Dubai TV unveils new look

The station's first international news bulletin in an exciting format will be broadcast live from a modern news centre at the Dubai Media City at 10pm on June 1, 2004, marking the launch of Dubai Television's exciting programme grid.

Announcing the station's ambitious expansion plans, Hussain Ali Lootah, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Media Incorporated, said, "Dubai TV caters to the Arab and Gulf family in particular, with innovative programming that reflects the UAE's cosmopolitan and vibrant nature."

Emirati television professionals will make up the core of the team; including prominent political scientists Dr AbdulKhaleq Abdulla and Dr Mohammed bin Huwaidin, journalist Dr Aisha Ibrahim Sultan and analyst Dr Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Naqbi. Several up-and-coming stars like Dina Al Sharaf and Khalid Al Marri will host their own shows.

Dubai TV has also assembled a galaxy of Arab television personalities, who have cultivated large fan following around the world, including Hamdi Kandeel, Dawood Al Shirian, Dina Azar, Lina Sawan, Marianne Klat and Moataz El Demerdash.

The refresh schedule includes more than 20 programmes produced locally. The line-up ranges from thought-provoking current affairs debates like Al Mash'had Hatha Al Usbou, Al Maqal and Qalam Rasas, to competitions and game shows like Qadha La Tithada and Sayyed Al Qalaa.

Music plays a central role, with El Fan Wo Ahlou, Ghanawi and Hala Marianne appealing to all age groups and contributing to viewing diversity. Complete guides to women's beauty, style, health, fitness, and social and family issues come with Dubai TV's flagship lifestyle shows Asraruha and Elayki.

The empowering and touching Hadeth Wala Haraj, Naltaki and Ahlam, nightly light entertainment show Al Layla Maa Moataz, soap operas and an exciting range of Arabic and foreign movies, all premiering in the region, add to the mix.

Dubai TV has invested substantially in building a world-class news centre that will set a new global standard in production values, quality and technology. Separate news bulletins, one dedicated to fast breaking international stories, the other with a local focus, covering UAE social and economic events will be broadcast daily keeping viewers abreast with the latest across the world.

News and current affairs studios are equipped with cutting edge digital and technical equipment in lighting and projection, video wall systems, cameras, production control room and newsdesks.

Commenting on an action-packed schedule, Mr Lootah said, "We are confident that Dubai TV programming will get a positive reception from family viewers. We have produced over 20 new programmes in exciting formats. We will be a major player in Arab satellite television. Our viewers will be the judges."

Dubai TV's footprint extends from the Arabian Gulf to the Levant and North Africa. The signal can also be received in the United States of America and Australia.