MBC Group
MBC Group is the largest media conglomerate in the Middle East and North Africa, operating 13+ free-to-air TV channels, the Shahid streaming platform (SVOD and AVOD), radio stations, and production studios to serve Arabic-speaking audiences across MENA.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1991
- HeadquartersDubai, United Arab Emirates
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What MBC Group does
MBC Group is the largest media and entertainment conglomerate in the Middle East and North Africa, operating a portfolio of 13+ free-to-air satellite TV channels, the Shahid streaming platform (offering both SVOD and AVOD tiers), four radio stations, in-house production studios, talent training academies, mobile gaming (WIZZO), music publishing (Platinum Records), and a premium satellite receiver product (GOBX). The Group serves Arabic-speaking audiences across MENA, claiming 150 million weekly viewers, a 40% audience share in Saudi Arabia, and the #1 position in both SVOD and AVOD across the region.
The underlying technology stack centers on the Shahid OTT platform with AI integration for content personalization, delivery optimization, and expanded multilingual subtitles, alongside the Eutelsat-distributed satellite broadcast infrastructure at 7/8° West orbital position. MBC Shahid delivered SAR 1.38 billion in FY 2025 revenue (28.2% YoY growth), with 4.8 million SVOD subscribers and 17.8 million AVOD monthly active users as of Q3 2024. The Group's distribution spans 30+ telecom operators, partnerships with Samsung, LG, PlayStation, and OPPO for device bundling, and exclusive Shahid Originals access on Emirates ICE inflight entertainment.
MBC monetizes through three primary streams: (1) Broadcasting & Commercial Activities (BOCA) — TV advertising, content sales, and broadcast services including the SSC exclusive ad representation mandate; (2) Shahid Streaming Platform — SVOD subscription fees plus AVOD advertising; and (3) Media & Entertainment (M&E) Initiatives — government-aligned Vision 2030 projects. The Group reported FY 2025 revenue of SAR 5.4 billion (USD 1.44 billion, up 28.5% YoY) with net profit of SAR 437.5 million (8.1% margin), generating its go-to-market through a hybrid of owned platforms, telecom bundles, OEM device partnerships, banking payment integrations, and government contracting.
MBC Group firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MBC Group
- Legal name
- MBC Media KSA LLC
- Website
- https://mbc.net
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1991
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- MBC Group is the largest media conglomerate in the Middle East and North Africa, operating 13+ free-to-air TV channels, the Shahid streaming platform (SVOD and AVOD), radio stations, and production studios to serve Arabic-speaking audiences across MENA.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
MBC Group industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Broadcasting and Streaming Media
- NAICS
- Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations (5161), Television Broadcasting Stations (516120), Radio Broadcasting Stations (516110), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (51621)
- SIC
- Television Broadcasting Stations (4833), Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812), Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Program Distribution to Stations & Affiliates (Domestic) (MPABAMAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Local Radio Station Groups (Owned & Operated/Station Chains) (MPABACAC), Radio Content Production & Studios (On-air Production, Imaging, Jingles) (MPAIAEAL)
Keywords
Where MBC Group is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dubai
- HQ country
- United Arab Emirates
- HQ region
- Middle East
Offices2 records
Markets served
MBC Group business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Broadcasting & Commercial Activities (BOCA): Revenue from advertising on free-to-air (FTA) TV channels, broadcast and technical services (including SSC service agreement), content revenue from third-party sales, and other ventures including gaming, events, and music.
- Shahid Streaming Platform (SVOD & AVOD): Revenue from subscription fees paid by SVOD subscribers (premium originals, 4K quality content, uninterrupted streaming) and digital advertising on AVOD free-to-watch platform with growing active monthly users.
- Media & Entertainment Initiatives (M&E): Government partnership projects aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, implementing media and entertainment projects to develop the media ecosystem in the Kingdom.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Monthly | Shahid AVOD (Free Tier) |
| Subscription | Monthly | Shahid SVOD (Subscription Tier) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
MBC Group product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MBC Group operates a diversified media conglomerate delivering free-to-air satellite TV broadcasting across 13+ channels, the Shahid OTT streaming platform with both SVOD and AVOD models, radio broadcasting, in-house content production through MBC Studios, and supporting entertainment services. The company serves MENA audiences with Arabic-language content including originals, series, movies, sports, and kids programming, complemented by advertising sales through its in-house MBC Media Solutions unit.
Product overview
MBC Group operates a diversified media conglomerate platform spanning television broadcasting, streaming, radio, production, and entertainment services across the MENA region. The portfolio includes 17+ free-to-air TV channels (MBC1, MBC2, MBC3, MBC4, MBC5, MBC ACTION, MBC MAX, MBC DRAMA, MBC MASR, MBC MASR 2, MBC IRAQ, MBC BOLLYWOOD, MBC PERSIA, WANASAH, MBC+ VARIETY, MBC+ DRAMA), multiple radio stations (MBC FM, PANORAMA FM, MBC LOUD FM, MBC MOOD), and the flagship MBC SHAHID streaming platform offering both SVOD and AVOD services. Supporting operations include MBC Studios (production powerhouse), MBC Academy (talent training), MBC Talent (artist management), Platinum Records (music publishing), WIZZO (mobile gaming with NFT collectibles), MMS (advertising sales), GOBX (satellite receiver hardware), DREAM (competition platform), and FLASHWIN (instant rewards game). The group serves audiences across the Arab world and internationally, with content licensed from major studios including Paramount Global Content Distribution for Nickelodeon content.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- MBC TV Channels: Portfolio of over 13 free-to-air TV channels including MBC1, MBC2, MBC3, MBC4, MBC5, MBC Action, MBC Max, MBC Drama, MBC Masr, MBC Iraq, MBC Bollywood, MBC Persia, Wanasah, MBC Variety, and MBC+ Drama
- MBC Radio
- MBC Shahid
- MBC Studios
- MBC Academy
- MBC Talent
- Platinum Records
- WIZZO
- MBC Media Solutions (MMS)
- GOBX
- DREAM
- FlashWin
Products and services
- MBC SHAHID Streaming Platform The world's leading Arabic OTT streaming platform offering both subscription (SVOD) and ad-supported (AVOD) tiers, with exclusive Shahid Originals, live TV, sports, movies, kids content, international content, and more than 30 FAST channels. Available globally via web, mobile apps, and smart TVs for Arabic-speaking audiences.
- MBC TV Channels (13+ Free-to-Air) Portfolio of free-to-air satellite TV channels including MBC1, MBC2, MBC3, MBC4, MBC5, MBC ACTION, MBC MAX, MBC DRAMA, MBC MASR, MBC MASR 2, MBC IRAQ, MBC BOLLYWOOD, MBC PERSIA, WANASAH, MBC+ VARIETY, and MBC+ DRAMA. Channels target diverse audiences including families, children, Egyptian, Iraqi, Maghreb, and Persian-speaking viewers across the MENA region.
- MBC Radio Stations FM radio stations including MBC FM (Gulf music), PANORAMA FM (Contemporary Arabic hit music), MBC LOUD FM (English-language international music), and MBC MOOD mobile app. Broadcasting in Riyadh (99.0), Jeddah (94.3), and Dammam (88.5) across Saudi Arabia.
- GOBX Satellite Receiver Premium satellite TV receiver sold at retail across MENA offering HD viewing, PVR (Personal Video Recorder) recording capabilities, user profiles, parental controls, mobile app for account management, and seamless integration with Shahid premium subscriptions.
- WIZZO Mobile Gaming Platform Mobile gaming app offering a variety of casual games, major esports events, and a local gaming network across the MENA region. Includes NFT collectibles (Fananees Genesis Collection) based on MBC animation characters.
- MBC Studios Content Production Production powerhouse producing premium content for cinema, television, and on-demand platforms. Serves as a hub for international productions filming in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, producing films, TV series, and Shahid originals.
- MBC Academy Training Platform Educational and training platform providing media and production skills development with virtual courses and auditions. Has trained over 18,000 individuals since 2020, including over 11,300 individuals in 9M 2024 with more than 4,500 virtual courses and 6,400 auditions.
Quantifiable outcome
- 24% annual earnings growth
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use MBC Group
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
MBC Group technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration12 records
AI capability2 records
Feature3 records
MBC Group partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.
- LG ElectronicscorePartnership to launch 'Life's Good Wayyak,' a four-episode reality series on MBC Shahid featuring Pan-Arab personalities and LG's premium smart home products. Represents shift from traditional advertising toward emotionally resonant, localized storytelling.
- Ever Flourish GroupminorPromoting Chinese storytelling content (animated series, mysteries, mini dramas) in Arab world through MBC Group and Rotana. Focus on localization by dubbing content into Arabic.
- Kings LeagueminorMedia rights partnership to broadcast Kings Cup MENA, first official competition in MENA region, live on MBC Action and Shahid OTT platform. Builds on previous coverage of Kings World Cup Clubs and Nations events.
- EutelsatcoreRenewed long-standing partnership to continue providing broadcast services across MENA region using Eutelsat's orbital position at 7/8° West to distribute channels to millions of households.
- Arena SNK StudiosmajorNew production banner backed by approximately $1 billion in financing from Saudi Arabia. Supported by Saudi-backed firms including MBC Group, MiSK Group, and SNK. Plans to develop films, TV, gaming, and live events globally.
- NetflixcoreRegional partnership with Netflix in the Middle East and North Africa, allowing subscribers to access Netflix content through a bundled subscription with Shahid and MBC channels. This is the first partnership of its kind for Netflix in the region.
- E1 World ChampionshipminorMBC broadcasting the world's first all-electric raceboat series in the Middle East, expanding content portfolio with sports coverage.
- NEOM Media IndustriescorePartnership to produce Top Chef Season 8 at NEOM Media Village featuring four world-class sound stages. NEOM positioned as regional hub for non-scripted formats with NEOM Media Village facilities.
- Paramount Global Content DistributioncoreThree-year deal renewal extending collaboration for Nickelodeon titles including PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Loud House on MBC3 and Shahid. Minimum 350 episodes per year, plus licensing and merchandising extension.
- Emirates AirlinescoreShahid content exclusively available on Emirates ICE inflight entertainment system. Emirates ICE is the only platform outside Shahid's own premium subscription to offer access to Shahid Originals titles.
- SamsungminorDevice manufacturer partnership for exclusive bundles and subscription offers bringing Shahid to Samsung device customers.
- STC (Saudi Telecom Company)coreMajor telecom partnership for special subscriber deals and mobile billing integration with Shahid platform.
- Vodafone EgyptcoreTelecom partnership for bundled Shahid subscriptions with exclusive experiences like private screenings of Shahid Originals.
- Orange MoroccominorTelecom partnership supporting launch of Moroccan series 'Casa Street' through various viewer experiences.
- Arab BankminorRegional banking partnership for co-branded subscription campaigns and payment solutions.
- Saudi Sports Company (SSC)coreService agreement extension for Saudi Premier League broadcasting. MMS (MBC Media Solutions) is the exclusive advertising representative of SSC.
Scale indicators23 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights8 records
MBC Group competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- beIN Media Group: Qatar-based media conglomerate operating beIN Sports and a portfolio of Arabic entertainment channels across MENA. Direct competitor to MBC in premium sports rights and Arabic FTA/OTT distribution, with similar advertiser- and subscription-led business model.
- Orbit Showtime Network (OSN): MENA's leading pay-TV operator offering premium Western and Arabic content via satellite and streaming. Direct competitor to MBC's MBC+ Variety/Drama pay-TV channels and an alternative aggregator in the same regional market.
- Rotana Group: Saudi-owned entertainment conglomerate operating Arabic music, film, and TV channels across the Arab world. Closely comparable to MBC in its Arabic content focus, music publishing, and Saudi/MENA distribution footprint.
- Al Jazeera Media Network: Qatar-headquartered broadcaster with pan-Arab TV channels and a large digital presence. Competes with MBC for Arabic-speaking audiences, advertisers, and premium content across MENA.
Broad incumbents
- Netflix: Global SVOD leader that entered a first-of-its-kind MENA bundling partnership with MBC/Shahid. Comparable as the dominant subscription streaming reference point against which Shahid SVOD is benchmarked in the region.
- Amazon Prime Video: Global streaming and on-demand platform with growing MENA investment. Comparable to MBC as a large-scale SVOD/AVOD operator competing for the same regional subscriber and advertising budgets.
- Disney+ / Star (now Disney+): Global streaming service distributing Star/Disney content in MENA. Competes with MBC's MBC3 kids block, MBC Bollywood, and Shahid international catalog for family and entertainment viewership.
- ITV plc: UK commercial public broadcaster with a free-to-air + Studios + streaming model. Comparable to MBC as a commercial, advertising-supported broadcaster with global content distribution and a streaming-led growth strategy.
Regional players
- STARZPLAY Arabia (Lionsgate+): MENA-focused SVOD service offering Hollywood and international content. Competes with Shahid for paying streaming subscribers in the same Arabic-speaking geographies.
Emerging players
- Zee Entertainment (Zee One): Indian media conglomerate with an international channel portfolio including Zee One in MENA. Comparable to MBC as a non-Arabic content provider targeting diaspora and Bollywood-loving audiences in the same region.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat8 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
MBC Group social profiles
Digital presenceMBC Group compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
MBC Group financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MBC Group leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
MBC Group subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries11 records
MBC Group funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MBC Group M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about MBC Group
What does MBC Group do?
MBC Group operates a diversified media conglomerate delivering free-to-air satellite TV broadcasting across 13+ channels, the Shahid OTT streaming platform with both SVOD and AVOD models, radio broadcasting, in-house content production through MBC Studios, and supporting entertainment services. The company serves MENA audiences with Arabic-language content including originals, series, movies, sports, and kids programming, complemented by advertising sales through its in-house MBC Media Solutions unit.
Is MBC Group a public or private company?
MBC Group is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was MBC Group founded?
MBC Group was founded in 1991. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is MBC Group based?
MBC Group is headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in the Middle East region.
How does MBC Group make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Broadcasting & Commercial Activities (BOCA) is the primary driver. The others are shahid Streaming Platform (SVOD & AVOD) and media & Entertainment Initiatives (M&E).
Who are MBC Group's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are beIN Media Group, Orbit Showtime Network (OSN), Rotana Group and Al Jazeera Media Network. Broad incumbents are Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ / Star (now Disney+) and ITV plc. STARZPLAY Arabia (Lionsgate+) is listed as a regional player. Zee Entertainment (Zee One) is listed as an emerging player.
Does MBC Group have an API?
No public API is recorded for MBC Group.
What industry is MBC Group in?
MBC Group's product category is Broadcasting and Streaming Media. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPABAMAC, Program Distribution to Stations & Affiliates (Domestic), with a secondary code of MPABACAC, Local Radio Station Groups (Owned & Operated/Station Chains). Its NAICS code is 5161 and its SIC code is 4833.