Sky News Arabia

It's going to be on the Sky platform in the UK. Although I doubt the market for an Arabic language news channel in the UK is particularly large (or even existent?). Will be good to see from a presentation point of view though, and hopefully Sky will carry the HD version aswell.

The rather impressive set beginning to take shape,

http://t.co/7yG0JhAT

@jordanhowell You may have noticed that the trailers have now disappeared! A little bit of confusion in Sky News HQ...

@jordanhowell I am afraid it won't actually be watchable in the UK! But I am sure if there is a will there is a way

Available in both HD and SD formats, Sky News Arabia will broadcast free-to-air across 50 million households across the MENA region and will also be available on the Sky platform in the UK.

Sky News Arabia moves into new studio complex
Sky News Arabia, the free-to-air, 24-hour Arabic rolling news channel, to be launched in spring 2012, announced the move of its editorial and operational teams into a newly built studio site in Abu Dhabi city.

The channel will deliver breaking news in both HD and SD formats focusing on the Arab world via twelve dedicated bureaus across the region and globally, as well as access to Sky News’ international bureau network. Nart Bouran, head of Sky News Arabia, said: “The move to the new site is a significant milestone in the Sky News Arabia launch plan. We are already carrying out technical rehearsals and will start with full studio rehearsals later this month. Our investment in this high-tech studio complex affirms our commitment to provide fast, fresh live, evolving news across our multiple platforms – television, tablet, mobile and online.”

Since April 2011, the technical integration process at the new studio complex, which is now located inside twofour54 the Abu Dhabi media hub , has been supported by Television Systems Limited (TSL), who have worked closely with Sky News Arabia’s engineering team on the design.

Last month, TSL handed over the broadcast system including approximately 208 kilometres of cables into the facility, in addition to over 100 tonnes of state-of-the-art broadcast equipment.
Bouran added: “We have appointed a great mix of talented presenters who will be engaged through multimedia platforms in advance of the TV launch. The technical operation we have delivered will allow each presenter to deliver a vibrant and fresh format in news delivery.”

Sky News Arabia will broadcast from a single large studio, housing a number of permanent sets dedicated to different programmes, providing seamless flow from one area and presenter to another, giving production directors maximum flexibility over their 11 cameras. A massive 10 meter wide video wall will be employed to visually aid in-depth analysis of stories being covered. The studio will be technically advanced with HD equipment and tapeless newsroom production facilities, allowing content to be transferred for near-instant availability across Sky News Arabia’s regional and international networks.

"There are some household names, some fresh faces, and some well-known faces. It's a good mix of people from all over … the Arab world"

Sitting in new studios of #skynewsarabia in Abu Dhabi - looking incredible and the launch team
excitement is infectious

Sky News Arabia, the 24 hour Arabic language multi-platform breaking news service launching in Spring 2012, has awarded its musical suite contract to Box of Toys Audio. As well as providing the main title music for the channel, the creative sound company will also supply the full music brand range for Sky News Arabia.

Eight companies, including composers from Dubai, Beirut and London were briefed to participate in the bid. London based Box of Toys’ original composition best captured the vibrant, contemporary and interactive feel of the channel.

Habib Feghali, Head of Creative, Sky News Arabia, said: “Our aim was always to create a contemporary, young and global sound, which at the same time, speaks to a regional audience – we feel this has been successfully captured with this music.”

Ben Laver, Co CEO and composer, Box of Toys Audio, said: ”We are thrilled to be given the opportunity to craft Sky News Arabia’s sonic identity. As a progressive, multi-platform news experience, Sky News Arabia inspired a contemporary take on a classic vehicle. We layered modern elements against a bold orchestral composition whilst subtly introducing traditional Arab instruments to mark the cultural heart of the channel.”

The musical branding of the channel will reflect Sky News Arabia’s fast, bold, and dynamic style for delivering the best live coverage for news as it happens across the Middle East and North Africa and further afield.

The initial six presenters announced by Sky News Arabia today are:

Amr Abdelhamid, News Presenter

Amr started his career in 1998 in Moscow as a correspondent for BBC Arabic radio. From there he took on the role as a bureau chief for Abu Dhabi TV and then Al Arabiya and Al Jazeera. Prior to joining Sky News Arabia, Amr was a news and programme presenter in London. During his career, Amr has covered a range of breaking news stories such as the war in Afghanistan to the war in Lebanon (2006). He has also interviewed a number of influential international figures including Vladimir Putin, Jalal Talbani and Hamid Karzai.

Fadila Souissi, News Presenter

Fadila is most widely known from her time at Abu Dhabi TV. As a senior presenter, Fadila was considered one of the most prominent anchors in the UAE when hosting Mouthir Lili Jadal, a socio-political weekly prime time programme. Fadila then went on to present Al Madar, a daily news show on Abu Dhabi TV. In her career Fadila has interviewed over 500 guests.

Yusuf Serif, News Presenter

Yusuf began working in journalism in 1997 as TV reporter in Istanbul for WTN (Worldwide Television News) prior to spells with Abu Dhabi TV and the French language Radio Monte Carlo. He then moved to Ankara to join Al Jazeera as bureau chief before moving to Al Arabiya as a senior reporter.

Rita Malouf, News Presenter

Rita started her career at the age of 19 working as an editor for the Syria News website. From there Rita moved to Sham TV as a news presenter and journalist. Her latest role was at France 24 TV as news editor, presenter and journalist.

Faisal Bin Huraiz, News Presenter

Before joining Sky News Arabia, Faisal was part of the team which launched the news centre at Abu Dhabi Radio where he worked as a presenter and reporter and later as news bulletin editor. Faisal moved from radio to TV to work at Abu Dhabi TV as a news presenter hosting Uloom Al Dar . Faisal has developed a reputation for being one of the most talented young Emirati presenters on TV.

Nada Al-Shaibani, Sports Presenter

Joining the Sky News Arabia team to cover sports, Nada brings a wealth of experience. She was the sports news presenter and programme anchor at Al-Kass Sports channel, covering some of the most important sport events in the region including the 2009 Gulf Cup in Oman through a daily morning show called Al Dhahwaniya. Before that Nada strengthened her content development, production and supervision skills while working at Qatar TV.