Asharq Celebrates Five Years of Growth, Cementing Its Position as the Region’s Leading Arabic-Language Source for Business News

Asharq News Network, part of the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), marks its fifth anniversary, commemorating a milestone in a journey that has transformed Arabic-language journalism and established new standards for trust, innovation, and storytelling across the region.

Since its first broadcast in November 2020, Asharq has grown from a single business news channel into the Arab world’s leading multi-platform news network – now the region’s most followed business news service on social media – and has earned more than 260 international awards for editorial excellence, creativity, and production quality.

Launched during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Asharq Business with Bloomberg was founded with a straightforward but impactful mission: to provide clarity in times of uncertainty. Through its partnership with Bloomberg Media, Asharq set a new benchmark for Arabic financial journalism, blending global market insights with a regional perspective to support decision-makers and inform investors when accuracy was crucial.

Asharq started with a vision to create the Arab world’s most trusted and modern news brand,” said Jomana AlRashid, CEO of SRMG. “Today, it serves as an example of how Arabic journalism can lead globally, being data-driven, digitally native, and deeply connected to its audiences. As part of SRMG’s transformation, Asharq shows our belief that the future of media belongs to those who innovate intentionally and tell stories that inspire.”

“Asharq Business with Bloomberg has built a leader in trusted, data driven business news in the Middle East, and through our collaboration, millions more people are able to access vitally important news in Arabic,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, Founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Over the past five years, that mission has developed into an ecosystem of information, insight, and innovation, positioning Asharq as the number one multiplatform business news channel in the region. From Asharq Business and Asharq News to Asharq Documentary, Asharq Discovery, Radio Asharq with Bloomberg, and the new streaming platform Asharq NOW, the network provides trusted content across every screen and format, reflecting how modern audiences consume information today.

Asharq’s achievements extend far beyond reach. In Saudi Arabia, the network ranks first in Average Time Spent per Day among all news channels, reflecting the depth and quality of its engagement. Its dedication to excellence has earned recognition from major international platforms including the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards and the Arab Media Forum. The network was named 'Telly Company of the Year' for the second-year running, a clear indication of its creative leadership in broadcast and digital storytelling.

“When we launched Asharq amid a global crisis, we made a promise to our audience: clarity over confusion,” said Dr. Nabeel Al Khatib, General Manager of Asharq News Network. “Five years later, that promise defines everything we do. Our newsroom operates across continents, from Riyadh and Dubai to Cairo, Abu Dhabi, and Washington, connected by one editorial heartbeat that values accuracy, context, and credibility above all else.”

From covering major milestones such as the Aramco IPO and Vision 2030 reforms to global events like the G20, COP summits, and U.S. elections, Asharq has consistently delivered balanced coverage that links global developments to regional impact. During major news moments, viewership has increased by more than 60%, and audiences now spend over two hours per day engaging with Asharq content.

Asharq Business with Bloomberg continues to hold over 50% of the regional footprint on digital and social platforms in Arabic economic news, reaffirming its position as the leading platform in the market.

Looking ahead, Asharq’s focus remains on the future of media, advancing AI-driven storytelling, data journalism, and visual innovation. The network continues to invest in next-generation technologies and young Arab talent to shape the next era of credible, impactful journalism.

“The next five years focus on strengthening our bond with audiences,” added Dr. Al Khatib. “We are developing smarter tools, richer content, and a more dynamic ecosystem that keeps up with the changing world.”

As it celebrates its fifth anniversary, Asharq News Network reaffirms its founding mission: to inform with accuracy, inspire with purpose, and empower audiences with understanding. Five years down, a future of clarity ahead.