Saudi Arabian newspapers and news sites of the kingdom

In Saudi Arabia, news is read mostly in Arabic in Al Riyadh, Okaz or Al Watan, in English in Arab News and Saudi Gazette, on sites such as Sabq, through the SPA agency and public channels, nearly all free to read online.

A press born in the Hejaz

The first newspapers on the peninsula appeared in Mecca, such as Umm al-Qura, the official gazette founded in 1924. Modern dailies were later organised into press foundations in the 1960s, in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

Al Riyadh, Okaz, Al Watan: what editorial line?

Al Riyadh, based in the capital, is a leading general daily. Okaz, in Jeddah, focuses on social affairs, Al Watan, born in Abha, favours opinion pieces, and Al Yaum covers the Eastern Province. All follow the kingdom's official guidelines.

Reading the kingdom in English

Arabic dominates, but Arab News and Saudi Gazette, both linked to Jeddah, publish in English for expatriates and foreign readers. They are a good way in to follow Vision 2030, giga-projects such as NEOM and Saudi diplomacy.

Jeddah, Dammam, Abha: a regional landscape

Each major region has its own titles: Okaz and Saudi Gazette in Jeddah, Al Yaum in Dammam, Al Watan from Asir, and Makkah Newspaper in Mecca. They cover municipalities, the pilgrimage and local news more closely than the Riyadh papers.

Sabq, Ajel and news apps

The sites Sabq, Ajel and Akhbaar 24 publish rolling news briefs and are widely followed through their apps and on X, a social network used heavily in the kingdom. They report quickly on ministerial announcements, weather and local incidents.

SPA, the official voice

The Saudi Press Agency, SPA, publishes royal decrees, Council of Ministers statements and diplomatic reports in Arabic, English and other languages. It is the source to consult when you want to verify an appointment or a government decision.

Public channels and Al Arabiya

The Saudi Broadcasting Authority runs Al Ekhbariya, a rolling news channel, and Saudi TV. Al Arabiya, a pan-Arab channel with Saudi capital based in Dubai and Riyadh, remains widely watched. Their live streams can be viewed online from abroad.

Asharq Al-Awsat, a pan-Arab paper from London

Founded in London in 1978, Asharq Al-Awsat belongs to the Saudi group SRMG and addresses the whole Arab world. To place the kingdom among its neighbours, also read the Arab world's press and newspapers from Bahrain, linked by the King Fahd Causeway.

Stock market, oil and the Saudi Pro League

Al Eqtisadiah and the Argaam site track the Riyadh stock exchange, Tadawul, Saudi Aramco and public finances. Sport has become central with the Saudi Pro League, whose clubs Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Ittihad dominate pages and social feeds.

How are Saudi media regulated?

The media answer to the Ministry of Media and a broadcasting regulator, and the publications law sets strict limits. National newspapers therefore relay official positions, which readers often complement with foreign media to get a broader picture of events.

Free access and digital editions

Most Saudi dailies are free to read on the web and offer PDF editions. To cross-check, compare with the press of Kuwait or international agencies, especially on regional issues such as Yemen or the oil markets.

Religious coverage and the Hajj

During the Hajj, newspapers in Mecca and Medina, along with public media, publish figures, guidance and schedules. For religious questions and Islamic finance, the international Islamic press is a useful complement to Saudi coverage of these subjects.

Following Saudi news from abroad

1. Start with Arab News or Saudi Gazette if you do not read Arabic, then add Al Riyadh or Okaz with a translation tool.
2. Use the SPA to verify every royal decree, appointment or Council of Ministers decision.
3. Install the Sabq or Akhbaar 24 app to receive quick announcements from the kingdom.
4. Watch Al Ekhbariya or Al Arabiya live for major diplomatic and economic events.
5. Compare Saudi coverage of a regional issue with media from other Gulf countries and international agencies.
6. Check the date of any article, because Saudi social and regulatory measures change quickly.

Access to Saudi newspapers and media

Essential facts about the Saudi press

• Languages: mainly Arabic, English for Arab News and Saudi Gazette
• News agency: SPA, Saudi Press Agency
• Public broadcasting: Saudi Broadcasting Authority, with Al Ekhbariya and Saudi TV
• Flagship titles: Al Riyadh, Okaz; business: Al Eqtisadiah and Argaam
• Time zone: Arabia Standard Time, UTC+3, no daylight saving
• Currency: Saudi riyal (SAR); weekend on Friday and Saturday

Reading pitfalls on Saudi Arabia

• Mistaking an X account that imitates Sabq or Okaz for the real outlet, a common problem when public holidays are announced.
• Reading national newspapers as independent voices, when they follow the kingdom's official guidelines.
• Attributing to Saudi Arabia a position voiced by Asharq Al-Awsat or Al Arabiya without checking with the SPA.
• Reposting an old rule on visas or the Hajj when the regulations have since changed.
• Relying on a machine translation of an Arabic headline without reading the article, at the risk of a misreading.

Questions about Saudi newspapers