MBC Group

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.

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

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

• Satellite broadcasting
• OTT streaming services
• Arabic content production
• Free-to-air television
• Media advertising sales

Headquarters

HQ city

Dubai

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core 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

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

AI capability2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• LG ElectronicscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 11 June 2026Partnership 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 GroupminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 May 2026Promoting 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 LeagueminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 October 2025Media 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.
• EutelsatcoreTechnology or Integration · 22 October 2025Renewed 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 StudiosmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 October 2025New 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.
• NetflixcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 July 2025Regional 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 ChampionshipminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 February 2025MBC broadcasting the world's first all-electric raceboat series in the Middle East, expanding content portfolio with sports coverage.
• NEOM Media IndustriescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2024Partnership 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 DistributioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 September 2023Three-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 AirlinescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 9 May 2023Shahid 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.
• SamsungminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 May 2023Device manufacturer partnership for exclusive bundles and subscription offers bringing Shahid to Samsung device customers.
• STC (Saudi Telecom Company)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 9 May 2023Major telecom partnership for special subscriber deals and mobile billing integration with Shahid platform.
• Vodafone EgyptcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 9 May 2023Telecom partnership for bundled Shahid subscriptions with exclusive experiences like private screenings of Shahid Originals.
• Orange MoroccominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 9 May 2023Telecom partnership supporting launch of Moroccan series 'Casa Street' through various viewer experiences.
• Arab BankminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 May 2023Regional banking partnership for co-branded subscription campaigns and payment solutions.
• Saudi Sports Company (SSC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 March 2023Service 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

Direct 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

• Xx.com/panorama_fm
• YouTubeyoutube.com/shahidvod
• Facebookfacebook.com/panoramafm
• Instagraminstagram.com/shahid.vod
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/middle-east-broadcasting-corp

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about MBC Group