BBC Worldwide has announced that its global factual brand BBC Earth will launch as a linear channel across the MENA markets through the beIN DTH service on April 5. The agreement will also see BBC Earth extend its distribution in Turkey, launching on the region’s largest pay-TV operator Digiturk.

BBC Earth will be a localised channel on the beIN network with a schedule curated for local audiences and with 100% Arabic subtitling. The channel will launch with the critically acclaimed natural history series from the BBC, Blue Planet II.

On the launch, Natasha Hussain, Vice President and General Manager for Middle East & Mediterranean Region, BBC Worldwide said: “Our expanded partnership with beIN marks an important step in BBC Earth’s journey as a global brand as it increases its reach to a significant new audience across the MENA region. The BBC is uniquely positioned as the world leader in natural history and factual film making, with an unparalleled 60 year heritage in leading production of quality natural history programming. With beIN we are delighted to deliver world class production, creation and technological breakthroughs that BBC Earth has to offer”.

BBC Earth will be a 24-hour channel and will be available on the beIN platform channel number 308. BBC Earth will join CBeebies, the BBC’s pre-school brand which has been available on the platform since April 2016.

The deal with beIN follows on from the recent launch of BBC Earth in Greece on pay-TV provider Cosmote.