1 August 2016
Establishing a new age of family TV entertainment as Saudi Football League returns to “Arabsat”
Arabsat commits to protecting viewers from pirated content
MBC PRO SPORTS channels resume broadcast on Arabsat with Saudi Super Cup between Al Ahli and Al Hilal
MBC Group channels announced the transition of its gulf channels and MBC Pro Sports Channels to “Arabsat” through a strategic partnership signed with “Arabsat” today. The cooperation aims to establish a new era of family TV entertainment reinforcing high quality viewership. While the transition of some channels will be exclusive to “Arabsat”, the next stages will focus on providing sophisticated reliable receivers, enabling viewers to experience the best in modern TV.
Khalid Bin Ahmed Balkheyour, “Arabsat” CEO stated: “We are pleased with this partnership between Arabsat and MBC Group; it is proof that the media industry is progressing in the right direction”. Balkheyour reiterated the benefits of this collaboration: “Most important is the protection of Intellectual Property Rights in the region through our commitment to prohibiting any channel from broadcasting pirated content, and so ultimately protecting and serving the Arab viewers’ interest”.
“Arabsat” initiated new HD technology several years ago in collaboration with Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) with the aim of improving the HD quality and growing it in the Arab world.
Sam Barnett, MBC Group CEO said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Arabsat and progressively, we will be moving our Gulf focused channels exclusively onto Arabsat.” Barnett added “Arabsat enjoys high viewership in general and in the GCC in particular and we’re sure that the addition of more exclusive MBC channels will boost Arabsat’s penetration further”.
Most immediately this partnership sees the return of the Saudi Football League to Arabsat. MBC PRO SPORTS will broadcast on “Arabsat” as of Monday 8th August during the Live broadcast of the Saudi Super Cup between Al Ahli and Al Hilal taking place in London.
(Source: Arabsat press release)
14 April 2016
The world-renowned designer ELIE SAAB has partnered with MBC Group for a unique collaboration involving the production of the Arabic adaptation of ‘Project Runway’– the hit international reality programme and competition dedicated to all things fashion– with the regional version confirmed as ‘Project Runway ME’. The Lebanese international creative couturier will also serve as the head of the judging panel of industry luminaries, where he will support and offer his expertise to the young, up-and-coming designers participating in the show’s debut season.
Joining Elis Saab as a judge is renowned Tunisian-Italian fashion icon, actress and TV presenter Afef Jnifen. The third judge, meanwhile, will be a surprise every episode, with the appearance of a celebrity guest-star or expert.
Rounding up the show’s line-up, Saudi national Faris Al Shehri is set to mentor the participants as they take on weekly fashion challenges, while Lebanese-Australian model Jessica Kahawaty is to present the programme.
‘Project Runway’– which is a global TV format of “FremantleMedia” – is one of the world’s most prominent television shows dedicated to fashion, and is available in various local formats, including the original version produced in the United States. The show has gone on to be produced in numerous countries and local languages around the world.
Speaking of his involvement in ‘Project Runway ME’, Elie Saab said: “I am extremely enthusiastic with regards to this collaboration and its objectives, partnering the House of ELIE SAAB with MBC Group, which of course needs no introduction. My role in the programme is an integral part of my constant desire to develop the fashion industry in the Arab world, striving for ultimate excellence and sophistication in Art, craft and workmanship; factors that will allow us to streamline the Arab fashion industry and turn it into a more global one.”
Elie Saab concluded: “Throughout the season, we will work towards strengthening the talented participants’ skills, by developing their artistry in fashion design through the use of innovative techniques and the exquisite materials. Each episode will feature a different theme, challenging the contestants to adopt better concepts and so on. This unique opportunity will help open wide fashion doors to participating talents.”
In turn, Mazen Hayek, MBC Group’s Official Spokesman commented: “We are proud of this collaboration with the world-famous Lebanese creative designer Elie Saab, who is an inspiration to millions around the world, and a reference to the lovers of high-end, luxury fashion.”
“’Project Runway ME’ is the latest to build on the success of the current roster of talent and reality television entertainment offered by MBC Group across its channels, platforms and touch points. It’s also no doubt a welcome addition to the multitude of MBC’s shows and local productions, plus special reports that have always been unique offerings to the world of fashion.”
Hayek concluded: “The Arabic adaptation of ‘Project Runway’ will be further enhanced especially when compared to other local adaptations around the world – thus featuring additional features and greater entertainment production values during every episode, right down to the grand finale which will be televised live from the heart of the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates – more specifically at “Dubai Design District – d3”, the premier backer of the show, and the best destination for promoting and nurturing emerging local talent, and providing a creative hub for established international luxury, design, innovation and fashion brands.”
Filming for the first episodes of ‘Project Runway ME’ has already commenced at MBC studios in Beirut, in the presence of Elie Saab and Afef Jnifen, along with the celebrity guest-star judge in every episode, and of course, Faris Al Shehri and Jessica Kahawaty. The launch season of the programme is set to debut in the last quarter of 2016 on MBC4 and MBC MASR.
(Source: MBC press release)
9 March 2016
In the presence of over 1,800 executives and prominent personalities from the business, media, advertising, creative and communication industries in MENA region, the Dubai Lynx Festival, in its 10th edition, awarded “Personality Of The Year” award to MBC Group Chairman Sheikh Waleed Al-Ibrahim, for his outstanding contribution and achievements in developing the media industry and enhancing the advertising scene in the MENA region.
The award comes as an appreciation of the constructive efforts of Al-Ibrahim in strengthening the links between leading international and local brands on the one hand, and consumers on the other hand through the various channels, platforms and services offered by MBC Group.
The award is further considered as a tribute to the role Al-Ibrahim played in outlining the media and advertising sectors in the region, through the provision of better media & entertainment experiences that live up to world class standards.
In a brief speech on the sidelines of the award ceremony, Sheikh Waleed Al-Ibrahim praised the remarkable developments witnessed by the Dubai Lynx Festival, year after year, both in terms of the number of participants, and the positive echo and resonation it has created regionally and globally, which it enjoys today.
Al-Ibrahim stressed on the importance of the concept of “creativity & innovation” embodied in the festival, and its association with the vision and approach that reflects the majestic image of the city of Dubai, led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Al-Ibrahim considered the importance of “Personality Of The Year” comes at a time whereby we witness a cross-road and articulate period that requires us to reallocate our media priorities.
Therefore the challenge that remains ahead of us is in our ability to take advantage of the information and communication revolution, and harness it in building knowledge economies to further develop the media industry, promote the advertising industry and the commercial and consumer markets, and enable cultural movements within our societies.
Al-Ibrahim concluded: “I dedicate this award to everyone in both the advertising and communication industries in general, and MBC Group employees in specific, each in his/ her geographic location, that helped uplift our media work flow. And above all, this success wouldn’t have been achieved without our strategic commercial partner, as there is no successful media without advertising partners and returns as well as sustainable commercial revenues”.
From his part, Terry Savage, Chairman, Dubai Lynx, said it had been both ‘an honor and privilege’ to recognize such a prominent and respected figure. “Over the course of 25 years, Sheikh Waleed Al-Ibrahim, has been responsible for multiple, significant contributions to the development of the Media & Entertainment industry in the MENA region and we are delighted that we could celebrate this during the 10th edition of Dubai Lynx.”
Testimonials about Sheikh Waleed Al-Ibrahim:
The award ceremony included a testimonial video promo from prominent CEO’s of major international and regional companies that focused on Sheikh Waleed Al-Ibrahim’s role and mark in shaping the media and advertising sectors:
– Dr. Amina Al Rustamani, CEO, TECOM Business Parks: “I consider myself very fortunate to have the opportunity to work closely with Sheikh Waleed Al-Ibrahim; he is a great mentor, and a teacher, and I definitely learnt a lot from him”.
– Yves Manghardt, Chairman & CEO Nestle Middle East FZE: “The difference between a dreamer and a visionary is that the dreamer has his eyes closed; the visionary has his eyes always open said Martin Luther King. The 2016 Advertising Person Of The Year is a true visionary; in fact, tele-visionary with his eyes always open”.
– Dani Richa, Chairman & CEO IMPACT BBDO: “Sheikh Waleed is the game changer; he changed news in our region to become more objective, transparent, and credible. Sheikh Waleed changed entertainment as the Arab world knows it, taking TV to new heights. I strongly believe that his vision has helped shape relationships between brands and consumers”.
– Mohamed Samir, President Procter & Gamble India, MEA & Africa: “Sheikh Waleed, since the start of MBC, has shown the vision for connecting with people, all across the Arab world in a friendly and high quality way”.
– Sanjiv Kakkar, Execuitve Vice President, Unilever MENA: “Over the years, MBC has truly democratized media across the Arab world, providing a cohesive force across the MENA region, serving to improve the quality of Arab performing arts and content across the region”.
– Akram Miknas, Chairman Promoseven Holdings: “We rose with MBC Group; we rose it to the world standard; today MBC can stand one-to-one with any international television station and can proudly and easily say we are as good if not better in many cases”.
– Raja Fares Trad, CEO Leo Burnett & Publicis Group MENA: “MBC Group’s impact on the lives of people, every second of the day, is a sticking example of how creative content and content marketing can positively affect consumers’ behavior”.
– Roy Haddad, Chairman WPP MENA: “What fascinated me at that time is his commitment to really redefine the media market in the Arab world, which he did; to change the upper cards in the region, which he did; and really force a media revolution. If there is anyone who deserves to be recognized by our industry is Sheikh Waleed”.
– Osman Sultan, CEO DU PJSC: “ For all this, for this achievement, not only we say to Sheikh Waleed how much we admire and appreciate what he did, but we tell him as well how much we love him, for what he is as a human being and how much we are grateful to him”.
– Edmond Moutran, Chairman & CEO Memac Ogilvy: “When you launched the station, I said hey, where is he gonna go? And he said to me, now that we have launched MBC, the sky is the limit. So here we are Sheikh Waleed, I’m on top of a building, and I am as close to the sky as I possibly
can; I think you are gonna go on, and the sky is going to be your limit all over again, so go on…build us a bigger empire Sheikh Waleed”.
– Pierre Choueiry, CEO & Chairman Choueiry Group: “Sheikh Waleed would be considered a visionary pioneer; to some, a creator; to some other, an outstanding entrepreneur; an exceptional leader and mentor; to me he really is all of the above; he definitely is my partner, but above all, he is my friend. Congratulations Sheikh Waleed, Advertising Man Of The Year, and of ALL years as far as I am concerned”. (Source: MBC press release)
13 May 2015
Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum awards Sheikh Waleed al-Ibrahim for his achievements over last 25 years
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today awarded MBC Group chairman Sheikh Waleed Al-Ibrahim the award of ‘Media Personality of the Year’.
The honour was part of the Arab Journalism Awards, held at the culmination of the 14th Arab Media Forum in Dubai.
It marks Sheikh Waleed’s quarter-century of achievements in the media industry, which is considered one of most dynamic and creative sectors, as well as his leading position as trustee over the biggest private Arab media group.
In a brief statement at the awards ceremony, Sheikh Waleed paid tribute to the significance of the award. “It’s a major part of a professional leading platform – the Arab Media Forum in Dubai,” he said.
Sheikh Waleed said Dubai was a “majestic, modern and leading emirate led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, and which is in the heart of the United Arab Emirates, known for its spirit of leadership, teamwork and sharp vision.”
“The award’s importance also comes from the fact that we are on the cusp of a phase of rearranging priorities so that media outlets and different means of communication keep pace with events, and seek to deliver the complete picture to the audience and thus contribute to the formation of public opinion,” he said.
Sheikh Waleed added: “The challenge before us lies in the extent of our capability to benefit from the technology and information revolution, in order to continue enhancing the media, cultural and renaissance march of our nation, economies and societies.”
He concluded: “I offer this Media Personality of the Year award – which I proudly and honorably receive from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum – to all employees in the Arab media sector in general, and to all MBC Group employees in particular and who, each from their own platform over 25 years, contributed to upgrading the Arab media to world-class status.” (Source: MBC press release)
14 October 2014
FremantleMedia International has concluded an unprecedented multi-year deal with pan-Arab media conglomerate MBC Group that will see both the pan-Arab versions of Idol and Got Talent recommissioned for three further seasons. In addition, MBC Group has also taken the pan-Arab format rights to the Syco TV created hit entertainment format, The X Factor and the globally renowned fashion competition, Project Runway for three seasons each.
Anahita Kheder, SVP, Middle East, Africa and South Eastern Europe, FremantleMedia International said: “We are immensely proud to be the first company to have completed a deal of this magnitude with MBC Group. Together we have already launched the very successful pan-Arab versions of Arabs Got Talent and Arab Idol, both of which were propelled onto the international press stage. The Middle East region has evolved a great deal in recent years with audiences wanting something a little special, and with the introduction of The X Factor and Project Runway, MBC will deliver just that. We are enormously excited to continue our partnership with MBC to introduce more future audience favorites to its enormous Middle Eastern reach.”
Ali Jaber, MBC Group TV Director said: “MBC is always keen on delivering premium content coupled with the best TV productions in the MENA region. With the introduction of global formats, such as Idol and Got Talent, amongst others, a couple of years ago, they soon became top-rated TV shows and have created unprecedented engagement with the audiences on multi-platforms.” Jaber added: “It only makes sense that we renew our contracts with FremantleMedia – thus keeping the momentum of these formats at its peak. We are delighted with this partnership that helps bring the best TV global practices to our region while allowing our own creative teams to excel, deliver and succeed.”
In 2013, Arab Idol attracted global media interest as singer Mohammed Assaf, a former wedding singer from Gaza, was declared the winner of the second season. The MENA region united as Assaf’s finale performance generatedaudience shares over five times higher than the broadcaster average. The Idol format, co-owned by FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment, has now been produced in 51 territories worldwide.
Arabs Got Talent’s third season concluded with Syrian dancing troupe, SIMA taking the top spot and once again dominated international headlines. The Arabic version of the format became MBC4’s number one show in both 2012 and 2013 consecutively. Co-owned by Syco Entertainment and FremantleMedia, the global Got Talent phenomenon officially became the Guinness World Records’ Most Successful Reality TV Format Worldwide in April this year and has now been commissioned in 65 territories worldwide.
Internationally renowned singing competition, The X Factor will join MBC’s impressive roster of programmingfor the first time. The pan-Arab version takes the format to 51 territories worldwide. The Syco Entertainment owned and created format is co-produced/licensed by FremantleMedia worldwide. Since the launch of The X Factor UK in 2004 the British-born TV show has been watched by more than 360 million people around the world and can be seen in almost every country on earth. The X Factor format has discovered and launched more international break-out artists than any other singing competition show, with more than 160 million record sales by The X Factor artists globally.
Fashion reality format, Project Runway on MBC is the first pan Arab version of the show and will give talented and fashion hungry designers the chance of a lifetime as they compete against one another through a series of demanding challenges. The winner has their collection shown at a major catwalk show and is featured in a leading fashion magazine. The Weinstein Company owned, Project Runway has become the most successful fashion format worldwide having been produced in 23 territories including the US, Australia, Canada, Latin America and the UK. (Source: MBC press release)
