Fireman Sam will be shown to Arabic audiences for the first time on Al Jazeera's new kids channel.

The deal with HIT Entertainment also includes Magic Key, Oswald and Shakespeare's Animated Tales.

"We are pleased to have expanded [our] portfolio in the Middle East and we are looking forward to continuing a good partnership with Al Jazeera," said Alison Homewood, evp of worldwide TV distribution for HIT.

The Al Jazeera Children's Channel, which aims to make kids "good and constructive citizens", launched across the region last month.