Media to play greater role in increasing the region's environmental awareness

According to a recently published report, residents in the Middle East consume more natural resources than anybody else on earth.

The report from the WWF shows the UAE's per capita ecological footprint amounted to 9.5 global hectares; however, only 2.1 global hectares were available per person.

The UAE surpasses both the United States and Kuwait according to the study which was compiled using data from 2005.

"The need to create awareness about environmental challenges and help build a more sustainable community is paramount, especially during this era of rapid economic growth of business and markets in the Middle East."

says Steven F. Hall, CEO, CNBC Arabiya.

The program from CNBC Arabiya, Bil Akhdar, "green business" in English, is dedicated to environmental issues impacting the business world, green industry, new sustainable initiatives and companies spearheading the green movement.

Earlier this year CNBC Arabiya signed an agreement with a leading carbon trader and fund manager, to purchase offsets for carbon emissions generated in 2007 and 2008.

The agreement reinforces CNBC Arabiya's Corporate Social Responsibility commitment to society as a whole and to viewers in particular.

"CNBC Arabiya is an influential, real-time and accountable TV station at the forefront of reporting the regional and global economic news. As part of our ongoing dedication to environmental issues, our new program will provide interesting and thought provoking content for our viewers," says Mohammad Abdullah, CNBC Arabiya Executive Vice President.

Green Business also broadcasts details about environmental legislation and guidelines and offers advice to companies seeking to make their business more eco-friendly.

The weekly show airs on Sundays at 8pm (KSA time).

The new show comes as CNBC Arabiya, the region's first and premier 24-hour live-broadcast, has re-launched to include 12 brand new programs.

Along with a new programming schedule, the CNBC Arabiya re-launch reveals a brand new studio layout with more capacity for live links.

The re-designed and soon to be launched CNBC Arabiya website will act as a genuine financial portal to cover stock markets, news alerts and breaking business news.