Arab Media Group (AMG) is an entertainment conglomerate based in Dubai focused on event management, family entertainment, and radio broadcasting as its main businesses. The company runs the Arabian Radio Network, which consists of nine regional radio channels.
Media assets
Radio: Arabian Radio Network (ARN): Tag 91.1, Dubai 92, Radio Shoma 93.4, Hit 96.7, Al Arabiya 99, Al Khaleejiya 100.9, City 101.6, Dubai Eye 103.8, Virgin Radio Dubai 104.4, Dubai Dragon
State Media Matrix Typology: Captured Public/State-Managed (CaPu)
Ownership and governance
AMG is a subsidiary of Dubai Holding, a global investment holding company that operates in a myriad of fields, including financial services, business parks, telecommunications, hospitality, and real estate. Dubai Holding is majority-owned by the Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Following the 2007 economic crisis, AMG’s television assets were incorporated into DMI, the leading media group run by the government of Dubai.
Source of funding and budget
There is no publicly available financial data about AMG. According to journalists and experts covering the UAE interviewed for this report in May 2024, the company funds its operations mostly through commercial revenues. Its radio operations are financed through revenues from ad sales.
Editorial independence
There are no editorial rules officially imposed by the government on AMG’s outlets to control their editorial agenda, which, however, is indirectly controlled by the government that has complete control over the company’s top management, according to journalists and experts covering UAE interviewed for this report in May 2024.
No domestic statute, independent assessment or oversight mechanism that would validate the editorial independence of AMG’s media outlets has been identified.
July 2024