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National Geographic Channels International Launches Arabic-Language Channel
National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) has partnered with the Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC) to launch a free-to-air Nat Geo-branded channel in Arabic.
National Geographic Channel Abu Dhabi (NGCAD) is the first international factual entertainment channel to be launched in the Arabic language. It features programming on science and technology, animals and nature, exploration and culture, all dubbed into Arabic. The free-to-air service is currently available on Nilesat and Arabsat.
Ward Platt, the president for the Asia Pacific and Middle East at NGCI, said: “The launch of the channel in Arabic marks the first time in the Middle East that high quality National Geographic content will be delivered to the region’s viewers dubbed into their native language, and also the first time that a National Geographic Channel will be available free-to-air. Our work revolves around the protection of the natural world by bringing information and awareness about the planet to viewers—a philosophy and commitment to environmental sustainability shared by ADMC. We are very excited at this opportunity to together showcase unique perspectives on the world that we inhabit in the Arabic language, and play a part in Abu Dhabi’s sustainable growth and transformation into a global media hub.”
The service will be accompanied by a website, on www.natgeotv.ae with programming highlights, a TV schedule, online games, a community section and a video player. National Geographic Channel Abu Dhabi will also employ a variety of multimedia to reach out to viewers across the market through print, TV, online and outdoor media, alongside school contact programs and events.
“The launch of National Geographic Channel Abu Dhabi raises the bar of excellence in terms of viewer engagement in the region, both through the fact that the content will be in Arabic and that the channel will be free-to-air,” commented H.E. Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, the chairman of ADMC. “It represents a very significant opportunity for us in Abu Dhabi to capture such a largely underserved market segment; and is the ideal launch for Abu Dhabi to attain its position as the Middle East’s centre for media.”
The channel adds to NGCI’s current portfolio in the region; National Geographic Channel launched in the Middle East in July 1998, Nat Geo Adventure rolled out in September 2007 and Nat Geo Wild followed in January 2008.