Samir has been with BBC Arabic since 1996 as a programme maker, presenter and editor. Most recently he has led the programmes department, which has pioneered new formats and produced ground breaking documentaries including Syrian Journey, Broadcasting Hate and Slaves of the Caliphate.
Samir said: “It is a huge honour to be the new Head of BBC Arabic. It is also a huge responsibility. I will work with some of the most talented journalists in the world to continue delivering to our audiences the most impartial news, analysis and ground breaking programmes.”
As presenter, Samir has also launched and presented some of BBC Arabic’s best known programmes, including the flagship interactive debate programme Nuqtat Hewar.
He takes up the new role on 10 October.
Key Facts about BBC Arabic
- BBC Arabic is a multimedia service, available on TV, radio, online and via mobile handheld devices, 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
- BBC Arabic has a weekly audience of 37m.
- BBC Arabic radio was established in 1938, the website bbcarabic.com – in 1998, and TV – in 2008.
- BBC Arabic, as part of World Service Group (29 Languages), is currently funded by TV Licence payers in the UK.
- BBC Arabic covers political, social and cultural issues that matter to its diverse audiences in the Middle East, North Africa and across the world.
- BBC Arabic provides impartial, balanced and accurate news and information that matters to its diverse audiences.
- BBC Arabic is both the largest and the first of the BBC’s non-English language services.
- BBC Arabic has its own correspondents in key locations in the region and around the world. While programmes are produced from studios in London and Cairo, the BBC’s vast network of correspondents is an added-value to its coverage of the Middle East and world events.