Al Arabiya offers world class satellite imagery through Space Imaging Middle East

SIME's flagship satellite, IKONOS, is the world's first high-resolution, commercial, and remote-sensing satellite which collects data at a rate of over 2,000 square kilometers per minute. To download the imagery, SIME uses a UAE - based ground station.

"Al Arabiya has always believed in offering world-class programming and broadcasting to our viewers around the globe. We pioneered the use of satellite imagery in this region and the arrangement with SIME will further enhance our news programming abilities. This evolution in journalists' use of satellite imagery brings enormous benefits. News reports can be more accurate and truthful as these images help television journalists tell their stories with a graphic reality that was not possible earlier," said Nizar Aintrazy, Marketing Manager, Al Arabiya News Channel.

"We have signed a unique arrangement by which Al Arabiya is given access to SIME's extensive archive of the region," said Mohammed El- Kadi, Managing Director, SIME. He added: "Al Arabiya will be able to quickly request images on demand to cover major events around the region."

Al Arabiya was launched in March 2003 to cater to the Arab audience interest in politics, business, current affairs, finance, sports, science, lifestyle, in-depth documentaries, analytical programmes, social and educational programmes, on a global scale. Al Arabiya coverage embraces the GCC countries, the Levant, North Africa, Europe, USA, Australia, and Asia Pacific. Within its first year, Al Arabiya has set new standards in delivering the news and has become a prime source of Arabic news throughout the world delivering the "truth and nothing but the truth".