NHNZ to launch in Abu Dhabi as part of Fox, twofour54 deal

Fox-owned documentary producer NHNZ is set to launch a production studio in the Middle East as part of a wide-ranging deal between Fox International Channels and Abu Dhabi-based media company twofour54.

The production company, which is based in New Zealand, will open the office in Abu Dhabi and will team with twofour54 on the production of a number of high-end high definition and 3D documentaries.

The news was announced at the Abu Dhabi Media Summit and is part of an arrangement that will also see Fox International Channels base its global online advertising network business .Fox in the region as well as moving the operational base for its Middle Eastern focused pay TV channels from Hong Kong to Abu Dhabi.

The deal follows last year’s launch of National Geographic Abu Dhabi, a free-to-air factual entertainment network  that covers the entire region with programming dubbed in Arabic.

The deal between Fox and twofour54 also comes weeks after Fox owner News Corp announced a deal to acquire a 9% stake for US$70 million in broadcaster Rotana Group and further signals the media company’s plans to expand in the region.