As of 2007, Arabic will be the 29th language in which the international all-music MTV television will broadcast its musical repertoire. The Dubai-based al-Arabiya Television network has just signed an accord with MTV Networks International to launch MTV Arabiya in 2007.The announcement of an Arabic channel had been made last summer but MTV reportedly lacked a local partner until now.
The new MTV Arabiya, a free-to-air channel, will broadcast 24 hours a day entertainment and music programmes for young viewers in the Middle East – a significant audience considering that approximately half of the area’s population is under 25.
Producers in Dubai have said that the channel will also broadcast local programmes. The network should be launched in the second half of 2007 and will challenge two Middle Eastern music and entertainment giants – Rotana TV and Melody Music.