MBC Group announces partnership extension with NBCUniversal

As part of the multi-year agreement MBC Group will broadcast Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation titles, such as “Despicable Me,” “Shark Tale” and “Shrek.” (AFP/File)
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Updated 17 March 2023
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MBC Group announces partnership extension with NBCUniversal

  • Multi-year agreement will bring expanded US content to Middle East audiences

LONDON: MBC Group, the largest media company in the Middle East and North Africa region, announced on Friday the extension of its partnership with US entertainment corporation NBCUniversal.

With the extension of its licensing agreement with NBCUniversal, MBC Group will continue to show Hollywood movies by Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation in the region.

“We are pleased to extend our licensing deal with NBCUniversal. This deal allows us to bring top Hollywood titles to our audiences in the region,” Sam Barnett, CEO of MBC Group, said.

“Through our collaboration, we are not only able to expand the reach of NBCUniversal content but also to work together to offer a range of films to different groups of people. We can bring major action and drama franchises, as well as family-friendly animations, to our various demographics.”

As part of the multi-year agreement, MBC Group, which owns video-on-demand service Shahid, will broadcast Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation titles, such as “Despicable Me,” “Shark Tale” and “Shrek.”

Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation family-focused features will also be broadcast on MBC2, MBC’s English-language movie channel.

“We are delighted to extend our longstanding relationship with MBC Group through this new licensing deal,” said Belinda Menendez, president and chief revenue officer for NBCUniversal Global Distribution.


DCO and Arab News partner to combat digital misinformation, explore AI’s impact on media

Updated 06 February 2026
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DCO and Arab News partner to combat digital misinformation, explore AI’s impact on media

KUWAIT CITY: The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and the international Saudi newspaper Arab News have signed a Letter of Engagement aimed at strengthening knowledge and expertise exchange on the impact of artificial intelligence in the media sector, as well as leveraging expert insights to develop best practices to combat online misinformation amid accelerating technological advancements.

DCO said this step aligned with its efforts to strengthen collaboration with international media institutions to support responsible dialogue around digital transformation and contribute to building a more reliable, inclusive, and sustainable digital media environment.

Commenting on the agreement, Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, said: “At a moment when AI is reshaping how truth is produced, distributed, and trusted, partnership with credible media institutions is essential.”

She added that “working with Arab News allows us to bridge technology and journalism in a way that protects integrity, strengthens public trust, and elevates responsible innovation. This collaboration is about equipping media ecosystems with the tools, insight, and ethical grounding needed to navigate AI’s impact, while ensuring digital transformation serves people and their prosperity.”

Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, emphasized that the partnership enhances media institutions’ ability to keep pace with technological shifts, noting that engagement with representatives of DCO Member States enables deeper understanding of emerging technologies and regulatory developments in the digital space.

He added: “DCO’s commitment to initiatives addressing online content integrity reflects a clear dedication to supporting a responsible digital environment that serves societies and strengthens trust in the digital ecosystem.”

The Letter of agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Fifth DCO General Assembly held in Kuwait City under the theme “Inclusive Prosperity in the Age of AI”, alongside the second edition of the International Digital Cooperation Forum, held from 4–5 February, which brought together ministers, policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives from more than 60 countries to strengthen international cooperation toward a human-centric, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy.