Turki Al-Shabana

Turki Al-Shabana is a prominent Saudi businessman and currently serves as the Minister of Media in Saudi Arabia. He has extensive experience in the media industry, having held influential positions at Rotana Group and MBC.

Recognized for transforming organizational outlooks and enhancing media content, Al-Shabana’s contributions have significantly reshaped Arab media landscape. His involvement spans across creation, production, and management of diverse media projects, notably steering Rotana from a music-centered channel to a family-oriented network.

At Arageek, we deliver comprehensive insights into influential figures. Understanding Turki Al-Shabana’s career gives valuable perspective on the evolving media and broadcast industry in Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab region.

Born on November 6, 1964, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Turki Al-Shabana pursued his early education in the capital city, later studying at King Saud University in Riyadh.

In 1990, he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Law. Shortly afterward, Al-Shabana traveled to the United States for further studies. He earned his Master’s degree in International Law and Trade from the American University in Washington D.C. in 1993.

Turki Al-Shabana married the daughter of Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Abdullah Al-Otaibi on November 24, 2011.

Turki Al-Shabana is a seasoned media executive and policymaker whose career has shaped both Arab broadcast media and Saudi Arabia’s communication landscape. With a visionary approach to programming and media strategy, Al-Shabana has held influential roles across international networks and continues to serve at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s media transformation.

🌍 International Media Leadership at MBC

In 1996, Al-Shabana began his ascent in global media as Director of MBC in the United States and Assistant Supervisor-General of its London station. He oversaw content production across MBC’s major regional studios in Cairo, Beirut, Amman, and Riyadh, and later assumed responsibility as Head of Program Production and Supervisor of MBC FM Radio, playing a key role in the network’s early expansion and cross-regional cohesion.

🎤 Cultural Advocacy and Entrepreneurship

In 1998, he launched the Arab-American Network Festival in London, promoting cultural dialogue between the Arab world and the West. He continued to influence the industry through media consulting, establishing TAS in 2003, where he advised high-profile clients, most notably Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, from 2003 to 2007.

📺 Reshaping Arab Television with Rotana

In 2007, Al-Shabana took the helm of Rotana Channel, where he spearheaded a strategic transformation of Rotana Khalijia. Under his leadership, the channel evolved from a purely entertainment outlet into a family-oriented network offering a mix of cultural, social, and lifestyle content. He further elevated Rotana’s profile by recruiting prominent media figures like Bilal Al-Arabi and the late Saud Al-Dosari, solidifying the network’s appeal across the Arab world.

🏛️ A National Media Leader

Recognizing his influence and strategic acumen, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud appointed Al-Shabana as Minister of Media on December 27, 2018. In this role, which he continues to hold, Al-Shabana oversees the modernization of Saudi media, aligning it with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for cultural advancement, international outreach, and digital transformation.

Throughout Turki Al-Shabana’s prolific career, he has been recognized for his visionary approach to content enhancement and has frequently advocated for privatization policies in media and TV broadcasting. His expertise and achievements have cemented his status as one of the influential media executives in the Arab world.