The Huffington Post is launching an Arabic language version of its news and entertainment site, with HuffPost Arabi marking the advent of the AOL-owned media brand’s 14th global website.

The Huffington Post Media Group has partnered with Integral Media Strategies, which has regional expertise in the Middle East including a network of on-the-ground journalists who will source news and content from Arab regions.

The site will be targeted at the more than 300m people in the Arab world, as well as Arabic-speaking audiences in other markets. As well as carrying content sourced and written by journalists, The Huffington Post Arabi will replicate its parent’s model of being a platform for readers to express their thoughts and opinions.

Content will span politics, culture, lifestyle, women’s issues, health and food, and will be devised to particularly appeal to the Arab youth. The editorial team will include editor-in-chief Anas Fouda and be based in London and Istanbul.

Arianna Huffington, The Huffington Post’s eponymous founder, president and editor-in-chief, said: “I’m thrilled about the launch of HuffPost Arabi, and the timing couldn’t be better. So much coverage of the Middle East is from the outside looking in, and the voices of the people most affected by what’s happening are frequently unheard.

“And I’m delighted to be partnering with [Integral Media’s] Wadah Khanfar as we create an independent news source and platform that captures the complexity of the Arabic world, its issues and its people.

“Together, we’ll be showing a full picture of the region, relentlessly reporting on all the Arabic world’s issues and challenges but also on the solutions, innovation and compassion that are all too often left out of the narrative.”

Wadah Khanfar, Integral Media Strategies’ chief executive, added: “The Arab world continues to dominate the news, so it is important our region has an accessible space where voices and perspectives can be shared.

“HuffPost Arabi will provide a new and exciting online platform for Arab bloggers, content creators and thought leaders to engage in constructive debate about the issues impacting our communities and our daily lives.”

HuffPost Arabi joins editions in the UK, Canada, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, Maghreb, Germany, Brazil, South Korea, Greece and India.