Quest Arabiya goes on air

Arabic factual entertainment channel Quest Arabiya was officially launched on December 7. A partnership between Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Discovery Communications, the channel claims to fill a gap in the Arabic TV market by providing factual entertainment content.

Quest Arabiya will broadcast to 45 million homes in 22 countries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Commenting on the launch, Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of Image Nation Abu Dhabi, said: “There is a great need for more Arabic content across TV and digital, and by launching a factual entertainment channel we are filling a gap in the market.

“Quest Arabiya showcases fascinating stories from all over our region – highlighting positive achievements that have never been seen before on TV. Image Nation has a proven track record in creating first-class filmed media content and our knowledge and expertise in regional production – along with Discovery’s international expertise – will ensure the highest standards of programming.”

Rich library of popular shows

At a launch event today, Khalid Khouri, Deputy General Manager of Quest Arabiya, and Shereen El Meligi, Programming Director, outlined the channel’s core content.

Quest Arabiya focuses on six key genres: Extreme Outdoor, Turbo, Engineering, Nature & Wildlife, Science & Space and People & Places.

Other content areas include themed weekends, such as Big Cats and Shark Weekend. The first Saturday of each month will feature ‘Saturday Night Specials’, during which documentaries of regional interest will be screened.

Carl von Doussa, General Manager of Quest Arabiya, said: “By accessing and regionalizing Discovery’s extensive catalogue of internationally-acclaimed shows, as well as commissioning incredible regional programs that give a real insight into in the region and its people, we are creating a unique mix of content.”

Brand new regionally-relevant content

Some of Discovery’s hit international shows – including Deadliest Catch, Gold Rush and Bear Grylls’ Man Vs Wild – have been fully adapted for the MENA audience, through dubbing and using full Arabic graphics.

Quest Arabiya is commissioning new shows which will be developed, shot and produced in MENA and fronted by regional presenters.

The first of these shows was announced today – Arabia X (confirmed title to be added).  Currently in production, the series is an adrenaline-fueled journey following two presenters across MENA as they experience some of the most extreme sports the region has to offer, such as deep water soloing in Oman, white water rafting in Morocco and snow paragliding in Lebanon.

From launch, a series of short films called Hakawi will run regularly as profiles reflecting the passions and interests of people in the region. Subjects include a Jordanian pigeon keeper, an Egyptian parkour team and a female Bahraini bodybuilder.

In future, shows will be commissioned based on feedback through Quest Arabiya’s social media channels – meaning communities get to shape what they ultimately see on the screen.

Showcasing regional talent

Mohamed Al Mubarak added: “The launch of the channel is very much in line with Image Nation’s commitment to supporting the regional media industry, providing opportunities for regional production companies to generate content and showcase regional talent.”

Fostering regional talent is key to the development of the channel, with a pre-launch campaign called ‘Quest For Talent’ to find future presenters. More than 1,200 aspiring presenters from across the MENA region sent in videos in response to the initiative. 13 have been selected to feature on air and from today they can be seen presenting a series of short clips called Info Bites, revealing fascinating facts about the region.

Quest Arabiya’s digital offering is key. The website includes a catch-up service that means all programs will be available online for seven days after airing on TV.

Carl von Doussa added: “Not only are we available free-to-air in every MENA country, we also have a world class online package. What sets our website apart is the user-friendly way the content is presented and that you can watch our programs on any laptop, tablet and mobile anywhere in MENA without having to download an app.

“Our social media channels will give us feedback, generate stories and ensure relatable content is consistently shared with our viewers. We will listen to our viewers and understand what our online community wants, and use it to help shape our programming.”