When did Al Arabiya launch and where was it based?
Al Arabiya began its transmission on the 3rd of March 2003 from Dubai Media City. The channel later relocated its operations from Dubai to Riyadh, a move that officially completed in July 2025.
Common questions about Al Arabiya
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who invested in Al Arabiya and what was their motivation?
Relatives of the Saudi royal family including Saudi Prince Abdulaziz bin Fahd and Waleed bin Ibrahim al Ibrahim invested in the channel through the Middle East Broadcasting Center. Their goal was to create a platform offering a perspective aligned with Gulf state interests as a strategic response to critical coverage by Al Jazeera.
What major interview did Al Arabiya conduct in 2009?
In 2009 U.S. President Barack Obama chose Al Arabiya for his first formal interview as president. This interview delivered a message to the Islamic world that Americans were not their enemy while reaffirming the alliance between the United States and Israel.
Which Al Arabiya journalists were killed or abducted in conflict zones?
Reporter Mazen al-Tumeizi was killed on camera in Iraq on the 3rd of March 2003 and three reporters including Atwar Bahjat were murdered in Samarra in February 2006. Asia correspondent Baker Atyani was abducted in the Philippines in 2012 and held for 18 months before being released.
What percentage of the MBC Group did the Public Investment Fund acquire in 2025?
In 2025 the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia acquired a 54% stake in the MBC Group following the completion of a majority acquisition. Waleed bin Ibrahim al Ibrahim retained a 36% stake in the parent company of Al Arabiya.
Which Al Arabiya program won a gold Telly award in 2023?
The investigative journalism program Special Mission won a gold Telly award in 2023. This program premiered on the 19th of October 2003 and continued to address issues related to politics economy and religion.