MUMBAI: A 24-hour Arabic Islamic channel Al Resalah (The Message) is launched in Saudi Arabia. The channel, which aims to counter the misconception about Islam, was unveiled by prince Al Waleed bin Talal, chairman of Kingdom Holding Company.

Al Resalah's supreme advisory committee comprises some of the renowned Islamic scholars, Shoura Council members and heads of Islamic organisations. The funding for the non-profitable channel has come from the personal contribution of Prince Al Waleed.

Al Resalah, transmitted through Arabsat and Nilesat, will broadcast a variety of programmes including educational, drama, songs, and game shows purely in the Islamic context. The channel will air open-minded viewpoints and the true message of Islam and its teachings.

"Islam is being hijacked and defamed by a group of deviants, who operate in the name of religion in several parts of the world. Al Resalah targets the new knowledgeable young generation and open-minded Arab audience to counteract the negative image of Islam, being portrayed in other societies of the world," Prince Al Waleed has been quoted in media reports as saying.