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Al Arabiya
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Organisation

Al Arabiya

Saudi-owned pan-Arab satellite television news network broadcasting in Arabic, widely watched across the Middle East.

Last refreshed: 6 July 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Timeline for Al Arabiya

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Background

Al Arabiya is a pan-Arab satellite news channel launched in Dubai on 3 March 2003 as a rival to Al Jazeera. It broadcasts in Arabic across the Middle East and North Africa and is now based in Riyadh, operating as a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's MBC Group.

MBC Group was founded by the Ibrahim family with Saudi and Gulf investors; in 2025 Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund acquired a 54% stake, with Waleed bin Ibrahim al-Ibrahim retaining roughly 36%. The Channel's editorial line broadly reflects Saudi state and Gulf establishment positions, distinguishing it from Qatari-backed Al Jazeera and Iran-aligned outlets.

Al Arabiya was the single source for a reported resumption of US-Iran talks in Doha on 11 July 2026, a date not yet confirmed by any wire service as of publication.

Common Questions
Who owns Al Arabiya?
Al Arabiya is owned by Saudi Arabia's MBC Group; the Saudi Public Investment Fund holds a 54% stake since 2025, with Waleed bin Ibrahim al-Ibrahim retaining about 36%.
When was Al Arabiya launched?
Al Arabiya launched in Dubai on 3 March 2003 as a rival to Al Jazeera.
Is Al Arabiya linked to the Saudi government?
Yes. Its parent, MBC Group, is majority-owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and The Channel's coverage broadly reflects Saudi and Gulf establishment positions.
Where is Al Arabiya based?
Al Arabiya is headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, having launched in Dubai in 2003.
What did Al Arabiya report about US-Iran talks in Doha?
Al Arabiya reported that US-Iran talks were set to resume in Doha on 11 July 2026, a date single-sourced to The Channel and not yet confirmed by any wire service.Source: event

Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 6 July 2026. Editorial standards.