MBC Group, a leading Saudi media conglomerate with a major presence in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, has announced the opening of its brand-new headquarters in Riyadh. It operates over 17 free-to-air satellite TV channels and a video on demand service.

 

MBC Group, a leading Saudi media conglomerate with a major presence in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, has announced its brand-new headquarters in Riyadh.

 

Launched in London in 1991, the company then moved to its headquarters to Dubai in 2002 and with this new launch its back in its homeland. MBC Group currently operates over 17 free-to-air satellite TV channels, and a video on demand service (Shahid). 

 

The MBC Group’s new centre of operations was inaugurated by Chairman Waleed bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim during an exclusive purple-carpet event held under the patronage of Dr Majid bin Abdullah Alkassabi, Acting Minister of Media of Saudi Arabia.

 

The opening was attended by a host of royal family members, ministers, ambassadors, representatives of diplomatic missions in Riyadh, and dignitaries. Other guests included MBC's executive directors in addition to the famous faces from MBC’s host of TV channels as well as from Al Arabiya and other officials.

 

Speaking at the opening, Al Ibrahim said: "Three decades on after the beginning of MBC Group’s journey, we are finally here in Riyadh – we are finally here in our homeland. It was always in our ambitions to be based here; right from the very first day of our launch in London in 1991."

 

"But back then, we truly thought that this dream would remain what it was; merely an ambitious yet unattainable dream. Little did we know that one day, it would become a reality," he stated.

 

"Our great nation has been witnessing a spectacular revival, with rapid development across numerous fields and industries. This, of course, is under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz," he stated.

 

"The development of, and the unlimited support that has been made available to the kingdom’s cultural and creative industries - including media and entertainment - has made it possible for the Arab world’s talented creators to realise their dreams. And this has only made us even more excited and enthralled to be with you here in Riyadh today," he added.

 

Al Ibrahim said: "As we continue to lead in our field in the region, we know that being based here in Riyadh will only make us stronger and more accomplished, elevating our projects to even higher grounds that match our immense ambitions."

 

"Today, our goal is even bigger, with us working towards MBC GROUP becoming one of the world’s most prominent international media organisations," he added.

 

The MBC chairman also lauded the leadership and people of the UAE for the group's numerous successes that were achieved while in Dubai

 

In his address, CEO Sam Barnett spoke of the over three decades that the group had been present in KSA, adding: "For many of you, MBC has always been here. For 31 years, MBC has been in the corner of your living rooms. We’ve been here in Ramadan and at Eid. We’ve been here in your cars as you drive to work. And we’ve been here reporting on the events that have shaped your nation."

 

"As we celebrate the opening of our new headquarters – we’re also celebrating the special bond between MBC and its Saudi audience that goes back over three decades. And we’re excited, because this new headquarters is a springboard to launch new projects across the Kingdom," remarked Barnett.

 

He also revealed that more than 80 titles were scheduled to be produced in Saudi Arabia in the coming period.-TradeArabia News Service