Quest Arabiya Begins Local Production

Quest Arabiya has begun filming its first regionally-produced series following the launch of the free-to-air Arabic factual entertainment channel in December.

Nabd Al Moghamara (Pulse of Adventure) is an adventure-travel show hosted by extreme sports enthusiasts Hussein Gazzazz and Ghida Arnaout.

The nine-part series will launch on March 13 and follows Gazzazz and Arnaout’s journey through stunning landscapes as they experience the most daring pursuits the region has to offer.

It is being filmed in locations across the region, with production already started on episodes that will include deep water solo climbing in Oman, white water rafting in Morocco, snow-paragliding in Lebanon and dune-bashing in the UAE.

Carl von Doussa, General Manager of Quest Arabiya, said: “The launch of Nabd Al Moghamara, our first of many regionally-produced, long-form flagship series, will take the channel to an exciting new level and demonstrates our commitment to creating original Arabic content.”

Quest Arabiya, a partnership between Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Discovery Communications, has commissioned UAE-based production company Saluki Media to deliver Nabd Al Moghamara.

Shereen El Meligi, Quest Arabiya’s Programming Director, said: “Nabd Al Moghamara is set to showcase some great stories of personal endeavour and achievement, but it is also an example of our commitment to providing opportunities for the production industry in the region. We are happy to be working with regional producers, crew and talent on this exciting show.”

El Meligi said she believes the choice of co-hosts was critical to ensuring the show will appeal to the 340 million people, in 45 million households across 22 MENA countries, which Quest Arabiya reaches.

Over the course of each 30-minute episode, the two presenters will train with professional extreme sport athletes to master a specific pursuit. They will get a taste of the local culture and community at each country they visit, taking in the most impressive sights and attractions.

Gazzazz, a 30-year-old Saudi-Egyptian skydiving fanatic with 118 solo jumps under his belt, said: “Being chosen as the presenter of Nabd Al Moghamara is a dream job for me as I love trying new extreme stunts and my aim has always been to encourage others to do the same.

“I love going to new countries or regions to find out about the local sports as well as the disciplines and cultures involved. I find it fascinating and I think it’s really important to learn sports the way the locals do it.”

Lebanese rock climbing enthusiast Arnaout, 29, who works as a social media manager and runs a blog charting her outdoor pursuits, is passionate about helping other young Arabic women discover a love of the outdoors.

“I was so excited when I found out I had got the presenter job,” she said. “Not only do I get to be on TV doing cool things, but I will meet lots of like-minded outdoor lovers and reach lots more people, which will help encourage them to get out there and do more. If I can enjoy what I’m doing and meet that personal objective I will be thrilled.”