Rotana Cinema channel frequencies on all satellites and receiver configuration steps – Freq. global

Rotana Cinemaflagship channel of the Saudi-owned Rotana Media Group, it is one of the most important film 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 special premieres, attracting millions of viewers. Headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the channel offers free-to-air (FTA) access, making it widely available across the region.

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

About Cinema Rotana

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

The channel is renowned for its extensive library of Arabic films, ranging from contemporary blockbusters to golden age classics, along with arts 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 family favorite in countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Its partnerships with regional studios ensure special premieres, cementing its status as a leading movie channel in the MENA region.

Cinema Rotana frequencies on all satellites

To tune into Rotana Cinema, you need the correct frequency, signal direction, 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)

• Rate symbol: 27500 kS/s

• FEC: 5/6

• Beam: Middle East and North Africa

• Channel: Rotana Cinema KSA

• Frequency: 11296 MHz

• Polarization: Horizontal (H)

• Rate symbol: 27500 kS/s

• FEC: 5/6

• Beam: Middle East and North Africa

Arabsat Badr 4/5/6/7 (26.0° East)

Hotbird 13C (13.0° East)

Additional notes

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

• Frequency check: Older frequencies, such as 12341 MHz (horizontal) on Badr 6 for Rotana Aflam, are obsolete and not related to Rotana Cinema. Avoid using unverified sources that list frequencies such as 11932 MHz (Vertical) on Nilesat, as they may refer to other Rotana channels (e.g., OTC Rotana).

• Outside the MENA region: Viewers in Asia or the Americas may have difficulty accessing Rotana Cinema due to limited satellite coverage. Check with local providers for rebroadcast or use Rotana live streaming via www.rotana.net, subject to regional availability.

• Status clear: Rotana Cinema is unencrypted, requires no subscription or smartcard, ensuring accessibility within satellite coverage areas.

Tips for receiving Rotana Cinema

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

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

2. Accurate plate alignment: Use a satellite finder tool or app (e.g. SatFinder, DishPointer) to align the dish to Nilesat (7.0° West), Arabsat (26.0° East), or Hotbird (13.0° East). Ensure a clear line of sight without obstacles.

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 DVB-S2 8PSK modulation, make sure your LNB and receiver support advanced standards.

4. Signal quality monitoring: Aim for a signal quality of at least 70% (ideally 98%) in the receiver setup menu to avoid pixelation. Adjust the tilt of the LNB (for example, 6 o’clock position) for optimal performance.

5. Meteorological considerations: Ku-band signals are susceptible to fading due to rain. Protect your dish from the wind and inspect the LNB caps for any water damage.

6. Fingerprint verification: Confirm that your location is within satellite range (for example, Nilesat’s MENA range) using the coverage maps at 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), although menu options may vary by model.

1. Access the configuration menu:

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

   • Go to the “Installation,” “Setup,” or “Channel Search” section (it may be labeled “Antenna Setup” or “Tuner Setup”).

2. Select Manual Search:

   • Choose “Manual Scan”, “Manual Installation” or “Add New Transponder” to enter custom settings.

   • Select “Add TP” or “Edit transponder” if required.

3. Choose the satellite:

   • Select the destination 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 in the list, add it manually by entering its orbital position (for example, 7.0° W for Nilesat).

4. Enter the transponder details:

5. Start the scan:

   • Press “Scan”, “Search” or “OK” to start scanning the transponder.

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

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

6. Save channels:

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

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

7. Optimize the dish:

   • If the channel is not displayed or the signal is weak, slightly adjust the azimuth and elevation of the dish by monitoring the signal meter on the “Signal Strength” screen.

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

8. Test the transmission:

   • Go to the channel list, locate Rotana Cinema and select it to check the clarity of the broadcast.

   • If problems persist, recheck your 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 “Transponder” menu before scanning.

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

• If your receiver requires a PIN, try default values ​​such as 0000 or 1234, or refer to the user manual.

Rotana Cinema Highlighted broadcasts

Rotana Cinema offers a rich programming of Arabic films, blending modern releases with classic cinema, along with arts news programs. Below are the highlights and main content categories:

Popular content

• Modern blockbusters: Recent hits like El Qarmouti AND Omar and Nesmashowcasing contemporary Arabic storytelling.

• Classic films: Similar Golden Age Egyptian films Sholay AND Mughal-e-Azamappealing to nostalgic viewers.

• Art news bulletins: Regular updates on Arab and Hollywood cinema, with artist entries, new releases and critic reviews.

• Exclusive previews: First-run films produced by Rotana Studios, featuring top stars such as Mohamed Emam.

• Themed dramas: Stories like Sheriff Kamalexploring family dynamics and revenge, or Sonia Selimfighting against corruption.

Content divisions

• Dramatic and romantic: Emotional narratives dominate prime time, focusing on love and family.

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

• Action and thriller: Modern action films air late at night and appeal to thrill seekers.

• Historical epics: Egyptian classics that depict revolutions or cultural milestones, such as the 1919 era of British occupation.

• Special programming: Movie marathons, celebrity interviews, and awards coverage increase engagement.

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