New look for two Abu Dhabi TV stations

ABU DHABI // Two of the capital's TV stations will be given slick new looks and improved programming line-ups from December 2.

Relaunches of Abu Dhabi Al Emarat and Abu Dhabi Al Oula, both owned by The National's parent company Abu Dhabi Media, have been planned to coincide with UAE's 42nd National Day.

As part of the overhaul, Al Emarat's current affairs show Oloum Al Dar will broadcast from a revamped studio.

The studio was developed with input and staff training from ADM's broadcasting partners Sky News Arabia, Sky News UK and Twofour54.

A morning show, Sabah El Dar, will also be launched. The Al Emarat morning show will explore issues affecting Emiratis and will highlight events occurring across all seven emirates.

The studio show will also include special segments broadcast from Abu Dhabi landmarks including Saadiyat and Yas islands.

A fresh set of programmes including a new drama series has been commissioned for Abu Dhabi Al Oula, a station home to more regional programming.

Twofour Arabia, the local arm of international production company Twofour, has been recruited to work with ADM to develop the programmes and provide on-the-job training.

The chairman of ADM, Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, said the rebooting of both channels came after an internal study of the company's operations.

"This relaunch was completed following efforts that spanned over a year and involved the development and enhancement of the company's working processes," Mr Al Mazrouei said.

"The project was completed in stages, the first of which included completing an update of our administrative structure and working policies, as well as a restructuring of the company's departments in order to ensure maximum efficiency."

Both stations are well into their Ramadan schedules, traditionally the Arab world's most fiercely contested television season.

Both gave a list of local productions their debut in the holy month, including the nightly drama series Zaman Lawal on Abu Dhabi Al Emarat.

Featuring Ghanim Al Sulaiti and Samira Ahmed, the show is set in 1970s UAE and follows a pair of reunited friends reflecting on life in a country on the cusp of reaching its potential.