Bahrain's Information Affairs Authority (IAA) has announced the suspension of Al-Arab satellite television channel following its failure to obtain the required licensing approval to commence broadcasting in the kingdom.

The new pan-Arab news channel stopped broadcasting regular programmes hours after its first transmission from Bahrain last week.

The IAA emphasised in a statement that the channel had also failed to match the standards of regional and international  agreements, to take account of efforts aimed at stemming the tide of extremism and terrorism throughout the region and the wider world, said a Bahrain News Agency report.

"In this regard, the IAA highlights that the channel's non-compliance was reported to the Higher Authority of Media and Communications and has resulted in the decision by the Cabinet to suspend the channel," the statement said.

"The IAA stresses that the decision has no impact upon principles of media freedom and is strictly based on the government's commitment to ensuring the diversity and impartiality of media outlets in the kingdom," the statement said.

"The IAA highlights its commitment to ensuring that all media institutions operate firmly within Bahrain's rules and regulations, which are designed to protect the interests and views of all," it added.