PCCW’s OTT service Viu is teaming with Saudi Arabian online entertainment network UTurn on its first Arabic-langauge production, Hob Al Tayebin.
The family comedy, which will make its online debut in December 2017, will be the first in a slate of ten Arabic originals that Viu will produce with various partners across the region.
“Our originals globally have been very well received by Viu’ers and this propels us to create many more fresh and engaging originals for a youthful audience,” said Arun Prakash, president and COO of Viu’s sister platform Vuclip.
“We are excited to see the young talent and creativity in the Middle East and are committed to building a robust opportunity for these artists here.”
Viu has also rolled out a slate of Asian productions including Indian shows Gehraiyaan and Spotlight, both directed by Vikram Bhatt, and Social, a thriller starring Rana Daggubati.
The OTT service is available in 15 markets including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and the Middle East countries of Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
PCCW recently raised $110m from three investors to expand its OTT services. See interview with Janice Lee, PCCW Media Group managing director, here.