Al Arabiya
Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox television channel Al Arabiya (Template:Langx; stylized as al arabiya العربية) is a Saudi Arabian state-owned international Arabic-language television news channel. It is based in Riyadh and operates as a subsidiary of the MBC Group, a major media conglomerate in the Middle East and North Africa.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
History
Al Arabiya was originally launched in Dubai Media City, United Arab Emirates, on 3 March 2003.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> An early funder, the production company Middle East News (then headed by Ali al-Hedeithy), said the goal was to provide "a balanced and less provocative" alternative to Al Jazeera.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
A free-to-air channel, Al Arabiya broadcasts standard newscasts every hour, as well as talk shows and documentaries. It has been rated among the top pan-Arab stations by Middle East audiences.<ref name="BBCProfile">Peter Feuilherade (25 November 2003). "Profile: Al-Arabiya TV ". BBC Monitoring. Retrieved 4 September 2009.</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The news organization's website is accessible in Arabic, English, Urdu, and Persian.
On 26 January 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama gave his first formal interview as president to Al Arabiya,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> delivering the message to the Islamic world that "Americans are not your enemy," while also reiterating that "Israel is a strong ally of the United States" and that they "will not stop being a strong ally of the United States".<ref name="AA01">"Obama tells Al Arabiya peace talks should resume Template:Webarchive". Al Arabiya 27 January 2009.</ref>
In March 2012, the channel launched a new channel, Al Hadath, which focused on political news.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Mamdouh al-Muhaini became general manager of the Al Arabiya Network in October 2019, succeeding former manager Nabil al-Khatib.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 24 April 2020, Al Arabiya introduced a new graphics and audio package, new studios, and a new modified logo in the network's first major rebrand since its launch in 2003.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following year, the network moved operations from Dubai to Riyadh, with the stated goal being to "produce 12 hours of news programming from the Saudi capital by early January".<ref name=":0">Template:Cite news</ref> The move came amid orders by the Saudi government to multinational companies to move their regional hubs to the kingdom by 2024.<ref name=":0" /> The relocation to Riyadh officially completed in July 2025.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Divisions
Al Arabiya operates several specialized digital platforms that target different linguistic and regional audiences.
| Division | Language | Description | Online Presence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Arabiya English | English | Provides international news, analysis, and features for English-speaking audiences, with a focus on Middle East affairs. | Website / YouTube |
| Al Arabiya Business | Arabic | Business and financial news service, focusing on regional and global markets. | YouTube |
| Al Arabiya Urdu | Urdu | Delivers news and current affairs in Urdu, catering to South Asian audiences, particularly in Pakistan and India. | Website |
| Al Arabiya Persian | Persian | Offers news and analysis in Persian, aimed at Iranian and Persian-speaking viewers worldwide. | Website |
Content and competition
As a response to Al Jazeera's critical coverage of the Saudi royal family throughout the 1990s, relatives of the Saudi royal family established Al Arabiya in Dubai in 2002.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>(2006). "Hypermedia and governance in Saudi Arabia" Template:Webarchive. First Monday. Special Issue No. 7. p. 10.</ref><ref>Departmental Papers (ASC) Template:Webarchive. University of Pennsylvania. 22 September 2010. Retrieved 1 June 2011.</ref> Al Arabiya was said to be the second most frequently watched channel after Al Jazeera in Saudi Arabia.<ref name="cablegatesearch1">Template:Cite web</ref> In 2008, The New York Times described the channel as working "to cure Arab television of its penchant for radical politics and violence".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 2012, Al Arabiya broadcast the email messages of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad that were leaked by opposition hackers.<ref name=mal4oct>Template:Cite news</ref>
Programming
- Special Mission is Al Arabiya's longest-running investigative journalism/current affairs television program.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It broadcasts on the Al Arabiya Pan Arab Channel based in Dubai. Premiering on 19 October 2003, it is still running. The program is based on the investigative Panorama concept, addressing an issue each week, by showing a locally produced program or a relevant documentary. The program is centered around topics like politics, economy, or religion. In 2023, the Special Mission received a gold Telly award at the 44th Annual Telly Awards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Eda'at (Template:Langx, meaning "Spotlights"), hosted by Turki al-Dakhil, aired every Thursday at 2:00 PM (Saudi Arabia time) and lasts one hour.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The show consists of one-on-one interviews with influential regional figures, such as journalists, writers, activists, politicians, etc.
- Rawafed (Template:Langx, meaning "Affluents") is directed and hosted by Ahmad Ali El Zein, and broadcast once a week (Wednesday at 5:30 PM).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Rawafed is a series of documentaries/interviews about arts and culture. Guests have included writers Tahar Ben Jelloun, Gamal El-Ghitani, poets Adunis, Ahmed Fouad Negm, Joumana Haddad, musicians, Marcel Khalifa, Naseer Shamma. Many key principle artists, writers and politicians in the Arab world have also appeared on the show.
- From Iraq is a socio-political, humanitarian program which strives to uncover the realities inside of Iraq. The program is broadcast Sundays and presented by Mayssoun Noueihed.<ref>From Iraq Template:Webarchive, Alarabiya.net</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Inside Iran is a series which focuses on investigative reporting, primarily on political, social, and economic issues inside Iran.<ref>Inside Iran Template:Webarchive, Alarabiya.net</ref>
- Death Making is a weekly broadcast which airs Fridays, focusing on global terror. The show provides analysis on global terror attacks around the globe, and discusses religious, social, economic, and political factors. It also provides interviews with well-known figures. It is hosted by Mohammed Altoumaihi.<ref>Death Making Template:Webarchive, Alarabiya.net</ref><ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Business Profiles is a monthly program which provides an in-depth portrait of regional business leaders. The program typically follows an influential business person, including outside of their office, in order to better understand their ways of thinking. It is presented by Fatima Zahra Daoui, and has been on air since June 2013.<ref>Business Profiles Template:Webarchive, Alarabiya.net</ref>
- Point of Order is a weekly program, broadcast on Fridays, which conducts live interviews focusing on socio-political topics. It features controversial figures, such as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy, and others. It is hosted by Hasan Muawad.<ref>Point of Order, Alarabiya.net</ref><ref name=":2" />
- Political Memoirs is a weekly program that discusses historical events from various points of view. It is presented by Taher Barake, and is broadcast on Fridays.<ref>Political Memoirs Template:Webarchive, Alarabiya.net</ref>
- Diplomatic Avenues is a monthly program focusing on the United Nations. It is broadcast live from Al Arabiya's studios in the Headquarters of the United Nations, and features interviews with high-level UN officials and diplomats. The program focuses on political, social, scientific, and humanitarian issues before the UN, with an emphasis on the Arab and Islamic worlds. It is hosted by Talal al-Haj, and broadcasts on the last Friday of each month.<ref>Diplomatic Avenue Template:Webarchive, Alarabiya.net</ref>
- Studio Beirut is a weekly discussion program, broadcast on Sundays, which features prominent guests from the Arab world. It is hosted by Giselle Khoury.<ref>Studio Beirut, Alarabiya.net</ref>
- The Big Screen is a weekly program which focuses on the film industry, and serves as an entertainment show, discussing celebrities and film. It provides coverage on industry news, upcoming films, film festivals, and interviews with industry leaders, as well as celebrities. It is hosted by Nadine Kirresh.<ref>The Big Screen Template:Webarchive, Alarabiya.net</ref>
Investment and ownership
Al Arabiya was initially founded through investment by the Middle East Broadcasting Center (later rebranded as MBC Group), as well as other investors from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the Gulf states.<ref name="BBCProfile"/><ref name=":2" /> Through MBC, Saudi Prince Abdulaziz bin Fahd and his maternal uncle Waleed bin Ibrahim al Ibrahim were reported to have partial ownership of Al Arabiya.<ref name="cablegatesearch1"/>
In 2025, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia acquired a 54% stake in MBC Group, the parent company of Al Arabiya, following the completion of a majority acquisition.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Waleed bin Ibrahim al Ibrahim retains a 36% stake in the company.
Controversies and criticism
Al Arabiya has been the topic of controversy. It has been criticized as an arm of Saudi foreign policy.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 14 February 2005, Al Arabiya was the first news satellite channel to air news of the assassination of Rafik Hariri.<ref>"Major industry award and dynamic programming mark Al Arabiya's third anniversary Template:Webarchive". AMEinfo.com. 4 March 2006.</ref> In September 2008, Iran expelled Al Arabiya's Tehran bureau chief Hassan Fahs, the third Al Arabiya correspondent expelled from Iran since the network opened an Iran office.<ref>"IRAN: Al-Arabiya reporter banned from working Template:Webarchive". Menassat. 3 September 2008.</ref> In October of the same year, the Al Arabiya website was hacked by attackers who claimed to be Shi'ites.<ref>"Arabiya TV Website Hacked Template:Webarchive". Kuwait Times. 11 October 2008.</ref>
In 2009, Courtney C. Radsch lost her job the day after publishing an article about safety problems on Emirates airline, a move Al Arabiya described as restructuring in the English department.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In June 2009, the Iranian government ordered the Al Arabiya office in Tehran to be closed for a week for "unfair reporting" of the Iranian presidential election. Seven days later, amid the 2009 Iranian presidential election, the network's office was "closed indefinitely" by the government.<ref>"Al Arabiya's Tehran bureau closed indefinitely Template:Webarchive". Al Arabiya. 21 June 2009. Retrieved 21 June 2009.</ref>
In 2016, Al Arabiya dismissed 50 staff members, including journalists. Citing financial problems stemming from low oil prices, the dismissed individuals were offered salaries and benefits for six months as a severance package.<ref>Al Arabiya News sacks 50 staff, including veteran journalists Template:Webarchive, Albawaba.com, 25 May 2016</ref>
In April 2017, Al Arabiya was found in breach of UK broadcasting law by the UK media regulator, Ofcom, for broadcasting an interview with an imprisoned Bahraini torture survivor. Ofcom concluded that it infringed on the privacy of imprisoned Bahraini opposition leader and torture survivor Hassan Mushaima, when it broadcast footage of him obtained during his arbitrary detention in Bahrain.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Ofcom sanctioned the licence holder Al Arabiya News Channel FZ-LLC by fining them Template:Currency and directing them to broadcast an on-air apology.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The channel then surrendered its license to broadcast in the following month after an additional complaint was filed by Qatar News Agency.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Arab criticism
In November 2004, the interim Iraqi government banned Al Arabiya from reporting from the country after it broadcast an audio tape reportedly made by the deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.<ref name="BBCProfile"/> Two years later, the Iraqi government also banned the channel for one month for "imprecise coverage". According to the station itself, Al Arabiya journalists and staff have come under constant pressure from Iraqi officials to allegedly "report stories as dictated to" and in 2014, Iraqi PM Nouri Maliki threatened again to ban Al Arabiya in Iraq, shut down its offices and websites. For his part, Al Arabiya's General Manager at the time, Abdulrahman al-Rashed, vowed in a statement that the news channel and its sister channel al-Hadath will continue reporting the story in Iraq despite "Maliki's threats" as well as other threats from the likes of ISIS.<ref name="english.alarabiya.net">Template:Cite web</ref>
Due to post-coverage of assassination of Rafic Hariri, as of 2007, Syrian politicians have criticized Al Arabiya for anti-government and perceived pro-US and pro-Israeli bias.<ref>Itamar Radai (2007). "On the road to Damascus: Bashar al-Asad, Israel, and the Jews", Issue 9 of Posen papers in contemporary antisemitism. Vidal Sasson International Center for the Study of Antisemitism, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 2007</ref>
In 2013, Saudi Islamic scholar Abdulaziz al-Tarefe criticized the channel in a viral tweet.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The Algerian Ministry of Communication released a statement on 31 July 2021 saying that it withdrew Al Arabiya's operating accreditation in Algeria, due to what it termed "the non-respect by this channel of the rules of deontology and its recourse to disinformation and manipulation".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The Boycott, Divestment and Sanction (BDS) movement's Arabic-language account published a call to boycott Al Arabiya and some other Arabic language channels what they called "the mouthpieces of the Israeli enemy that speak Arabic"<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Killed and abducted reporters
In September 2003, Al Arabiya reporter Mazen al-Tumeizi was killed on camera in Iraq when a U.S. helicopter fired on a crowd in Haifa Street in Baghdad.<ref>"U.S. army defends helicopter attack in Baghdad Template:Webarchive". Reuters. 15 September 2004.</ref>
In February 2006, three Al Arabiya reporters were abducted and murdered while covering the aftermath of the bombing of a mosque in Samarra, Iraq. Among them was correspondent Atwar Bahjat, an Iraqi national.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2012, Al Arabiya's Asia correspondent Baker Atyani was abducted in the Philippines by an armed militia. He was released<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> after 18 months.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Plagiarism
In August 2015, the Egyptian Streets news website said Al Arabiya had copied "word-for-word" from two of its articles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Al Arabiya later updated one of the articles and added a note citing the error.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Fake reporters
In 2020, The Daily Beast identified a network of false personas used to insert opinion pieces aligned with UAE government policy to media outlets including Al Arabiya. The pieces were critical about Turkey's role in the Middle East, as well as Qatar and particularly its state media Al Jazeera.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Twitter suspended some of the fake columnists' accounts in early July 2020.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Notable interviews
In 2009, Al Arabiya aired an interview between journalist Hisham Melhem and then newly elected president of the United States, Barack Obama. The broadcast was the first-ever formal interview with Obama during his first administration.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
During the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the channel interviewed Armenian President Armen Sarkissian about the ongoing war happening between Armenia and Azerbaijan, during which President Sarkissian blasted Turkey and Azerbaijan for inflaming the conflict.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In response, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accused Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates of destabilization in the Caucasus and Middle East, resulting in Saudi Arabian Commercial Chamber's Head Ajlan al-Ajlan to call for boycott against Turkish goods.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Distribution
In March 2022, Al Arabiya acquired its own Freeview channel in the United Kingdom, after being available on Freeview via the Vision TV<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> streaming service, with both channels being available on Freeview channel 273. The channel also operates a business website that covers financial news and market data from the Middle East in Arabic. Al Arabiya streams online on JumpTV and Livestation. The English website of Al ArabiyaTemplate:Citation needed was relaunched in 2013 and now features automated subtitles of the news and programs that appear on the channel.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The Al Arabiya website experienced technical difficulties during the Egyptian protests at the end of January 2011. The site went offline with error messages as such as the following: "The website is down due to the heavy traffic to follow up with the Egyptian crisis and it will be back within three hours (Time of message: 11 GMT)".Template:Citation needed
See also
References
Further reading
External links
Template:Middle East Broadcasting Center Template:Ethnic Channels Group Template:World news channels Template:Subject bar Template:Authority control