DOHA: Television network CNN is all set to launch its bureau in Abu Dhabi in November with full broadcast and production facilities. The opening of the bureau is part of CNN’s plans to expand its operations in the Middle East.

CNN news anchor Hala Gorani said CNN had always been keen to report on what went on all over the world, and that included in-depth coverage of the Middle East.

The expanded operation in the UAE combines broadcast production facilities in the new Abu Dhabi Media Zone with increased newsgathering operations set up alongside an existing editorial team for the CNNArabic.com website.

Gorani, who has reported from almost every country in the Middle East and was one of the first television reporters on the air when Al Qaeda suicide bombers attacked hotels in Jordan in November 2005, said she was impressed with the progress and improvement in the media in the Middle East.

She said the change in the media in the Middle East was “phenomenal. When I started covering the Middle East , I noticed there were only 25 channels, mostly under government control…”

Gorani said CNN International’s new prime-time line-up will bring six hours of new programming to the network, broadcast daily worldwide. “And it starts with ‘International Desk’.”

“We cover the news that is of interest to everybody all over the world… and the ‘International Desk’ connects the viewers to the best and latest information available… We also have programmes that look at an issue in depth, like the ‘Amanpour’ programme,” Gorani said.