Alarab News Channel goes live

Alarab’s HQ

The Bahrain-based Alarab News Channel went live yesterday, broadcasting 24-hours a day across the Middle East and North Africa.

The Arab-language news channel, which is backed by billionaire businessman and member of the Saudi royal family Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, claims it will provide an “objective, fresh and unbiased view of world events.”

Alarab will air news and a range of other programs, including those that will focus on Saudi Arabian affairs. Business news will be delivered through an agreement with Bloomberg.

“We felt there was a real need for an independent and impartial channel. We are proud that our programs will go beyond the ‘normal’ to provide viewers with the stories that matter to them,” said Alarab general manager, Jamal Khashoggi.

Chairman of the board and CEO Fahad Sukait added: “Our goal is to provide viewers with a new and different style, delivering impartial and accurate news based on deep analysis.”

In October, Alarab said it had chosen Elemental to deliver technology to support its live linear and multiscreen offerings.