All Saudi Arabia Newspapers

A Guide to the State-Directed Press of Saudi Arabia

Welcome to your guide to the newspapers of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a nation with a modern and well-funded media landscape that operates under the strict guidance and control of the government. The press in Saudi Arabia, publishing in both Arabic and English, serves as a primary tool for communicating the official policies, development goals, and worldview of the nation’s leadership. There is no independent press in the country; all publications, whether state-run or privately owned, adhere to the official government line.

The Major Arabic-Language Dailies

The most influential newspapers within the Kingdom are the Arabic-language dailies. These publications have a wide reach among the Saudi population and are the main platforms for domestic news and official announcements.

• Al Riyadh: Based in the capital city, Riyadh, this is one of the most prominent and widely read newspapers in the country, known for its extensive coverage of local and national affairs.
• Okaz: A leading daily newspaper based in Jeddah, Okaz is another major voice in the Saudi media, with a strong focus on social, political, and economic news.
• Al Jazirah: Another major Riyadh-based daily, Al Jazirah has a long history and a significant readership, covering a broad range of topics from a pro-government perspective.
• Al Watan (The Homeland): This newspaper is known for its coverage of domestic issues and economic development, contributing to the official national discourse.

The Influential English-Language and Pan-Arab Press

Saudi Arabia extends its media influence far beyond its borders through powerful English-language and pan-Arab publications.

• Arab News: As the leading English-language daily in the Middle East, Arab News is essential reading for the Kingdom’s large expatriate population, diplomats, and international business community. It presents a Saudi perspective on global and regional affairs.
• Saudi Gazette: The main competitor to Arab News, the Saudi Gazette is another major English-language daily providing comprehensive news coverage for a foreign audience.
• Asharq Al-Awsat (The Middle East): This is one of the most influential and prestigious pan-Arab newspapers in the world. Though published out of London, it is Saudi-owned and serves as a key instrument of the Kingdom’s foreign policy and public diplomacy, read by elites across the Arab world.

A Tightly Controlled Media Environment

It is crucial to understand that the media in Saudi Arabia operates with no press freedom. The country consistently ranks at the very bottom of global press freedom indexes. All journalists and publications practice self-censorship, and strict laws forbid any form of criticism against the royal family, the government, or the state’s interpretation of Islam. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) is the official state news agency and the sole source for all official decrees and government news.

While diverse in name, the newspapers of Saudi Arabia speak with a single, unified voice that reflects the official position of the state. Exploring our collection on w3worldnewspapers.com provides a direct insight into the official messaging and public narrative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.