Riyadh-based MBC Group, the biggest media and entertainment organisation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has unveiled an innovative new partnership with Netflix.
Under the accord, customers of MBCNOW – the MBC Group’s recently launched entertainment service aggregator – will have seamless access to the full Netflix service, alongside MBC’s Shahid streaming channels and linear TV channels in one simple subscription.
The deal is a shrewd move by Netflix which rose to become the top platform in MENA following its launch there in 2015, but has faced growing competition from Shahid in recent years.
“This groundbreaking partnership is one for the books,” said Fadel Zahreddine, Group Director of Emerging Media at MBC Group.
“To have two streaming giants – Shahid and Netflix – come together under one platform is something never seen before in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and wider MENA, and we’re very excited for what’s to come.
MBCNOW was launched in February 2025 to bridge the gap between digital streaming and traditional broadcast television – bringing together MBC’s award-winning channels, as well as Shahid, all in one destination.
With the new Netflix agreement, MBCNOW will be able to offer Shahid’s vast library of Arabic TV shows, films, and documentaries, along with Netflix’s full catalogue.
The MBC Group said the bundle represented a saving of 21% compared to individual subscriptions.
“We’re thrilled to have MBC GROUP join forces with Netflix to bring its content to our audiences under the convenience of a single subscription,” said added Bhanu Chaddha, Director of Distribution and TV Products at MBC GROUP.
“This collaboration is part of our ongoing commitment to provide unparalleled global and local experiences for our audiences in the region. This is definitely the future of streaming and content consumption. Chaddha, Director of Distribution and TV Products at MBC Group.”
The MBC Group currently comprises more than 17 TV channels, which include MBC1 (general family entertainment); MBC2 & MBC MAX (24-hour international movies), and MBC3 (children’s edutainment with a mix of both local productions and international acquisitions).
All the channels work with MBC Studios which produces premium content for cinema, television and on-demand platforms. MBC Group also includes two FM radio stations: MBC FM (Gulf music) and Panorama FM (contemporary Arabic hit music).
