Saudi Arabia

Last update: 13.09.2023 - older versions

On 7 August 2023, the Saudi Broadcasting Authority officially launched DAB+ broadcasts in Riyadh, Damman and Jeddah, with six stations on air. It's expected that DAB+ will be available in all regions of the Kingdom in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Saudi Arabia has legislation requiring radio receivers to be equipped with terrestrial DAB+ capabilities. According to Saudi legislation, starting from 1 January 2021, home receivers, portable receivers and vehicle receivers are required to be equipped with DAB+.

Last update: 21.09.2020 - older versions

According to Saudi legislation, starting from 2021/01/01, home receivers, portable receivers and vehicle receivers are required to be equipped with DAB+.

Last update: 14.11.2023

The GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) List of GSO Technical Regulations for Motor Vehicles (2024 Model Year) states:

Implementation of Terrestrial Radio Receiver Specifications for AM/FM/TDAB+:

Saudi Arabia: All vehicles should be provided with AM/FM/T-DAB+ according to SASO 2938:2019: Technical specifications of the radio, digital and analog broadcasting receiver for (AM/FM/T- DAB+).

Last update: 15.08.2023 - older versions

Saudi Arabia has introduced legislation requiring radio receivers to be equipped with terrestrial DAB+ capabilities.

According to Saudi legislation, starting from 2021/01/01, home receivers, portable receivers and vehicle receivers are required to be equipped with DAB+.

This must comply with SASO 2938:2019: Technical specifications of the radio, digital and analogue broadcasting receiver for (AM/FM/T-DAB+).

Jaguar Land Rover launches DAB+ in 2024 models in Saudi Arabia
18.09.2023 - Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia
In a new step to develop the driving experience and enhance passenger enjoyment inside its vehicles in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) is introducing the digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) service in its 2024 models. Bruce Robertson, Regional Director of JLR in the Middle East and North Africa, said: “At JLR (Jaguar Land Rover), we always strive to exceed our customers’ expectations and provide them with outstanding experiences, and the launch of the third generation of radio broadcasting (DAB+) comes In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it reflects our commitment to providing the latest technologies to improve the driving experience and luxury in our cars.”

(Arqam) Read more


Saudi Radio and Television Corporation launches DAB+
08.08.2023 - Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia
The Radio and Television Corporation has launched the third generation of radio broadcasting, Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+), to provide media services that keep pace with modern technological development. The Radio and Television Corporation is expanding the use of digital broadcasting to increase the number of broadcasts by using only one transmitter instead of 16, which opens the way for broadcasting new licensed services, and it is also preparing to increase digital broadcasting areas by around 44 digital frequencies after launching three frequencies in Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah.

(Saudi Broadcasting Authority) Read more


SBA expands media offerings with new digital audio broadcasting
08.08.2023 - Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Broadcasting Authority announced on 7 August the launch of the third generation of radio broadcasting, digital audio broadcasting, and the inauguration of the Radio and Television Corp. Training Academy. Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthy, CEO of the Radio and Television Corp., said that the technical team was “keen to develop the digital radio broadcasting service so that the Kingdom would be among the first countries to activate the DAB+ technology.” Digital broadcasts offer several advantages over traditional AM and FM radio, providing more broadcasts on the same frequency, requiring fewer operating costs and offering a 35 percent increase in coverage area. The Radio and Television Corp. said it is expanding the use of digital broadcast areas by about 44 digital frequencies after launching three frequencies in Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah.

(Arab News) Read more


Saudi Radio and Television Authority to launch DAB+ digital radio broadcasting
08.08.2023 - Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia
His Excellency the Minister of Information, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Radio and Television Corporation, Mr. Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari, will inaugurate on 7 August the Radio and Television Corporation's Training Academy, in addition to launching the DAB+ digital radio broadcasting service. The CEO of the Radio and Television Corporation stated that the technical team was keen to work to develop the digital radio broadcasting service so that the Kingdom would be among the first countries to activate the DAB+ technology, which will contribute to providing high quality sound and crystal-clear reception, which also contributes to improving the experience of listeners. This technology will also help in exchanging data and reducing operational costs and electricity consumption. and energy.

(Saudi Broadcasting Authority) Read more


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Key Information

Status: regular
Population: 33.0 million
Population coverage: Sparkline Graph 30%
Last update: 13.03.2024

Useful Links

Technical specifications for receivers
Saudi Broadcasting Authority