A longstanding media and entertainment executive prior to his appointment, Al Shabanah has run a variety of companies including Rotana.

[4] Then he traveled to the United States, where he joined the American University in Washington, in 1993, where he obtained a master's degree in International Law – Commerce.

[12] His period in the ministry witnessed the launch of the electronic platform, which provided the opportunity for all media workers of all kinds to enter and register to obtain a professional card.

[15] He was chosen by the international magazine "Variety" among the list of the most powerful figures working in the media in the world.

In its new list, the magazine revealed 500 names representing the most influential international figures in the media field in their countries and around the world.