Saudi Press Timeline

The regulation of the media sector was officially initiated for the first time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the decision of the Founding King Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Al Saud to establish Umm al-Qura Newspaper. This was about eight years before the announcement of the Kingdom's unification.

The publication of Sawt al-Hijaz Newspaper in Makkah al-Mukarramah in what is known as the era of the Individual Press.

The publication of al-Manhal Magazine in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah in what is known as the era of the Individual Press.

Merging of newspapers: Hira Newspaper was merged with al-Nadwa Newspaper in Makkah al-Mukarramah, and Arafat Newspaper was merged with al-Bilad Newspaper in Jeddah.

Transforming the General Directorate of Press and Publication into the Ministry of Media.

Individual ownership of newspapers was abolished.

Approval was granted for the Law of Private Press Establishments and the granting of privileges for newspapers issuance.

Establishment of the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The issuance of an update to the Law of Printed Materials and Publication, which includes a statement of the activities subject to the law and the requirement to obtain a license from the Ministry of Media to engage in these activities, and outlining the associated conditions, procedures, and fees.

Issuance of the Law of Press Establishments.

Establishment of the Saudi Journalists Association to serve the professional goals of journalists in the Kingdom.