DUBAI: News network Al Arabiya celebrated the launch of its new digital platform Akthar in Dubai on Wednesday.
The event was attended by Al Arabiya staff, press associates and partners including MBC Group’s media arm MBC Media Solutions.
The event began with a speech from the company’s chief operating officer Jamie Angus, who joined from the BBC earlier this year.
Other speakers who took the stage include Farah Al-Ibrahim, digital content manager at Al Arabiya, Network who spoke about Akthar’s content line-up, Moussa Abdo, senior digital and data solutions manager at MMS, who explained how brands can unlock partnership opportunities with Akthar and Ahlam Al-Yaacoub, presenter of Akthar’s “Ala Fain” show.
Angus said the new platform is a “journey” into the digital world and it will be offering stimulating content covering various topics and targeting younger generations.
“Al Arabiya’s own slogan ‘Know More,’ has given rise to our new social brand Akthar. We believe that news audiences want to explore more about their world with us,” he added.
The event saw the launch of Akthar’s website and eight new social media channels in a 360 immersive digital experience across genres such as luxury, travel, health, finance and lifestyle.
Among the shows is “Tech,” which will be presented by artificial intelligence host Mira, marking the first time a regional show has been hosted by an AI presenter.
Other shows include “In the Car,” which will focus on luxurious and everyday cars with a guest rider; “Health,” which will offer certified and informative resources and sources on health-related topics; “Ala Fain,” which will cover tourism; “My Wallet,” which will feature economic experts discussing entrepreneurship, business, and personal finances; “Top Motion,” which will focus on the Arab media and production industry; and “Vibes,” which will cover stories related to yoga, fashion, sport, and interior design.
Akthar will also feature a political show with a spin. The program aims to offer political coverage in an easy-to-digest manner, and will break down key terms and include information to help viewers understand the changing political landscape.
The move marks Al Arabiya’s continued investment in digitization.
The news network refreshed its brand identity in 2020 with a new logo design as well as new technology on its sets.
The revamp included partnering with companies such as New York-based Clickspring Design, Ross Video and Belgian company Barco, for a new set design, advanced cameras, and networked visualization solutions.
Al Arabiya also rebuilt its broadcast studios in Dubai Media City to integrate the new technology and set design.
Mamdouh Al-Muhaini, general manager of the Al Arabiya media network, said at the time: “We are relaunching with new studios, a new design and, more importantly, taking advantage of new technologies that will take the viewer into the next generation of journalism across not only our television screens but also our social media and digital offerings.”
Al Arabiya is one of the most viewed online news networks globally with 38 million video views and 5.2 million followers across all its platforms as of October 2022, according to Fahad Al-Zoghibi, chief information officer at Al Arabiya Network.
