MBC has the most significant free-to-air TV channels in the Arab World, with 9,000+ titles in its content library. While MBC’s focus has been on showcasing Hollywood and Bollywood movies in the past, it has, in recent years, allocated a hefty budget to making Arab content, particularly long-running soap operas and limited mini-series. Launched in 2008, Shahid is the oldest OTT platform in the MENA region, with a library of Arabic content mainly from the Saudi media conglomerate MBC Group. The paid-for premium subscription service, initially called Shahid Plus, was relaunched in 2014 but rebranded to Shahid VIP in 2019. Shahid encompasses both subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) and advertising video-on-demand (AVOD) revenue streams.

MBC Group’s Financial Results for 2024: A 13.1% year-on-year revenue increase to $1.12bln and a 10.2% net profit margin in FY 2024.
Al Narjis Studios: MBC launched the first phase of the project in Riyadh, featuring facilities that include multi-sized studios designed to meet the needs of talk shows, entertainment, and drama programs, as well as modern broadcasting technologies and technical and production support facilities.
Shahid’s Revenues: With an estimated 27% and 46% share of the SVOD and AVOD market in the MENA region, respectively, Shahid reported revenues of $290m in 2024, up by 27.9% year-on-year. MBC NOW: An entertainment service aggregator designed to integrate MBC’s television channels and Shahid into one platform.
A Change in Leadership: In April 2025, veteran TV executive Sam Barnett stepped down as CEO of MBC Group and Mike Sneesby, former CEO of Australia\'s Nine Entertainment, was appointed his successor.
A Change in Leadership: In April 2025, veteran TV executive Sam Barnett stepped down as CEO of MBC Group, and Mike Sneesby, former CEO of Australia\'s Nine Entertainment, was appointed his successor.