- Partnership between Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Discovery Communications
- Airing to 45 million homes in 22 countries and providing much-needed solution to a gap in the Arabic factual entertainment TV market
- Quest Arabiya to access and regionalize vast library of internationally-acclaimed Discovery shows
- New commissioned programs to be fully filmed and produced in MENA, showcasing some of the region’s untold stories
- Digital platforms include region’s most user-friendly playback service that can be accessed on all computer and handheld devices
- Dynamic social channels allow viewers to share ideas and content
Abu Dhabi, December 7, 2015: Today the Arabic TV channel Quest Arabiya began
broadcasting exciting factual entertainment shows to 45 million homes
in 22 countries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
The channel, a
partnership between Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Discovery Communications,
fills a gap in the Arabic TV market by providing factual entertainment
content of a quality and breadth that has never been seen before in the
region.
Mohamed Al
Mubarak, Chairman of Image Nation Abu Dhabi, said: “There is a great
need for more Arabic content across TV and digital, and by launching a
factual entertainment channel we are filling a gap in the market.
“Quest Arabiya
showcases fascinating stories from all over our region – highlighting
positive achievements that have never been seen before on TV. Image
Nation has a proven track record in creating first-class filmed media
content and our knowledge and expertise in regional production – along
with Discovery’s international expertise – will ensure the highest
standards of programming.”
Rich library of popular shows
At a launch
event today, Khalid Khouri, Deputy General Manager of Quest Arabiya, and
Shereen El Meligi, Programming Director, outlined the channel’s core
content.
Quest Arabiya
focuses on six key genres: Extreme Outdoor, Turbo, Engineering, Nature
& Wildlife, Science & Space and People & Places.
Other content areas include themed weekends, such as Big Cats and Shark Weekend. The first Saturday of each month will feature ‘Saturday Night Specials’, during which documentaries of regional interest will be screened.
Carl von Doussa,
General Manager of Quest Arabiya, said: “By accessing and regionalizing
Discovery’s extensive catalogue of internationally-acclaimed shows, as
well as commissioning incredible regional programs that give a real
insight into in the region and its people, we are creating a unique mix
of content.”
Brand new regionally-relevant content
Some of Discovery’s hit international shows – including Deadliest Catch, Gold Rush and Bear Grylls’ Man Vs Wild – have been fully adapted for the MENA audience, through dubbing and using full Arabic graphics.
Quest Arabiya is commissioning new shows which will be developed, shot and produced in MENA and fronted by regional presenters.
The first of
these shows was announced today – Arabia X (confirmed title to be
added). Currently in production, the series is an adrenaline-fueled
journey following two presenters across MENA as they experience some of
the most extreme sports the region has to offer, such as deep water
soloing in Oman, white water rafting in Morocco and snow paragliding in
Lebanon.
From launch, a series of short films called Hakawi will run regularly as profiles reflecting the passions and interests of people in the region. Subjects include a Jordanian pigeon keeper, an Egyptian parkour team and a female Bahraini bodybuilder.
In future, shows
will be commissioned based on feedback through Quest Arabiya’s social
media channels – meaning communities get to shape what they ultimately
see on the screen.
Showcasing regional talent
Mohamed Al
Mubarak added: “The launch of the channel is very much in line with
Image Nation’s commitment to supporting the regional media industry,
providing opportunities for regional production companies to generate
content and showcase regional talent.”
Fostering
regional talent is key to the development of the channel, with a
pre-launch campaign called ‘Quest For Talent’ to find future presenters.
More than 1,200 aspiring presenters from across the MENA region sent in
videos in response to the initiative. 13 have been selected to feature
on air and from today they can be seen presenting a series of short
clips called Info Bites, revealing fascinating facts about the region.
Content can be viewed on any platform
Quest Arabiya’s
digital offering is key. The website includes a catch-up service that
means all programs will be available online for seven days after airing
on TV.
Carl von Doussa
added: “Not only are we available free-to-air in every MENA country, we
also have a world class online package. What sets our website apart is
the user-friendly way the content is presented and that you can watch
our programs on any laptop, tablet and mobile anywhere in MENA without
having to download an app.
“Our social
media channels will give us feedback, generate stories and ensure
relatable content is consistently shared with our viewers. We will
listen to our viewers and understand what our online community wants,
and use it to help shape our programming.”