Asharq Alawsat reports that Nickelodeon TV—translated or dubbed into Arabic– will soon be carried on a new satellite channel out of Dubai. While it’s not ‘Adult Swim’, it’ll still be interesting to see what gets changed or dropped from programming.

Nickelodeon Arabia to launch in 2008
Faisal Abbas

London, Asharq Al-Awsat- Dubai-based Arab Media Group (AMG) and MTV Networks International are to launch Nickelodeon Arabia, an Arabic language free-to-air channel dedicated exclusively to kids in the Middle East.

According to MTV Networks International, Emerging Markets Communications Director, Lynne-Mei Lee, “Nickelodeon Arabia, will be a 24 hour, Arabic language, free to air channel. Programming will include a mix of international content from Nickelodeon’s global portfolio and original local Arabic productions.”

The Communications Director also told Asharq Al-Awsat that the programming line up is yet to be finalized, however the channel will also be supported by an Arabic language website which will include an online community and a range of interactive elements.

Abdullatif Al Sayegh, CEO of Arab Media Group, commented: ‘Arab Media Group is dedicated to providing audiences in this region with what they want to see, hear and read. Through our extensive understanding of the market, we have identified entertainment niches that were ripe for opportunity, and quality children’s programming is certainly one of them. Nickelodeon will provide the best in world-standard entertainment for children, raising standards in the region and setting a strong precedent for the future.’

…The 24-hour channel which will fall under the Arabian Television Network, AMG’s TV broadcasting arm, is slated to launch in 2008 and will broadcast via satellite to 36 million TV households, with a potential audience of 190 million people across the region.