OSN, a leading pay-TV network in the Middle East and North Africa, has launched five new channels strengthening its offering of premium Arabic content to the region and reaffirming its commitment to invest in Arab talent and production.

Two premium HD Arabic channels — OSN Ya Hala Shabab HD and OSN Ya Hala Arabella HD lead the channel expansion which also includes the addition of leading English language lifestyle, pop-culture and ‘infotainment’ channels Discovery World, Fuel TV and Fine Living that are new to the region.

Marking the successful launch of the new channels and the significant boost to Arab talent and regionally produced shows, Abdelmohsen Al-Nemir, who plays the lead in a brand new Saudi action series; Ahmed Sahab, producer and host of Discover Saudi; and Assad Al-Zahrani, actor from the popular Hindustani series joined OSN CEO, David Butorac and Khulud Abu Homos, senior vice president of programming and Creative Services at a special media event in Jeddah.

David Butorac, CEO of OSN said: “Saudi Arabia is an important market for OSN and has witnessed nearly 35 percent growth last year. We will continue to invest in the Kingdom to serve our customers better and this year, we will double our retail presence making our brand more accessible in smaller cities and towns.”

Butorac added: “We are incredibly proud of the new channel line-up which promises to harness Arab talent in Saudi Arabia and the region continuing to give our viewers more choice and unparalleled exclusive content.”  

Khulud Abu Homos, senior vice president of programming and creative services, OSN added: “Research shows that OSN Ya Hala!HD is the second most watched channel in the Kingdom — an incredible achievement for such a young channel (launched in October 2011). 2013 will see exciting changes to OSN Ya Hala!HD as we reposition the channel to become the stage for the best Gulf entertainment.”