Saudi Arabia Launches First English-Language Radio Station

VIVA – Saudi Arabia on Monday launched its first English-language radio stations at an event in Riyadh. The first English-language radio station is MBC Loud FM, whose launch event was a festive affair featuring fireworks, live music, and dancing. The event was hosted by Saudi Arabian celebrities and attended by several influencers. 

"I think it's a good opportunity for people to see the fresh life in Saudi Arabia," said MBC Loud CEO Sam Barnett.

The launch of the station signifies a renewed effort to appeal to the large demographic of young people in the Kingdom as well as its growing expatriate population. 

“We’ve got lots of young Saudis speaking English. We’ve also got lots of ex-pats coming in who are all working in new jobs and new sectors with new colleagues, and this is our take on life for the new phase of Saudi,” Barnett explained.

It is not the first English language station to hit the airwaves in the country. Saudi Aramco launched its stations in 1957 in the Eastern Region, including an English language offering.

But Loud FM is the first of its kind: A contemporary music station whose reach covers the entire breadth of the Kingdom.

Listeners can tune in to Riyadh-based DJs Jay R and Danah during the morning slot from 6 am to 10 am  every weekday on 99 FM.

"I'm a morning person and I'm very excited to be part of this new radio station," Danah said.

Jay R, meanwhile, is an American citizen with work experience in the United States and Malaysia as well as Radio One in the United Arab Emirates. Jay R is excited to be part of history and is looking forward to starting a new life in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.