- Line-up of 17 programmes to include the biggest cups and leagues- World Cup, English Premier League and KSA League
Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya Channels announced details of its new offering at a press conference attended by of H.E. Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC), Karim Sarkis, Executive Director of Broadcast, Mohammed Najeeb, Head of Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya Channels. Sports journalists from local and regional media, as well as international news agencies attended the event held at the Emirates Palace Hotel last night.
Karim Sarkis, Executive Director of Broadcast said: “Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya Channels have taken a new direction today with the great offerings of its channels, alongside the launch of the encrypted channel, bringing our total to three channels.”
Added Mohamed Najeeb, Head of Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya Channels : “We aim to make Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya Channels the region’s best sports channels. Starting from September 1
st, Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya Channels will boast a rich and variant line-up of programming, and will not only expand the channels’ offering to viewers, but greatly enhance their viewing experience as well.”
Describing the channels in more detail, Najeeb explained: “Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya 1 will be dedicated to the UFL league and programmes, while Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya 2 will focus on KSA League matches and programmes, for which Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya had the rights to broadcast its previous two seasons. The new encrypted channel- Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya 3, which is to be launched soon, will open up the opportunity to broadcast international events and championships, especially the ones that require encryption. Some of these include World Cup 2010 in South Africa; the Under-20 World Cup to be held in Egypt; the Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria, in addition to the FIFA Club World Cup to be held in Abu Dhabi.”
The head of Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya Channels explained that there are seventeen programmes that will kick off the new season. Those programmes will cover various sports, and will satisfy the tastes of the viewers across the region, and of course the getting the exclusive rights to the English Premier League.
A special preview revealed that key programmes which will kick off the new season include Khat Al Sittah which will cover all aspects related to Saudi football and will be presented by Mohammed Najeeb himself; and Al-Madar, which will highlight daily sports news and events across the Arab World.
Other popular programmes are Al-Botollah to be presented by the renowned presenter Yaqoub Al Saadi; Al Qarar; Al Mizan; Nadeena; Raqam Wahed; Al Modeer Al Fanni; Dream Team; Al Mirkadh; Speed; Wajh Al Haqiqah; Al Soullam; Stars; Al Fares; Game Over and News.com.
The channels will also feature sports analysis from the studios, all of which put together, will ensure top-quality sports coverage for viewers.
And during the press conference, which was anchored by the presenter Osama al Amiri, a video documentary was played, titled “Welcome to the World of Abu Dhabi al Riyadiya”. The video highlighted the journey of Abu Dhabi al Riyadiya, and the most important elements of the new offerings.
Contract signed for exclusive rights to broadcast President’s Cup and UAE National Team matchesAt the press conference, Abu Dhabi al Riyadiya and the UAE Football Associated signed a contract for the exclusive broadcast rights of the President’s Cup, as well as all UAE National Team friendly matches on Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya Channels, as well as for the Under 20 and Under 17 UAE National team matches, over the next three years.
The contract was signed by Mohammed Najeeb, head of Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya Channels and Yousef Abdullah, General Secretary of UAE Football Association, under the patronage of H.E. Mohamed Khalfan al Rumaithi, head of UAE Football Association, H.E. Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Media Company, and Karim Sarkis, Executive Director of Broadcast. Based on the contract, Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya Channels and Mubadala will be the official sponsors of the National Team and the Under 17 UAE National Team.
