Increasing the exposure of traditional Emirati sports to the broader Arab world "is the focus of Yas sports channel, the latest offering by Abu Dhabi Media," according to Emmanuel Samoglou of THE NATIONAL. Yas is a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week channel "focusing on the country’s traditional sports" -- camel racing, falconry, horse racing and dhow racing.
By looking at these sports, those behind the channel "hope to shed new light on Emirati identity and heritage." In addition to a variety of pre-recorded programs such as documentaries and expert-led talk shows, Yas "hopes to showcase a unique 'never-seen-before perspective' to covering live sporting events." As part of its racing coverage, viewers "will have the chance to get the jockey’s view of the horse or camel, thanks to a camera mounted on the jockey and on the racing animal’s head, bringing a new dimension to sports television." Yas’ range of weekly programs "will give more in-depth coverage and will include shows such as Al Rakkad, showcasing authentic Arabian sports of Emirati and Gulf origin." Al Hatheera "will delve into the world of falconry, while Al Qudra will shed light on the unique nature of endurance racing. Al Serdal puts marine sports on the screen" (THE NATIONAL, 2/20).
