MBC Group

MBC Group 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.[3] It was launched in 1991 by Saudi businessman Waleed bin Ibrahim, who serves as its chairman.[4] The group is majority owned by the Saudi state-operated Public Investment Fund.[5]

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.[6]

In 2011, MBC reported 165 million viewers.[7]

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.[8]

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.[9][10][11][12]

MBC partners with telecoms and international production studios, and also develops projects in video games, NFTs, and digital currencies.[13][14][15]

In 2023, 60% of MBC group was owned by Istedamah Holding Company (a subsidiary of the Saudi government's Ministry of Finance[16]), with the rest belonging to its founder Waleed bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim.[16][17] 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.[18] By October 2024, the stake owned by Istedamah had dropped to 54%,[19] and this stake was transferred to the Public Investment Fund in November 2024.[5]

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.[6]

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.[20][21][22][23]

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%).[24][25][26][27][28]

In September 2025, the PIF became a major shareholder, acquiring 54% through Istedamah Holding Company for SAR 7.469 billion.[6]

Television channels

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.[38] 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.[39]

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.[38]

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.[40]

Radio stations

Subsidiaries

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.[59] In 2018, all Turkish programs were removed, reportedly under Saudi government direction.[60]

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.[61][62]

In 2018–2019, MBC Masr faced criticism for blackface in comedy programs.[63]

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.[64][65]

See also

• Television in Saudi Arabia
• Lists of television channels
• List of television networks by country

External links