirit of rigorous public service. These standards guide how we gather, edit and publish information.

Accuracy and verification

  • We pursue the most accurate account possible. Reporters verify facts through direct documents, official records, public data, and corroborating interviews before publication.
  • Headlines, decks and captions must fairly represent the story. We avoid sensationalism and correct any misleading emphasis.
  • When a story relies on technical or specialist material, we seek independent expert review where practicable.

Sourcing

  • We name our sources whenever it is responsible and possible to do so. Named sourcing strengthens transparency and accountability.
  • We do not pay for information. Paying for interviews or news tips creates incentives that can distort reporting and is prohibited.
  • Photographs, video and data are sourced clearly; we identify when material is provided by third parties, user contributors, or partners.

Use of anonymous sources

  • Anonymous sources are used sparingly and only when there is a compelling public interest and the information cannot be obtained otherwise.
  • Before granting anonymity, editors must confirm that: the source has direct knowledge, the information can be independently verified, and publication will not cause unreasonable harm.
  • Anonymity is approved by senior editors and recorded internally with the rationale for granting it. Where possible we provide context to readers about why identity was withheld (e.g., safety, contractual confidentiality).

Conflicts of interest

  • We disclose material conflicts of interest that could reasonably call our coverage into question. That includes financial interests, close personal relationships, paid engagements and significant gifts.
  • Staffers must recuse themselves from reporting or editing stories where they have a personal stake. Freelancers and contributors are required to disclose relevant ties before assignment.
  • We maintain independence from advertisers, sponsors and political actors. Editorial decisions rest with journalists and editors, not commercial or political partners.

Separation of news and opinion

  • News reporting and opinion are kept separate. News stories aim to be fact-based and impartial; opinion pieces reflect an author’s viewpoint and are clearly labeled as Opinion, Analysis, Commentary or Editorial.
  • Opinion contributors disclose relevant affiliations or interests at the top of their pieces. Editorial endorsements by Sidre Wire are clearly identified.
  • Our homepage and section pages visually distinguish sponsored content, native advertising and advertorials; such material is labeled prominently as Paid Content or Sponsored.

Corrections and accountability

  • We correct significant errors promptly and transparently. Corrections will be published on the story page and, when necessary, summarized on our corrections page.
  • Corrections will note what was wrong, what has been corrected, and when the correction was made. We retain previous versions internally for audit and review.
  • Readers who believe a story has not met these standards should write to our editorial team at [email protected] or use the contact form at /contact/. We aim to acknowledge editorial complaints promptly and to provide a substantive response as soon as practicable.

Fairness and treatment of subjects

  • We treat the people we cover with respect and fairness. When allegations, wrongdoing, or potentially damaging claims are published, we make reasonable efforts to contact those affected for comment before publication.
  • We show special care when reporting on minors, victims of crime, vulnerable communities or individuals in distress.

Additional practices

  • Social media: Staff may have personal accounts but must not present personal views as the newsroom’s. Official Sidre Wire social accounts are used to report and promote editorial content, not to endorse political causes.
  • Visual verification: We verify images and video for authenticity and label manipulated or archival material where applicable.
  • Transparency: We publish information about our newsroom practices, corrections and significant editorial decisions to maintain public trust.

If you have questions about our standards, notice an error, or wish to raise an editorial concern, please contact [email protected] and/or submit a message via the contact form at /contact/.

Last updated: May 11, 2026