On Monday, MBC Group and Netflix announced a pioneering streaming partnership designed to transform how audiences in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) access content.
This groundbreaking deal bundles Netflix’s extensive library with MBC Group’s Shahid streaming service and linear TV channels, all accessible under a single subscription via the MBCNOW platform.
A united streaming experience for MENA viewers
This landmark deal creates a one-stop hub combining MBC’s rich Arabic programming and Netflix’s global originals.
Shahid, the most popular streaming platform in the region with 4.4 million active subscribers as of December 2024, extends its appeal by integrating Netflix content directly into its offering.
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“This groundbreaking partnership is one for the books,” said Fadel Zahreddine, MBC Group’s Director of Emerging Media, underscoring the scale and uniqueness of this collaboration.
Netflix’s Head of Business Development for the Middle East and Africa, Mohammed Al Kuraishi, welcomed the move, highlighting the increased access to diverse entertainment that this partnership offers the region’s viewers.
The bundle includes a mix of popular dramas, documentaries, films, and children’s programming, catering to a broad spectrum of tastes.
Bridging traditions and digital Innovation
MBCNOW, launched earlier in 2025, bridges traditional broadcast television and digital streaming, delivering a flexible way to consume content suited for Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab world. By combining MBC Group’s linear TV channels with streaming catalogues, this deal leverages MBC’s deep cultural knowledge and Netflix’s global production scale. According to executives, this partnership exemplifies a strategic collaboration focusing on localisation through coalescence rather than competing directly in content creation.
Bhanu Chaddha, MBC’s Director of Distribution and TV Products, expressed enthusiasm about the joint subscription plan, emphasising how unified access improves content consumption for regional audiences.
The Saudi government’s majority ownership in MBC (60%) also suggests strong regional backing for this digital evolution.
With this deal, Netflix becomes more accessible in the MENA region, directly addressing diverse viewer preferences and regional content regulations through a trusted local partner. The union marks a new chapter for streaming services in this highly competitive market.