MBC Group Celebrates 35 Years of Shaping the Arab Media and Entertainment Landscape
MBC Group is celebrating its 35th anniversary on September 18, marking more than three decades of leadership in broadcasting, audience engagement and content creation, while reflecting on its significant contribution to shaping the Arab and regional media and entertainment landscape.
Since its establishment in 1991, MBC has evolved from a pioneering satellite broadcaster into a major media and entertainment group, continuously expanding and developing its linear, interactive and digital platforms, alongside its leading content and diverse portfolio of brands. The Group has maintained sustained investment in the media and entertainment sectors, responding to the evolving needs, viewing habits and consumption patterns of audiences across the Arab world and beyond.
At the heart of this year’s anniversary celebrations is the theme “It’s Better With Its People”, placing people at the centre of MBC’s story and at the heart of its narrative — from the talent working both behind and in front of the camera, to its strategic partners, and ultimately the millions of viewers who have made MBC and its brands part of their everyday lives.
Over more than 35 years, MBC has remained at the forefront of the region’s major media transformations — from satellite broadcasting to digital streaming, premium original content production, talent development and the rapidly evolving world of digital entertainment. Throughout this journey, the Group has continued to broaden its reach and presence while creating new ways for audiences to engage with content anytime and from anywhere.
Milestones That Reflect Transformation and Growth
MBC’s transformation has been defined by a series of significant milestones and achievements. The relocation of its headquarters to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marked a new and important chapter in the Group’s journey, further strengthening its position within the Kingdom’s rapidly developing media and entertainment ecosystem.
In 2024, MBC Group became a publicly listed company on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul), representing another pivotal milestone in its institutional development and providing a strong platform for its next phase of growth and expansion.
At the same time, the Group has expanded its content offering and production capabilities through MBC Studios, its leading global production arm. The studio focuses on developing distinctive, high-quality original productions, telling stories from the region and bringing its culture and rich heritage to audiences around the world.
In parallel, MBC Shahid has evolved into a leading Arabic-language digital streaming platform, expanding its offering to include original and exclusive productions, television programmes, films and a broad range of entertainment content. This has further strengthened MBC’s position in the Arab and regional digital landscape, across both over-the-top (OTT) and video-on-demand (VOD) services.
MBC Group’s commitment to nurturing emerging media talent in Saudi Arabia and across the Arab world is also reflected in the MBC Academy, launched in 2020 to identify and develop talent in media and production. Since its establishment, the Academy has trained more than 18,000 people through successive programmes, contributing to the development of the next generation of Saudi and Arab creatives.
In its latest expansion, MBC Group has entered the gaming sector through the launch of MBC Games Studio, extending its storytelling capabilities into one of the fastest-growing entertainment sectors in the region and worldwide. The studio unveiled its first game, “1001 Threads of Mizan,” at Gamescom in Germany last August.
Together, these milestones reflect the evolution and growth of MBC Group from a pioneering broadcaster into a diversified, multi-platform media and entertainment company spanning satellite broadcasting, digital streaming, content production, talent development, gaming and a broad range of commercial and investment activities.
Special Anniversary Content Across MBC’s Channels and Digital Platforms
As part of its anniversary celebrations, MBC1 is presenting special programming highlighting the Group’s 35-year journey. The programme “MBC Fi Osboua” (MBC in a Week) will feature a special report tracing the Group’s evolution since its launch in 1991 as the first private satellite television channel.
Meanwhile, “Sabah Al Khair Ya Arab” (Good Morning Arabs) will mark the occasion with dedicated content celebrating MBC’s journey through the programmes and personalities that have become an integral part of the Group’s story and identity.
The anniversary theme, “It’s Better With Its People,” will also come to life through a dedicated visual identity and special on-air idents across the Group’s various platforms and screens. MBC’s social media channels are likewise adopting a comprehensive new visual identity to mark the anniversary.
MBC1 will continue to use the anniversary identity through Ramadan 2027, celebrating the Group’s longstanding legacy while highlighting its continuous evolution — a journey shaped by its people, inspired by its audiences and driven by the strategic direction that underpins .
About MBC Group
Founded 35 years ago, MBC Group is today one of the leading media and entertainment companies in the Middle East and North Africa. Over the years, the Group has established a strong market position and built a broad audience, reaching more than 150 million viewers every week.
MBC also maintains a significant global footprint extending from the Middle East to South America through MBC Shahid, the leading streaming platform in the Middle East and North Africa.
In addition to Shahid, the Group operates 15 free-to-air television channels and three radio stations. MBC continues to expand its presence across the region through a range of entertainment sectors, including gaming, events and music.
Across its platforms, MBC brings families and generations together through rich and distinctive content created specifically for Arab audiences around the world.
TunisianMonitorNews (Douha Essaafi)
