National Geographic Channel and Abu Dhabi Media Company launch world's first free-to-air NGC in Arabic

National Geographic Channel Abu Dhabi, which will be dubbed completely into Arabic, will bridge the gap in quality factual entertainment that exists in the region, by reaching out to discerning, educated, thinking audiences that are interested and sensitive about their environment, and are curious to seek more knowledge about the world around them.

Like the work of National Geographic globally, National Geographic Channel Abu Dhabi aims to inspire a life-long passion for learning, to cultivate curiosity and wonder about the world and generate awareness, concern and knowledge about the planet; by offering smart and reliable factual entertainment, featuring science and technology, animals and nature, exploration and culture.

The channel's programming has been expertly designed to meet the preferences of the region's viewers; offering three main themes between 6 pm and 9 pm (UAE) and late night, which will rotate between Nat Geo Science - featuring programmes that unravel the mysteries behind the world, or beyond it; Wildlife - which will incorporate the best and most intimate encounters with wildlife ever seen on television; and MEGA, which will showcase the world's most breathtaking meagastructures, megacities, megafactories and megamovers.

A different theme will be developed for viewers each week under the 'Theme week' slot such as Fight Science, Most Amazing Moments, Food and Travel, where, between 9 pm and 10 pm (UAE), viewers can see some of the greatest, most action-packed and topical programming on National Geographic.

During prime time, 10 pm-12 am, Sunday-Thursday, the channel will showcase programmes based around a different genre each night. Nat Geo Science (Sundays) will feature one-offs like Incredible Human Machine and World's Most Bizarre Dinosaurs; Nat Geo Action (Mondays) will show programmes including Dangerous Encounters, Jet Man and Don't Tell My Mother; Nat Geo Confidential (Tuesdays) will focus on real-life investigations; Disastertainment (Wednesdays) will show programmes such as Air Crash and Seconds from Disaster; while Showcase (Thursdays) will be an open slot showing documentaries about current affairs or grand premieres.

Ward Platt, President - Asia Pacific & Middle East, National Geographic Channels International 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 launch of National Geographic Channel Abu Dhabi raises the standard of programming and content in the region - through the fact that the content will be in Arabic and free-to-air," commented H.E. Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of ADMC.

"We are very excited to have partnered with National Geographic Channels to not only bring viewers in the region leading global factual entertainment, but to help us expand, enhance and diversify our existing media bouquet - by allowing us to offer something totally new to the Arabic-speaking population in the Middle East"

Viewers can also interact with the channel via a dedicated National Geographic Channel Abu Dhabi website - www.natgeotv.ae. The website will feature comprehensive information on programming including forthcoming feature highlights; an easy-view TV schedule; a variety of online games designed to encourage people to think about the planet; a community section where viewers can 'ask the experts', contribute to online polls or enter competitions; and a video player where viewers can watch programme highlights and reviews.

Globally the National Geographic Channel reaches out to 305m homes in 165 countries, in 34 languages.