GQ Middle East has announced the launch of its inaugural issue. The title's debut issue will hit newsstands on 4 October in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Lebanon, marking the 21st global edition of the brand. The October issue launches together with its bilingual online platform gqmiddleeast.com, and will offer a fresh and dynamic take on fashion, style, and features. GQ Middle East will be published by Condé Nast International, under its licence agreement with ITP Media Group.  

The dual-cover launch edition features Emmy-Award winning Egyptian-American actor Rami Malek, who plays Freddie Mercury in the upcoming Queen biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody. The cover story was shot by former creative director of American GQ Jim Moore and photographer Peggy Sirota, and is accompanied by a full inside feature. 

Abu Dhabi-born, Adam Baidawi will oversee the editorial direction of GQ Middle East as the youngest editor-in-chief of the brand. Baidawi comments, 'Our vision for this GQ is to bring the world to the Middle East and the Middle East to the world. We’re exploring this region with fresh eyes to both inspire and reflect our reader: the modern, accomplished man.'

The launch will be accompanied by a 12-week series of experiential events covering the key pillars of the brand - style, watches, sports, culture and fine dining. As part of the celebrations, GQ Middle East will host a launch event on 17 October as well as an exclusive dinner at a secret location on a private island off the coast of Dubai. 

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