Arabic Nick nets prep MENA launch

Localised versions of Nickelodeon and Nick Jr are to launch in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) on pay TV network OSN at the beginning of next year.

Nickelodeon HD, Nick Jr and a rebranded MTV Live HD will be available 24 hours a day in the MENA region from January 5.

It will bring the total number of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN)-owned channels available in MENA to four, along with the existing music network VH1.

VIMN is aiming to make both Nickelodeon HD and preschool channel Nick Jr available in English and Arabic by February.

The international media firm’s Dubai Media City team will take over the production of Nickelodeon HD, making it the only international kids TV channel available in Arabic in MENA, according to VIMN.

Meanwhile, the channels and content will be also available on VoD platform OSN Play, while an exclusive Nick app will also be launched soon.

Nickelodeon is aimed at kids aged between 7-14 and combines animation series such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with live-action sitcoms and formats.

Nick Jr, meanwhile, targets kids aged 3-6 with toons such as Dora and Friends, Paw Patrol and Blaze and the Monster Machines.

Finally, MTV Live HD will offer international music and entertainment programming, as well as coverage of music awards shows such as the MTV Video Music Awards and MTV Europe Music Awards.