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.


Mobily celebrates 20th anniversary with new campaign

Updated 26 December 2025
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Mobily celebrates 20th anniversary with new campaign

  • Multiplatform campaign developed by FP7 McCann Riyadh

DUBAI: Saudi telecom giant Mobily has released a new campaign, “Ever Closer,” to mark its 20th anniversary.  

The campaign is “rooted in the insight that the closer people become, the more ‘languages’ they share — from unspoken understanding to shared experiences,” explained Tarek Miknas, CEO of FP7 McCann MENAT, the agency behind the campaign.  

“Our shared ambition was to mark Mobily’s 20-year journey with a story that’s built to last — one that is emotionally resonant, grounded, and capable of powering the Kingdom’s digital future,” he told Arab News. 

The campaign includes a main film, supported by a wide media rollout across billboards, digital, social and retail platforms.  

It represents one of Mobily’s largest media investments to date, spanning out-of-home advertising in major Saudi cities, stadiums, airports and metro stations, as well as placements on TV, video-on-demand platforms such as Shahid, and digital media channels.  

Earlier this month, Mobily announced its first rebrand in 20 years. The rebrand aims to signify a shift in brand focus from functionality to individuality and to resonate with young Saudis, according to a company statement. 

“Mobily’s brand relaunch is more than a campaign — it’s a signal of Saudi Arabia’s creative and commercial confidence on the world stage,” said Miknas.  

He added: “As a homegrown agency network with deep roots in the Kingdom, it’s a privilege to help shape a platform that captures the spirit of a nation in motion.”