Dubai ON Demand set to become UAE's new Youtube channel

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) In an attempt to fill the void left behind by Dubai One many of the citys favourite personalities are coming together to launch a new YouTube channel focusing on the UAE

If you’ve been missing some of your favourite television personalities and local socialites from the former Dubai One studios you’re in luck because they’re about to reemerge on an entirely different platform.The new interactive online channel Dubai ON Demand is set to launch on YouTube in 2015 bringing together some of Dubai’s most recognisable faces in an effort to fill a void in the local broadcasting scene. The cast of nine presenters will each host their own show through a sporadic series of short clips ranging from health and fitness to make-up and celebrity gossip to sports. The brainchild of Ti22 founder Reim El Houni the channel is still in its developmental phase but is hoping to cash in on the young social media savvy set found in the region.“We do want to be as interactive as possible” Houni said during a press conference held on Monday alongside the ongoing DIFF “so we do encourage viewers to let us know what they want to see.”“The vision is to create an English online platform that becomes the must watch channel for expats in Dubai and the UAE. Dubai ON Demand will be very interactive encouraging viewers to record and send in relevant clips to be used for different segments.”The cast of talent will include a diverse cross-section of Dubai society including successful designer Tamara Al Gabbani. The social media queen who was named ‘Best Dressed’ at The Cannes Film Festival plans to showcase her years of expertise in the fashion industry.Food author and entrepreneur Dalia Dogmoch - best known for founding Kitsch Bakery & Cafe - is looking to inject a fresh take on standard cooking fare with a show that will feature a slew of celebrities famous chefs and guests from kitchens across Dubai. Former Studio One presenter Aishwarya Ajit Gordon will act as the channel’s beauty expert in a series of tutorials where she’ll be answering questions from viewers about everything from make-up to hair.Adrenaline junkies will be catered to with the energetic British TV presenter Layne Redman’s new show highlighting adventure and extreme sports.Comedy will also find its place on the new platform with the help of funnyman Nitin Mirani who will be presenting fun and weird news happening around town.Celebrity correspondent Dina Butti who has interviewed everyone from George Clooney and the Kardashian clan to Shahrukh Khan will take over Hollywood and Bollywood duties with her red carpet segments.“I think there are things that really excites a person in television but then we have to wait a week to broadcast it” Butti said. “The beauty of being online is that everything is immediate.” Local food trends will also get a boost with Tom Urqhart’s new segment as he hunts for the best meals around town.As an advocate of holistic living Punam Verma will share with viewers her passion for alternative medicine while director Faraz Javed will take over fitness duties as he showcases his passion for Crossfit and other exercise related activites.The success of the new YouTube channel will depend entirely upon viewers with video plays giving producers an obvious idea of what’s working and what’s not. For the moment a regular schedule of the niche programming is still being developed with teasers available until the official launch early next year.“I think we all know that not every show is going to work” El Houni said. “Because YouTube is so transparent in terms of views and subscribers we’ll be making changes when necessary.”