The agreement means ASBU, who held the rights for the London 2012 Olympic Games and will also broadcast the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in the region, will offer free-to-air live coverage through its member broadcasters, with full Arabic commentary and highlights packages of the 17 days of competition.

Broadcast members will screen content across their entire digital platforms to ensure enhanced coverage of the Games for viewers, while live coverage of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies will also be shown.

"This is a major moment for the Baku 2015 European Games and we are very proud to have secured the agreement with ASBU to provide coverage across the Middle East and North Africa," said Simon Clegg, chief operating officer of Baku 2015.

"This agreement is proof that interest in the inaugural European Games extends beyond the shores of our continent and we are confident that with more agreements in the pipeline that the European Games will attract a truly global audience."

Arab States Broadcasting Union held the rights for the London 2012 Olympic Games
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ASBU will work closely with Baku 2015 host broadcaster International Sports Broadcasting and manage their production through teams based in Baku during the Games.

Salah Eddine Maaoui, ASBU general director, said: "It is a great honour to have secured this important deal with Baku 2015.

"The first European Games will be a thrilling celebration of sport that fans all over the Arab world will enjoy.

"We are looking forward to bringing this historic event and the exciting action to the entire region."

The deal ensures coverage will be available in Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

The Games are scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan's capital from June 12 to 28. 

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