Sky Exits UAE News Venture

Sky has divested its strategic and operational ownership in Arabia, a 24-hour Arabic language news service, to its partner International Media Investments (IMI), effective immediately. This transition follows accusations of genocide denial in Arabia's coverage of the conflict in Sudan. The UK-based broadcaster will, however, maintain a multi-year brand licensing agreement, allowing the Abu Dhabi-based channel to retain the Arabia name.

The joint venture, established in 2010 and broadcasting since 2012, was a partnership between Sky and IMI, an investment vehicle controlled by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, President of the UAE. Internal concerns at Sky reportedly grew regarding Arabia's editorial stance, particularly its reporting on the conflict in Sudan, where a UN-mandated fact-finding mission in February concluded that actions by the UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces (RSF) exhibited "hallmarks of genocide."

In November, the Sudanese government banned Arabia after a report from El Fasher claimed stabilization of the security and humanitarian situation, despite ongoing conflict. Arabia subsequently published reports questioning evidence of atrocities. IMI will now assume full ownership and operational control, aiming to further develop the platform as a leading multimedia news destination in the Arab world.