SRMG and Warner Bros. Discovery team up to launch Asharq Discovery Arabic-language platform

MENA-based Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG) have joined forces with media giant Warner Bros. Discovery to launch the free-to-view Arabic-language platform, Asharq Discovery. 

Asharq Discovery which went live yesterday on October 10, will showcase premium content from Warner Bros. Discovery’s catalogue, as well as acquisitions from the region and original-produced titles.

Content on the Arabic hub will span across a wide range of genres, such as pop science and engineering, crime and mystery, motoring, adventure and travel, food and cooking, wildlife and nature, lifestyle, and reality. It will also show titles from Warner Bros. Discovery’s brands including Discovery, Animal Planet, TLC, Investigation Discovery, HGTV, Food Network, and regional brand, Fatafeat.

The selected programmes are fully reversioned with Arabic voiceovers and graphics. Asharq Discovery’s will also feature shows never shown in Arabic and for free including Gold Rush, 90 Day Fiancé, Morgan Freeman’s Through the Wormhole, and Wheeler Dealers.

The joint-venture will see the co-production of up to 30 hours per year with Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO centred on the MENA region, with Warner Bros. Discovery having the option to globally distribute co-produced content via its own services.

SRMG said the launch responds directly to changing viewer preferences and the surging demand for Arabic-language content. The company cited a survey it conducted which found that over 80% of viewers in the MENA region are eager for more Arabic shows.

Jomana R. Al-Rashid, CEO of SRMG, said: “Asharq Discovery’s launch is a direct response to the growing demand and changing consumption habits. We can see from several studies that there is an increase in the demand for audio and visual content across our region. The new free-to-view platform is the latest example of SRMG’s transformation strategy in action. At SRMG, we are dedicated to enhancing and expanding our media portfolio and elevating the media and entertainment ecosystem in the region.

He added, “With Asharq Discovery, we continue to redefine the viewing experience with seven distinct genres, each offering a fresh perspective on storytelling. The Asharq Discovery platform is unique as it provides a wide range of exceptional content in Arabic, and for the first time, for free. Our partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery is testament to our ambition to produce and showcase award-winning, authentic content that captivates and inspires audiences both here in our region and across the globe.”

Asharq Discovery is the latest addition to SRMG’s Asharq News Network which includes Asharq News and Asharq Business with Bloomberg, along with the recently launched Asharq Documentary, showcasing factual content.

The MENA platform is accessible free-to-view across the region through satellite coverage on Arabsat and Nilesat, and through the catch-up service Asharq NOW and Asharq Discovery’s social media platforms.