If you want to watch Arabic news in the UK, the cheapest route is Freeview. Al Jazeera Arabic, Al Arabiya and Asharq News all have free Freeview channels, which play on a connected TV with an aerial and broadband. Sky News Arabia is on Sky. In the US there is no free-to-air equivalent, so most viewers use Sling TV’s Arabic packages, plus each channel’s own website and app. Channel numbers and packages below are as of October 2026.
This guide is for Arabic speakers, students of Arabic and anyone who wants a Middle Eastern view of the news. It lists the official ways to watch in each country, then covers the apps and websites that work in both.
Key facts (as of October 2026)
- In the UK, Al Jazeera Arabic, Al Arabiya and Asharq News have free Freeview channels; Sky News Arabia is on Sky.
- The US has no free-to-air equivalent; Sling TV sells Arabic packages.
- Each channel also streams on its own website and app.
The main Arabic news channels, briefly
Five channels cover most of what people look for. Each has a different owner and editorial outlook, so many viewers watch more than one.
Knowing who runs each channel helps when you decide how to watch Arabic news in the UK or the US.
- Al Jazeera Arabic: the original Al Jazeera channel, based in Doha and owned by the Al Jazeera Media Network in Qatar.
- Al Arabiya: launched in 2003 in Dubai and part of MBC Group. It completed a move of its headquarters to Riyadh in 2025.
- Al Hadath: Al Arabiya’s sister channel, launched in 2012, focused on politics and breaking news.
- Sky News Arabia: launched in 2012 in Abu Dhabi. It was a joint venture with Sky until mid-2026, when Sky left and the UAE-based owner IMI took full control. The channel keeps the Sky News name under that deal.
- Asharq News: owned by Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG).
If you mainly want English-language coverage from the region, see our Al Jazeera English guide instead.
How to watch Arabic news in the UK
The UK has the best free options in the English-speaking world. Several Arabic channels pay for slots on Freeview, the free digital TV platform.
Watch Arabic news in the UK on Freeview (free)
Most of these channels are streamed Freeview channels. They appear in the normal TV guide but are delivered over the internet. You need a TV aerial, a compatible smart TV or box connected to broadband, and a connection of at least 2 to 3 Mbps.
| Channel | Freeview channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Al Jazeera Arabic | 252 | HD; Al Jazeera English is on 251 |
| Asharq News | 260 | On Freeview since 2022; moved to 260 in August 2024 |
| Al Arabiya | 261 | On Freeview since 2022; moved to 261 in August 2024 |
Freeview numbers change from time to time, so do a fresh channel scan if a channel goes missing. Older TVs may not support streamed channels. Freeview’s website has a checker for compatible devices.
Setting up streamed Freeview channels
Streamed channels can be confusing the first time. A few steps usually get them working.
- Connect the TV to the internet. Use Wi-Fi or a network cable. The channel will show in the guide but won’t play without broadband.
- Retune. Run a full channel scan from the TV’s settings menu so new numbers appear.
- Type the number. Enter 252, 260 or 261 on the remote. The first load can take a few seconds while the stream starts.
- Check compatibility. If nothing plays, your TV may not support Freeview’s streamed channels. A newer Freeview-compatible box is a cheap fix.
Watch Arabic news in the UK on Sky
Sky News Arabia is available on Sky in the UK and Ireland, listed on channel 788. It first arrived on Sky in March 2013. Other Arabic channels are less common on Sky because a standard Sky dish only receives the 28.2°E satellites. Many Arabic channels broadcast from other satellite positions instead, which need a separate dish and receiver.
Watch Arabic news in the UK online and on your phone
Every channel above runs its own website and streams live online. Al Arabiya, for example, offers its live channel on alarabiya.net and its official YouTube channel. Sky News Arabia streams on skynewsarabia.com. These work on a laptop, phone or tablet with no TV licence check.
One rule to know: in the UK you need a TV licence to watch any channel live as it is broadcast, on any device. TV Licensing says this applies wherever the channel is broadcast from, so foreign channels streamed online count. On-demand clips from non-BBC services don’t need one. See the TV Licensing guidance on live TV for details.
How to watch Arabic news in the US
American viewers have fewer free choices. Arabic channels rarely appear on US cable, and the big free streaming services carry few Arabic news channels. The main paid route is Sling TV.
Sling TV Arabic packages
Sling has offered Arabic channels since 2015 and now lists more than 100 Arabic channels from 11 or more countries. Its Arabic news line-up includes Al Arabiya, Al Hadath, Sky News Arabia and Al Jazeera, plus Arabic programs from France 24. Sling lists these packages:
| Package | Price per month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Al Maalem | $10 | Includes live Al Jazeera |
| Al Ostoura | $16.50 | 100+ Arabic channels |
| Ala Kaifak | $25 | 80+ Arabic channels |
Sling does not publish a simple chart of which news channels sit in which package. Check the channel list for each package on Sling’s site before you subscribe. Sling is a US-only service.
Websites, YouTube and apps
The channels’ own live streams are the free option in the US too. Al Arabiya’s website and YouTube channel carry its live feed, and Sky News Arabia streams on its site. Sky News Arabia is also listed on the myTV platform, which serves Arabic-speaking viewers in the US and Canada.
For the best picture on a big screen, cast the stream from your phone or open the YouTube app on your TV. Our guides to news channels on Roku and live news on a smart TV explain the steps.
Coming soon: the NewsLive streaming app. We’re building one subscription for live international news on Android, Roku, Fire TV and desktop. The service is under development — follow NewsLive for launch updates.
UK vs US: side-by-side
The table below shows why it is usually easier to watch Arabic news in the UK, where several channels are free on Freeview.
| Channel | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Al Jazeera Arabic | Freeview 252 (free) | Sling Arabic packages |
| Al Arabiya | Freeview 261 (free); website and YouTube | Sling; website and YouTube |
| Al Hadath | Al Arabiya website, app and YouTube | Sling; website and YouTube |
| Sky News Arabia | Sky 788; website | Sling; myTV; website |
| Asharq News | Freeview 260 (free) | Website and apps |
Which channel should you watch?
The channels cover the same big stories but often frame them differently. Their owners are based in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and that shapes which stories lead and how regional conflicts are described. Many regular viewers compare two channels on a big story rather than relying on one.
Many viewers who watch Arabic news in the UK switch between two channels for a wider range of coverage.
- For wide regional coverage and long-form debate: Al Jazeera Arabic has a large correspondent network and long discussion programs.
- For Gulf-focused breaking news: Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, which split general news and live political coverage between them.
- For a faster, international-style format: Sky News Arabia uses a rolling news style similar to its former UK partner.
If you are learning Arabic, news channels are a good listening exercise. Presenters use Modern Standard Arabic, which is clearer than most dialect TV, and on-screen headlines help with reading.
What about Al Jazeera’s new free streaming channel?
In early 2026 Al Jazeera launched Al Jazeera World on Samsung TV Plus. It is the network’s first Arabic free ad-supported channel. It carries documentaries, not live news. It launched in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt, and Al Jazeera said the UK and several European countries would follow. US availability was not announced.
For a closer look at two of these channels, read our guide to Sky News Arabia and Al Arabiya live.
Frequently asked questions
Can I watch Al Jazeera Arabic news for free in the UK?
Yes. Al Jazeera Arabic is on Freeview channel 252 in HD. You need an aerial and a smart TV or box connected to the internet, because the channel is streamed.
What channel is Al Arabiya on Freeview?
Al Arabiya is on Freeview channel 261, after a renumbering in August 2024. Its sister channel Al Hadath isn’t listed on Freeview, but it streams on Al Arabiya’s website, app and YouTube. Retune your TV if Al Arabiya does not appear.
Is Sky News Arabia on Sky in the UK?
Yes. Sky News Arabia is listed on Sky channel 788 in the UK and Ireland. It also streams live on its own website.
How can I watch Arabic news in the US without cable?
Sling TV’s Arabic packages carry Al Jazeera, Al Arabiya, Al Hadath and Sky News Arabia, with packages from $10 a month as listed by Sling. Several channels also stream free on their own websites or YouTube.
Do I need a TV licence to watch Arabic news online in the UK?
If you watch a channel live as it is broadcast, yes, on any device. That applies to foreign channels too. Watching on-demand clips from non-BBC services does not require a licence.
Is Sky News Arabia still owned by Sky?
No. Sky withdrew from ownership in mid-2026. The UAE-based IMI is now the sole owner, and the channel kept the Sky News Arabia name.
Sources
- Al Jazeera Media Network: Al Jazeera English and Al Jazeera Arabic launch on Freeview UK
- BroadcastPro ME: Al Arabiya and Al Hadath launch on Freeview
- Advanced Television: Asharq News launches on Freeview
- RXTV: Freeview updates 2022–2024
- Sky Group: Sky News Arabia launches in the UK
- Wikipedia: Sky News Arabia
- Wikipedia: Al Arabiya
- Sling TV: Top Arab news shows on Sling TV
- The Peninsula: Al Jazeera launches Al Jazeera World on Samsung TV Plus
- TV Licensing: Live TV and how you watch it
- Sky Community: Arabic TV channels in the UK
