DAB+ is now well established in Saudi Arabia following a successful launch in August 2023. It will again be part of the upcoming Saudi Media Forum.
Last year, the network expanded to nine more cities and additional major highways. Across the wider region, Bahrain also launched DAB+ in 2023, and Kuwait was one of the earliest adopters in the region back in 2014, with 15 stations now on air.
WorldDAB works closely with regional organisations such as the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU), including the development of the specific set of Arabic characters used in the ASBU profile within the WorldDAB digital radio standard.
DAB+ will feature as part of the upcoming Saudi Media Forum this month, with WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst representing WorldDAB at the event.
The Saudi Media Forum 2026 and accompanying FOMEX Exhibition highlight the future of digital media transformation and showcase the latest broadcasting and production technologies.
Bierhorst will lead a masterclass on “DAB+: The Future of Digital Radio Broadcasting and the Evolution of Audio in the Smart Era”, exploring DAB+ as one of the most significant transformations in the audio media industry. She will also take part in a panel session: “How Does 5G Redefine the Television and Radio Broadcasting Experience?”
If you’re attending Saudi Media Forum and would like to arrange a meeting with Jacqueline, contact the Project Office.
Related reports:
The power of Audio in the modern media environment: Saudi Media Forum
Covering crises… balance deadlines with accuracy: Saudi Media Forum
For all the reports from last year’s Saudi Media Forum, click here.
Reporting: Steve Ahern