MTV Arabia, the Middle East's version of the international MTV entertainment and lifestyle channel, announced Wednesday it will refrain from playing music videos during the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
Samer al-Marzouqi, the channel's manager, said they will mark the month by airing cultural news programmes and the latest reality shows only to allow viewers to engage in quiet contemplation.
"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 needs of viewers in the Middle East, the vast majority of whom will be fasting and focusing on their spiritual lives," al-Marzouqi told reporters.
The channel will continue to play reality shows, celebrity news and pop culture documentaries. 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.
As is customary with television channels across the region, MTV Arabia will air the call to Maghreb (sunset) prayer. During Ramadan, which is due to start on September 1, Muslims are obliged to fast every day from dawn to sunset.