BBC First will have two hours of primetime content subtitled in Arabic when it launches on OSN February 1.
BBC Worldwide has signed an exclusive agreement with the Kipco satellite platform. As part of BBC Worldwide’s global strategy, the channel will replace the pan-regional BBC Entertainment channel with increased investment into content and key titles introduced with Arabic subtitles.
Natasha Hussain, vice president and general manager for Middle East and Mediterranean at BBC Worldwide, said: “The BBC has a strong reputation for its outstanding drama programming. I’m delighted viewers in the Middle East and North Africa will soon be able to enjoy the most popular and critically acclaimed dramas coming out of the UK express from their original transmission.”
Emad Marcos, senior vice president – Media partners & Digital, OSN, added: “The addition of BBC First builds on our commitment to bring exclusive content for our subscribers and underlines the exceptional portfolio of programming that we offer to our subscribers in 2016. This is the first of several exciting new premium additions to OSN, which will be announced in the first quarter of this year and reaffirms the fact that we are the number one destination for premium content in the region.”
The premium drama channel will feature Sherlock (pictured), Luther and EastEnders alongside the BBC’s epic new adaptation of War and Peace.
Content will also be available on the multiscreen service OSN Play.
