The Iqraaly mobile app will now feature BBC News Arabic programming and podcasts.
BBC News Arabic has expanded its reach in the Arabic-speaking world with a new collaboration with Cairo-based Arabic audiobook platform Iqraaly.
A selection of popular BBC News Arabic programming and podcasts will now feature on Iqraaly’s mobile app, allowing access to BBC News Arabic’s content across the Arab world.
Programmes offered will include BBC Arabic Xtra Levels, a podcast focusing on trends in the gaming world; and Books World, an interactive programme which shines a spotlight on books and culture in the Arab world through discussions with writers and researchers about the latest books.
Also available on Iqraaly, will be In Sports Spirit, which covers regional and international sports events in the Arab world through a mix of features and interviews; as well as Myths, a podcast by BBC News Arabic that fact-checks news and social media in order to highlight disinformation.
Iqraaly has more than 5m downloads, attracting Arabs all over the world to their audiobook library and Arabic audio content.
Commenting on the partnership, Simon Kendall, Business Development Director for BBC World Service, said: “We are delighted to form a collaboration with Iqraaly. This development supports our strategic direction to make our audio content available and accessible digitally to Arabic-speaking audiences.
“Iqraaly and its success in the digital audio space motivated us to enter into this collaboration. We look forward to working together over the coming years to bring benefit to both parties and audiences.”
Hanan AbdelMeguid, Chief Executive Audio Innovation Officer for Iqraaly, added: “Iqraaly’s key priority is to enrich Arabic audio content. In line with our new strategy, we are very happy to establish our collaboration with BBC News Arabic. This collaboration will expand the range of quality and informative Arabic content that we are committed to providing to Iqraaly users.”
