Asharq News Network, a division of the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), is celebrating its fifth anniversary, marking the news network's rapid ascent to become the region’s definitive Arabic-language source for business news.
Since its first broadcast in November 2020, in the midst of the global pandemic, Asharq has evolved from a single channel into a leading multi-platform network, cementing its position as the most-followed business news service on social media in the Arab world.
The network’s foundation was built on a partnership with Bloomberg Media, launching as Asharq Business with Bloomberg. This collaboration immediately established a new benchmark for Arabic financial journalism, blending essential global market insights with crucial regional context for investors and decision-makers. SRMG CEO Jomana AlRashid noted that Asharq serves as an example of how Arabic journalism can lead globally by being data-driven and digitally native.
Asharq’s mission has expanded into a comprehensive ecosystem that now includes Asharq Documentary, Asharq Discovery, and the new streaming platform, Asharq NOW. Its dedication to quality has paid off in viewer engagement, ranking first in Saudi Arabia for Average Time Spent per Day among all news channels. This commitment to excellence has resulted in over 260 international awards.
As General Manager Dr. Nabeel Al Khatib stated, the founding promise was "clarity over confusion." The newsroom, operating across regions and continents, from Riyadh and Dubai to Washington, continues to prioritise accuracy, context, and credibility. Looking forward, the network plans to advance its focus on AI-driven storytelling and investing in next-generation technologies to strengthen its bond with audiences in the years ahead.premier network celebrates half a decade of redefining Arabic business journalism, leveraging global partnerships and digital-first innovation.
