Rageh Omaar

As one of the most recognised and respected TV foreign correspondents in the country, Rageh Omaar has one of the biggest international profiles of British TV journalists in the world, both as a prominent reporter and presenter for the BBC and Al Jazeera English. With a regular daily audience of 8 million people, Rageh’s eyewitness reports and feature length documentaries have been shown in over 180 countries.

Having covered some of the biggest events in modern history, from the impeachment of President Clinton, to the Arab Spring Uprisings, Rageh achieved worldwide distinction for his BBC television coverage of the Iraq Invasion, reporting live from the ground in the war ravaged country. Dispatches of his bulletins and News 24 pieces were syndicated the world over, leading to numerous international awards for the coverage of the fall of Baghdad.

2006 saw the signing of the journalist for the launch of Al Jazeera English, and whilst presenting daily documentary strands, Witness and The Rageh Omaar Report, Rageh’s coverage and hard hitting journalism has been watched by millions of people worldwide. Audiences from Africa and the Middle East were especially drawn to his views of politics and news, further strengthening his international identity.

Contributing often for National papers such as The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Times, The Guardian and The Daily Mail, Rageh’s writing prowess was further established with the release of his two books, Revolution Day: The Human Stories Behind the Iraq War and Only Half of Me: Being a Muslim in Britain. This cemented him as not only a teller of news, but also as a thought leader and expert in his own right.

Rageh’s profound capabilities go above and beyond that of his journalism, and following the demand from various industries, has established himself as a successful host and speaker for national and international events. Speaking for clients such as Goldman Sachs, The Department of Health, Middle East Financial Awards ceremony in Bahrain, The Economist Emerging Markets awards, plus many others, Rageh’s knowledge and specialism spans a host of sectors. However, due to strong family connections in East Africa, the continent’s emerging economic profile and potential, particularly in oil and gas, is a subject that remains close to Rageh's heart. Recent experiences in the world of speaking includes chairing, as well as hosting a meeting of global division leaders for the Norwegian Oil company DNV GL in Oslo.

In addition to politics, global events and news and media & television - Rageh's other particular specialties include; Economic and political prospects in the Middle East, the nature of Global Risk and how companies can think about it, and the importance of diversity for international organisations. Often delivering personal stories and experiences, Rageh shares his anecdotes of the realities of life as a modern day war reporter and his interests in cooking, gardening and watching his two sons play local Sunday league football. Rageh is internationally recognised as a leading authority on world politics, international and current affairs as a broadcaster and television journalist. Rageh is an excellent moderator, host and presenter and speaks on leadership, motivation, media, press relations, Somalia and Africa in general.