Alaraby

Al Araby Television Network () is a Qatari television network launched in January 2015, and includes two main channels "Al Araby TV" and "Al Araby 2", in addition to digital projects that broadcast exclusive programs such as "Ana Al Araby" and "Al Araby Tube". It broadcasts a variety of programs and news shows in Arabic, covering society, politics, entertainment, and culture. The network has bureaus in several Arab and Western capitals, through 11 bureaus in the Middle East and worldwide and relying on a network of correspondents spread across 33 cities worldwide.

Formerly based in London, Al Araby Television Network announced it would move its headquarters to Qatar in 2021. The move was heavily advertised on social media in the weeks leading up to the eventual shift of operations to Lusail planned city on 30 August 2022.

History

Al-Araby TV Network has undergone several pivotal moments since its inception:
#January 25, 2015: The network was established, and Al-Araby TV launched its trial broadcast from London.
#March 5, 2017: Abbas Nasser was appointed as the new Executive Director of the network.
#2019: Journalists for Al-Araby TV were targeted by hackers affiliated with Project Raven, a UAE initiative to target the mobile phones of media figures the UAE believed were supported by Qatar.
#January 25, 2021: The official website of Al-Araby TV was launched, enhancing its digital presence.
#January 2, 2022: Al-Araby 2 TV, a cultural and entertainment-focused channel, was launched, expanding the network's offerings.
#August 30, 2022: The network's headquarters was relocated from London, United Kingdom, to Lusail City, Qatar, marking the start of the news channel's broadcast from its new location.
#October 2022: Abbad Yahya was appointed as the General Manager of the network, bringing a new vision to its leadership.

Organisation and staff

Al Araby TV is already one of the largest TV networks in the region, TV production facilities in London - and has been built to compete with the Arab world's largest and most popular broadcasters. It is estimated that Alaraby TV is home to more than 400 media staff.

Management

On the administrative level, Al-Araby TV Network has been led by influential figures since its inception. Currently, Palestinian writer, journalist, and media professional Abbad Yahya serves as the Executive Director, a position he has held since 2022. Before him, Egyptian lawyer Islam Lotfy was the founding Executive Director in 2015. From 2017 to 2022, the position was held by Lebanese journalist Abbas Nasser, previously a presenter at Al Jazeera, who contributed significantly to the channel's growth.

Presenters and reporters

Al-Araby TV Network features a distinguished lineup of anchors known for their expertise and experience in journalism. Notable names include Dima Ezzeddine, Jamal Ezzeddine, Wael Tamimi, Zaher Omareen, Rola Haidar, Salma El Dali, Nidal Hamdi, Sarmad Akram, and Farah Fawaz, among many others.

As for presenters on Al-Araby TV and Al-Araby 2, several prominent figures currently grace the screen. These include the satirical Egyptian YouTuber Youssef Hussein, Badr Al-Sayegh, Lebanese musician Marwan Khoury, Egyptian artist Hamza Namira, Moroccan artist Rachid Gholam, and seasoned media professional Aref Hijjawi. In earlier programs, iconic personalities such as journalist Asaad Taha and writer Bilal Fadl were among the most recognized faces on the channel.

The network also boasts an team of field reporters who provide comprehensive and timely coverage from around the globe. Key reporters include Ahmad Darawsha from Palestine, Adnan Can from Turkey, Abdulrahman Bardisi from Washington, D.C., Christine Rinawi from Jerusalem, Ahmad Hussein from Egypt, and Yasser Abu Muailiq from Berlin, among others.

Offices

The main headquarters of Al-Araby TV Network is located in Lusail City, north of Doha, Qatar. Prior to 2022, the network's primary offices were based in London, UK, before the decision to relocate to Qatar. In addition to its headquarters, the network operates regional centers in Beirut, Lebanon, and Tunis, Tunisia.

The network's reach extends through various offices in numerous Arab, regional, and international locations, including Yemen, Iraq, the United States, Russia, and Palestine (Ramallah, Gaza, and Jerusalem), as well as Libya, Algeria, Jordan, and Pakistan. These offices are supported by an extensive network of over 64 correspondents stationed across more than 30 countries, spanning East Asia, the Middle East, and the United States, ensuring comprehensive global coverage.

Areas of coverage

Al-Araby TV has consistently delivered comprehensive and balanced coverage of major events in the Arab world. Since its launch in 2015, it has highlighted the demands and movements of Arab populations during the Arab Spring through objective field reporting and in-depth analysis, offering insights into political and social transformations. The network has also documented the Syrian Revolution since 2011, providing live reports, exclusive field coverage, and expert commentary on the humanitarian crisis and the conflict's broader implications.

From 2023, Al-Araby TV have covered the Gaza War with on-ground reporting. The English version of their website, The New Arab, regularly covers developments in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Al-Araby TV and the New Arab have been subject to criticism after their Arabic-language article on the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital explosion alleged that Israel was responsible for committing "genocide", while their English-language article acknowledged that the Biden administration and others claim that a misfired rocket from Palestinian Islamic Jihad was responsible for the explosion.

Notable programs

''Remix''

In 2016, Hamza Namira launched the TV series ''Remix'' (in ) on Al Araby TV. The popular series filmed in a number of countries featured the relevance of the songs chosen from the various folkloric repertoire of a number of Arab countries, and the process through Namira's collaborations with a number of artists and musical groups in remixing. Each 30-minute episode would end with a special collaborative performance of the songs by Namira and an accompanying musical band or vocalists in a contemporary fashion. With the immense popularity of the initial 12-episode series, a new series was announced on the same channel that aired in 2017 and a further third series in 2018.

''Tarab''

''Tarab with Marwan Khoury'' (in ) airs every Friday on Al Araby, where the host Marwan Khoury, Lebanese singer, writer, composer and music arranger, aims through this show to acquaint the young viewers of the channel with the Arab classics, and hosts in his show popular singers to relive the golden age of Arabic music.

''Joe Show''

''Joe Show'' (in ) is a popular talk show and political satire television program hosted by Egyptian comedian Youssef Hussein and it airs each Thursday on Al Araby TV. The show mainly tackles events and news from the Arab world in a comic and cynical manner. The television program sheds light on the media biases in the Arab world, and striking paradoxes in the rhetoric of politicians and their conflicting stances and opinions; and reintroduces them comically. The show consists of four segments; the first two parts cover current events in Egypt, the last two parts looks at the rest of the Arab world.

''Zool Cafe''

''Zool Cafe'' joined Alaraby TV in December 2019. The show was one of the biggest Sudanese shows on YouTube. It tackles social and political issues in Sudan, and is currently one of the most popular shows on Alaraby TV's social media platforms.

''Al Araby Today''

''Al Araby Today'' (in ) hosted by Fida Bassil, a former BBC presenter, and Badr Al-Sayegh, also a former BBC Arabic anchor, stands out as one of the most prominent political programs on Al-Araby TV. This daily talk show delves into the most pressing political events in the Arab world, offering in-depth discussions with experts and specialists on a wide range of political, economic, and social issues. The program is renowned for its comprehensive and objective analysis, aiming to provide viewers with a deeper understanding of unfolding events and their implications.

''In Another Narrative''

''In Another Narrative'' (in ) is a weekly talk show hosted by Badr Al-Sayegh, featuring prominent guests such as former officials, influential thinkers, and notable human rights advocates. The program shines a spotlight on their significant roles in shaping key events during critical historical moments. Through profound and engaging discussions, the show delves into the complexities of those periods, revealing their dimensions and lasting impacts on the present and future.

''The Story Continues''

''The Story Continues'' (in ), this daily talk show provides a detailed analysis of the day's most prominent news headline, as featured in the network's broadcasts. The program delves deeper into the episode's topic through distinctive reports prepared by Al-Araby TV correspondents. It also hosts a panel of experts to discuss the news from various angles, offering objective and professional insights that enrich viewers' understanding of the story's broader implications.

''Behind the Scenes''

''Behind the Scenes'' (in ) is a documentary program that delves into the hidden depths of political history through historical documents and firsthand testimonies. The show reconstructs the narrative of key events and historical milestones, shedding light on aspects that have remained obscure or ambiguous until now. By unveiling these hidden details, Kawalees offers viewers a richer and more nuanced understanding of history's intricate tapestry.

''The Last''

''The Last'' (in ), a daily program that monitors, analyzes, and discusses the most significant Arab and international events. It revisits their details and backgrounds, offering comprehensive insights alongside a panel of experts, specialists, and political, economic, and social analysts. Through in-depth discussions, the program aims to provide viewers with a clearer understanding of these events and their broader implications.

''Polygraph''

''Polygraph'' (in ) is a weekly program that examines the most prominent rumors and falsehoods circulated by media outlets and social media platforms. The show investigates the entities behind these fabrications, uncovers their political motives, and analyzes the impact and consequences of their spread. With a commitment to truth and transparency, Polygraph offers viewers a critical perspective on misinformation in the modern media landscape.

''The Disappeared''

''The Disappeared'' (in ) follows the stories of Arab individuals who vanished under mysterious political circumstances, leaving no trace. The program delves into the perspectives of the missing individuals' families, shedding light on their struggles and unanswered questions. It also explores potential scenarios surrounding the disappearances, offering viewers a deeper understanding of these unresolved cases and their broader implications.

''Memoirs''

''Memoirs'' (in ) is a docudrama-style program that delves into the memoirs of influential figures from significant historical periods. The show uncovers hidden aspects of their lives, revealing how they experienced pivotal moments in history. By exploring unpublished and lesser-known memoirs, the program sheds light on secrets and stories that remained obscured over time, offering viewers a unique perspective on the past.

''Ladies and Gentlemen''

''Ladies and Gentlemen'' (in ), is a weekly program on Al Araby 2, hosted by renowned media personality Aref Hijjawi. The show offers a free space to explore cultural treasures, including the richness of the Arabic language and its literature, history, arts, and significant regional and global events. It also highlights influential figures, renowned artists, and iconic musicians, providing viewers with a vibrant and enriching cultural experience.

Rewards

Al-Araby TV Network has garnered numerous prestigious awards on Arab, regional, and international levels. Highlights include:
# "Best Digital Live Streaming Service in the Arab World" (2024): Awarded at a ceremony organized by the Global Social Media Forum.
#Shorty Awards (2024): recognized for the episode "Illusions of Happiness," addressing the dangers of addiction.
#Silver Award at the Arab Radio and Television Festival (2024): Honored in the documentary category for the film "Flames of Morgues."
#Third Place in WAN-IFRA Global Media Awards (2023): Earned by the Ana Al-Araby platform in the "Best Data Video Report" category for the video "Nuclear Weapons: The Complete Story."
#Webby Awards Certificate of Recognition (2023): Presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences for excellence in video editing as part of Al-Araby TV Network's visual identity update campaign.
#Hermes Creative Awards (2023): Gold for the network's updated visual identity campaign, and Platinum for the design of the "Hello Ramadan" program aired on Al-Arabi 2, and for a VR-powered report on the war in Ukraine.
#A'Design Bronze Award (2023): recognized for the revamped visual identity.
#Telly Awards (2023): Silver for the VR report on the Ukraine war, and Bronze for the updated visual identity.
#AVA Digital Awards (Platinum, 2022): Awarded for the innovative design of the "Akhirah" news bulletin, highlighting excellence in digital communication production.
#"Best TV Campaign Engagement on Social Media" (2022): Awarded for the campaign "Alaraby on Arab Ground" marking the network's relocation to Lusail City, Qatar.
#"The Best TV Program Monitoring Fake News" (2022): Recognized for "Polygraph," a weekly show tackling prominent media and social media myths.
#BroadcastPro ME Award (2022): Celebrated for the technological ingenuity of the network's new headquarters in Lusail City, Qatar, showcasing advanced lighting, filming, and centralized broadcasting systems.
#MarCom Awards (Platinum & Gold, 2021): Platinum for a report on Iran's nuclear facilities, and Gold for coverage of the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam crisis.
#"Best Arab Channel" (2018): Presented by the Global Arab Awards in Marrakech, Morocco, recognizing professionalism, content quality, and innovative presentation.

Satellite frequencies

Al Araby TV

Al Araby 2 TV

Also, both Al-Araby TV and Al-Araby 2 are available globally via leading television and digital streaming providers, including: beIN, YouTube, Vimeo, Apple TV, Arabi+ App, Roku, and other service providers.

See also

* The New Arab
* List of Arabic-language television channels
* Mass media in Qatar
* Al Jazeera Media Network

References

External links

*

{{Portal bar, Television, Media, Journalism

Television networks in Qatar
Webby Award winners