CNN has signed an agreement with Media City Qatar to expand the network’s operations in the Middle East in the second half of 2025.
The new operation in the State of Qatar will aim to deepen CNN’s global and regional content creation capabilities.
Its presence in Qatar will complement CNN’s existing Middle East programming and news-gathering hubs: the flagship regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi, home to Connect the World with Becky Anderson; Dubai, the base for CNN Arabic; and CNN’s bureaus across the region.
“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,” said His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani, Chairman of Media City Qatar.
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A key focus of the new hub will be the development of multi-platform content around trending stories driving the global zeitgeist. A team of CNN content creators will be publishing on digital and social platforms and producing an innovative weekly show for CNN International. The expansion also aims to add a new weekly show to CNN’s reporting in the region.
“CNN has a deep commitment to editorial coverage of the Middle East,” said Mike McCarthy, Executive Vice President and Managing Editor of CNN Worldwide. “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.”
This expansion provides CNN with additional resources in the Gulf and the 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.
“This expansion into Qatar will bolster our regional and global operations, adding to our long-standing footprint in the Middle East. We look forward to launching innovative formats and content propositions from this new studio in Media City Qatar in the second half of 2025,” added Phil Nelson, Executive Vice President, CNN International Commercial.
“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,” concluded Sheikh Al Thani.
As part of its expansion, CNN will also provide training in journalism and production to students and young professionals in Qatar.
