The Arabic version of Sesame Street, Iftah Ya Simsim, is all set to make a comeback on MENA TV screens after 25 years. Produced in the UAE by Bidaya Media, the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States (ABEGS), the GCC Joint Programme Production Institute (JPPI) and Abu Dhabi’s Media Production Zone twofour54, the […]
The Arabic version of Sesame Street, Iftah Ya Simsim, is all set to make a comeback on MENA TV screens after 25 years.
Produced in the UAE by Bidaya Media, the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States (ABEGS), the GCC Joint Programme Production Institute (JPPI) and Abu Dhabi’s Media Production Zone twofour54, the series targets children in the age-group of four to six.
The 28 new episodes include popular Muppet characters No’man, Shams, Melsoon and Gargur, the series has new, original songs, rhymes and animated segments issuing a strong focus on Arabic words and concepts.
Speaking at the show’s launch, Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), said: “We have been working alongside Bidaya Media and other key partners from the very beginning, putting immense work and hours into research, planning and organising the educational curriculum of the new Iftah Ya Simsim to ensure that the children around the region can easily relate to the local stories and characters.
“We’re delighted that the new Iftah Ya Simsim is finally being aired, and that our efforts are ready to translate into the holistic development of the Arab child in the region.”
The show will air across the Middle East from 4 September and North Africa from 5 September onwards, on nine national and regional broadcast stations.
“When Sesame Street debuted in 1969, our goal was to better prepare children for school in the US. The founders never dreamed that the television show they created would reach children in 150 countries, some with their very own locally produced Sesame Street,” said Steve Youngwood, COO, Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organisation behind Sesame Street.
“Through the tireless work of Bidaya Media, ABEGS, JPPI, twofour54 and our wonderful partners on the ground, we are producing and delivering content that promotes the heritage, language and culture of the region, and helping kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder.”
