UAE's first dedicated Filipino radio station set to go live

Tag91.1, launched by the Dubai-based Arabian Radio Network (ARN), aims to cater for one of the country's largest communities.

DUBAI // The UAE’s first dedicated Filipino radio station was due to go live at 5am today.

Tag91.1, launched by Arabian Radio Network in Dubai, is aimed at one of the country’s largest communities.

An estimated 645,000 Filipinos live in the UAE. Tag91.1 is promising them high-quality local content, 24 hours a day.

The launch follows the success of Filipino Rhythm, a nightly programme on ARN’s Dubai Eye 103.8  station. It has broadcast from midnight until 6am for the past five years and will now be folded into Tag91.1’s content.

Mohamed Almulla, the chief executive officer of Arab Media Group, which owns ARN, said: “The Filipino community is underserved in media offerings. This is not only about music, it is also about local content and events. This is about offering more information on activities and enhanced services to the community.”

The station will have a website and apps for smartphones. According to ARN’s research, Filipinos are buying more high-tech gadgets and technology than ever before.

Tag91.1 has already had interest from a large development firm in the Philippines, and is in talks to secure an advertising deal.

The station is hoping to pique local interest by sponsoring the singer Bruno Mars, whose mother is from the Philippines, when he performs in Dubai Media City on April 12.

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