BROADCASTERS &
STREAMERS
MBC GROUP | SAUDI ARABIA
CAREER HIGHLIGHT(S):
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.
TWELVE-MONTH HIGHLIGHT(S):
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.
WALEED BIN IBRAHIM AL IBRAHIM
FOUNDER & CHAIRPERSON OF MBC GROUP
SAUDI
SAM BARNETT
CEO OF MBC GROUP
BRITISH
NATASHA MATOS-HEMINGWAY
CHIEF COMMERCIAL AND MARKETING OFFICER OF VOD
SOUTH AFRICAN
SAMAR AKROUK
GROUP DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION & MBC STUDIOS
JORDONIAN