Nickelodeon Arabia set to go on air on Wednesday

Nickelodeon Arabia, the Middle East's first Arabic-language, free-to-air channel dedicated to Arab children aged two to 14 years old, is set to launch on Nilesat and Arabsat on Wednesday, delivering the best in children's multi-media entertainment.

Nickelodeon Arabia will hit the airwaves at 7am (UAE time), kicking off with internationally renowned animated series, Rugrats.

The channel will showcase a mixture of programming, including international content from Nickelodeon's unrivalled portfolio such as pre-school hit Dora The Explorer as well as SpongeBob SquarePants and Jimmy Neutron for older children, live-action favourites Drake and Josh and Unfabulous, and the famous Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.

Additionally, Nickelodeon Arabia will air original local productions from launch to ensure a wholly relevant experience for Arab audiences.

Shoof Kids, hosted by engaging seven-year-old Emirati, Wa'ad, will give children the chance to send in their own home-made videos exploring interesting phenomena such as pearl diving, folklore dancing, or anything else of interest to kids, which will be aired on the channel.

Hosts Rani and Asalah will welcome viewers to the Jumetna Friday afternoon programming block, screening some of the best Nickelodeon shows along with lots of interactive games, fun and surprises!

Nickelodeon Arabia will be supported by a website www.nickarabia.net available in both Arabic and English, which will provide users with a raft of Nickelodeon content, character games and much, much more.

Abdullatif Al Sayegh, CEO of Arab Media Group (AMG), said: "Nickelodeon is the most widely-distributed, kid-focused multi-media brand in the world and appeals to both girls and boys alike.

Key properties such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora The Explorer are enjoyed by all kids and we're confident Nickelodeon Arabia will become the go-to destination for Arab children both on and off air.

"We are also proud of our local productions, which will form a key part of the Nickelodeon Arabia to ensure a wholly relevant, world-standard entertainment experience for audiences across the Middle East."

Bhavneet Singh, Managing Director and Executive Vice-President, Emerging Markets, MTVNI, said: "We are proud to make the Nickelodeon brand available across the Middle East. The launch of Nickelodeon Arabia is a part of our wider, ongoing multi-platform strategy encompassing consumer products, digital media, hotels and theme park."

Nickelodeon Arabia falls under the umbrella of Arabian Television Network, AMG's TV broadcasting arm, which also incorporates MTV Arabia.  AMG also owns Awraq Publishing, which publishes Emirates Business and emirates247.com.

See www.nickarabia.net.

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