Where to get the news in the UAE
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Abu Dhabi

Where to get the news in the UAE

Aisha Rahman
Aisha Rahman February 10, 2026 Updated February 21, 2026 4 min read 21

Moving to the UAE and not sure how to stay up to date? Finding trustworthy local English-language news is straightforward with this guide to the country’s newspapers, TV, radio, and online news. Explore your options in the following sections:

  • Media in the UAE
  • Where to get the news in English in the UAENewspapersEnglish-language news TV stationsEnglish-language news radio stationsGetting English-language news online in the UAE
  • Newspapers
  • English-language news TV stations
  • English-language news radio stations
  • Getting English-language news online in the UAE
  • National UAE newspapers
  • Regional UAE TV News Channels
  • Social media news sources in the UAE
  • Alternative news and citizen journalism in the UAE
  • Tips on getting reliable news in the UAE
  • Fact-checking the news in the UAE
  • Useful resources

Ground News

Media in the UAE

Where to get the news in English in the UAE

Newspapers

  • The National, An Abu Dhabi-based daily print and online publication. Good coverage of local, regional, and international news with opinion and commentary. Keep an eye out for free copies in airport lounges and hotel lobbies in the capital city and across the UAE.
  • Gulf News, Dubai broadsheet with reliable content, plus a free web version. Home delivery is available for a fee, or pick up a free copy in public locations across the country.
  • Khaleej Times, Another established Dubai broadsheet with trusted, if rather dry, content. Reach out via the website for subscriptions and home delivery in the city.
  • Gulf Today, Broadsheet published out of Sharjah with a similar tone and style to Gulf News and Khaleej Times. Also available for home delivery in other emirates. Although distributed free of charge in some public areas, its profile is lower than that of its English language rivals.

English-language news TV stations

  • CNN
  • BBC World News
  • Al Jazeera
  • Sky News
  • Euro News
  • NHK
  • France 24

English-language news radio stations

Getting English-language news online in the UAE

  • The Arabian Post
  • The Brew News
  • Dubai Standard
  • Emirati Times
  • Middle East Monitor – occasionally runs UAE stories.
  • Thomson Reuters
  • Arabian Business – A Dubai-based portal known for economy and business stories.
  • GCC Business News – A Dubai-based online-only business news portal.
  • Middle East Economic Digest (MEED) – A long-established regional brand with an informative UAE section.
  • Tradearabia – Bahrain-based portal carrying UAE project news.

National UAE newspapers

  • Al Khaleej – This broadsheet was the first newspaper to be published in the UAE. It’s based in Sharjah but is distributed across the country. Its web version is free to access.
  • Al Bayan – A Dubai-based print title with a web version.
  • Al Fajr – An Abu Dhabi newspaper with pan-UAE circulation. Although it’s an independent publication, it’s still considered loyal to the government.
  • Al-Ittihad – Another Abu Dhabi daily with readership across the UAE and a free website version.
  • Emarat Al Youm – Independent Dubai print daily and free online version.

Regional UAE TV News Channels

  • Abu Dhabi TV, carries local and national news stories from the capital.
  • Ajman TV, runs news on local issues.
  • Dubai TV, covers news and current affairs from the country’s largest city.
  • Fujairah TV, broadcasts common interest stories from the easternmost emirate.
  • Sharjah TV, the official channel of the UAE’s third most populous emirate.

Social media news sources in the UAE

Alternative news and citizen journalism in the UAE

Tips on getting reliable news in the UAE

Fact-checking the news in the UAE

Useful resources

  • Arab Fact-Checkers Network (AFCN), organization fostering transparent and impartial fact-checking in the Arab region.
  • RSF.org, UAE Reporters without Borders profile
  • Emirates News Agency (WAM), UAE state news portal

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best news sources in the UAE?
Top UAE news sources include: The National (comprehensive English daily, UAE and regional news), Gulf News (long-established English newspaper, broad coverage), Khaleej Times (popular English daily, local and international news), Emirates 24/7 (digital-first news platform), Al Arabiya English (regional and international news with UAE focus), and Arabian Business (business and economy focus). Arabic speakers can access Al Bayan, Al Ittihad, and Emarat Al Youm. Many offer mobile apps and social media updates. For unbiased international news, expats often supplement with BBC, CNN International, Al Jazeera English, and international newspaper apps.
Are there any restrictions on news in the UAE?
Yes, UAE media operates under regulatory framework with some restrictions. The UAE has strict laws regarding: criticism of government and ruling families (prohibited), content undermining national security or public order, defamation and spreading false information, religious content disrespecting Islam, and moral content violating local values. VPN usage to access blocked content is technically legal but accessing prohibited content remains illegal. News sources practice self-censorship to comply with regulations. International news services are available but some websites or content may be blocked. Expats should be aware of these restrictions when accessing and sharing news.
Can I access international news websites in the UAE?
Most major international news websites are accessible in the UAE, including BBC, CNN, Reuters, The Guardian, New York Times, and Washington Post. However, some specific content or pages may be blocked if they violate UAE regulations. Websites with content critical of UAE government, inappropriate religious material, or adult content are blocked. Many expats use VPN services to access broader content, though using VPNs to access illegal content remains prohibited by law. Streaming services like BBC iPlayer or US-based news streaming may be geo-blocked. Social media platforms are accessible, though some VoIP features are restricted.
What TV channels broadcast news in English in the UAE?
English-language news channels available in UAE include: BBC World News, CNN International, Sky News, Al Jazeera English, Bloomberg, CNBC, France 24 English, and DW (Deutsche Welle). These are available through cable/satellite providers like du and Etisalat, or via streaming services. Free-to-air channels include some Al Jazeera English and local English programming. Many hotels and compounds provide comprehensive international channel packages. Dubai One offers local English content. For sports news, beIN Sports provides extensive coverage. Most UAE residents supplement TV news with digital platforms and mobile apps.
How do I stay updated on UAE government announcements?
Official UAE government announcements are available through multiple channels: UAE government portal (u.ae), official social media accounts (@UAEGov on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram), WAM (Emirates News Agency) for official press releases, Dubai Media Office and Abu Dhabi Media Office for emirate-specific news, and SMS alerts for emergency announcements. Download government apps like UAE Pass, Dubai Now, and TAMM for notifications on services and announcements. Major announcements are also covered by local newspapers and TV. For COVID-19 or emergency updates, official government social media provided real-time information. Follow relevant government entities on social media for your area.
Are there expat-focused news sources in the UAE?
Yes, several news sources cater specifically to UAE expat communities: TimeOut Dubai and TimeOut Abu Dhabi (lifestyle, events, dining, entertainment), Expatwoman (women-focused community and news platform), Lovin Dubai and Lovin Abu Dhabi (trending news, lifestyle, viral content), What's On (events and entertainment), and Gulf Business (business news for professionals). Community-specific outlets include The Filipino Times, Khaleej Times' expat section, and various Facebook groups for nationality-specific communities. These sources cover visa updates, lifestyle tips, events, restaurant openings, and expat-relevant news that mainstream outlets might not prioritize.
Written by:
Aisha Rahman
Aisha Rahman
United Kingdom From London, United Kingdom | United Arab Emirates Living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Swapped London drizzle for Dubai sunshine—and tripled my dry cleaning bill. 5 years of figuring out which brunches are worth the hype (most aren't) and why everyone here drives like they're late. Marketing by day, brunch critic always.

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