In a groundbreaking move for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, MBC Group, the region’s largest media and entertainment powerhouse, has announced a strategic partnership with Netflix. This deal marks the first time two major streaming platforms, Shahid and Netflix, will be bundled together. They’ll be offered under a single subscription, redefining how viewers across the region consume content.
One Platform, Two Giants
Through the new agreement, MBCNOW, MBC Group’s entertainment service aggregator launched in February 2025, will now offer access to:
- Shahid’s extensive library of Arabic-language TV shows, films, and documentaries
- Netflix’s full global catalogue of movies, series, and original content
- MBC’s linear TV channels including MBC1, MBC2, MBC3, MBC MAX, and more
This combined offer allows users to subscribe to a single package. This merges local and global entertainment, all from one platform.
A First-of-Its-Kind Offering in the Region
Fadel Zahreddine, Group Director of Emerging Media at MBC Group, described the deal as historic:
“To have two streaming giants, Shahid and Netflix, come together under one platform is something never seen before in Saudi Arabia or the wider MENA region.”
The bundle is not just about convenience, it’s also cost-effective. MBC Group confirmed that this new package will offer subscribers up to 21% savings compared to purchasing Netflix and Shahid separately.
Responding to Changing Viewer Habits
The move comes as streaming preferences evolve across the region. Netflix has enjoyed significant popularity since its MENA launch in 2015, but competition has intensified, especially with the rise of Shahid, known for its strong focus on regional content.
By integrating both services, MBCNOW aims to bridge the gap between digital streaming and traditional broadcast, offering a hybrid content experience that appeals to diverse viewer segments.
Bhanu Chaddha, Director of Distribution and TV Products at MBC Group, commented:
“This is the future of streaming. Our partnership with Netflix lets us deliver world-class entertainment and local favorites through one seamless experience.”
MBC Group’s Expanding Ecosystem
MBC Group’s media empire spans:
- ✅ 17+ TV channels, including general entertainment, movies, and children’s edutainment
- ✅ MBC Studios, producing high-quality content for cinema, TV, and digital platforms
- ✅ Two FM radio stations, MBC FM and Panorama FM, offering Gulf and Arabic music
The group’s unified approach to content creation and delivery has allowed it to stay ahead of market trends, and the Netflix partnership reflects its strategy to embrace digital-first audiences.
Final Thoughts
This partnership marks a new era in MENA’s digital entertainment landscape. By combining regional storytelling with global entertainment powerhouses, MBC Group and Netflix are reshaping how viewers engage with content, all from a single subscription.