The Inspiring Journey of Maleen Saeed – From Mombasa to Al Jazeera English

Newsdipper7 hours ago

Who Is Maleen Saeed?

Maleen Saeed is a distinguished international news anchor and broadcast journalist, best known for her work with Al Jazeera English in Doha, Qatar. Over the years, she has earned a reputation as a trusted voice in global journalism, delivering news and business analysis with precision, poise, and integrity.

Raised in Mombasa, Kenya, Maleen’s career reflects both her multicultural upbringing and her global outlook. From her early days in Kenyan broadcasting to her prominent roles at the BBC, TRT World, and Al Jazeera English, she has built an impressive career spanning continents, cultures, and major global events.

Early Life and Education of Maleen Saeed

Born and raised in Mombasa, Kenya, Maleen Saeed grew up in a culturally rich and diverse environment that shaped her worldview. Her Kenyan roots instilled in her a strong sense of identity, curiosity, and empathy — qualities that later became evident in her journalistic work.

She pursued higher education in the United Kingdom, beginning with a Bachelor of Science in Economics (Development Economics and International Development) from the University of Nottingham between 2000 and 2003. Her keen interest in storytelling and socio-economic issues led her to advance her studies further, earning a Master’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Sheffield in 2006, graduating with first-class honours.

This academic foundation gave her the perfect blend of analytical and communication skills, enabling her to interpret complex global issues for diverse audiences.

Maleen Saeed’s Early Career in Broadcasting

Maleen began her professional journey in Kenya as a news anchor at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) from 2004 to 2005. She was the main presenter for the 6 pm evening news, gaining early recognition for her confident presentation style and natural charisma on screen.

This early experience gave her invaluable exposure to newsroom operations, live reporting, and audience engagement — laying the groundwork for an international career that would soon take her to the global stage.

BBC Career: Building Global Credibility

In 2008, Maleen Saeed joined the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), where she spent more than seven years mastering the craft of international journalism.

She worked as a Senior Broadcast Journalist within the BBC Business Unit, producing and presenting the World Business Report and other flagship programmes on BBC World News. Her responsibilities included determining top business stories, writing scripts and headlines, managing running orders, and outputting live programmes from the studio gallery.

Between 2013 and 2015, she advanced to the role of News Presenter and Anchor at BBC World News, where she presented breaking news bulletins, conducted live interviews, and provided continuous coverage of major world events such as the Mediterranean migrant crisis.

Her time at the BBC honed her editorial judgment and deepened her understanding of global affairs — skills that became essential in her later international roles.

Transition to TRT World: A New Challenge

In 2016, Maleen Saeed joined TRT World, the Turkish international broadcaster, as a full-time news anchor based in Istanbul. Over three and a half years, she delivered live news coverage, in-depth interviews, and special reports focused on international politics, economics, and human stories.

At TRT World, she became known for her clear analytical delivery and ability to humanise complex global narratives. Her professionalism and credibility earned her respect among international audiences and peers alike.

Joining Al Jazeera English: Global Recognition

In August 2020, Maleen Saeed began working as a freelance news anchor for Al Jazeera Media Network in Doha, Qatar. She presents live Newshours and the weekly business show “Counting the Cost,” covering the intersection of economics, technology, and global politics.

At Al Jazeera, she brings more than a decade of experience from the BBC and TRT World, offering a distinctive mix of journalistic precision and emotional intelligence. Her work continues to reflect her global perspective — shaped by her Kenyan heritage, British education, and professional experiences across three continents.

Beyond the screen, Maleen is also active as an MC, event host, and facilitator, working on high-profile conferences and corporate events since December 2022.

Personal Life and Background

Maleen Saeed is not only a respected journalist but also a dedicated family woman. She is married to Ben Tornquist, an executive producer associated with Al Jazeera English, and together they have two children, Isabelle and Sebastian.

She often shares glimpses of her personal life on social media, describing herself as a “Mum of two gorgeous kiddos” and a “Global citizen currently living in Doha.” Her family posts — often tagged from places like Phuket, Thailand, and West Bay Lagoon, Doha — reflect a balance between her demanding career and her devotion to family life.

On her Instagram, she shared a heartfelt message marking her 40th birthday, revealing that she had faced a challenging year following the loss of her father. Her openness about grief and mental health resonated widely with her followers, as she wrote:

“Hold on tight to those you love. Live in the moment as much as you can. Things will get better. But it’s okay not to feel okay.”

Her resilience and authenticity have made her an admired figure not only as a journalist but also as a woman who speaks honestly about life’s challenges.

Maleen Saeed’s Cultural Identity and Global Perspective

Raised in Mombasa, educated in Britain, and now based in Qatar, Maleen Saeed embodies the spirit of the modern global journalist. Her multicultural background enables her to connect with stories and audiences from diverse regions, while her professional discipline ensures factual accuracy and impartial reporting.

She often references her Kenyan upbringing with pride, maintaining strong ties to her East African roots. This unique blend of cultural awareness and international experience gives her reporting a balanced, human-centred tone that distinguishes her in the world of global broadcasting.

Recognition and Public Presence

Across platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), Maleen maintains an active public profile.
Her X handle, @MaleenSaeed, describes her as:

“News Anchor Al Jazeera English 🇶🇦 Ex BBC News 🇬🇧 and TRT World 🇹🇷 Raised in Mombasa 🇰🇪 Married to a 🇳🇿”

She frequently shares insights on world events, reflections on her career, and moments from her personal life, engaging with a growing audience of journalists, academics, and admirers worldwide.

Maleen Saeed’s Impact and Legacy

Through her work, Maleen Saeed has contributed to shaping global understanding of major events across politics, economics, and human rights. She represents a new generation of African-born journalists who have achieved international prominence through dedication, integrity, and talent.

Her success demonstrates the power of cross-cultural storytelling and the vital role journalists play in connecting the world. As she continues to present global news from Doha, her voice remains a trusted and respected presence in international broadcasting.

Conclusion: A Voice of Clarity and Compassion

In an age where journalism faces unprecedented challenges, Maleen Saeed stands out as a beacon of professionalism, empathy, and authenticity. From her early days at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation to her prominent role at Al Jazeera English, her journey is a testament to perseverance and global citizenship.

Her story — of a Kenyan woman rising to international prominence through hard work, intellect, and heart — continues to inspire many. Whether reporting world affairs or advocating mental health awareness, Maleen Saeed proves that true journalism goes beyond headlines; it is about connecting humanity through truth and compassion.

FAQs

1. How old is Maleen Saeed?

Maleen Saeed turned 40 years old in 2021, (Age, 44 as of 2025) as mentioned in one of her personal social media posts. She was therefore born around 1981.

2. Who is Maleen Saeed’s husband?

She is married to Ben Tornquist, who is also associated with Al Jazeera English as an executive producer. The couple often share moments from their family life on social media.

3. Where was Maleen Saeed born?

Maleen Saeed was born in Kilifi and raised in Mombasa, Kenya, a coastal city known for its cultural diversity and vibrant media scene.

4. What is Maleen Saeed’s nationality?

She holds Kenyan nationality and is proud of her East African heritage, frequently referencing her roots in Mombasa.

5. What is Maleen Saeed’s ethnicity?

Maleen Saeed is of Kenyan origin and represents the multicultural identity of the Swahili coastal community, blending African and global cultural influences.

6. What is Maleen Saeed’s role at Al Jazeera?

She works as a freelance news anchor at Al Jazeera English, presenting live Newshours and the weekly business programme “Counting the Cost”, based in Doha, Qatar.