Shahid nearly doubles telecommunications operator partnerships in just 12 months

Shahid nearly doubles telecommunications operator partnerships in just 12 months

2 August 2022

Shahid nearly doubles telecommunications operator partnerships in just 12 months

Shahid – the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform (part of MBC GROUP) – has announced that it has nearly doubled its partnerships with telecommunications operators (telcos) in just one year. As a result, the number of user subscriptions for its premium offering, Shahid VIP purchased via mobile payment has more than doubled in just 12 months.

Since Shahid’s relaunch in 2020, the video on demand (VOD) and subscription video on demand (SVOD) platform has strengthened its distribution through telco partners in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), jumping from 17 by the end of 2020 to over 30 in 2021.

During that time, Shahid has expanded into territories including Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, Iraq, and Palestine, enabling direct carrier billing (DCB) for users to be able to purchase Shahid VIP via their mobile device rather than through a credit card, for example.

EXPANSION & MORE PARTNERSHIPS

DCB is just one of multiple methods users across the region can now enjoy Shahid VIP. For example, Shahid has also actively expanded its distribution through special bundles with telco partners in the region, including with Stc KSA, Zain KSA, Zain Kuwait, Stc Bahrain, Vodafone Egypt, Ooredoo Qatar, Asiacell Iraq, and Omantel. Here, customers of these operators can enjoy complimentary Shahid VIP as part of select mobile and broadband service plans.

Additionally, Shahid has launched an exclusive mobile plan, Shahid VIP Mobile, allowing better offerings for those using a prepaid mobile plan. A budget-friendly single-device package available across MENA, Shahid VIP Mobile is aimed at entertainment fans who prefer to only stream their content on the go. Available for either a single smartphone or tablet device, this special plan was first launched with an introductory two-month trial offer with Orange Morocco and Tunisia in Q4 of 2021, generating significant subscriber uptake. Building on the successful launch with Orange, Shahid VIP Mobile has gone on to already launch with seven operators and is planning more launches in the future in more markets. Multiple telecommunications companies have shown interest in this introductory package as a strong fit for their low Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) subscriber segment.

Natasha Matos-Hemingway, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, Shahid commented: “We’re delighted with our telco partnerships so far, and we will continue to create more exciting partnerships to bring Shahid VIP’s outstanding content to more viewers across the region. To have more than doubled our Shahid VIP subscribers in 12 months via DCB alone is phenomenal.

“Thanks to the significant efforts made by the team and our partners, Shahid has launched new and relevant partnerships in key markets that allow users to access Shahid VIP in more ways. This is significant because we want our users to be able to choose from a number of payment methods based on their needs, such as the ease of subscribing through their telecommunications operator.

She continued: “As mobile networks strengthen and speeds get faster than ever in the MENA region, it also makes sense for us to expand on our exclusive Shahid VIP Mobile. Many consumers want an affordable way to watch premium content on the go, and we’ve met that need.”

MBC GROUP is the largest and leading media company in MENA.

[Source: MBC press release]

Premium content from MBC GROUP’s Shahid exclusively onboard Emirates’ ice

Premium content from MBC GROUP’s Shahid exclusively onboard Emirates’ ice

29 June 2022

Premium content from MBC GROUP’s Shahid exclusively onboard Emirates’ ice

Emirates partners with Shahid, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform, to offer premium content exclusively onboard its award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice.

Shahid is part of MBC GROUP, the largest and leading media company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

This partnership makes Emirates ice the only channel to offer access to highly popular titles by Shahid Originals, aside from the streaming service’s own premium-subscription online platform.

From July 2022, all Emirates customers can enjoy an extensive selection of over 135 hours of Shahid content from 15 shows with something to appeal to all members of the family. Programme subtitles also make the content accessible to an even bigger international audience onboard Emirates.

The newly added content from Shahid adds to the extensive collection of Arabic content already available on Emirates with over 420 channels of audio and 170 channels of films and TV shows.

In total, Emirates’ award-winning ice inflight entertainment system, with over 5,000 channels, offers an unmatched breadth of content in 40 languages to cater to its global customer base, with more than 4,000 hours of movies and TV, and close to 3,500 hours of music and podcasts.

Patrick Brannelly, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Retail, IFE & Connectivity said: “We are excited to welcome the world’s leading Arabic streaming service content onboard – so passengers can catch up on all their favourite entertainment inflight, just as they do at home. We look forward to growing the partnership and making even more of their popular shows and movies available to our customers in the future.”

Natasha Matos-Hemingway, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer (VOD) at MBC GROUP added: “We are extremely proud to partner with Emirates, an award-winning airline who, like us, is always striving to give the best to their customers. Emirates is our first airline partner, and their global footprint enables us to reach viewers from many new markets and broaden the reach of our shows and brand – there is no better match for our ambitions.

“We are excited to offer Shahid’s content for Emirates’ customers to enjoy, just in time for the busiest travel season of the year.”

Shahid’s biggest original production Rashash, which has been hugely popular in the Arab region, will be streamed for the first time by an airline on-board Emirates. In addition, Emirates customers can enjoy a broad range of exclusive Shahid Original titles and other hit MBC GROUP titles including: Anbar 6, Hell’s Gate, Dor Al Omor, Nemra Etnein, Al Shak, Al Jedar Al Rabea, Rahn El Tahqiq, 2020, Bi Saraha Ma’a, Dofa’at Beirut, Aghani Min Hayati, Kaf w Dafoof, and Salon Zahra. Content originates from territories including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Kuwait, Egypt, and Lebanon.

In addition to entertainment, Emirates ice offers a range of other practical features, such as checking the status of the flight while en route; a real-time view of the sky during take-off and landing from cameras that are fixed on the aircraft’s nose, tail and underbelly; a helpful travel guide about Emirates’ hub Dubai; EmiratesRED; the world’s first inflight TV shopping channel; and a range of personal development content including LinkedIn Learning.

Prior to their flight, Emirates customers can browse through over 5,000 channels of on-demand movies, music, TV shows, box sets, and documentaries, and create their very own playlist on The Emirates Mobile App, and sync it on board for a more personalised travel experience.

For more information, visit Emirates/inflight-entertainment

[Source: MBC press release]

 

Shahid VIP streaming offer for Ramadan

Shahid VIP streaming offer for Ramadan

3 March 2021

Shahid VIP streaming offer for Ramadan

Shahid VIP – the premium, subscription-based service of Shahid, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform – announces the rollout of its exclusive and special programming for Ramadan 2021.

Under the slogan of “Ramadan Ma’ana”, or “Ramadan with Us” in English, Shahid VIP is the go-to platform for the month, as it is to feature the biggest acting, performing, and presenting stars from the Gulf and the rest of the Middle East and North Africa region through a variety of genres. They include drama to comedy; action, thrillers and suspense; lifestyle and social content; TV game shows and competitions; general entertainment, and more.

In fact, it is the first time that more than 40 new Arabic titles will be shown on a single platform during the holy month – all of which can be viewed without ad breaks. Titles range from “exclusive-to-Shahid VIP” programmes, to special “before TV” previews, meaning a programme’s episode will be available to watch on Shahid VIP before any other TV channel or platform.

CONTENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY – ANYTIME & ANYWHERE

With Shahid VIP, users are able to watch what they want, when they want – from any screen they prefer, whether TV, smartphone or computer. It offers a fully portable entertainment experience for the whole family no matter where they are.

With special child-friendly Ramadan content also coming up, parents can take comfort in knowing that younger viewers get to watch content made just for them.

RAMADAN 2021: FIRST LOOK

With more titles and information to be announced in the coming weeks, here’s an exclusive first-look at what’s coming up on Shahid VIP:

  • From the Gulf: Titles featuring Nasser Al-Qasabi, Hayat Al-Fahd, Huda Hussein, Elham Alfadalah, Faisal Al-Issa… and many more.
  • From Egypt: Titles featuring Yehia El-Fakharany, Mohamed Ramadan, Ahmed El Sakka, Amir Karara, Ahmed Mekki, Yasser Galal, Amr Youssef, Mohamed Emam, Ghada Abdel Razek, Yasmine Abdel Aziz, Hend Sabry, Amina Khalil… and many more.
  • From the rest of the region, including the Maghreb and Levant: Titles featuring Qusai Khouli, Nadine Nassib Njeim, Salloum Haddad, Bassam Kousa, Mohamed Khouyi… and many more.

 

Part of MBC GROUP, Shahid is home to highly rated original productions from the Arab world, a wide range of exclusive movies and premieres, as well as the top watched live Arab TV channels.

MBC GROUP is the largest and leading media company in the MENA.

[Source: Shahid]

#StayAtHome: MBC GROUP’s Shahid offers free VIP subscription for all

#StayAtHome: MBC GROUP’s Shahid offers free VIP subscription for all

19 March 2020

#StayAtHome: MBC GROUP’s Shahid offers free VIP subscription for all

Given the current circumstances, Shahid wants you to stay safe but also be able to enjoy your time, while you #StayAtHome. As one of several initiatives to bring an amazing array of premium entertainment choices to everyone across the region, MBC GROUP’s video on demand (VOD) platform is offering new users a one-month Shahid VIP subscription – for free – starting Friday 20 March.

Shahid VIP grants access to Shahid’s premium library of family entertainment, which includes binge worthy exclusive Shahid Premieres, Shahid Originals, Arabic movies fresh off the big screen, live TV channels in true HD quality, as well as diverse range of offerings to the entire family courtesy of Disney, Marvel, FOX, ABC Studios and more.

Here’s just a snapshot of what is in store…

Shahid PREMIERES

Shahid Premieres is dedicated to first-look exclusives from the world of cinema and television.

This month’s highlight is “Al Theeb fi Al Qleeb” (The Wolf in the Heart), which marks Saudi comedy icon Nasser Al-Qasabi’s return to theatre after 30 years. The play tells the story of an accountant who is accused of embezzlement and seeks to prove his innocence. Only he has to rely on the contradictory accounts of his family members regarding his case – will he be proven innocent?

Then there’s the film “Born a King” (Wulida Malikan), which documents the extraordinary true story of 13-year-old Faisal, the young son of the first King of Saudi Arabia, who in 1919 is sent on a diplomatic mission. In the frenetic post-WWI atmosphere, Faisal becomes the first Saudi royal to visit the UK on a politically precarious trip lasting five months. He ultimately becomes the hugely popular King of Saudi Arabia (1964-1975), implementing modernisation and reform.

Looking at series, “Domoa Farah” (Tears of Joy) starring Shujoun Al-Hajri, is a Khaleeji social drama that explores what happens when a holiday abroad turns into a nightmare for one Kuwaiti family, who lose their daughter in one of Georgia’s most dangerous forests.

Shahid ORIGINALS

Shahid Originals brings you a whole host of local and regional productions, set to include long-form content such as film and drama series, as well as short-form content.

Catch the exclusive Egyptian drama thriller, “Fe Kul Esboa Youm Gomaa” (Every Week Has A Friday), starring Menna Shalaby, Asser Yassine and Sawsan Badr. It tells the story of Laila, a girl with a mysterious past forced to live with a mentally challenged man “Emad”, in his house where a series of gruesome crimes happen every Friday.

Meanwhile, “Ahd El Dam” (Blood Oath), starring Bassel Khayat, is an action, suspense, drama that revolves around a man who mistakenly murders the daughter of a notorious drug dealer, which results in him forced into many situations and dilemmas to protect the ones he loves.

Be sure to catch a whole host of other content, including programmes courtesy of Disney, as well as other children’s shows, plus the biggest box-office hits.

THE MARVEL UNIVERSE

Get your superhero fix with an extensive catalogue of Marvel hits, such as “The Avengers”, “Guardians of the Galaxy”, “Iron Man”, “Captain America: Civil War” and “Thor”, exclusive till end of May.

DISNEY

Little (and big) kids will love catching up on releases from the happiest production company on earth! There’s “Moana”, “Beauty & The Beast”, “Muppets: Most Wanted”, and of course, “Frozen”.

Other fabulous blockbuster titles include “Up”, “Monster University”, and “Toy Story 3”.

To enjoy one free month of Shahid VIP, users must sign up between Friday 20 March and 5 April 2020. This promotion is exclusively available to new users in the Middle East region.

Those based in Egypt must register via DCB Vodafone.

(Source: MBC press release)

“It’s Our Time” – MBC Group propels Shahid to new heights

“It’s Our Time” – MBC Group propels Shahid to new heights

16 January 2020

“It’s Our Time” – MBC Group propels Shahid to new heights

Celebrating a fresh era in digital entertainment, MBC Group has unveiled the all-new version of its video on demand (VOD) service, Shahid.

The unveiling took place this evening as part of an exclusive event held at the Dubai Opera in Downtown Dubai, attended by HH Sheikh Ahmad bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; HE Turki Alshabanah Saudi Minister of Media; MBC Group Chairman, Waleed Al-Ibrahim, MBC Group General Manager Ali Al-Hedeithy, newly appointed CEO, Marc Antoine d’Halluin; and top business decisionmakers, VIPs and celebrities from the world of entertainment and Arab media.

Shahid’s brand new slogan: “It’s Our Time” took centre stage, illuminating the emirate’s iconic Burj Khalifa tower.

In his opening speech, MBC Group Chairman Al-Ibrahim commented: “The social and economic reforms currently being witnessed by my home country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – ones that are being spearheaded by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – is something we have always dreamed of. It gives me great pride to witness this dream being finally realised. Today, it is almost apt that we face a new start for our Group, albeit with a difference in objectives.

“But here is where we will begin. As we look ahead, we strive to take control of our own narratives, showcasing our stories to the rest of the world through the very best in original films, series, and other media content, produced and marketed via MBC Studios,” he continued.

“Secondly, we’re immensely proud to provide the region with an advanced digital platform that is on par with the best in the world. Shahid is a global brand that is worth watching.”

“And of course, we are leveraging the pivotal moment the Kingdom is currently witnessing, which includes expanding on the local and regional media content industry – and fostering the talent that will enable us to do so,” Al-Ibrahim stated. “At MBC Group, we are going to continue to provide the best media experience in the entire region; engineering ideas and uniting the very best in creative talent. It’s our time.”

INCREASING FOURFOLD

On his part, MBC Group CEO Marc Antoine d’Halluin demonstrated figures from the track-record of the company over the past decade, stating: “During the past ten years, MBC has acquired and produced approximately 46,000 hours of Arabic-language entertainment content, valued at an estimated $1.3 billion. This is broken down into 26,000 hours of media, entertainment and other content, plus 20,000 hours of television series, which includes about 600 dramas.”

D’Halluin continued: “Over the next two years, we aim to substantially increase the size of our investment into drama productions, thus increasing them fourfold, of which the majority will be original and exclusive content. Shahid will certainly benefit from MBC’s proven experience in investment and growth to provide the best and most diverse international digital media experience in the region.”

A DIVERSE OFFERING

With Shahid witnessing a surge in popularity, Johannes Larcher, Managing Director, Digital & VOD at MBC Group stressed that the platform outperforms all regional players in the digital entertainment sector today. Larcher highlighted several factors that distinguish the all-new Shahid’s offering – including premium quality of content, diversity of content, as well as additional content via regional and global partnerships – providing a unique service and premiere digital viewing experience for users in the Middle East region and beyond.

 

INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW SHAHID:

SHAHID PREMIERES & SHAHID ORIGINALS

Shahid PREMIERES will focus on first-look exclusives from the world of cinema and television, as some new series will, from now on, start their lifecycle on Shahid even before MBC channels.

Shahid ORIGINALS, meanwhile, will focus on a variety of local and regional productions, set to include long-form content such as drama series, as well as short-from content, which both will be fully exclusively featured on Shahid.

Several Middle Eastern stars appearing in Shahid’s upcoming brand-new content were in attendance during the launch event at the Dubai Opera.

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GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS AND A SPECIAL OFFER “FOR LIFE”

Partnering up with Shahid are the global entertainment companies DISNEY and FOX, providing around 3,000 hours of quality family entertainment. Also announced was a partnership with global music streaming platform SPOTIFY.

Naturally, MBC’s top-rated channels are included in the brand-new Shahid, which include nine HD channels, streamed live, as well as a catch-up service.

To celebrate the launch of the all-new platform, users can take advantage of a special introductory subscription offer (promotion period runs until February 29, 2020) consisting of a discount of up to 70% off the Shahid VIP subscription value, valid until the subscriber decides to cancel, or “for life”.