MBC launches Arab version of reality TV show ‘Million Dollar Island’

The challenges will test contestants’ mental and physical abilities, as well as their social skills. (MBC/File)
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Updated 04 May 2023
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MBC launches Arab version of reality TV show ‘Million Dollar Island’

  • Filmed in NEOM, 100 participants from the Arab world will compete for $1m grand prize

LONDON: MBC announced the launch of “Ard Al-Million” — or “Million Dollar Land” — a new adventure reality TV that will see 100 participants from across the Arab world compete for the chance to win a $1 million grand prize.

The new TV show, filmed in Saudi Arabia’s NEOM, is based on the international Dutch-founded format, “Million Dollar Island.”

“The program’s idea is unique, revolving around competitions lasting for 40 days in total. The participants will live together through the good times and the bad,” the show’s producer, Hussein Jaber, said.

“Audiences are in for a gripping and tense competition full of twists and turns!”

Produced in partnership with Blue Engine Studios, “Ard Al-Million” will be hosted by Saudi actor Mohamed El Shehri.

The game show is a social experiment-style reality TV show that challenges 100 contestants to survive in the harsh Saudi Arabian desert for 40 days.

Upon arrival, each contestant will be given a numbered bracelet worth $10,000 and put into groups so the group is in possession of 100 bracelets worth $1 million in total.

While in NEOM, contestants will be able to gain and lose bracelets through various challenges, but if they are eliminated for any reason, they will not be able to take any of the money they have made so far.

The challenges will test contestants’ mental and physical abilities, as well as their social skills. Participants will need to form alliances, make deals, and be prepared to betray others in order to survive and win the grand prize.

“With the goal being to collect the largest possible number of bracelets, contestants will not only have to compete smartly, but also forge the right friendships in the process. They all want to be able to walk away with that $1 million total in the end,” continued Jaber.

“But part of the thrill lies in the competition’s unpredictability since only those who choose to leave the competition are the ones who get to offer their bracelet to another competitor. So, friendships forged might not necessarily pay off!”

“Ard Al-Million” will broadcast every Wednesday night on MBC Group’s TV channels, MBC1 and MBC IRAQ and on Shahid from May 3.


Asharq Business with Bloomberg, Nasdaq to bring real-time US equities data to MENA

Updated 13 January 2026
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Asharq Business with Bloomberg, Nasdaq to bring real-time US equities data to MENA

  • Nasdaq to deliver exclusive real-time US equities market data
  • Real-time updates fully integrated into Asharq Business’ data infrastructure and available across all platforms

RIYADH: Asharq Business with Bloomberg, the region’s leading business and financial news multi-platform channel, announced Tuesday a strategic three-year collaboration with Nasdaq, to deliver exclusive real-time US equities market data and updates to investors and decision-makers across the Middle East. 

Through access to Nasdaq’s official data product, Nasdaq Last Sale (NLS), Asharq Business with Bloomberg will receive real-time last-sale trade updates and calculated insights across major US exchanges directly from the Nasdaq Market Center. The collaboration strengthens market transparency, enhances data-driven storytelling, and provides audiences and partners with deeper insight into global financial activity. 

With a rapidly growing investor base in the region — and with Nasdaq serving as a primary destination for many Arab and regional investors — Asharq Business with Bloomberg reinforces its mission to deliver timely, accurate, and exclusive financial updates by integrating NLS data into its digital platforms, live markets coverage, and broader data ecosystem. 

Leveraging its partnership with Bloomberg Media — which grants access to reporting from over 2,700 journalists and analysts worldwide — Asharq Business with Bloomberg continues to build on its reputation as the region’s most trusted and credible multi-platform business news source. The collaboration with Nasdaq underscores its commitment to providing reliable, data-backed content across social, digital, and streaming platforms, available for audiences anytime and anywhere. 

Dr Nabeel Al Khatib, General Manager of Asharq News Network, commented: “It has been five years since the inception of Asharq Business with Bloomberg, and our audience has always been at the center of everything we do. We invest time and effort to understand what matters to them, ensuring we deliver data and stories that genuinely support informed decision-making. With growing regional interest in global markets, our collaboration with Nasdaq marks a strategic step toward offering a clearer, more comprehensive view of international financial activity. Through Nasdaq Last Sale, we aim to further empower our audience with transparent, real-time insights, strengthening their ability to navigate an increasingly interconnected global investment landscape.” 

The Nasdaq leadership team added: “We are pleased to collaborate with Asharq Business with Bloomberg to broaden access to high-quality US market data in the Middle East. Through Nasdaq Last Sale, we aim to enhance transparency, support informed decision-making, and contribute to a more connected global investor community.”