Rotana confirms Waleed Al-Farraj as face of flagship Saudi sports programme

Rotana Media Group has officially announced the signing of Saudi sports broadcaster Waleed Al-Farraj, in a move regarded as one of the most significant media deals in recent months.

The agreement forms part of Rotana’s plan to strengthen its presence across the Saudi and Arab sports media landscape. Al-Farraj will launch a new programme, “Rotana Sport with Waleed”, on Rotana Khalijia on 12 August.

The show will be broadcast daily at 23:30, giving Al-Farraj a regular platform to discuss the main issues and debates surrounding Saudi and regional sport.

Al-Farraj confirmed his move to Rotana in a post on his official account on X. He described the agreement as the beginning of a new stage in his media career and thanked Prince Alwaleed bin Talal for his support, confidence and sponsorship of the new project.

He also expressed his appreciation to the management of Rotana Media Group and Rotana Khalijia, saying he had received a warm welcome from the moment the contract was agreed.

That reception, he indicated, had given him additional motivation as he prepares to begin the new role and take the programme to viewers.

Al-Farraj said the show would retain the approach that audiences have become familiar with throughout his career. He also described “Rotana Sport with Waleed” as “a platform for everyone”, signalling his intention to include a range of opinions while examining sporting issues with professionalism and impartiality.

The move represents a major addition to Saudi sports broadcasting, given the popularity Al-Farraj has built and the extensive experience he has gained from presenting some of the country’s leading sports programmes over a number of years.

His arrival gives Rotana a prominent and recognisable figure at the centre of its sports coverage, while offering Al-Farraj a fresh setting in which to continue the style of discussion that has made him a familiar presence among Saudi audiences.

The announcement comes as Saudi sports media continues to attract considerable attention, with broadcasters seeking to expand their reach and strengthen their positions in both the domestic and wider Arab markets.

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