The paper has been in circulation since 1978 and is the official media outlet of the National Progressive Unionist Rally Party Al Ahali was first published in February 1978.
[4] Dilip Hiro who is an expert on Middle Eastern, Islamic, and central Asian affairs argues that Al Ahali is much more popular than the National Progressive Unionist Rally Party.
[5] The paper was temporarily closed by the Egyptian government six months after its establishment due to its coverage of the party's success and popularity.
[14] Rifaat El Saeed, chairman of the National Progressive Unionist Rally Party, published many articles in the paper which mostly included criticisms over the violation of the rights of the Copts in Egypt.
[17] Amin Howeidi, former minister of war and director of general intelligence, published articles in the paper.