His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan? Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, launched National Geographic Kids Abu Dhabi, the first channel of its kind for children in the Middle East and the Arab world. Also read: Exclusive! Nat Geo Kids Abu Dhabi to launch today The new channel is the latest initiative […]
His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan? Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, launched National Geographic Kids Abu Dhabi, the first channel of its kind for children in the Middle East and the Arab world.
Also read: Exclusive! Nat Geo Kids Abu Dhabi to launch today
The new channel is the latest initiative in the long-standing strategic partnership between Abu Dhabi Media and National Geographic.
The channel was unveiled at a ceremony held at Manarat Al Saadiyat in the presence of Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development and Chairwoman of Abu Dhabi Media; His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Director General of Abu Dhabi Media; Sanjay Raina, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Fox Networks Group; Abdul Rahman Al Harthi, Acting Executive Director of Department of Television at Abu Dhabi Media, and a number of prominent media personalities.
Under the motto of Dare to Explore’ the channel will bring a variety of factual entertainment to children in the region, covering science with programmes such as Super Genius, exploration with programmes such as Weird but True, adventure with programmes such as Giver and wildlife with programmes such as Animal Atlas. All shows, which are fully dubbed in Arabic, have been reportedly selected for their ability to deliver stimulating and relevant content to children between the ages of 8-13.
“The channels launch aims to support Abu Dhabi Media’s strategic direction in terms of providing content that meets the needs of audiences, while spreading culture and awareness and nurturing children’s quest for knowledge in the UAE and the Arab world,” said H.E. Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development.
The channel aims to reach around 26% of children in the Arab world who represent the segment that views free-to-air channels. Children who view paid channels constitute only about 7% regionally.
“This channel is a new strategic addition to support not only Abu Dhabi Medias brands and platforms but also our partnership with National Geographic. This channel is an extension of our exceptional relationship that began with the launch of National Geographic Abu Dhabi as the first factual knowledge and entertainment channel in Arabic. The new channel epitomises our pioneering and strategic mission,” said H.E. Dr Ali Bin Tamim, Director General of Abu Dhabi Media.
The addition of this channel to Abu Dhabi TVs portfolio of channels will contribute to promoting the Emirate in the Arab region as a cultural and educational hub focused on elevating childrens education and cultural awareness. It reflects Abu Dhabi Medias clear roadmap that seeks to strengthen its role as a leading media company in the region. Such partnerships also reinforce our responsibility towards our children and youth, supporting them to gain a better understanding of the world around them, while also promoting the Arabic language, added H.E. Bin Tamim.
Abdul Rahman Al Harthi, Executive Director of Department of Television at Abu Dhabi Media said: “The new channel will provide our viewers with the opportunity to experience a new media platform at the highest international standards, while reinforcing our mission to encourage children and youth to seek educational and scientific programming produced in an entertainment-based format.”
Commenting on the event, Sanjay Raina General Manager and Senior Vice President of Fox Networks Group said: “National Geographic Kids Abu Dhabis mission is to excite and inspire a new generation of explorers, stemming from the belief that we are all young explorers at heart. It will be a game-changer in television for kids, full of entertainment, experiences and valuable content. With up to 95 million under the age of 14 in the region, this channel is anticipated to be one of the most popular for kids across the region.
National Geographic Kids will offer locally produced programmes such as “I am a Little National Geographic Photographer,” which nurtures the aspirations of emerging photographers across the region by providing them with a platform to tell their stories about the world through the lens of their camera.
For the first time in the region, the six-episode programme will be presented in the form of challenges in which contestants will discover different locations in Abu Dhabi. A jury will then select a winner to become known as ” Little National Geographic Photographer of 2018″.
The event was attended by Dr H.E. Ahmed Al Mazroui, Secretary- General of the Executive Council; H.E. Jassim bin Mohammad Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office; H.E. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development; Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Department of Education and Knowledge; Mohammad Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism; H.E Dr. Fahad Matar Al Neyadi, Director-General of the General Secretariat of the Executive Council; H.E Dr. Mohammed Rashid Ahmed Al Hameli, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Executive Office.