The Academy of MTV Presents: Kissing in the Middle East

Twelve years ago, on Valentine’s Day, a series of spot advertising aired on MTV Arabia in the form of educational TV presented by “The Academy of MTV” showcasing the different types of kiss greetings in the Middle East. Additionally, there was an interactive website that was part of the campaign, but it didn’t last long.

Along with the commercials, an accompanying website was created. The site showcased 'lessons in kissing', an interactive kissing game and general user generated kissing content.

Unfortunately, due to the 'sexual' nature of the content, the U.A.E. government censor board asked MTV to take the website down...which, of course, made further news headlines!

I personally don’t recall seeing these clips before, nor reading the news about the censorship. Can’t say I’m surprised and I bet the same would’ve happened today.

The traditions of greeting and kissing in the Middle East are very unique and full of nuances. Each country and culture has a different way of kissing, each meaning something different. So MTV took it upon itself to educate people on the variety of kisses and created a 'Department of Protocol and Etiquette' and launched this campaign...on valentines day.

What were briefed as banner ad announcements became online commercials which then aired on regional TV in addition to dozens of popular websites across the Middle East.

via Saks Afridi