Jamal Rayyan, first face of Al Jazeera, passes away at 73

March 16, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Jamal Rayyan, first face of Al Jazeera, passes away at 73

Al Jazeera Announces Passing of Founder Jamal Rayyan

Jamal Rayyan, the founder and original presenter of Al Jazeera Arabic, has passed away at the age of 73. According to reports, Mr. Rayyan was the first face on the channel when it launched nearly three decades ago.

Details regarding the cause and date of his passing are not yet available. The news of his death has been confirmed by Al Jazeera officials.

Mr. Rayyan played a significant role in shaping the early years of Al Jazeera Arabic, which is one of the most widely watched Arabic-language news channels globally. As the channel’s first presenter, he set the tone for the network’s programming and helped establish its reputation as a trusted source of news and information.

The passing of Mr. Rayyan marks an important milestone in the history of Al Jazeera Arabic, and his legacy will be remembered by those who worked with him during his tenure. Further details regarding funeral arrangements or memorial services are not yet available.

Al Jazeera officials have released a statement confirming Mr. Rayyan’s passing and expressing their condolences to his family and friends. The network has also announced plans to share more information about its founder in the coming days.

Source: Al Jazeera