Dubai, Asharq Al-Awsat- The Arabian Television Network (ATN) has announced that it will partner with MTV Networks International, a unit of Viacom Networks Europe Inc, to launch the highly anticipated MTV Arabiya in 2007.

ATN is a subsidiary of the newly launched Arabian Broadcasting Network.

Abdullatif Al Sayegh, CEO, Chairman, Arabian Broadcasting Network said:

“Our partnership with MTV is a significant step in our long term strategic vision to offer an international channel dedicated to Arab music and culture. All of us in the team are excited about MTV Arabiya’s forthcoming launch, and look forward to developing additional growth opportunities in the region.’

MTV Arabiya will be a 24-hour, free-to-air television channel catering to an Arabic-speaking youth audience across the Pan-Arab region. Over half the population of the Middle East is under the age of 25, and MTV Arabiya will bring this huge audience high quality entertainment.

Bhavneet Singh, Acting General Manager and Vice President, MTV Emerging Markets said: ‘MTV first launched in 1981 when cable television was in its infancy. Since then we’ve grown into the world’s largest TV network by becoming part of the fabric of youth culture, and by respecting audience diversity and different cultures. We’re delighted to be launching MTV Arabiya and looking forward to working with our partners to provide the best youth programming.’

The channel’s programming will consist of music videos, music-based programming, general lifestyle and animated programmes, reality shows, comedy and dramatic series, news specials, interviews and documentaries. In addition to the highly popular international MTV shows, MTV Arabiya will also produce local content to cater to Pan-Arab youth audiences