Rotana Media Group has officially signed Saudi sports broadcaster Waleed Al-Farraj, with the experienced presenter set to begin a new daily programme as part of the company’s plans to strengthen its presence in Saudi and Arab sports media.
The programme, titled “Rotana Sport with Waleed”, will be broadcast on Rotana Khalijia from 12 August. It will air every day at 23:30, marking the start of Al-Farraj’s latest move after years as one of the most recognisable figures in the Kingdom’s sports broadcasting industry.
The agreement is regarded as one of the most notable media deals of recent times and represents a significant addition to Rotana’s sports output. The group said the appointment formed part of its wider strategy to increase its profile across the Saudi and Arab sports landscape.
Al-Farraj described the move as the beginning of a new stage in his professional career in a post on his official account on X.
He also expressed his thanks to Prince Alwaleed bin Talal for his support, confidence and sponsorship of the new project. The presenter thanked the management of Rotana Media Group and Rotana Khalijia as well, saying he had received a warm welcome from the moment the contract was agreed.
That reception, Al-Farraj said, had given him additional motivation to take on the new challenge.
The Saudi broadcaster also indicated that the new show would retain the approach that his audience has come to expect from him. He said “Rotana Sport with Waleed” would be “a platform for everyone”, signalling his intention to feature a range of opinions while discussing sporting issues in a professional and impartial manner.
The programme is expected to build on Al-Farraj’s established popularity and long experience presenting high-profile sports shows in Saudi Arabia. His arrival gives Rotana a prominent name as it seeks to expand its role in sports coverage and attract viewers interested in the country’s rapidly developing football scene.
The announcement comes as Saudi football continues to command significant attention, with clubs preparing for the start of the new season and major sporting stories attracting wide public interest. Rotana’s decision to launch a daily late-night programme with Al-Farraj places the broadcaster at the centre of that conversation.
A related report referenced in the original coverage focused on a major issue involving Al Hilal defender Kalidou Koulibaly before the beginning of the season. However, the main development is Al-Farraj’s move to Rotana and the launch of his new nightly sports programme on Rotana Khalijia.
