{{Short description|Saudi Arabian media conglomerate}} {{distinguish|text=MBC Media Group, Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation, Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}} {{Infobox company | name = MBC Group | logo = MBC Group Logo.svg | native_name = مجموعة إم بي سي | native_name_lang = ar | former_name = Middle East Broadcasting Center (1991–2003) | type = Public | traded_as = {{Saudi Stock Exchange|4072}} | industry = Mass media | founded = {{Start date and age|1991|09|18|df=y}} | hq_location = Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | area_served = Middle East and North Africa<br>and Horn of Africa | key_people = Waleed bin Ibrahim (Chairman)<br/>Mike Sneesby<br>(CEO) | owner = *Public Investment Fund (54%)<ref name=":3">{{cite web|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2577885/business-economy|title=Saudi Arabia's PIF to acquire 54% stake in MBC Group|date=2024-11-03|website=arabnews.com|publisher=Arab News|access-date=2024-11-04}}</ref> *Waleed bin Ibrahim (36%)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cma.org.sa/en/Market/Prospectuses/Documents/MBC_en.pdf|title=MBC Group Prospectus|date=2023-12-14|website=cma.gov.sa|publisher=Capital Market Authority|access-date=2024-04-17}}</ref> | subsid = MBC Studios<br>MBC Media Solutions<br>MBC Academy | website = {{official URL}} }} '''MBC Group'''{{efn|name=naming|Arabic: '''مجموعة إم بي سي''' (romanized: ''Majmūʿat ʾIm Bī Sī''); formerly known as '''Middle East Broadcasting Center''' ({{langx|ar|مركز تلفزيون الشرق الأوسط|Markaz Tilifizyūn al-Sharq al-ʾAwsaṭ|label=none}})}} is a Saudi media conglomerate and the leading media group in the Middle East and North Africa, widely described as the region’s largest broadcaster.<ref>{{cite news |last=Argaam |title=MBC Group still the leading general‑entertainment broadcaster in Saudi Arabia |date=27 June 2024 |work=Argaam |url=https://www.argaam.com/en/article/articledetail/id/1696387 |access-date=15 October 2025}}</ref> It was launched in 1991 by Saudi businessman Waleed bin Ibrahim, who serves as its chairman.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Westcott|first=Kathryn|date=8 May 1998|title=Campaign Report on Worldwide Advertising (IAA Special): The battle for the Arab satellite market|url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/campaign-report-worldwide-advertising-iaa-special-battle-arab-satellite-market-arab-world-its-first-taste-satellite-tv-1991-and-then-competition/20641|access-date=2024-11-09|website=www.campaignlive.co.uk|language=en}}</ref> The group is majority owned by the Saudi state-operated Public Investment Fund.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2024-11-03 |title=Saudi Arabia’s PIF to acquire 54% stake in MBC Group |url=https://arab.news/pdzh3 |access-date=2026-04-10 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref>
==History==
MBC Group was founded in London in 1991 with the launch of MBC 1, the first private Arabic satellite channel. The group expanded to Dubai in 2002.<ref name="Goodfellow">{{Cite web |last=Goodfellow |first=Melanie |date=2025-09-18 |title=Saudi Arabia’s State Investment Fund PIF Takes 54% In MBC Group |url=https://deadline.com/2025/09/saudi-arabia-state-investment-fund-pif-54-mbc-group-1236547796/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2011, MBC reported 165 million viewers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetilt.com/content/articles/mbc-content-management-blues|title=Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC): A Case of the Content Management Blues|date=2011-09-16|website=The Tilt|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-15}}</ref>
MBC Hope launched in June 2013 to handle social engagement campaigns like "Syrians without an address" and "Stars on board." In 2017, it expanded to Egypt to support female entrepreneurs.<ref name="Hope">{{Cite web|url=https://egypt.mom-rsf.org/en/owners/companies/detail/company/company/show/mbc-group-middle-east-broadcasting-center/|title=MBC Group (Middle East Broadcasting Center)|website=egypt.mom-rsf.org|language=en|access-date=2020-03-15}}</ref>
In 2022, MBC relocated to Riyadh and expanded its operations. The group now oversees Shahid (largest Arabic streaming platform), 19+ TV/radio channels, MBC Studios, MBC Academy, and MBC Talent Agency.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bedirian |first=Razmig |title=All-new Shahid: MBC partners with Disney and Fox for fresh version of streaming platform |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts/all-new-shahid-mbc-partners-with-disney-and-fox-for-fresh-version-of-streaming-platform-1.965055 |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-15 |title=Image Nation, MBC Studios announce deal at Cannes to promote Mideast projects |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1497286/lifestyle |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-06-28 |title=Media training program aims to put global spotlight on budding Saudi talent |url=https://arab.news/pce7d |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=البحرين مركز إقليمي لمواهب "MBC Talent" |url=https://www.albiladpress.com/news/2025/6117/spaces/926070.html |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=جريدة البلاد |language=ar}}</ref>
MBC partners with telecoms and international production studios, and also develops projects in video games, NFTs, and digital currencies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Report |first=Gulf News |date=2022-04-22 |title=MBC Group releases 7 super-rare NFTs of The Fananees TV series to celebrate Ramadan |url=https://gulfnews.com/business/corporate-news/mbc-group-releases-7-super-rare-nfts-of-the-fananees-tv-series-to-celebrate-ramadan-1.1650620969310 |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Gulf News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-18 |title=Networks, film distributors enter NFT market - The Korea Times |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/20220419/networks-film-distributors-enter-nft-market |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=www.koreatimes.co.kr |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MBC turns ‘Fananees’ characters into NFTs |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2036256/spa/aggregate |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref>
In 2023, 60% of MBC group was owned by Istedamah Holding Company (a subsidiary of the Saudi government's Ministry of Finance<ref name=":12">{{Cite news|last=Magid|first=Pesha|date=21 November 2023|title=Media group MBC expects IPO in coming months, says CEO|url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/saudi-media-group-mbc-gains-approval-ipo-2023-11-21/|work=Reuters|quote=The company [MBC Group] is split between state-owned Al Istedamah Holding with a 60% stake and the MBC founder and chairman Waleed bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim, who owns the other 40%. A senior government official previously confirmed that the Ministry of Finance owns Istedamah.}}</ref>), with the rest belonging to its founder Waleed bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim.<ref name=":12" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Vivarelli|first=Nick|date=2022-11-04|title=Top Middle East Broadcaster MBC Group Eyeing Flotation on Saudi Stock Market: Report|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/global/top-middle-east-broadcaster-mbc-group-flotation-on-saudi-market-1235423137/|access-date=2023-11-04|website=Variety|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2023, MBC Group announced its initial public offering (IPO). The offering consisted of a primary offering of 33,250,000 new ordinary shares, representing 10% of the company's share capital post-listing. This move marked a significant step in the company's financial strategy and opened up new avenues for investment and growth.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-21|title=MBC Shares Offering|url=https://mbc-lite-strapi-s3.s3.me-south-1.amazonaws.com/MBC_GROUP_Intention_to_Float_English_cf702ffe24.pdf|access-date=2023-11-23|website=mbc.net}}</ref> By October 2024, the stake owned by Istedamah had dropped to 54%,<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Carroll|first=Rosaleen|date=Oct 21, 2024|title=What's behind Algeria's suspension of Saudi-owned Al Arabiya?|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2024/10/whats-behind-algerias-suspension-saudi-owned-al-arabiya|access-date=2024-10-22|website=www.al-monitor.com|language=en|quote=MBC, formerly known as the Middle East Broadcasting Center, is one of the largest broadcasting groups in the region. The media group, in which the Saudi government maintains a 54% stake, is based in Riyadh}}</ref> and this stake was transferred to the Public Investment Fund in November 2024.<ref name=":0" />
In 2023, total revenue reached SAR 3.7 billion (+6.2%) and net profit SAR 69 million (+44.8%). 60% of MBC was owned by Istedamah Holding Company (Saudi Ministry of Finance subsidiary) and the rest by Waleed bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim.<ref name="Goodfellow" />
MBC announced its IPO on the Tadawul in November 2023, with a share price range of SAR 23–25. The IPO raised SAR 831 million with huge demand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=Staff |date=2023-11-30 |title=MBC announces IPO share price range |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gcc/saudi-arabia/mbc-announces-ipo-share-price-range |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Arabian Business: Latest News on the Middle East, Real Estate, Finance, and More |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=Staff |date=2023-12-12 |title=Saudi Arabia's MBC Group announces SAR 25 per share final IPO price |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gcc/saudi-arabia/saudi-arabias-mbc-group-announces-sar-25-per-share-final-ipo-price |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Arabian Business |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Saudi broadcaster MBC sets IPO price at top of range |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2424706/amp |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-21 |title=MBC Shares Offering |url=https://mbc-lite-strapi-s3.s3.me-south-1.amazonaws.com/MBC_GROUP_Intention_to_Float_English_cf702ffe24.pdf |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=mbc.net}}</ref>
Following the IPO, shares rose 30% on debut (Jan 8, 2024) and 134% by Jan 25, 2024. 2024 revenue: SAR 4.2 billion (+13.1%); net profit SAR 426.1 million (+515.2%).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-08 |title=MBC Group shares jump 30 pct on Saudi Exchange debut |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/saudi-arabia/2024/01/08/MBC-Group-shares-jump-30-pct-on-Saudi-Exchange-debut |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Al Arabiya English |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooban |first=Anna |date=2024-01-08 |title=Saudi media group MBC worth nearly $3 billion after hot market debut {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/08/media/saudi-mbc-ipo-shares-soar |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-25 |title=MBC Group emerges as global IPO star with unprecedented share surge |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/business/markets/2024/01/25/MBC-Group-emerges-as-global-IPO-star-with-unprecedented-share-surge |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Al Arabiya English |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Release |first=Press |title=MBC Group reports a record 515% increase in net profit to SAR 426mln in FY 2024 |url=https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/mbc-group-reports-a-record-515-increase-in-net-profit-to-sar-426mln-in-fy-2024-c8ecfcst |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=www.zawya.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=الإعلانات و«شاهد» ترفعان أرباح «إم بي سي» 515 % في 2024 |url=https://aawsat.com/node/5126274 |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=aawsat.com |language=en}}</ref>
In September 2025, the PIF became a major shareholder, acquiring 54% through Istedamah Holding Company for SAR 7.469 billion.<ref name="Goodfellow" />
==Television channels== {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Current MBC Group television channels ! Channel ! launched ! Description ! Ref |- | Al Arabiya | 2003 | International Arabic-language news channel. |<ref>{{Cite news |last=The New Arab Staff |title=Al Arabiya completes relocation from UAE to Saudi capital Riyadh |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/al-arabiya-completes-relocation-uae-saudi-capital-riyadh |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250725040638/https://www.newarab.com/news/al-arabiya-completes-relocation-uae-saudi-capital-riyadh |archive-date=2025-07-25 |access-date=2025-12-09 |work=The New Arab |language=en-EN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Minister of Media Visits Al Arabiya Headquarters in Riyadh, Reviews Post-Relocation Readiness |url=https://spa.gov.sa/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=spa.gov.sa |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-10 |title=Al Arabiya English marks one year since launching on-air programming |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/media/television-and-radio/2025/09/10/al-arabiya-english-marks-one-year-since-launching-onair-programming- |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Al Arabiya English |language=en}}</ref> |- | Al Hadath | 2012 | News channel covering political developments and breaking news. |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-24 |title=Al Hadath launches brand new Riyadh newsroom, studios |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/media/television-and-radio/2023/11/24/Al-Hadath-launches-brand-new-Riyadh-newsroom-studios- |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Al Arabiya English |language=en}}</ref> |- | MBC 1 | 1991 | General entertainment channel featuring family shows, talent programs, and drama. | |- | MBC 2 | 2003 | Hollywood and international movie channel. | |- | MBC 3 | 2004 | Children's channel offering educational and entertainment programming. | |- | MBC 4 | 2005 | Entertainment channel airing series, talk shows, and programs for women. | |- | MBC 5 | 2019 | Entertainment content for Moroccan and Maghreb viewers. | |- | MBC Action | 2007 | Action series, films, and sports programming. | |- | MBC Drama | 2010 | 24-hour Arabic drama channel broadcasting series from across the Arab world. | |- | MBC Masr Drama | 2025 | Egyptian drama channel with locally produced series. | |- | MBC Max | 2008 | Movie channel airing Western and international films. | |- | MBC Bollywood | 2013 | 24-hour Hindi cinema channel subtitled or dubbed in Arabic. |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.arabnews.com/news/469025|title=MBC launches Bollywood channel|date=2013-10-28|website=arabnews.com|publisher=Arab News|access-date=2013-11-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/media/television-and-radio/2013/10/27/MBC-promises-fresh-approach-to-Bollywood-with-new-channel|title=MBC promises 'fresh approach' to Bollywood with new channel|publisher=Al Arabiya|date=2013-10-26|access-date=2013-11-13}}</ref> |- | MBC Persia | 2008 | Persian-language channel broadcasting films and series. | |- | MBC Masr | 2012 | Entertainment channel for Egyptian viewers. |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/11/10/248656|title=MBC Group launches Egypt-based channel|website=Al Arabiya|date=10 November 2012}}</ref> |- | MBC Masr 2 | 2014 | Alternative entertainment channel for Egyptian viewers. | |- | MBC Iraq | 2019 | Entertainment channel for Iraqi viewers with localized content. |<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1442506/media|title=MBC Iraq channel to launch next month|website=Arab News|date=27 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/media/television-and-radio/2019/01/26/MBC-group-to-launch-new-family-TV-channel-MBC-Iraq.html|title=MBC group to launch new family TV channel MBC Iraq|website=Al Arabiya|date=26 January 2019}}</ref> |- | Wanasah | 2007 | Music channel offering videos, concerts. | |}
==Streaming platform== MBC Shahid is the first free video on demand service in the Middle East and North Africa and one of the region’s most popular streaming platforms, offering the largest library of Arabic content.<ref name="thenational.ae">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/all-new-shahid-mbc-partners-with-disney-and-fox-for-fresh-version-of-streaming-platform-1.965055|title=All-new Shahid: MBC partners with Disney and Fox for fresh version of streaming platform|date=16 January 2020}}</ref> It is also the largest premium video on demand service globally outside China, the US, and India and operates as an over‑the‑top streaming platform delivering content directly over the internet.<ref name="digitalstudiome.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitalstudiome.com/broadcast/broadcast-business/32140-shahid-reports-23-surge-in-viewer-numbers-year-on-year|title=Shahid reports 23% surge in viewer numbers year on year}}</ref>
Shahid features MBC's own shows along with dubbed or subtitled foreign content. In January 2020, it partnered with Disney and Fox to add over 3,000 hours of content, including Star Wars, Marvel, and Disney classics such as Frozen, alongside nine new Arabic originals.<ref name="thenational.ae"/>
In December 2024, Shahid led the subscription video‑on‑demand market in the Middle East and North Africa with approximately 4.4 million subscribers, ahead of competitors such as YouTube Premium and Netflix.<ref name="omdia2025">{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250513597916/en/Omdia-SVOD-Growth-to-Drive-MENA-Streaming-Market-Past-%241.5-Billion-in-2025|title=SVOD Market Leadership in MENA Streaming Video Market|date=13 May 2025}}</ref>
==Radio stations== thumb|170px|MBC FM logo {| class="wikitable" |+ MBC Group radio stations ! Station ! launched ! Description ! Ref |- | MBC Loud FM | 2023 | English-language radio station airing contemporary Western music. It is the first international contemporary hit radio (CHR) station in Saudi Arabia. | <ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-13 |title=LOUD FM: MBC group launches English-language radio station in Saudi Arabia |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/life-style/entertainment/2023/05/13/MBC-Loud-FM-Saudi-group-to-launch-English-language-radio-station-in-Kingdom |access-date=2023-06-04 |website=Al Arabiya English |language=en}}</ref> |- | MBC FM | 1994 | Arabic-language radio station broadcasting local and Gulf music, talk shows, competitions, and local news coverage in Saudi Arabia. |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-13 |title=Saudi radio station MBC FM marks 30 years of broadcasting with special events |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2509556/media |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref> |- | Panorama FM | 2005 | Arabic-language radio station focusing on contemporary Arabic music along with entertainment programs. |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-21 |title=Radio in KSA: Effective Results, Powerful Impact |url=https://arabaddigital.com/en/article/3759-Radio-in-KSA-Effective-Results-Powerful-Impact |access-date=2026-01-29 |website=ArabAd |language=en}}</ref> |}
==Subsidiaries== ===MBC Studios=== In 2018, MBC established its own production studio to produce film and television series targeting at Middle-Eastern audiences.<ref>{{cite magaz<!---->ine article |last1=Ritman |first1=Alex |title=Peter Smith to Lead New Saudi Production Banner MBC Studios |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/peter-smith-lead-new-saudi-production-banner-mbc-studios-1144906/ |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |publisher=Valence Media |date=September 18, 2018}}</ref> MBC Studios later expanded to work with Hollywood studios to produce English-language features.<ref>{{cite Magaz<!---->ine |last1=Ritman |first1=Alex |title=MBC Studios' Saudi Arabia Boss on "New Era" as A-List Features 'Desert Warrior,' 'Kandahar' Make History in the Kingdom |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/mbc-studios-saudi-arabia-boss-movies-desert-warrior-kandahar-1235052221/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |publisher=PMRC |date=November 24, 2021}}</ref>
MBC Studios has established global partnerships with major international production studios in Hollywood And London to launch joint film and television projects, most notably the film Desert Warrior, a co-production between MBC Studios and JB Pictures.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Kay |first=Jeremy |title=AGC International to offer ‘Desert Warrior’ to buyers for first time at AFM |url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/agc-international-to-offer-desert-warrior-to-buyers-for-first-time-at-afm/5210704.article |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Screen |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=MBC Studios teams up with US counterparts for ‘Desert Warrior’ |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1969191/amp |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ritman |first=Alex |date=2021-11-24 |title=MBC Studios’ Saudi Arabia Boss on “New Era” as A-List Features ‘Desert Warrior,’ ‘Kandahar’ Make History in the Kingdom |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/mbc-studios-saudi-arabia-boss-movies-desert-warrior-kandahar-1235052221/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> The film stars Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Sir Ben Kingsley, Sharlto Copley, Ghassan Massoud, Sami Bouajila, and Lamis Ammar, and is directed by Rupert Wyatt.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /> The screenplay was co-written by Rupert Wyatt, Erica Beeney, and David Self, and the film's main scenes were shot in the Saudi Arabian cities of NEOM and Tabuk with support from the NEOM Media Industries sector.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=''استوديوهات MBC'' تعلن عن الفيلم السينمائي العالمي ''محارب الصحراء'' – Desert Warrior {{!}} مجلة لها |url=https://www.lahamag.com/article/175619-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%AA-mbc-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%86-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D9%8A%D9%84%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D8%AD%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A1--desert-warrior |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Laha Magazine |language=ar}}</ref> It is scheduled to have its Middle East and North Africa premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah in 2025, following its world premiere at the Zurich Film Festival in September 2025 in Switzerland.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lodderhose |first=Diana |date=2021-12-08 |title=AGC Studios’ Stuart Ford Talks Shooting $140M ‘Desert Warrior’ In KSA: “The Arab-Speaking World Is A Coming Force” |url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/agc-studios-stuart-ford-mbc-studios-zeinab-abu-alsamh-desert-warrior-red-sea-international-film-festival-1234886943/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> The film Kandahar, starring Gerard Butler, was also filmed in Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-18 |title=Filming of Hollywood movie ‘Kandahar’ in AlUla is a sign of things to come |url=https://arab.news/cp6gz |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wiseman |first=Andreas |date=2021-12-02 |title=Gerard Butler Action Movie ‘Kandahar’ Begins Filming In Saudi Arabia; Ali Fazal & Navid Negahban Join Cast |url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/gerard-butler-kandahar-saudi-arabia-ali-fazal-navid-negahban-1234883411/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>
MBC Studios also produces Arabic works with international standards and broadcasts them globally, such as the crime drama series "Rashash" and "Rise of the Witches."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vivarelli |first=Nick |date=2022-04-12 |title=MBC Studios Ramps Up TV Production With Saudi Series ‘Rise of The Witches,’ ‘Devil’s Promise,’ ‘1001 Nights’ (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2022/global/news/mbc-studios-production-saudi-rise-of-the-witches-1235230882/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> In Ramadan/April 2025, MBC 1 aired the series "Muawiya," produced by MBC Studios, which is considered one of the largest historical productions in Arabic drama.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-28 |title=مسلسل معاوية .. أضخم الأعمال التاريخية العربية |url=https://etbilarabi.com/node/52962 |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=ET بالعربي |language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=مدير التواصل في "إم بي سي" لـ"النهار": "معاوية" سيرة شخص وليس توثيقاً لمرحلة... وحدودنا السماء |url=https://www.annahar.com/culture/203337/%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%84-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A5%D9%85-%D8%A8%D9%8A-%D8%B3%D9%8A%D9%84%D9%80%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%B4%D8%AE%D8%B5-%D9%88%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%B3-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%AB%D9%8A%D9%82%D8%A7-%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%AD%D9%84%D8%A9%D9%88%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%AF%D9%86%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%85%D8%A7}}</ref> In September of the same year, the Venice International Film Festival hosted the premiere of the film "The Voice of Hind Rajab," which was co-produced by MBC Studios alongside a number of major Hollywood and international studios, and was written and directed by the Tunisian Kaouther Ben Hania.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-14 |title=Kaouther Ben Hania and Oscar-winning producers on board to direct film on killing of Palestinian girl |url=https://arab.news/rwy4z |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vivarelli |first=Alex Ritman,Nick |date=2025-05-13 |title=Killing of Palestinian Girl Hind Rajab Being Made Into Film by Kaouther Ben Hania, Nadim Cheikhrouha, ‘Zone of Interest’ Producer James Wilson, ‘Navalny’ Producer Odessa Rae and Film4 (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2025/film/global/kaouther-ben-hania-film-killing-of-hind-rajab-1236393414/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kheir |first=Nada Aboul |date=2025-07-22 |title=Kaouther Ben Hania On The Moving Story Behind Her Venice Competition Film ‘The Voice Of Hind Rajab’ |url=https://deadline.com/2025/07/kaouther-ben-hania-on-venice-film-the-voice-of-hind-rajab-1236464721/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Reception==
In 2007, MBC aired its first Turkish soap opera dubbed into Arabic. These shows became very popular, with over 85 million viewers watching the finale of ''Gümüş''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/d9d9/859dfa78052c35c1f55330fcfe5c1b8c8f16.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220014321/https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/d9d9/859dfa78052c35c1f55330fcfe5c1b8c8f16.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-02-20|title=Dubbed Turkish soap operas conquering the Arab world: social liberation or cultural alienation?|last=Buccianti|first=Alexandra|s2cid=11944838}}</ref> In 2018, all Turkish programs were removed, reportedly under Saudi government direction.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MBC stops all Turkish TV drama |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2018/3/6/mbc-stops-all-turkish-tv-drama |access-date=2024-10-22 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>
In 2017, several MBC owners were arrested in Riyadh during a corruption crackdown. Chief owner Waleed bin Ibrahim was released after 83 days and found innocent.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Hubbard|first=Ben|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/26/world/middleeast/saudi-mbc-corruption-crackdown.html|title=Saudi Arabia Frees Media Mogul, but His Company's Fate Remains a Mystery|date=2018-01-26|work=The New York Times|access-date=2020-03-15|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Saudi Arabia to seize controlling stake in broadcaster MBC |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/media/389431-saudi-arabia-to-seize-controlling-stake-in-broadcaster-mbc-sources}}</ref>
In 2018–2019, MBC Masr faced criticism for blackface in comedy programs.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Walsh|first=Declan|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/18/world/middleeast/blackface-arab-tv-racist.html|title=Blackface, Staple of Arab Comedy, Faces Surge of Criticism|date=2019-08-18|work=The New York Times|access-date=2020-03-15|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
In October 2024, MBC aired a report labeling Yahya Sinwar, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah, PMF commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani as "faces of terrorism." This led to office vandalism in Baghdad and the suspension of MBC licenses in Iraq and Algeria.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rubin |first=Alissa |date=2024-10-19 |title=Iraq Suspends License of Saudi-Owned Television Channel, MBC Media Group |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/19/world/middleeast/iraq-iran-mbc-media-group.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2024-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-19 |title=Iraq moves to revoke Saudi broadcaster's license after report angered militia supporters |url=https://apnews.com/article/iraq-saudi-arabia-tv-station-mbc-license-b9967708309d6a5342661448840f59e2 |publisher=Associated Press |first=Qassim|last=Abdul-Zahra|access-date=2024-10-20|language=en}}</ref>
==See also== * Television in Saudi Arabia * Lists of television channels * List of television networks by country
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *{{Official website|https://www.mbc.net/}} {{in lang|ar}}
{{Middle East Broadcasting Center}} {{European Broadcasting Union Members}} {{Authority control}}
Category:MBC Group Category:1991 establishments in the United Kingdom Category:Mass media companies established in 1991 Category:Arab mass media Category:2024 initial public offerings Category:Companies listed on Tadawul Category:Direct broadcast satellite services Category:Television networks in Saudi Arabia