A new free-to-view Arabic-language infotainment platform has launched out of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
SRMG, the largest integrated media group from the MENA region, has unveiled Asharq Discovery in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery. It will showcase thousands of hours of premium content from the Discovery catalogue and acquisitions from across the region.
Asharq Discovery will feature titles from Discovery, Animal Planet, TLC, Investigation Discovery, HGTV, Food Network, and regional favourite, Fatafeat. The selected programmes have been fully reversioned with Arabic voiceovers and graphics. At launch, Asharq Discovery’s line-up includes shows never before seen in Arabic and for free including Gold Rush, 90 Day Fiancé, Morgan Freeman’s Through the Wormhole, and Wheeler Dealers.
“Asharq Discovery’s launch is a direct response to the growing demand and changing consumption habits,” said Jomana R. Al-Rashid, CEO of SRMG. “The Asharq Discovery platform is unique as it provides a wide range of exceptional content in Arabic, and for the first time, for free. Our partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery is testament to our ambition to produce and showcase award-winning, authentic content that captivates and inspires audiences both here in our region and across the globe.”
Asharq Discovery is the result of a long-term strategic partnership between SRMG and Warner Bros. Discovery. Parr of the agreement is the co-production of up to 30 hours per year with Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO. Warner Bros. Discovery will then have the option to globally distribute the content through their own platforms.
Jamie Cooke, GM CEE, Middle East & Turkey of Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “I am excited to start developing Arabic content that can inspire viewers not just in the region but Arabic speaking audiences around the world.”
Asharq Discovery is accessible free-to-view across the region through satellite coverage on Arabsat and Nilesat, and through the catch-up service Asharq NOW and Asharq Discovery’s social media platforms.
