- Asharq Documentary is an Arabic language free-to-air factual documentary multi-platform, uncovering the stories behind the headlines in politics, business and economics, and history
- Launch reflects global industry trends in content creation and growing audience appetite for more long-form, high-quality documentaries that provide an in-depth look into the issues captivating the world today
- The new channel will produce original content, ensuring a focus on stories and perspectives from the region, and fostering the growth of local talent
- The launch is part of SRMG’s ongoing transformation and growth strategy, which seeks to enhance and expand its media portfolio whilst providing support to the region’s wider media, information, and entertainment production ecosystem
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: 30th August 2023 – SRMG, the largest integrated media group from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has announced the launch of Asharq Documentary which is set to go live this Sunday, 3rd September at 5pm (GMT+3). Asharq Documentary is an exciting new Arabic free-to-air factual documentary multi-platform. In response to the increasing demand in the region for documentaries, Asharq Documentary will offer a deep dive into topics including politics, business and economics, and history. It will also offer unique insights and in-depth analysis on the latest trends, events, and influential figures shaping the world today. Asharq Documentary is the latest addition to the award-winning ‘Asharq News Network’, which includes Asharq News, Asharq Business with Bloomberg, and the soon-to-launch Asharq Discovery.
According to our survey, more than 80% of those interviewed in MENA want more and higher quality Arabic content, illustrating that there is exceptional demand and a gap in the region for this type of content. Furthermore, SRMG’s Asharq News channel has already aired over 400 hours of quality documentaries with strong viewing figures and positive audience engagement – underlining the strong appetite for high-quality Arabic language documentary programmes in the region.
One of the key differentiators of Asharq Documentary is its dedicated, in-house production capabilities which will provide access to exclusive, home-grown quality programming, looking beyond the leading regional and global news headlines to provide in-depth and bold analysis. This in-house produced content will complement the channel’s licensed and acquired content. Whilst there is currently a deficit of locally produced documentaries, Asharq Documentary is uniquely positioned to fill this void by delivering original content that supports the regional filmmaking industry and fosters local and regional talent.
Commenting on the launch, Jomana R. Al-Rashid, CEO of SRMG said: “The MENA region currently lacks a comprehensive Arabic language documentary channel that delves into the topics shaping our world today. SRMG has seized the opportunity to expand into this untapped market by creating Asharq Documentary – a new free-to-air factual documentary multi-platform dedicated to uncovering the stories behind the trending headlines and delving deeper into the related facts and information. The new multi-platform will provide unprecedented access to Arabic language documentaries – including new content produced in-house, specifically for the region. Asharq Documentary is a further demonstration of SRMG’s growth and expansion strategy to stay at the forefront of change by providing our audience with high-quality and thought-provoking content.”
Mohammed Al Yousei, Manager of Asharq Documentary stated: “Asharq Documentary aims to become the leading platform for prominent political documentaries, providing in-depth coverage of regional and international events. Asharq Documentary will produce factual films covering a wide range of topics including politics, economics, business, and history. The multi-platform offers in-depth insights and analysis utilizing state-of-the-art technology in our production process, to bring the content to life.”
At launch, Asharq Documentary will feature a diverse lineup of insightful Arabic language documentaries, such as:
- ‘America and the Taliban’ – an epic three-part investigation that examines America’s 20- year investment in Afghanistan. The film includes on-the-ground reporting and interviews with U.S. and Taliban officials.
- ‘Nuclear NOW’ – by the Oscar winning filmmaker Oliver Stone, this documentary explores the possibility for the global community to unlock a new energy source to save the planet.
- ‘Space War’ – a film that examines how the global competition to access space has created a new area of conflict and economic interest amongst the world’s superpowers.
- ‘Real Madrid’ – an inspiring story showcasing the great victories and legendary players that contributed to Real Madrid becoming the world’s greatest football phenomenon.
Asharq Documentary will be accessible through its dedicated television channel and social media accounts, as well as through live streaming and on-demand services via Asharq NOW.
Asharq Documentary channel is available on:
| DTH E7W Nile Sat |
| DVBS2-8PSK |
| 12322 |
| Vertical |
| 30000 |
| 3/4 |
| DTH Arabsat Badr 4 |
| DVBS-QPSK |
| 12092 |
| Vertical |
| 27500 |
| 5/6 |
ABOUT SRMG
SRMG is the largest global integrated media group from the MENA region. With over a 50-year legacy responsible for many regional firsts, SRMG has built a portfolio of over 30 media outlets including Asharq Al-Awsat, Asharq Network which includes Asharq News and Asharq Business with Bloomberg, Arab News, Independent Arabia, Sayidaty and Hia, which bring quality news and information to an audience of millions across four continents and in seven languages. Through its network, SRMG provides access to today’s biggest stories, boldest ideas and brightest minds — helping people understand their world better.
A champion of regional creativity, ideas and innovation, SRMG has now expanded beyond media — diversifying its business to include book publishing, events and experiences, research and advisory, content production and more. Leveraging its experience and knowledge of the region — and supported by global talent and partners — SRMG aims to unlock the possibilities of the future.
ABOUT ASHARQ NEWS
Asharq News, launched on 11.11.2020, is a 24/7, multi-platform Arabic news service circulating across the Arab world and beyond with a different look and approach. News and an in-depth analysis reported through the prism of the economy to empower people in their everyday lives.
The Asharq News experience is delivered through a dedicated television channel, as well as multiple digital platforms, offering continuous insights into the people, events, organizations and ideas that impact the MENA region and international markets.
An exclusive content agreement with Bloomberg Media, the business and financial information news leader, powers a key component, “Asharq Business with Bloomberg”, drawing on Bloomberg’s comprehensive coverage from more than 2,700 journalists and analysts globally.
“Asharq Business with Bloomberg” aims to become the premier Arabic-language business news provider, using multiple platforms to reach business leaders, as well as a younger generation that understands the importance of global economic, financial and corporate information. With this collaboration, Asharq Business teams (broadcast and digital) have access to Bloomberg’s extensive financial and economic content, analysis and market data, curating translated stories from Bloomberg to our platforms.
‘Connecting the Dots’ is Asharq News slogan that drives its journalistic work and sets its ultimate goal. The dots at Asharq News connect the news to its context, geographical setting, historical dimension, political depth, economic impact and social reality. Asharq News targets decision makers, businesspeople, entrepreneurs, and political and technology leaders through its economic content, as it addresses all aspects of political developments from an economic perspective.
Asharq News is headquartered in Riyadh, with central offices in the Dubai International Financial Centre, UAE, and Washington D.C., and has major hubs and studios in Cairo and Abu Dhabi. It also has regional offices and correspondents across key Arab countries and in global capitals, in addition to access to the content produced by hundreds of reporters from Bloomberg’s network around the world.
Asharq News is owned by the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG) established in London in 1972, SRMG is the Middle East’s largest publishing group and only publicly listed media company, with more than 16 publications and digital platforms providing the latest in political, financial, sports, and lifestyle news and analysis.
Within two years, Asharq News won over 35 global and regional awards.
