The name Okaz was chosen because it bears the name of Okaz Market, which is the largest Arab market in the pre-Islamic era in Taif. The first issue of Okaz was published on Saturday, Dhu al-Hijjah 3, 1379 AH, corresponding to May 28, 1960 AD, in the city of Taif. Okaz Foundation for Press and Publishing is one of the private press institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and has branches in many cities of the Kingdom and Gulf, Arab and international capitals.