Sky UK is ending its joint venture in Sky News Arabia, handing full strategic and operational control of the Arabic-language news channel to International Media Investments.
Under the new arrangement, IMI will take full ownership of the Abu Dhabi-based broadcaster, while Sky will retain a link to the service through a long-term brand licensing agreement.
The decision follows months of scrutiny over Sky News Arabia’s coverage of Sudan’s civil war. Sudan suspended Sky News Arabia’s operations in 2024 alongside Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, citing concerns over professionalism, transparency and licensing.
Sky News Arabia launched in 2012 as a 24-hour Arabic-language news service serving the Middle East and North Africa. It was created through a partnership between Sky and Abu Dhabi Media Investment Corporation, now part of IMI, which is controlled by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan.
IMI has positioned the change as a natural evolution of the channel into a major regional media organisation. The company owns or holds stakes in outlets including The National, Al Ain News, CNN Business Arabic and Euronews, and operates media businesses across multiple countries.
For Sky, the move follows a wider reassessment of international brand partnerships under Comcast ownership. Skies ultimate owner, Comcast, has earlier chosen not to renew a similar licencing agreement with Sky News Australia.
The continued use of the Sky News Arabia name through licensing means the brand will remain visible in the region, but editorial and operational control will now sit fully with IMI.
