Abdulrahman al-Shubaily

Abdulrahman Bin Saleh al-Shubaily (1944-2019) was a Saudi media professional, researcher, and historian. He established radio and television in Riyadh City. No media professional before him had ever interviewed the kings of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at that time. In 1992, he presented a television program titled 'Mu'tamar Sahafi' (Press Conference), during which he interviewed King Fahd Bin Abdulaziz, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz (then the Governor of Riyadh), and Prince Nayef Bin Abdulaziz.

Abdulrahman Bin Saleh al-Shubaily made numerous contributions to the media field, enriching the Saudi library with around fifty-five books. He was the first Saudi to earn a doctorate in media in 1971 and the first media professional to host a program on Riyadh Radio during the reign of King Saud Bin Abdulaziz before it became an independent station.

Abdulrahman Bin Saleh al-Shubaily was born in Unaizah Governorate, Qassim Province. He completed his early education at al-Aziziyah School before enrolling at King Saud University in Riyadh City, where he earned his bachelor's degree. He then traveled to the United States of America and graduated from the University of Kansas in 1968 with a master's degree in media. Three years later, he obtained his doctorate from Ohio State University.

Abdulrahman Bin Saleh al-Shubaily returned to King Saud University as a professor of media. He held several positions and memberships, including Director General of Television, and Deputy Minister at both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Media. He also served as a member of the Shura Council and the Supreme Media Council. Additionally, he was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of al-Jazirah Corporation for Press, Printing, and Publishing, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Saudi Research and Publishing Company.

In 2014, Abdulrahman Bin Saleh al-Shubaily received the King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Award for Studies and Research on the History of the Arabian Peninsula in recognition of his efforts in documenting the history of media and prominent figures in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, in 2017, he was awarded the Order of King Abdulaziz, First Class, at al-Janadria National Heritage and Cultural Festival, the third-highest Saudi honor, granted for his patriotism and contributions to the advancement of Saudi Arabia.