ManU Announces Launch Of UAE TV Channel As Club Looks To Expand Fan Base

ManU is planning to launch its TV channel in the UAE before the end of this year as it looks to "increase its fan base in the Middle East," according to Triska Hamid of THE NATIONAL. The club announced the launch of Manchester United Television in Saudi Arabia at Gitex with partner Saudi Telecoms Company, with the rights "set to be extended to Bahrain and Kuwait." ManU Head of Media David Sternberg said, "The UAE is not part of STC territory so we are exploring opportunities to find additional distribution in the UAE." While the club "struggled somewhat in the Premier League last season," Sternberg said that things are "looking up on the digital media side." He said, "In terms of club media, we've continued to grow all our platforms in the last 18 months irrespective of the results on the field. Regardless of whether you are winning or losing, fans always have an opinion and want to interact with the club and learn what's going on and engage with us" (THE NATIONAL, 10/14).