The Arab World's FM radio boom continues with 36 new FM radio stations starting between late 2005 and Jan 2007

There is an ongoing increase in the number, range and diversity of FM radio stations available to Arab audiences. In addition to the liberalization of the sector, another factor playing a role in enhancing the regional radio industry is the various radio broadcast languages available. The UAE is the biggest example in offering various broadcast languages (Arabic, English, Malayalam, Hindi, Urdu and Filipino) in order to serve all of UAE's population mix of expatriates.

A new report, 'FM Radio Stations in the Arab World 2007' was released to the Arab Advisors Group's Media Strategic Research Service subscribers on February 20, 2007. This report can be purchased from the Arab Advisors Group for only US$ 950. The 68-page report, which has 37 detailed exhibits, provides a detailed analysis of the FM Radio regulations and landscape in the 18 Arab countries of Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE and Yemen. The report includes analysis and profiles of every FM radio (private and government owned) in the region. Please contact the Arab Advisors Group to get a copy of the reports Table of Contents.

'State-owned radio stations in the Arab world are still more numerous than private radio stations, although the number of private ones is growing rapidly.' Ms. Layla Najia, Arab Advisors research analyst wrote in the report. 'There are currently a 113 state owned radio stations that cover the listed 18 countries, while there are 98 private stations.'

Egypt and Tunisia were the first countries in the Middle East to allow private radio stations. Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, allowed private radio stations in 2003, 2004, and 2006 respectively. Nevertheless, private stations did not exist in Kuwait and Bahrain until 2006.

Arab Advisors Group's major surveys conducted during 2006 in Morocco and Saudi Arabia, and during 2005 in Egypt and Jordan, show that the majority of people in these countries listen to radio stations.