Channel will provide best in factual entertainment, with programming showcasing all aspects of the planet

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 8th July 2009 - National Geographic Channel (NGC), the channel which invites viewers to re-think the way they see television, and Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC), one of the fastest growing, multi-platform media organisations in the region, has announced the formation of a strategic partnership, to launch the free-to-air National Geographic Channel Abu Dhabi - the first international factual entertainment channel to be launched in the Arabic language.

National Geographic Channel Abu Dhabi, which will be dubbed completely into Arabic, will bridge the gap in quality factual entertainment that exists in the region, by reaching out to discerning, educated, thinking audiences that are interested and sensitive about their environment, and are curious to seek more knowledge about the world around them.

Like the work of National Geographic globally, National Geographic Channel Abu Dhabi aims to inspire a life-long passion for learning, to cultivate curiosity and wonder about the world and generate awareness, concern and knowledge about the planet; by offering smart and reliable factual entertainment, featuring science and technology, animals and nature, exploration and culture.

The channel's programming has been expertly designed to meet the preferences of the region's viewers; offering three main themes between 6 pm and 9 pm (UAE) and late night, which will rotate between Nat Geo Science - featuring programmes that unravel the mysteries behind the world, or beyond it; Wildlife - which will incorporate the best and most intimate encounters with wildlife ever seen on television; and MEGA, which will showcase the world's most breathtaking meagastructures, megacities, megafactories and megamovers.

A different theme will be developed for viewers each week under the 'Theme week' slot such as Fight Science, Most Amazing Moments, Food and Travel, where, between 9 pm and 10 pm (UAE), viewers can see some of the greatest, most action-packed and topical programming on National Geographic.

During prime time, 10 pm-12 am, Sunday-Thursday, the channel will showcase programmes based around a different genre each night. Nat Geo Science (Sundays) will feature one-offs like Incredible Human Machine and World's Most Bizarre Dinosaurs; Nat Geo Action (Mondays) will show programmes including Dangerous Encounters, Jet Man and Don't Tell My Mother; Nat Geo Confidential (Tuesdays) will focus on real-life investigations; Disastertainment (Wednesdays) will show programmes such as Air Crash and Seconds from Disaster; while Showcase (Thursdays) will be an open slot showing documentaries about current affairs or grand premieres.

Ward Platt, President - Asia Pacific & Middle East, National Geographic Channels International said: "The launch of the channel in Arabic marks the first time in the Middle East that high quality National Geographic content will be delivered to the region's viewers dubbed into their native language, and also the first time that a National Geographic Channel will be available free-to-air. Our work revolves around the protection of the natural world by bringing information and awareness about the planet to viewers - a philosophy and commitment to environmental sustainability shared by ADMC. We are very excited at this opportunity to together showcase unique perspectives on the world that we inhabit in the Arabic language, and play a part in Abu Dhabi's sustainable growth and transformation into a global media hub."

"The launch of National Geographic Channel Abu Dhabi raises the standard of programming and content in the region - through the fact that the content will be in Arabic and free-to-air," commented H.E. Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of ADMC.

"We are very excited to have partnered with National Geographic Channels to not only bring viewers in the region leading global factual entertainment, but to help us expand, enhance and diversify our existing media bouquet - by allowing us to offer something totally new to the Arabic-speaking population in the Middle East"

Viewers can also interact with the channel via a dedicated National Geographic Channel Abu Dhabi website - www.natgeotv.ae. The website will feature comprehensive information on programming including forthcoming feature highlights; an easy-view TV schedule; a variety of online games designed to encourage people to think about the planet; a community section where viewers can 'ask the experts', contribute to online polls or enter competitions; and a video player where viewers can watch programme highlights and reviews.

Globally the National Geographic Channel reaches out to 305 million homes in 165 countries, in 34 languages.

National Geographic Channel Abu Dhabi is available now on Arabsat and Nilesat.

ARABSAT BADR 6

Frequency: 11804

Polarization: Horizontal

FEC: 3/4

Symbol Rate: 27500

NILESAT N102

Frequency: 12.226 GHz

Polarization: Horizontal

FEC: 3/4

Symbol Rate: 27500

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About National Geographic Channel Abu Dhabi
Launched in July 2009, the 24 hr, free-to-air National Geographic Channel Abu Dhabi invites viewers in the Middle East to re-think the way they see television - and the world - through smart, innovative programming in the Arabic language. Brought to the region by the Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC) and National Geographic Channels (NGC), channel is dedicated to understanding and protecting the world, with its worldwide reputation of producing credible and authentic content that fits different viewers' interests. Its programming is smart, factual entertainment featuring of science and technology, animals and nature, exploration and culture.

The launch of National Geographic Channel Abu Dhabi complements National Geographic Channels' existing operations in the region, including the National Geographic Channel launched in the Middle East in July 1998, the subsequent National Geographic Adventure launched in September 2007, followed by National Geographic Wild in January 2008.

Abu Dhabi Media Company
Abu Dhabi Media Company is a vertically integrated media company created in 2007 as a public joint stock company from the assets of Emirates Media Incorporated.

Abu Dhabi Media Company employs 1800 people across its operating units which include publishing, television, radio, digital media, distribution, and printing. 

Abu Dhabi Media Company owns and operates Abu Dhabi Al Oula, Abu Dhabi Al Emarat, Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya, Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya 2, and Abu Dhabi +1, Emarat FM Radio, Holy Quran Radio, Abu Dhabi FM, Star FM, Al Ittihad newspaper, The National Newspaper, Zahrat Al Khaleej magazine, Al Super magazine, Majid magazine and Imagenation Abu Dhabi as well as other businesses including United Printing Press.

The company is headquartered in Abu Dhabi with offices in Cairo, Dubai and Washington D.C.

For more information please visit www.admedia.ae

Abu Dhabi Media Company
Omar Abed Rabbo     
Tel: 971 50 5842741
Email: Omar.abedrabbo@admedia.ae

Sawsan Abu Omar
Abu Dhabi Media Company
Tel: 971 50 6169707
Email: Sawsan.abuomar@admedia.ae

For more information, please contact:
Manning, Selvage & Lee
Smriti Singh
Tel: + 971 4 3676156
Fax: +971 4 367 2615
Email:Smriti.singh@dubai.mslpr.com

© Press Release 2009