BBC Arabic becomes a truly 24/7 multimedia service from today extending the Arabic television broadcasts to 24 hours a day and introducing five new television presenters from across the Arab world.

The launch will bring news and analysis to the Arab world via radio, online, television and mobile.

'Our TV operation has gone from strength to strength since its launch as a 12-hours-a-day operation in March 2008, and this will offer a non-stop news service for Arabic-speakers whenever, and wherever, they want it,' said Hosam El Sokkari, the head of the channel.

'We have reinforced our presenter team with five new talents who will, enrich our programming with new dynamics and style.'

Its launch builds on the success of the BBC Arabic multimedia news service, on the website, bbcarabic.com.

In the last three weeks it has received more than five times as much weekly traffic as during an average week in 2008.

This follows new linking agreements with mobile phone operators in the region, including Vodafone Live in Egypt, Orange in Jordan and Zain in Bahrain.

BBC Arabic is now offering One Minute video news bulletins in Saudi Arabia. It continues to expand its global distribution network beyond the North Africa and Middle East region.

Arab Radio and Television America will also join BBC Arabic television on January 20 for six hours of special coverage of the inauguration of president Barack Obama.