CNN is expanding its footprint in the Middle East by opening a new operation in Qatar as part of its “broader strategy to deepen its global and regional content creation capabilities,” it said in a statement.
CNN’S presence in Qatar will complement its existing Middle East programming and news gathering hubs and CNN’s flagship headquarters in the region. The latter are located in Abu Dhabi, that is home to “Connect the World with Becky Anderson,” and Dubai, the base for CNN Arabic, plus CNN’s bureaus across the region.
Qatar, which recently played a key role in negotiating the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, is also home country and big backer of the Al Jazeera global news organization, which is CNN’s main competitor in the region.
“This expansion provides CNN with additional resource in the Gulf and Middle East at a time when the region is central to the global news agenda – from coverage of geo-politics and breaking news through to stories on business, technology, sport, culture and travel,” the statement noted.
The new CNN operation will will go live in the second half of 2025 and be based in Doha’s Media City Qatar, an emerging hub for global media and technology companies. A team of CNN content creators will be publishing on digital and social platforms and producing an innovative weekly show for CNN International, the statement said.
“CNN has a deep commitment to editorial coverage of the Middle East,” said Mike McCarthy, EVP and managing editor of CNN Worldwide, in the statement. “Whether by adding to our ability to report from the region, providing new, cutting-edge studio facilities, or allowing us to tell a wider range of stories from here in new ways, including via a brand new weekly show, this new operation in Qatar both underscores and expands that commitment,” he went on to note.
Commented Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani, chairman of Media City Qatar, “As Qatar’s media hub, Media City Qatar is excited to welcome CNN to our ecosystem, a place where the world’s most respected media brands can come together, collaborate, and innovate.”
“This expansion signals the continued growth of Qatar’s strategic role in shaping global conversations from the heart of the Middle East – because here, where next is made, we are not only witnessing progress; we are making it happen,” he added.
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