This new launch comes six weeks after the successful launch of Al Jazeera English.

The channel aims to become a leader in its field and to promote the documentary culture; particular attention is being paid to the Middle East with a special focus on the cultural diversity of its societies.

This channel will be broadcasting in Arabic 24 hours a day and takes as it's theme the concept of humanity, its environment and the interaction between them.

It seeks to present a deeper understanding of different topics following the "Al Jazeera Spirit" of improving understanding of Arabic culture and reversing the North-South flow of information.

Al Jazeera Documentary will also examine all sides of reality, going beyond the immediacy of news coverage and digs deep into the heart of human stories with an informative and educational approach, often focusing on issues that are sometimes marginalised and ignored.

This channel will present a range of high quality documentaries which analyze political, historical, scientific, artistic, tourist, health, religious and social aspects of human life, as well as programmes that deal with international figures.

The channel also aims to support and develop the documentary industry by working closely with existing producers and film-makers as well as nurturing new and emerging talent.

As part of this it will promote Arabic production and to encourage the new generation of  producers while also tapping into existing programmes produced by Al Jazeera and other broadcasters.

The channel's Arabic focus will prioritise issues of humanity, human rights, minorities, national independence questions, political, social and economic reforms in addition to topics of interest to other Arabic viewers around the world.

Grey issues

Taoufik Founi - Tackling under-reported topics

The channel will focus on what has been called "grey areas and issues", Tawfiq Founi, Supervisor  of Al Jazeera Documentary Channel, said:

"We will look at stories that are distorted or ignored by the Western media on the grounds that they are marginal and insignificant from a Western standpoint, even though these issues are a priority for Arabs and Muslims in first place and in a wider level for every person looking for the fact via a sincere media substitute."

These include the disadvantaged communities in the developing countries of 'The South', and the channel plans to be a real forum for them and a mirror that reflect objectively their concerns.

Wadah Khanfar: Building on the spirit of Al Jazeera

Wadah Khanfar, Director General of the Al Jazeera Network said: "Building on the spirit of Al Jazeera, the Documentary Channel will focus on under-reported stories in the region and elsewhere.

"It will open a new window on the human experience wherever it might be, and provide another avenue for mutual understanding between peoples and cultures.

"As a natural evolutionary step for the Network, the Documentary Channel will extend the vision and mission of Al Jazeera and complement what we have accomplished over the last ten years."

To read a full interview with the Documentary Channel's Tawfik Founi, click here.