Saudi Research & Media Group Announces Transformation Strategy Focusing on Platform Expansion and International Partnerships Across Five New Verticals

Saudi Research & Media Group Announces Transformation Strategy Focusing on Platform Expansion and International Partnerships Across Five New Verticals
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Saudi Research & Media Group Announces Transformation Strategy Focusing on Platform Expansion and International Partnerships Across Five New Verticals

Saudi Research & Media Group Announces Transformation Strategy Focusing on Platform Expansion and International Partnerships Across Five New Verticals

The Saudi Research & Media Group (SRMG) – which owns more than 30 major media outlets including Asharq Al-Awsat, Asharq News and Arab News, and has a combined monthly reach of 165 million – announced on Sunday a new transformation strategy focusing on platform expansion, international partnerships and strategic investments across five key business verticals.

SRMG, which is listed on the Tadawul stock exchange in Riyadh, will further expand its current portfolio, digital offerings and global reach by transforming print publications into digital-first platforms, introducing new platforms that address white spaces in the market, investing in media start-ups with bold ideas and building long-term mutually beneficial partnerships with internationally recognized brands. SRMG already has successful partnerships and collaborations with leading media organizations including Bloomberg and The Independent.

Driven by a newly appointed leadership team, SRMG is focused on delivering original, exclusive and premium content to consumers through new digital and social platforms, as well as strengthening its cable and satellite reach. The Group will continuously look to leverage its data and technology capabilities to develop new products and services, enhance its monetization capabilities and diversify its revenue streams.

Building on its expanding network of outlets, SRMG will work across five business verticals to unlock new regional and international commercial opportunities:

1. SRMG Media: Digital Platforms, Podcasts and Multimedia

Digitizing and expanding content creation and distribution to engage audiences with original, unique and exclusive content

2. SRMG International: International Investments and Partnerships

Building a global network through bespoke partnerships and strategic investments, driven by a team of seasoned media professionals with global experience

3. SRMG Think: Research and Polling

Providing unique insights and expert analysis from the Middle East and around the world

4. SRMG X: Events, Conferences and Exhibitions

Delivering leading events that provide important opportunities for personal connection and engagement in a digital world

5. SRMG Labs: Innovation, Incubation, and Training

Fostering talent and technology, and driving creativity and innovation in the regional media space, while helping to train the next generation of media professionals, journalists and content creators

Abdulrahman Ibrahim Alrowaita, Chairman of SRMG, said: “For almost five decades, our titles like Asharq Al-Awsat, Arab News, Sayidaty and others have played a significant role in telling authentic and impactful stories from the Middle East and around the world. Now, driven by our new strategy, we will strengthen our unique and established position by expanding our global focus and reach and widening our regional footprint in a growing media sector.

“Through new platforms and international partnerships, we will empower global audiences with relevant and reliable news and information. We will remain committed to diversity and inclusivity in journalism and across our newsrooms, fostering talent and innovation by helping develop the next generation of media professionals, journalists and content creators.”

Jomana Al-Rashid, Chief Executive Officer of SRMG, said: “Our focus on premium content creation, introducing new platforms and expanding our reach through new titles and services ensures SRMG will be the primary driver of the region’s digital future in media. New platforms will allow our journalists to report news and deliver audience-centric content backed by data and driven by the latest technology, to reinforce SRMG’s position as the premier media house in the Middle East.

“Our new strategy is an exciting next chapter for a media house with a long legacy of growth and innovation. We look forward to enhancing our engagement with our audiences by continuing to provide relevant and diverse media content, while widening the services we offer and building on our leading media market position.”

SRMG’s new growth strategy is supported by a refreshed brand and new website that reflect the company’s fresh approach while upholding its rich, unique history. Leveraging its legacy, scale and new capabilities, SRMG is uniquely positioned to access growing media markets worldwide.

Operating since 1972, Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG) is a global media house from the Middle East and North Africa with a portfolio of more than 30 major media outlets – including Asharq Al-Awsat, Asharq News and Arab News – delivering information, news and lifestyle content to a monthly audience of more than 165 million.

Listed on the Tadawul stock exchange in Riyadh, SRMG is focused on delivering original, exclusive and premium content in multiple languages to empower consumers with news and information through digital and social platforms, in addition to its leading cable and satellite reach.

Through its many platforms, content and voices, SRMG is uniquely positioned to capitalize on fast-growing opportunities for digital content distribution, online advertising and commercial partnerships in the media and entertainment market worldwide.

Headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, SRMG has offices in 18 locations around the world, including London and Dubai.



Iran Attacks on Gulf States Surpass 7,000

Smoke rises from a building in Kuwait following an Iranian attack. (AFP file)
Smoke rises from a building in Kuwait following an Iranian attack. (AFP file)
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Iran Attacks on Gulf States Surpass 7,000

Smoke rises from a building in Kuwait following an Iranian attack. (AFP file)
Smoke rises from a building in Kuwait following an Iranian attack. (AFP file)

Iranian attacks on Gulf states have reached new levels since the war began, with Kuwait emerging as one of the countries most heavily targeted in recent weeks.

The attacks have continued despite a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, mediated by Pakistan, that has been in place since last April.

According to a tally by Asharq Al-Awsat following the two latest attacks on Kuwait, on May 28 and again on Monday, and based on official data and statements issued by Gulf Cooperation Council states, Iranian attacks on Gulf countries from the start of the war in February through early June 2026 totaled about 7,028. They included around 1,716 missiles and 5,311 drones.

The figures show that drones accounted for the bulk of Iran’s attacks with more than 5,000 launched, compared with over 1,700 missiles. The pattern points to Tehran’s growing reliance in recent months on low-cost, high-volume attacks.

The attacks have persisted despite the truce. More than 215 Iranian attacks have been recorded since the ceasefire was announced on April 8, underscoring continued security tensions in the region. Gulf air defenses have intercepted and destroyed most of the attacks.

According to the tally, the United Arab Emirates recorded the highest number of attacks, with 2,846, followed by Saudi Arabia with 1,234. Kuwait was third with 1,194 attacks, reflecting the recent surge in strikes targeting the country.

Qatar was fourth with 737 attacks, followed by Bahrain with 700, while Oman recorded the fewest with 26.

The figures come after Kuwait was hit by fresh attacks in recent days, prompting several Gulf states to condemn the strikes and declare their solidarity with Kuwait.

The continued attacks have also raised warnings that they threaten regional stability and undermine efforts to consolidate the ceasefire.

Kuwait said on Monday that its air defenses had repelled missile and drone attacks targeting the country, activated emergency procedures, and sounded sirens in several areas.

The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry held Iran fully responsible and said Kuwait reserved the right to take all necessary measures to defend its security and sovereignty.

The Kuwait News Agency, KUNA, said Kuwaiti air defenses had intercepted hostile missiles and drones, as sirens sounded across the country. It did not immediately provide further details on the targets or the extent of any possible damage.

After the attacks, the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it called “sinful and repeated Iranian attacks.”

It said the attacks represented “a dangerous escalation and a direct assault on the security and stability of the State of Kuwait,” as well as a direct threat to civilians and vital facilities.

The ministry said the attacks violated international law, the United Nations Charter, and UN Security Council resolutions, adding that their continuation undermined efforts to reduce tensions and contain the fallout from the escalating regional crisis.

Saudi Arabia also strongly condemned the repeated Iranian attacks on Kuwait. In a statement, it said, “the Kingdom stresses its categorical rejection of these attacks, which violate the sovereignty of Kuwait in a clear breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.”

It said the violations undermined international efforts to restore security and stability in the region. Saudi Arabia expressed solidarity with Kuwait’s government and people and renewed its full support for all measures Kuwait takes to preserve its sovereignty, security, and stability.

GCC Secretary-General Jassem Albudaiwi condemned the continued “hostile Iranian attacks” targeting Kuwait, describing them as a dangerous and irresponsible escalation, a blatant violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty and international laws and norms, and a direct threat to regional security and stability.

Albudaiwi said the continued attacks reflected an unacceptable Iranian approach that undermined efforts to preserve security and stability.

He called on the international community and the UN Security Council to assume their responsibilities and take a firm, deterrent stance against violations that threaten regional and international peace and security.

The GCC secretary-general stressed that Kuwait’s security was an integral part of the security of all GCC states.

The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the Iranian “terrorist attacks” that targeted Kuwait with missiles and drones. In a statement, the UAE Foreign Ministry said the attacks were a flagrant violation of its sovereignty and a threat to its security and stability.

Abu Dhabi expressed its full solidarity with Kuwait and its support for all measures aimed at preserving Kuwait’s security and stability.


Saudi, Qatari FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi, Qatari FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call from Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported Wednesday.

During the call, they reviewed the latest developments and current situation in the region, in light of the ongoing coordination and consultation between the two countries, SPA said.


One Killed in ‘Criminal’ Iranian Attack on Kuwait, Airport Partially Resumes Flights

Planes are seen at Kuwait International Airport. (KUNA)
Planes are seen at Kuwait International Airport. (KUNA)
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One Killed in ‘Criminal’ Iranian Attack on Kuwait, Airport Partially Resumes Flights

Planes are seen at Kuwait International Airport. (KUNA)
Planes are seen at Kuwait International Airport. (KUNA)

One person was killed in an Iranian attack targeting civilian facilities in Kuwait, including the international airport and diplomatic missions, the foreign ministry said on Wednesday. 

The statement did not specify which diplomatic missions were damaged. 

Ministry of defense spokesman Brigadier General Saud Abdulaziz Al-Atwan described the attack as "criminal Iranian aggression which resulted in significant material damage to the building and injuries." 

The strike marks an escalation for the country, which had seen relative calm since a ‌ceasefire in ‌the Iran war was announced on ‌April ⁠8. Iran had ⁠launched a salvo of missiles and drones at Kuwait as well as at other Gulf states. 

The early morning attack on Kuwait International Airport injured several people and forced authorities to divert flights, the state news ⁠agency reported. The attack caused "severe damage" to ‌the airport's Terminal ‌1 building, it said, citing the General Civil Aviation ‌Authority. 

Kuwait Airways said it would reschedule its ‌Wednesday flights. Shortly afterwards, the civil aviation authority said the country's flagship carrier had resumed flights from Terminal 4, after evaluating damage and taking safety measures. 

Earlier, ‌the US military said two Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait fell short or ⁠broke ⁠apart mid-flight, while three missiles launched at Bahrain were intercepted by US and Bahraini forces. 

A further wave of Iranian drones targeting US forces in Kuwait failed to hit their intended targets, Central Command said in a post on X, adding that Iranian ballistic missiles fired toward regional neighbors did not strike their targets. 

In response, US forces carried out strikes on Qeshm Island and intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones.