its editor is a journalist rather than a production director

the reason gulf times is more popular is historical - it was the first english-language paper. it's losing share to peninsula, and it's obvious why when you look at the stories.

here's the opening paragraph from the big story today:

GULF TIMES
The Cabinet yesterday issued Decision No 9 of 2008, stipulating no increase in rents for two years for contracts in force from January 1, 2005 and setting down limits of increase for agreements signed before January 1, 2005.

THE PENINSULA
The Cabinet yesterday issued a decision setting 5 to 20 percent cap on rent hike and freezing any hike in the existing rentals for a period of two years, with effect from February 15. The decision is part of a long-term plan to check inflation in the country.

The Gulf Times story is a word-for-word copy of a press release issued through the official news outlet, QNA. The Peninsula has bothered to reword the statement so it makes sense.

I've talked to a lot of people who get the Gulf Times in preference to The Peninsula. They usually complain about it having worse English. I think they just haven't read it lately.