AFP claims first with Arabic iPad app

Global news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) has launched an Arabic version of its iPad app.

It claims it is the first of the major global news agencies to do so. The new offering is a free app from the App Store allowing access to a selection of news stories, photographs, video and graphics produced by the agency’s Arabic editorial desk backed by a global network of AFP journalists.

“Thanks to its 16 offices in the Near and Middle East, AFP is the leading news agency in the Arab-speaking world. We bolstered our presence in the field in 2011. The launch of an iPad application in Arabic confirms our aim of boosting our presence and links in a changing region”, said AFP Chairman and Chief Executive Emmanuel Hoog.

Users can access “Front page”, “World”, “Middle East”, “Sports” and “Economy” sections from the app’s home page.

The agency also offers a magazine section specially designed for the iPad by its web and mobile editorial desks. The magazine comprises two sections featuring text, photos, videos and graphics:

• Another take: the world today through AFP features and “offbeat” items
• Analysis: insight into and analysis of news-breaking events.

The app is the latest in AFP’s suite which already includes apps in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

AFP also says that some Arabic content is available on its iPhone app, which has been around since 2010.