Arabsat, BBC Channels extend partnership on 26°E
February 5, 2026
Arabsat, the satellite services provider in the Arab world, has announced the long-term renewal of its partnership with BBC Arabic and BBC News, reinforcing the 26°E video neighbourhood as the trusted home for high-quality international and Arabic-language news.
The agreement extends a multi-year collaboration between the two organisations and ensures millions of households across the Middle East and North Africa will continue to enjoy reliable, free-to-air access to BBC News Arabic’s award-winning journalism on Arabsat’s BADR-8 satellite.
“We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with BBC Arabic and BBC News” said Dr. Badr. N. Alsuwaidan, President & CEO of Arabsat. “This renewal reflects the strength of the 26°E neighbourhood and its role as the primary destination for premium news and entertainment channels across the region. We look forward to supporting the BBC’s mission to deliver trusted reporting to audiences across the Arab world.”
BBC Arabic and BBC News have been a cornerstone of the Arabsat channel line-up for more than a decade, and the continuation of this partnership underscores the strong demand for credible, high-quality news in Arabic and English.
“Arabsat has been a valued distribution partner for many years,” said Jeff McCalla, Head of Distribution, International Services, for BBC News. “Their 26°E neighbourhood delivers a reliable platform for BBC News Arabic and BBC News channels, ensuring audiences can access independent and impartial news across the region. We are pleased to extend this collaboration and continue bringing independent journalism to audiences across the Middle East and North Africa.”
With this agreement, Arabsat continues to strengthen its position as the platform of choice for global broadcasters seeking secure, long-term access to MENA households.