{{short description|Saudi Arabian television news channel launched in 2003}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}} {{Infobox television channel | name = Al Arabiya<br />{{lang|ar|العربية}} | logo = Al-Arabiya new logo.svg | logo_caption = Logo used since 2020 | launch_date = {{start date and age|2003|3|3|df=y}} | picture_format = {{ubl|1080i (HDTV)|576i (SDTV)}} | country = Saudi Arabia | headquarters = Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | area = Worldwide | language = Arabic | parent = MBC Group | sister_channels = {{ubl| Al Hadath | Wanasah | MBC 1 | MBC 2 | MBC 3 | MBC 4 | MBC 5 | MBC Action | MBC Drama | MBC Max | MBC Persia | MBC Bollywood | MBC Masr | MBC Masr 2 | MBC Masr Drama | MBC Iraq }} | website = {{URL|https://www.alarabiya.net/|alarabiya.net}} (Arabic)<br />{{URL|https://english.alarabiya.net/|english.alarabiya.net}} (English)<br />{{URL|https://farsi.alarabiya.net/|farsi.alarabiya.net}} (Persian)<br />{{URL|https://urdu.alarabiya.net/|urdu.alarabiya.net}} (Urdu) | online_serv_1 = MBC Shahid | online_chan_1 = [https://shahid.mbc.net/en/livestream/Al-Arabiya/livechannel-387286 Watch online] (HD) | online_serv_2 = YouTube | online_chan_2 = [https://www.youtube.com/user/AlArabiya Official YouTube channel] }} '''Al Arabiya''' ({{langx|ar|العربية|al-ʿArabiyyah}}; stylized as '''al arabiya <span lang="ar" dir="rtl">العربية</span>''') 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>{{Cite web |title=What's behind Algeria's suspension of Saudi-owned Al Arabiya? |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2024/10/whats-behind-algerias-suspension-saudi-owned-al-arabiya |website=Al-Monitor |access-date=2024-10-22 |archive-date=2024-10-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241021201318/https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2024/10/whats-behind-algerias-suspension-saudi-owned-al-arabiya |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vivarelli |first=Nick |date=2022-11-04 |title=Top Middle East Broadcaster MBC Group Eyeing Flotation on Saudi Stock Market |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/global/top-middle-east-broadcaster-mbc-group-flotation-on-saudi-market-1235423137/ |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=Variety |archive-date=2023-11-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104215341/https://variety.com/2022/tv/global/top-middle-east-broadcaster-mbc-group-flotation-on-saudi-market-1235423137/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==History== Al Arabiya was originally launched in Dubai Media City, United Arab Emirates, on 3 March 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Al Arabiya TV |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/webtv |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210085600/http://www.alarabiya.net/en/about_aa_tv.html |archive-date=10 February 2010 |access-date=4 September 2009 |work=Al Arabiya }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author1=Erik C. Nisbet|author2=Teresa A. Myers|title=Anti-American Sentiment as a Media Effect? Arab Media, Political Identity, and Public Opinion in the Middle East|journal=Communication Research|volume=38|issue=5|pages=684–709|year=2011|doi=10.1177/0093650211405648|s2cid=30122123|url=http://themonkeycage.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/nisbet_myers_cr1.pdf|access-date=2 October 2014|archive-date=3 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003205222/http://themonkeycage.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/nisbet_myers_cr1.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-03 |title=Al Arabiya turns 20: Saudi broadcaster 'has not diverted from its initial mission — the pursuit of truth,' says GM Mamdouh Al-Muhaini |url=https://arab.news/w78zy |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</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">{{Cite journal|last1=Samuel-Azran|first1=Tal|last2=Hayat|first2=Tsahi (Zack)|date=2020|title=The geography of the Arab public sphere on Twitter|url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0160791X20303493|journal=Technology in Society|language=en|volume=62|article-number=101327|doi=10.1016/j.techsoc.2020.101327|s2cid=225472142|access-date=20 February 2022|archive-date=2 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902161504/https://www.sciencedirect.com/unsupported_browser|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2003-11-25 |title=Profile: Al-Arabiya TV |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3236654.stm |access-date=2024-05-27 |language=en-GB |archive-date=16 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216085319/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3236654.stm#:~:text=It%20was%20set%20up%20as%20an%20all-news%20channel%20to%20compete%20directly%20with%20Qatar-based%20al-Jazeera%20TV. |url-status=live }}</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). "[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3236654.stm Profile: Al-Arabiya TV] ". ''BBC Monitoring''. Retrieved 4 September 2009.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-03 |title=Al Arabiya turns 20: Saudi broadcaster 'has not diverted from its initial mission — the pursuit of truth,' says GM Mamdouh Al-Muhaini |url=https://arab.news/w78zy |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</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>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-03 |title=Al Arabiya turns 20: Saudi broadcaster 'has not diverted from its initial mission — the pursuit of truth,' says GM Mamdouh Al-Muhaini |url=https://arab.news/w78zy |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</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">"[http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2009/01/27/65087.html Obama tells Al Arabiya peace talks should resume] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210024257/http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2009/01/27/65087.html |date=10 February 2010 }}". Al Arabiya 27 January 2009.</ref>
In March 2012, the channel launched a new channel, Al Hadath, which focused on political news.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Al Hadath Elevates Their New Broadcast Studio With Rosco LED Technology |url=https://spectrum.rosco.com/al-hadath-elevates-their-new-broadcast-studio-with-rosco-led-technology |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=spectrum.rosco.com |language=en |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501162613/https://spectrum.rosco.com/al-hadath-elevates-their-new-broadcast-studio-with-rosco-led-technology |url-status=live }}</ref>
Mamdouh al-Muhaini became general manager of the Al Arabiya Network in October 2019, succeeding former manager Nabil al-Khatib.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Al Arabiya News Channel appoints new general manager|url=https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/business/story/Al_Arabiya_News_Channel_appoints_new_general_manager-SNG_155297845|access-date=2020-07-21|website=www.zawya.com|language=en|archive-date=21 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721232826/https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/business/story/Al_Arabiya_News_Channel_appoints_new_general_manager-SNG_155297845/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-01 |title=Al Arabiya News Channel appoints new general manager |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1562211/media |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=Arab News |language=en |archive-date=6 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106144414/https://www.arabnews.com/node/1562211/media |url-status=live }}</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>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-19 |title=Al Arabiya launches new logo, custom typography and on-air look |url=https://www.newscaststudio.com/2020/05/19/al-arabiya-branding-logo-design/?og=1 |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=NewscastStudio |language=en-US |archive-date=2 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902161352/https://www.newscaststudio.com/2020/05/19/al-arabiya-branding-logo-design/?og=1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Al Arabiya unveils sleek broadcast facility with dramatic lines and tech |url=https://www.newscaststudio.com/2020/05/20/al-arabiya-broadcast-facility/?og=1 |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=NewscastStudio |language=en-US |archive-date=28 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928234059/https://www.newscaststudio.com/2020/05/20/al-arabiya-broadcast-facility/?og=1 |url-status=live }}</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">{{Cite news|date=2021-08-31|title=Saudi TV Stations Begin Shift to Riyadh in Challenge to Dubai|language=en|work=Bloomberg|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-31/saudi-tv-stations-begin-shift-to-riyadh-in-challenge-to-dubai|access-date=2021-09-22|archive-date=17 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917163716/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-31/saudi-tv-stations-begin-shift-to-riyadh-in-challenge-to-dubai|url-status=live}}</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>{{cite web |url=https://www.broadcastprome.com/news/al-arabiya-network-officially-relocates-to-riyadh/ |title=Al Arabiya Network officially relocates to Riyadh |publisher=BroadcastPro ME |date=20 July 2025 }}</ref>
== Divisions == Al Arabiya operates several specialized digital platforms that target different linguistic and regional audiences. {| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; text-align: right;" |+ '''Al Arabiya Divisions''' |- ! style="text-align: left;" | Division !! Language !! Description !! Online Presence |- | style="text-align: left;" | Al Arabiya English || English || Provides international news, analysis, and features for English-speaking audiences, with a focus on Middle East affairs. || [https://english.alarabiya.net Website] / [https://www.youtube.com/@AlArabiyaEnglish YouTube] |- | style="text-align: left;" | Al Arabiya Business || Arabic || Business and financial news service, focusing on regional and global markets. || [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0mthbFRIm_uYkkzMX09sJw YouTube] |- | style="text-align: left;" | Al Arabiya Urdu || Urdu || Delivers news and current affairs in Urdu, catering to South Asian audiences, particularly in Pakistan and India. || [https://urdu.alarabiya.net Website] |- | style="text-align: left;" | Al Arabiya Persian || Persian || Offers news and analysis in Persian, aimed at Iranian and Persian-speaking viewers worldwide. || [https://farsi.alarabiya.net 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>{{cite web|url=http://www.asc.upenn.edu/Faculty/Faculty-Bio.aspx?id=165|title=Kraidy, Marwan.|access-date=1 June 2011|archive-date=8 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008091607/http://www.asc.upenn.edu/Faculty/Faculty-Bio.aspx?id=165}}</ref><ref>[http://repository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1193&context=asc_papers (2006). "Hypermedia and governance in Saudi Arabia"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602230118/http://repository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1193&context=asc_papers |date=2 June 2012 }}. First Monday. Special Issue No. 7. p. 10.</ref><ref>[http://repository.upenn.edu/asc_papers/187/ Departmental Papers (ASC)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902161348/https://repository.upenn.edu/items/0d0e1bf9-3cbf-45dd-ad56-80a30924a83a |date=2 September 2024 }}. 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">{{cite web|title=Ideological And Ownership Trends In The Saudi Media|url=http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=09RIYADH651|publisher=Cablegate|access-date=1 May 2012|date=11 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116083750/http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=09RIYADH651|archive-date=16 January 2013}}</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>{{Cite news |last=Worth |first=Robert F. |date=2008-01-04 |title=A voice of moderation helps transform Arab media |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/04/world/africa/04iht-profile.1.9026494.html |access-date=2023-10-26 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=24 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024013628/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/04/world/africa/04iht-profile.1.9026494.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2012, Al Arabiya broadcast the email messages of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad that were leaked by opposition hackers.<ref name=mal4oct>{{cite news|last=Al Abdeh|first=Malik|title=The Media War in Syria|url=http://www.majalla.com/eng/2012/10/article55234370|access-date=4 April 2013|newspaper=The Majalla|date=4 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118080706/http://www.majalla.com/eng/2012/10/article55234370|archive-date=18 November 2012}}</ref>
==Programming== [[File:Arabiya Reporter.jpg|thumb|Al Arabiya reporter in Jerusalem, Israel/Palestine]]
* '''''Special Mission''''' is Al Arabiya's longest-running investigative journalism/current affairs television program.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.allied-media.com/ARABTV/AlarabiyaPROG.htm|title=Al Arabiya TV: Popular Programs on Al Arabiya TV: Arabic News Channel - Middle Eastern News - Arab Political Show|website=www.allied-media.com|access-date=27 December 2017|archive-date=27 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227235805/http://www.allied-media.com/ARABTV/AlarabiyaPROG.htm|url-status=live}}</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>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-24 |title=Al Arabiya TV takes 5 gold, 20 silver honors at 44th Telly Awards |url=https://arab.news/8y3bz |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Eda'at''''' ({{langx|ar|إضاءات}}, meaning "Spotlights"), hosted by Turki al-Dakhil, aired every Thursday at 2:00 PM (Saudi Arabia time) and lasts one hour.<ref>{{cite web |date=15 September 2009 |title=Al Arabiya Programs |url=https://www.alarabiya.net/programs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526232626/http://www.alarabiya.net/en/aa_programs.html |archive-date=26 May 2011 |access-date=22 April 2012 }}</ref> The show consists of one-on-one interviews with influential regional figures, such as journalists, writers, activists, politicians, etc. * '''''Rawafed''''' ({{langx|ar|روافد}}, meaning "Affluents") is directed and hosted by Ahmad Ali El Zein, and broadcast once a week (Wednesday at 5:30 PM).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alarabiya.net/programs/rawafed.html|title=Rawafed Website|work=alarabiya.net|access-date=25 June 2014|archive-date=3 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103120259/http://www.alarabiya.net/programs/rawafed.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |title=View of VISUAL CV PROGRAMS ON ARAB SATELLITE CHANNELS, RAWAFED (TRIBUTARIES) PROGRAM IN AL ARABIYA CHANNEL AS A MODEL-ANALYTICAL STUDY |url=https://www.archives.palarch.nl/index.php/jae/article/view/11141/9994 |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=www.archives.palarch.nl |date=17 November 2021 |volume=18 |issue=18 |pages=1638–1650 |archive-date=2 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902161343/https://www.archives.palarch.nl/index.php/jae/article/view/11141/9994 |url-status=live |last1=Challoop |first1=Suhad Adnan }}</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>[https://english.alarabiya.net/webtv/programs/from-iraq.html From Iraq] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817023026/https://english.alarabiya.net/webtv/programs/from-iraq.html |date=17 August 2018 }}, ''Alarabiya.net''</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-07-31 |title=Dishing Democracy ~ Arab TV Guide {{!}} Wide Angle |url=https://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/uncategorized/dishing-democracy-arab-tv-guide/1847/ |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=Wide Angle |archive-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005170546/https://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/uncategorized/dishing-democracy-arab-tv-guide/1847/ |url-status=live }}</ref> * '''''Inside Iran''''' is a series which focuses on investigative reporting, primarily on political, social, and economic issues inside Iran.<ref>[https://english.alarabiya.net/webtv/programs/inside-iran.html Inside Iran] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816230610/https://english.alarabiya.net/webtv/programs/inside-iran.html |date=16 August 2018 }}, ''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>[https://english.alarabiya.net/webtv/programs/death-making.html Death Making] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816230604/https://english.alarabiya.net/webtv/programs/death-making.html |date=16 August 2018 }}, ''Alarabiya.net''</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=ABC NEWS |url=https://us.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-assets/121567_book_item_121567.pdf |publisher=Sage Publications}}</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>[https://english.alarabiya.net/webtv/programs/businessmen-profiles.html Business Profiles] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816230625/https://english.alarabiya.net/webtv/programs/businessmen-profiles.html |date=16 August 2018 }}, ''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>[https://english.alarabiya.net/webtv/programs/point-of-order.html 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>[https://english.alarabiya.net/webtv/programs/political-memory.html Political Memoirs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816230558/https://english.alarabiya.net/webtv/programs/political-memory.html |date=16 August 2018 }}, ''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>[https://english.alarabiya.net/webtv/programs/diplomatic-avenue.htm Diplomatic Avenue] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816230627/https://english.alarabiya.net/webtv/programs/diplomatic-avenue.htm |date=16 August 2018 }}, ''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>[https://english.alarabiya.net/webtv/programs/studio-beirut.html 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>[https://english.alarabiya.net/webtv/programs/the-big-screen.html The Big Screen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816230553/https://english.alarabiya.net/webtv/programs/the-big-screen.html |date=16 August 2018 }}, ''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>{{cite web |title=PIF completes acquisition of 54% of media company MBC Group |url=https://www.pif.gov.sa/en/news-and-insights/press-releases/2025/pif-completes-acquisition-of-54-percent-of-media-company-mbc-group/ |website=Public Investment Fund |date=2025}}</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>{{cite journal|url=http://www.arabmediasociety.com/?article=420|title=Saudi Arabia's Media Empire: keeping the masses at home|journal=International Communication Gazette|author=Andrew Hammond|date=October 2006|access-date=17 November 2011|archive-date=23 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123092452/http://www.arabmediasociety.com/?article=420|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hammond |first=Andrew |date=2007-10-01 |title=Saudi Arabia's Media Empire: keeping the masses at home |url=https://www.arabmediasociety.com/saudi-arabias-media-empire-keeping-the-masses-at-home/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=Arab Media & Society |language=en-US |archive-date=27 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527054600/https://www.arabmediasociety.com/saudi-arabias-media-empire-keeping-the-masses-at-home/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 14 February 2005, Al Arabiya was the first news satellite channel to air news of the assassination of Rafik Hariri.<ref>"[http://www.ameinfo.com/79335.html Major industry award and dynamic programming mark Al Arabiya's third anniversary] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014083351/http://www.ameinfo.com/79335.html |date=14 October 2008 }}". 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>"[http://www.menassat.com/?q=en/alerts/4531-iran-al-arabiya-reporter-banned-working/ IRAN: Al-Arabiya reporter banned from working] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930064811/http://www.menassat.com/?q=en/alerts/4531-iran-al-arabiya-reporter-banned-working/|date=30 September 2018}}". 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>"[http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=NzQ3MTI5OTg1 Arabiya TV Website Hacked] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013002715/http://kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=NzQ3MTI5OTg1 |date=13 October 2008 }}". ''Kuwait Times''. 11 October 2008.</ref>
In 2009, Courtney C. Radsch lost her job the day after publishing an article about safety problems on the airline Emirates, a move Al Arabiya described as restructuring in the English department.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rsf.org/en/news/laid-implicating-emirates-airlines|title=Laid off for Implicating Emirates|author=Reporters Without Borders|date=29 October 2009|access-date=16 August 2018|archive-date=26 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426200235/https://rsf.org/en/news/laid-implicating-emirates-airlines}}</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>"[http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2009/06/21/76600.html Al Arabiya's Tehran bureau closed indefinitely] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010175710/http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2009/06/21/76600.html |date=10 October 2017 }}". 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>[https://www.albawaba.com/business/al-arabiya-news-sacks-50-staff-including-veteran-journalists-844444 Al Arabiya News sacks 50 staff, including veteran journalists] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529051136/http://www.albawaba.com/business/al-arabiya-news-sacks-50-staff-including-veteran-journalists-844444 |date=29 May 2016 }}, ''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>{{cite news|last1=Merrill|first1=Jamie|title=Al Arabiya faces UK ban for interview with tortured Bahraini|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/al-arabiya-faces-closure-uk-after-airing-interview-bahraini-prisoner-549154523|access-date=17 April 2017|date=17 April 2017|archive-date=25 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425030720/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/al-arabiya-faces-closure-uk-after-airing-interview-bahraini-prisoner-549154523|url-status=live}}</ref> Ofcom sanctioned the licence holder Al Arabiya News Channel FZ-LLC by fining them {{Currency|120000|GBP}} and directing them to broadcast an on-air apology.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Whitaker|first=Brian|author-link=Brian Whitaker|date=January 2018|title=Saudi TV channel fined £120,000 by British broadcasting watchdog|url=https://al-bab.com/blog/2018/01/saudi-tv-channel-fined-british-broadcasting-watchdog|url-status=live|access-date=2021-02-22|website=Al-Bab|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405071554/http://al-bab.com/blog/2018/01/saudi-tv-channel-fined-british-broadcasting-watchdog|archive-date=5 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Clover|first=Julian|date=2018-01-26|title=Ofcom fines Arabic news channel|url=https://broadbandtvnews.com/2018/01/26/ofcom-fines-arabic-news-channel|url-status=live|access-date=2021-02-22|website=Broadband TV News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126155631/https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2018/01/26/ofcom-fines-arabic-news-channel/ |archive-date=26 January 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Moore|first=Matthew|date=2018-01-25|title=Ofcom fines Saudi-owned Al Arabiya channel for Bahraini torture interview|work=The Times|url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/ofcom-fines-saudi-owned-al-arabiya-channel-for-bahraini-torture-interview-dxpcwzdz5|url-access=subscription|access-date=2021-02-22|archive-date=12 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512021237/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ofcom-fines-saudi-owned-al-arabiya-channel-for-bahraini-torture-interview-dxpcwzdz5|url-status=live}}</ref> The channel then surrendered its license to broadcast in the following month after an additional complaint was filed by Qatar News Agency.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-02-15|title=QNA hacking: Al Arabiya channel surrenders UK licence|work=Gulf Times|url=https://gulf-times.com/story/581874/QNA-hacking-Al-Arabiya-channel-surrenders-UK-licen|access-date=2021-02-22|archive-date=8 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208220244/https://gulf-times.com/story/581874/QNA-hacking-Al-Arabiya-channel-surrenders-UK-licen|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-02-15|title=Al Arabiya surrenders UK broadcasting license over coverage of QNA hacking|language=en-US|work=The Peninsula|url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/15/02/2018/Al-Arabiya-surrenders-UK-broadcasting-license-over-coverage-of-QNA-hacking|access-date=2021-02-22|archive-date=30 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330100236/https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/15/02/2018/Al-Arabiya-surrenders-UK-broadcasting-license-over-coverage-of-QNA-hacking|url-status=live}}</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">{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/media/television-and-radio/2014/06/14/Maliki-Al-Arabiya-Channel.html|title=Maliki threatens to ban Al Arabiya News in Iraq|website=english.alarabiya.net|date=14 June 2014|access-date=16 March 2018|archive-date=5 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205172557/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/media/television-and-radio/2014/06/14/Maliki-Al-Arabiya-Channel.html|url-status=live}}</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>{{Cite web|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180129-is-al-arabiya-network-really-a-refreshing-alternative/|title=Is Al-Arabiya Network really a refreshing alternative?|last=Hammuda|first=Ahmed|date=2018-01-29|newspaper=Middle East Monitor|access-date=2019-01-27|archive-date=27 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127094538/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180129-is-al-arabiya-network-really-a-refreshing-alternative/|url-status=live}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Atalayar |date=2021-08-01 |title=Algeria withdraws operating accreditation from Saudi-linked Al-Arabiya channel |url=https://www.atalayar.com/en/articulo/politics/algeria-withdraws-operating-accreditation-saudi-linked-al-arabiya-channel/20210801111133152332.html |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=Atalayar |language=en |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501162612/https://www.atalayar.com/en/articulo/politics/algeria-withdraws-operating-accreditation-saudi-linked-al-arabiya-channel/20210801111133152332.html |url-status=live }}</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>{{Cite web |title=BDS calls for boycott of Arabic channels serving as 'mouthpieces' for Israel |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/bds-calls-boycott-arabic-language-channels-serving-mouthpieces-israel |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en |archive-date=8 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241108144136/https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/bds-calls-boycott-arabic-language-channels-serving-mouthpieces-israel |url-status=live }}</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>"[http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/iraq/memorial/20040915-0943-iraq-helicopters.html U.S. army defends helicopter attack in Baghdad] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202195403/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/iraq/memorial/20040915-0943-iraq-helicopters.html |date=2 February 2009 }}". 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>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ifex.org/iraq/2006/03/01/three_media_workers_killed_ifex/|title=THREE MEDIA WORKERS KILLED; IFEX MEMBERS URGE RELEASE OF KIDNAPPED JOURNALISTS - IFEX|website=IFEX|language=en|access-date=27 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228000543/https://www.ifex.org/iraq/2006/03/01/three_media_workers_killed_ifex/|archive-date=28 December 2017}}</ref>
In 2012, Al Arabiya's Asia correspondent Baker Atyani was abducted in the Philippines by an armed militia. He was released<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/media/television-and-radio/2013/12/11/Baker-Atyani-describes-mental-torture-of-kidnap.html|title=Baker Atyani describes 'mental torture' of kidnap|website=english.alarabiya.net|date=11 December 2013|access-date=16 March 2018|archive-date=6 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406170613/https://english.alarabiya.net/en/media/television-and-radio/2013/12/11/Baker-Atyani-describes-mental-torture-of-kidnap.html|url-status=live}}</ref> after 18 months.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Flanagan|first1=Ben|title=Baker Atyani describes 'mental torture' of kidnap|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/media/television-and-radio/2013/12/11/Baker-Atyani-describes-mental-torture-of-kidnap.html|access-date=6 January 2015|publisher=Al Arabiya English|date=11 December 2013|archive-date=18 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718220144/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/media/television-and-radio/2013/12/11/Baker-Atyani-describes-mental-torture-of-kidnap.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Plagiarism=== In August 2015, the ''Egyptian Streets'' news website said Al Arabiya had copied "word-for-word" from two of its articles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://egyptianstreets.com/2015/08/14/al-arabiya-news-continues-to-plagiarize-from-egyptian-streets/|title=Al-Arabiya News Continues to Plagiarize from Egyptian Streets | Egyptian Streets|date=14 August 2015|access-date=2 October 2021|archive-date=2 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002032354/https://egyptianstreets.com/2015/08/14/al-arabiya-news-continues-to-plagiarize-from-egyptian-streets/|url-status=live}}</ref> Al Arabiya later updated one of the articles and added a note citing the error.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/variety/2015/08/14/Egypt-s-scorching-heatwave-kills-Bongo-the-orangutan|title=Egypt's scorching heatwave kills 'Bongo' the orangutan|date=14 August 2015|website=Al Arabiya English|access-date=2 October 2021|archive-date=2 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002032353/https://english.alarabiya.net/variety/2015/08/14/Egypt-s-scorching-heatwave-kills-Bongo-the-orangutan|url-status=live}}</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>{{cite news |last1=Rawnsley |first1=Adam |title=Right-Wing Media Outlets Duped by a Middle East Propaganda Campaign |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/right-wing-media-outlets-duped-by-a-middle-east-propaganda-campaign |access-date=8 July 2020 |work=The Daily Beast |date=6 July 2020 |language=en |archive-date=7 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707020036/https://www.thedailybeast.com/right-wing-media-outlets-duped-by-a-middle-east-propaganda-campaign |url-status=live }}</ref> Twitter suspended some of the fake columnists' accounts in early July 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vincent |first1=James |title=An online propaganda campaign used AI-generated headshots to create fake journalists |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/7/21315861/ai-generated-headshots-profile-pictures-fake-journalists-daily-beast-investigation |access-date=8 July 2020 |work=The Verge |date=7 July 2020 |language=en |archive-date=7 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707231049/https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/7/21315861/ai-generated-headshots-profile-pictures-fake-journalists-daily-beast-investigation |url-status=live }}</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>{{Cite magazine |last=MacLeod |first=Scott |date=2009-01-28 |title= How al-Arabiya Got the Obama Interview|url=https://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1874379,00.html |access-date=2024-05-27 |magazine=Time |language=en-US |issn=0040-781X |archive-date=27 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527055232/https://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1874379,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Obama Talks to Arab TV |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/daily-videos/2023/08/obama-talks-to-arab-tv |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=PBS Newshour Classroom |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-01-27 |title=Full transcript of Obama's Al-Arabiya interview |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28870724 |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=2 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902162509/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28870724 |url-status=live }}</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>{{Cite web|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/features/2020/09/30/Turkish-claims-of-PKK-fighters-in-Armenia-absolute-nonsense-Armen-Sarkissian|title=Turkish claims of PKK fighters in Armenia absolute nonsense: Armen Sarkissian|date=30 September 2020|access-date=7 October 2020|archive-date=2 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002080214/https://english.alarabiya.net/en/features/2020/09/30/Turkish-claims-of-PKK-fighters-in-Armenia-absolute-nonsense-Armen-Sarkissian/|url-status=live}}</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>{{Cite web|url = https://news24online.com/news/world/azerbaijan-armenia-war-saudi-arabia-calls-boycott-turkish-goods-israel-urges-nato-action-against-turkey-2248ea3f/|title = Azerbaijan-Armenia war: Saudi Arabia calls for boycott of Turkish goods, Israel urges NATO action against Turkey|date = 6 October 2020|access-date = 7 October 2020|archive-date = 12 May 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210512181451/https://news24online.com/news/world/azerbaijan-armenia-war-saudi-arabia-calls-boycott-turkish-goods-israel-urges-nato-action-against-turkey-2248ea3f/}}</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>{{Cite web |title=Freeview Updates |date=May 2024 |url=https://rxtvinfo.com/freeview-updates |access-date=28 March 2022 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026232415/https://rxtvinfo.com/freeview-updates/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=VisionTV |url=https://www.visiontv.co.uk/#/channel/al-hadath |website=www.visiontv.co.uk |access-date=28 March 2022 |archive-date=3 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903122633/https://www.visiontv.co.uk/#/channel/al-hadath }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=VisionTV |url=https://www.visiontv.co.uk/#/channel/al-arabiya |website=www.visiontv.co.uk |access-date=28 March 2022 |archive-date=3 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903122633/https://www.visiontv.co.uk/#/channel/al-arabiya }}</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 Arabiya{{citation needed|date=October 2015}} was relaunched in 2013 and now features automated subtitles of the news and programs that appear on the channel.<ref>{{cite news|title=Al Arabiya News Global Discussion: Princess Rym of Jordan calls on Arab world to fight discrimination|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/events/global-discussion/2013/12/01/Princess-Rym-Arabs-must-fight-discrimination.html|access-date=6 January 2015|publisher=Al Arabiya|date=1 December 2013|archive-date=14 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514070302/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/events/global-discussion/2013/12/01/Princess-Rym-Arabs-must-fight-discrimination.html|url-status=live}}</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)".{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}}
== Channel frequency ==
* Nilesat 11559 V 27500 5/6 (North Africa Only)
* Nilesat 11470 V 27500 5/6 (Middle East Only)
* Hotbird 13G 11747 H 27500 3/4
* Badr 8 12399 V 27500 3/4
* Asiasat 5 4080 H 30000 5/6
* Badr 8 12284 V 27500 5/6 (North Africa Only) SD
* Badr 8 11938 V 27500 Auto,3/4 or 5/6
* Nilesat 11747 V 27500 5/6 ==See also== * Cinema of Saudi Arabia * Television in Saudi Arabia
==References== {{reflist}}
==Further reading== * {{Cite journal|first1=Maysam|last1=Behravesh|title=Al Arabiya: The 'Saudispeak' of the Arab World|journal=Asian Politics & Policy|volume=6 |year=2014|issue=2|pages=345–348|doi=10.1111/aspp.12103|url=http://lup.lub.lu.se/record/4390562}}
==External links== *{{Commons category-inline}} *{{official website}}
{{Middle East Broadcasting Center}} {{Ethnic Channels Group}} {{World news channels}} {{Subject bar |portal1=United Arab Emirates |portal2=Journalism |portal3=Television |commons=yes |commons-search=Category:Al Arabiya TV News Channel |d=yes |d-search=Q310172}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Al Arabiya}} Category:Al Arabiya Category:2003 establishments in the United Arab Emirates Category:MBC Group Category:Television channels and stations established in 2003 Category:Emirati news websites Category:Arabic-language television stations Category:24-hour television news channels Category:Television stations in Dubai Category:Arabic-language television Category:Saudi Arabian news websites Category:State media