MUMBAI: BBC Arabic has extended its television availability in the UAE. It has partnered with the UAE-based cable TV platform, E-Vision for this.

BBC Arabic's news and information programming is now available to audiences in the Emirates via Channel 41 of E-Vision.

This is the first local cable agreement for BBC Arabic television. The partnership with E-Vision further reinforces the BBC's multimedia presence in the UAE.

BBC World Service head of business development (Africa and Middle East) Simon Kendall said, "We are delighted that viewers in the UAE will be able to watch BBC Arabic on the E-Vision platform.

"We have always had a strong and loyal audience to our radio and online services in the UAE. Through this agreement, our new Arabic television service is even more accessible to audiences in the country."

BBC Arabic head Hosam El Sokkari says, "This is exciting news. The launch of our programming on the E-Vision cable platform in the Emirates means further expansion of the BBC Arabic audience base in the Arab world.

"We know our viewers in the UAE – a key regional and international business hub – want excellent international news. With our unique experience of bringing the key issues of region and world to Arab audiences, we will deliver just that, and in turn, involve our audience in an authentic dialogue on the issues that reflect their lives."

BBC Arabic is also distributed free to air by Arabsat, Eutelsat and Nilesat satellite systems.