Rotana Cinema Channel Frequencies on All Satellites and Receiver Setup Steps

Rotana Cinema, a flagship channel of the Saudi-owned Rotana Media Group, is one of the most prominent movie channels in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), specializing in Arabic films.

Launched in 2005, Rotana Cinema broadcasts a diverse mix of modern blockbusters, classic Egyptian and Gulf cinema, and exclusive premieres, appealing to millions of viewers. Based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the channel offers free-to-air (FTA) access, making it widely available across the region.

With variants like Rotana Cinema KSA and Rotana Cinema Egypt, it caters to specific audience preferences. This article provides the latest frequencies for Rotana Cinema on all relevant satellites as of June 2025, detailed receiver setup steps, reception tips, and an overview of its programming.

On the subject of Rotana Cinema

Rotana Cinema, part of the Rotana Media Group owned by Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, is a cornerstone of Arabic entertainment.

The channel is celebrated for its extensive library of Arabic films, ranging from contemporary hits to golden-age classics, alongside art news programs covering regional and international cinema.

Rotana Cinema KSA focuses on Saudi and Gulf audiences, while Rotana Cinema Egypt emphasizes Egyptian films. Both variants broadcast 24/7, offering family-friendly content with minimal interruptions.

As a free-to-air channel, Rotana Cinema is accessible without a subscription, making it a household favorite in countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Its partnership with regional studios ensures exclusive premieres, solidifying its status as a leading movie channel in the MENA region.

Rotana Cinema Frequencies on All Satellites

To tune into Rotana Cinema, you need the correct frequency, polarization, symbol rate, and FEC (Forward Error Correction) settings for your satellite receiver.

Nilesat 201/Eutelsat 7 West A (7.0° West)

• Channel: Rotana Cinema Egypt

• Frequency: 12226 MHz

• Polarization: Horizontal (H)

• Transmission Rate: 27500 kS/s

• FEC: 5/6

• Beam: Middle East and North Africa

• Channel: Rotana Cinema KSA

• Frequency: 11296 MHz

• Polarization: Horizontal (H)

• Transmission Rate: 27500 kS/s

• FEC: 5/6

• Beam: Middle East and North Africa

Arabsat Badr 4/5/6/7 (26.0° East)

• Channel: Rotana Cinema KSA

• Frequency: 11843 MHz

• Polarization: Horizontal (H)

• Transmission Rate: 27500 kS/s

• FEC: 3/4

• Beam: East Beam

• Alternative Frequency:

  • Frequency: 10730 MHz

  • Polarization: Vertical (V)

  • Transmission Rate: 27500 kS/s

  • FEC: 3/4

Hotbird 13C (13.0° East)

• Channel: Rotana Cinema

• Frequency: 10930 MHz

• Polarization: Horizontal (H)

• Transmission Rate: 30000 kS/s

• FEC: 2/3

• Beam: Europe and MENA

Additional Notes

• Limited Satellite Availability: Rotana Cinema is primarily broadcast on Nilesat, Arabsat, and occasionally Hotbird for MENA and European audiences. It is not currently available on satellites like Yahsat (52.5° East), Intelsat 20 (68.5° East), or Astra (19.2° East).

• Frequency Verification: Older frequencies, such as 12341 MHz (Horizontal) on Badr 6 for Rotana Aflam, are outdated and unrelated to Rotana Cinema. Avoid using unverified sources listing frequencies like 11932 MHz (Vertical) on Nilesat, as these may refer to other Rotana channels (e.g., OTC Rotana).

• Outside MENA Region: Watchers in Asia or the Americas may face challenges accessing Rotana Cinema due to limited satellite footprints. Check with local providers for retransmission or use Rotana’s live streaming via www.rotana.net, subject to regional availability.

• Free-to-Air Status: Rotana Cinema is unencrypted, requiring no subscription or smartcard, ensuring accessibility within satellite coverage regions.

Tips for Receiving Rotana Cinema

To ensure a clear and stable signal for Rotana Cinema, follow these practical reception tips:

1. Dish Size Selection: A 60-80 cm dish is sufficient for Nilesat and Arabsat in core MENA regions (e.g., Egypt, Saudi Arabia). For Hotbird or fringe regions (e.g., northern Europe, West Africa), a 90-120 cm dish is recommended for stronger signal capture.

2. Accurate Dish Alignment: Use a satellite finder tool or app (e.g., SatFinder, DishPointer) to align your dish toward Nilesat (7.0° West), Arabsat (26.0° East), or Hotbird (13.0° East). Ensure a clear line of sight with no obstructions.

3. LNB Compatibility: Install a Universal Ku-band LNB with local oscillator frequencies of 9.75 GHz (low band) and 10.6 GHz (high band). For Hotbird’s DVB-S2 8PSK modulation, ensure your LNB and receiver support advanced standards.

4. Signal Strength Monitoring: Aim for at least 70% signal quality (ideally 98%) on your receiver’s setup menu to avoid pixelation. Adjust LNB skew (e.g., 6 o’clock position) for optimal performance.

5. Weather Considerations: Ku-band signals are susceptible to rain fade. Secure your dish against wind and inspect LNB caps for water damage.

6. Footprint Verification: Confirm your location is within the satellite’s beam (e.g., Nilesat’s MENA beam) using coverage maps on www.dishpointer.com or www.satbeams.com. Hotbird’s signal may be weaker in southern MENA regions.

Steps to Add Rotana Cinema to Your Receiver

Follow these detailed steps to manually add Rotana Cinema to your satellite receiver. These instructions are compatible with most receivers (e.g., Strong, Humax, Technisat), though menu options may vary by model.

1. Access the Setup Menu:

   • Press the “Menu” or “Settings” button on your receiver’s remote control.

   • Navigate to the “Installation,” “Setup,” or “Channel Search” part (may be labeled as “Antenna Setup” or “Tuner Configuration”).

2. Select Manual Search:

   • Choose “Manual Scan,” “Manual Installation,” or “Add New Signal Carrier” to input custom settings.

   • Select “Add TP” or “Edit Signal Carrier” if prompted.

3. Choose the Satellite:

   • Select the target satellite from the list:

     • For Nilesat: Nilesat 201/Eutelsat 7 West A (7.0° West).

     • For Arabsat: Arabsat Badr 4/5/6/7 (26.0° East).

     • For Hotbird: Hotbird 13C (13.0° East).

   • If the satellite is not listed, add it manually by entering its orbital position (e.g., 7.0° W for Nilesat).

4. Enter Signal Carrier Details:

   • Input the settings based on your chosen satellite:

     • Nilesat (Rotana Cinema Egypt, 12226 MHz):

       • Frequency: 12226 MHz

       • Polarization: Horizontal (H)

       • Transmission Rate: 27500 kS/s

       • FEC: 5/6

     • Nilesat (Rotana Cinema KSA, 11296 MHz):

       • Frequency: 11296 MHz

       • Polarization: Horizontal (H)

       • Transmission Rate: 27500 kS/s

       • FEC: 5/6

     • Arabsat (11843 MHz):

       • Frequency: 11843 MHz

       • Polarization: Horizontal (H)

       • Transmission Rate: 27500 kS/s

       • FEC: 3/4

     • Hotbird (10930 MHz):

       • Frequency: 10930 MHz

       • Polarization: Horizontal (H)

       • Transmission Rate: 30000 kS/s

       • FEC: 2/3

   • Verify all values are entered correctly.

5. Initiate the Scan:

   • Press “Scan,” “Search,” or “OK” to begin the transponder scan.

   • Select “FTA Only” or “All Channels” to include free-to-air channels like Rotana Cinema.

   • Wait for the scan to complete (1-3 minutes). Rotana Cinema should appear in the results.

6. Save the Channels:

   • Confirm and save the scanned channels by pressing “Save” or “OK.”

   • The receiver will add Rotana Cinema to your channel list, typically under “Movies” or “All Channels.”

7. Fine-Tune the Dish:

   • If the channel doesn’t appear or the signal is weak, adjust the dish’s azimuth and elevation slightly while monitoring the signal meter on the “Signal Strength” screen.

   • Check LNB skew and cable connections for optimal signal quality (aim for 70-98% strength).

8. Test the Broadcast:

   • Navigate to the channel list, locate Rotana Cinema, and select it to verify clear broadcasting.

   • If issues persist, recheck transponder settings, ensure proper dish alignment, or consult a professional installer.

Model-Specific Notes:

• For Strong receivers (e.g., SRT 4920), enable “LNB Power” in the “Signal Carrier” menu before scanning.

• For Humax or Technisat, set LNB type to “Universal” (9750/10600 MHz) and use “Single Satellite Search.”

• If the receiver requires a PIN, try defaults like 0000 or 1234, or refer to the user manual.

Rotana Cinema Highlighted broadcasts

Rotana Cinema offers a rich lineup of Arabic films, blending modern releases with classic cinema, alongside art news programs. Below are key content highlights and categories:

Popular Content

• Modern Blockbusters: Recent hits like El Qarmouti and Omar & Nesma, showcasing contemporary Arab storytelling.

• Classic Films: Golden-age Egyptian movies like Sholay and Mughal-e-Azam, appealing to nostalgic viewers.

• Art News Bulletins: Regular updates on Arab and Hollywood cinema, covering artist rumors, new releases, and critic reviews.

• Exclusive Premieres: First-run films produced by Rotana Studios, featuring top stars like Mohamed Emam.

• Themed Dramas: Stories like Sherif Kamal, exploring family dynamics and revenge, or Sonia Selim, tackling corruption.

Content divisions

• Drama and Romance: Emotional narratives dominate prime-time, focusing on love and family.

• Comedy: Light-hearted films like El Qarmouti provide humor for all ages.

• Action and Thriller: Modern action films air late-night, catering to thrill-seekers.

• Historical Epics: Egyptian classics depicting revolutions or cultural milestones, such as the 1919 British occupation era.

• Special Programming: Movie marathons, celebrity interviews, and award show coverage enhance engagement.

Rotana Cinema’s schedule prioritizes prime-time (7 PM to 11 PM) for major releases, with weekend marathons and daytime reruns for flexible viewing.