Why Named Sources Are Preferred

Named sources allow readers to assess who is making a claim, how that person may know the information and whether the source has an interest in the subject.

Attribution also improves accountability and makes it easier to verify or challenge information.

When Anonymity May Be Considered

An unnamed source may be considered when several conditions are satisfied.

• the source's real identity is known to the relevant editor or editorial decision-maker;
• the source is in a credible position to know the information;
• the information has meaningful public or reader interest;
• the information cannot reasonably be obtained on the record;
• there is a legitimate professional, legal, personal or safety reason for confidentiality;
• the source is not using anonymity merely to avoid accountability;
• corroboration is sought where reasonably possible.

Why a Source May Need Confidentiality

Legitimate reasons may include a credible risk of:

• professional retaliation;
• loss of employment;
• legal exposure;
• personal harm;
• safety consequences;
• other serious consequences directly connected to disclosure of identity.

A preference for anonymity is not enough by itself.

Editorial Questions Before Granting Anonymity

The relevant editor should consider:

• Who is the source?
• How does the source know the information?
• Is the source directly involved or repeating second-hand information?
• Why does the source require anonymity?
• What risk would disclosure create?
• Does the source have a financial, political, commercial or personal motive?
• Can the claim be confirmed through documents or other sources?
• Can enough source context be provided to readers without identifying the source?

Corroboration

Anonymous claims should be corroborated where reasonably possible.

Corroboration may include:

• official documents;
• public records;
• internal documents whose authenticity can be assessed;
• reliable datasets;
• official statements;
• additional independent sources;
• other evidence appropriate to the claim.

Single-Source Anonymous Claims

Dubai Times aims to avoid relying on a single anonymous source for serious or sensitive allegations where meaningful independent confirmation is unavailable.

The more consequential the claim, the stronger the need for corroboration and careful editorial assessment.

Source Descriptions

Where anonymity is granted, Dubai Times should provide enough accurate context for readers to understand why the source may be credible without revealing information that defeats the purpose of confidentiality.

Source descriptions should not exaggerate a person's level of knowledge or authority.

Attribution

Information obtained from an unnamed source should still be attributed appropriately in the article.

The wording should make clear that the information comes from a source rather than presenting it as an independently established Dubai Times fact where verification remains limited.

Confidentiality

Dubai Times does not disclose a confidential source merely because a reader, subject or commercial organisation requests the source's identity.

Confidentiality should not be promised casually before the editorial basis for anonymity has been assessed.

Commercial Sources

Companies, investors, competitors, advisers and other commercially interested parties may have legitimate information, but their interests should be considered when evaluating anonymous claims.

An unnamed commercial source should not be used merely to publish promotional, competitive or market-moving claims without adequate evidence.

Press Releases and Background Briefings

A press release is normally attributable to the organisation that issued it and generally does not require anonymous sourcing.

Background briefings or confidential discussions may require separate editorial judgement depending on the terms of the conversation and the public-interest value of the information.

Corrections

If an article based partly on an unnamed source contains a material factual error, Dubai Times may correct the article under the same correction principles that apply to other reporting.

A correction does not automatically require disclosure of the confidential source.

Reader Concerns

Readers who believe anonymous sourcing has been used inaccurately or misleadingly may contact corrections@dubaitimes.org.

Editorial questions may also be sent to editorial@dubaitimes.org.