OSN launches first dedicated Asian entertainment channel in MENA

Billed as the first channel in the Middle East dedicated exclusively to Asian content, OSNtv iQIYI expands OSN’s portfolio by adding Eastern storytelling alongside existing Western programming. (Supplied)
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Updated 23 February 2026
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OSN launches first dedicated Asian entertainment channel in MENA

  • Partnership iQIYI International brings mix of drama, romance, fantasy, anime and action to MENA audience
  • Programming will air in original languages with English and Arabic subtitles, with select titles offered in Arabic-dubbed versions and available on demand through the OSNtv content library

LONDON: OSN on Monday announced the launch of a new Asian-content channel in partnership with iQIYI International, bringing entertainment from East Asia to viewers across the Middle East and North Africa

The new OSNtv iQIYI channel, available as a linear pay-TV service on OSN, will offer a mix of drama, romance, fantasy, anime and action.

“Through our partnership with OSNtv, we are bringing iQIYI’s premium Asian content closer to audiences across the MENA region,” said Xianghua Yang, president of iQIYI International. “This dedicated linear channel marks an important step in integrating our globally popular stories, genres, and formats into the region’s entertainment landscape.”

Billed as the first channel in the Middle East dedicated exclusively to Asian content, OSNtv iQIYI expands OSN’s portfolio by adding Eastern storytelling alongside existing Western programming. New titles will be added monthly to keep the schedule refreshed.

“The launch of OSNtv iQIYI is a unique and exciting addition to our channel line-up, reflecting how viewing preferences across the region continue to evolve” said Andy Grant, vice president of programming at OSN.

Shows will air in original languages with English and Arabic subtitles, with select titles also available on demand through the OSNtv content library. Some shows will be offered in Arabic-dubbed versions to broaden their appeal.

The launch is part of a wider partnership between OSN and iQIYI. The iQIYI app will be preloaded on OSNtv set-top boxes, with a dedicated section on the OSNtv homepage to boost visibility.

The companies said further bundling offers and platform integrations will be announced later.


Arab News wins 7 prizes at European Newspaper Awards, led by 50th anniversary coverage

Updated 27 February 2026
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Arab News wins 7 prizes at European Newspaper Awards, led by 50th anniversary coverage

  • Anniversary special coverage and film won four Awards of Excellence across multiple categories

LONDON: Arab News won seven prizes at the 27th European Newspaper Awards — four for its 50th anniversary coverage and three for other projects — bringing its total to 160 awards since the 2018 relaunch.

The anniversary coverage earned an Award of Excellence in “Supplement for special occasions and anniversary editions,” plus wins in “Multimedia storytelling” for its special web section and two in “Film” and “Animated films” for its documentary.

Additional honors went to the “Spotlight — 2024 in Review” and “Opinion — 2024” print series in the “Sectional front pages nationwide newspaper” category, and a “Visualization” prize for an image from “Opinion — 2024.”

Launched in 1999 by organizer Norbert Kupper, the awards celebrate print and digital innovation. This year’s contest drew newspapers from 22 countries and more than 3,000 entries across 20 categories, despite fewer print submissions due to rising editorial collaborations.

“It’s testament to the skill, versatility and collaboration between the creative and editorial teams at Arab News that the seven awards at this year’s ENAs spanned print, digital and film categories,” commented Omar Nashashibi, head of creative design at Arab News. “These wouldn’t be possible without the world-class contributors we partner with, and the leadership, vision and support of Editor-In-Chief Faisal J. Abbas.”

Creative Director Simon Khalil called the film wins especially meaningful. “This recognition means a great deal because this film was never just about marking an anniversary, it was about capturing a defining moment in the evolution of Arab News and the region it represents.

“Telling the story, and drama of the 2018 relaunch, the digital transformation, and the courage to become ‘The Voice of a Changing Region’ was both a responsibility and a privilege.”

Past highlights include the “King Charles III Coronation” special coverage, “Kingdom vs. Captagon” investigation and FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022 special edition.

See more award-winning projects at arabnews.com/greatesthits.