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The Arabic version of the Big Brother reality television programme has started, with a prize of $100,000 for the winner.

The show being broadcast across the Arab world by MBC follows the highly successful format estimated to have been watched by two billion viewers around the globe since its beginnings five years ago.

Big Brother has come to the Arabian peninsula - in particular, to a purpose-built house on Amwaj Island in Bahrain.

Twelve housemates from around the Arab world have been spending their first few hours in the Big Brother house under the constant gaze of television cameras.

They include Abdul Hakim from Saudi Arabia, a larger than life character who likes to wear his sunglasses at night.

Bashara from Lebanon has brought 20 pairs of trousers with him to the house.

There is also Michael, a salsa-dancing Jordanian jeweller, an actress from Bahrain, a musician from Iraq and a karate teacher from Kuwait.

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