MBC 1 (Saudi TV channel)
 | |
| Type | Satellite television |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | Middle East and North Africa (main audience free-to-air) Horn of Africa (peripheral free-to-air via satellite) United States (pay-TV) |
| Headquarters | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Programming | |
| Language | Arabic |
| Picture format | 1080i (HDTV) 576i (SDTV) |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | MBC Group |
| Sister channels | |
| History | |
| Launched | 18 September 1991 |
| Availability | |
| Streaming media | |
| MBC Shahid | Watch Online (HD) |
| YouTube | Official YouTube channel |
MBC 1 (Arabic: إم بي سي 1) is a free-to-air Saudi Arabian general entertainment television channel. It is owned by the media conglomerate MBC Group,[1] and targets viewers across the Middle East and North Africa. It is headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and is considered one of the most popular television channels in the Arab world.
History
MBC 1 began broadcasting via satellite from London in September 1991, becoming the first independent Arabic-language satellite television station. Its launch marked a major shift in the Arab media landscape, offering a mix of news and entertainment to a pan-Arab audience. The channel quickly gained popularity, eventually reaching an estimated audience of over 130 million viewers worldwide.
Following its early success, MBC 1 later relocated its operations to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where it continued to expand its programming and regional influence. In 2022, the channel’s parent company, MBC Group, moved its headquarters from Dubai to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the country’s broader media sector development efforts.
By the mid-2000s, MBC 1 had cemented its position as the leading Arabic-language variety channel.[2]
One of its most popular and controversial programs, Kalam Nawaem ("Speech of the Soft"), became known for tackling sensitive social and political issues such as terrorism, domestic violence, polygamy, divorce, and women's suffrage. Hosted by a panel of female presenters, the show attracted high viewership and commanded premium advertising rates.
In the late 2000s, MBC 1 expanded its entertainment offerings to include international cinema. Following the successful broadcast of the Indian historical film Jodhaa Akbar, the channel secured a deal to air 32 Indian movies.[3] These films were integrated into a dubbed film package and later shown on both MBC 1 and MBC Drama, making Bollywood content more accessible to Arab audiences.
The high-definition version of the channel, MBC 1 HD, launched on 1 July 2011, further enhancing its visual quality and viewer experience.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, from 24 March to 22 June 2020, the channel temporarily modified its on-screen logo (DOG), placing it inside a house symbol to promote public awareness of stay-at-home measures.
Shows and programs
Programs
- Sada Almala'eb
- Arab Idol (2011–2017)
- Arabs Got Talent
- ET bel Arabi
- Good Morning Arabs
- Kalam Nawaem
- MasterChef Junior
- Nadeena Show
- Project Runway Middle East
- The Voice: Ahla Sawt
- The Voice Kids: Ahla Sawt
- The X Factor Arabia
- Top Chef Middle East and North Africa (2011–2023)
Events and award shows
Sports
See also
References
- ^ Argaam (27 June 2024). "MBC Group still the leading general‑entertainment broadcaster in Saudi Arabia". Argaam. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
- ^ Armbrust, W.; Wise, L. (2005). Culture Wars: The Hebrew Music Video Controversy. Transnational broadcasting studies. Adham Center for Television Journalism, American University in Cairo. p. 108. ISBN 978-977-424-962-4. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
- ^ MBC signs deal to show 32 Indian movies