MTV Arabia suspends music videos during Ramadan

MTV Arabia, the Middle East's first youth entertainment and lifestyle channel, has announced it will mark the holy month of Ramadan in quiet contemplation and air only cultural news programmes and reality shows.

The channel will refrain from playing music videos during its 24-hour rotation during Ramadan.

The popular channel, launched in November 2007, has brought the Arab world the latest in international music as well as the best in Arabic pop and hip-hop. In the nine months since its launch, it has successfully featured the best musical talents, personalities and events in the Middle East.

However, MTV Arabia's Ramadan fare will reflect the solemnity of the holy month, according to Samr Al Mazouqi, the channel's manager. He said: "Ramadan is a time for introspection, and we would like to offer our viewers a break from the ordinary fare. Though part of a global brand, MTV Arabia is conscious of regional sensitivities and we are keen to respond to the desires of viewers in the Middle East, the vast majority of whom will be fasting, spending time with family, and focusing on their spiritual lives."

The channel will continue to play the most popular programmes from MTV's international roster of reality shows, celebrity news and pop culture documentaries. As is customary with channels across the region, MTV Arabia will air the call to Maghreb prayers.

The newest programme during the month will be Hogan Knows Best, which follows wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan in his lesser-known roles as husband and father. Hogan may be a titan in the ring, but his chances for success at home are less than certain as he deals with his wayward teenagers and strong-willed wife.

Another addition to MTV Arabia's line-up of reality shows is Room 401. Taking inspiration from Scare Tactics and Punk'D, it features normal people in spooky situations involving gruesome and creepy special effects.

Local programming during Ramadan will include the popular Akher Takka, which puts unwitting victims in hilariously irritating situations.