Already remade in more than 20 countries, the psychological drama is being adapted in the Middle East and North Africa for the first time The partnership agreement comes as authorities in the UAE step up efforts to establish the emirate as a global media and entertainment hub LONDON: An Arabic adaptation of the critically acclaimed TV series “In Treatment” is being developed as as part of a partnership deal, announced on Monday, between Dori Media Group and Abu Dhabi Media. As part of the agreement, ADM will produce 45 episodes of the psychological drama, which will be broadcast on Abu Dhabi TV, the group’s flagship channel, and stream on the ADtv app. “We are pleased to develop our partnership with Dori Media Group to provide valuable content and to enhance Abu Dhabi TV Network’s role as a leading media-production provider in the MENA region that meets the aspirations of the entire Arab audience,” said Abdulraheem Alnuaimi, acting general manager of ADM. “‘In Treatment’ will be an exciting addition to Abu Dhabi TV Network’s offering and we expect a huge success for the Arabic version of it.” The template for the series was created by Sheleg Productions and award-winning producer, Hagai Levi, who is also known for TV dramas “Scenes from a Marriage” and “The Affair.” It is considered one of the most successful TV format exports in the world. Revolving around issues of mental health, “BeTipul,” as the originally Israeli version of the show was titled, follows ongoing sessions between a psychotherapist and some of his patients, offering viewers a glimpse into their lives and problems, and the intriguing and fascinating role of psychotherapy. The “In Treatment” format has been exported to and adapted for more than 20 countries, with many of the adaptations earning praise from critics and viewers. The new version will be the first in the region and the first in Arabic. A broadcast date has yet to be revealed. The partnership agreement to produce the show was announced during MIPCOM Cannes, a trade show that is described as the world’s largest gathering of television and media professionals. Alnuaimi said the deal is significant not only for ADM but also the wider sector in the UAE as authorities step up efforts to establish the country as a global media and entertainment hub. “Commissioning ‘In Treatment’ at MIPCOM Cannes is of great importance to us as it is a platform that enables us to highlight Abu Dhabi’s leading position and the media environment it provides for professionals in this sector in the world in creating content,” he added. This is the third partnership between DMG and ADM, which is described as the UAE’s leading public service broadcaster and media company. It following deals to produce local versions of unscripted formats “The Selfie Challenge” and “Win The Crowd.” “We are very pleased to expand our partnership with Abu Dhabi Media into the scripted formats arena,” said Nadav Palti, CEO and president of DMG. “With the overwhelming global success of ‘In Treatment,’ we are delighted to bring the format to new regions, allowing more viewers to resonate with the show’s themes of fostering mental health, demystifying professional therapy and articulation of feelings “We look forward to the Arabic adaptation of ‘In Treatment’ resonating with viewers in the Middle East and North Africa.”