Saudi channel Al-Thaqafeyah to broadcast BAFTA film awards exclusively across MENA

Scottish actor David Tennant is set to host the ceremony
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Updated 17 February 2024
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Saudi channel Al-Thaqafeyah to broadcast BAFTA film awards exclusively across MENA

  • Sophie Ellis-Bextor will perform ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ two decades after its release

RIYADH: Al-Thaqafeyah, a Saudi cultural channel operated by MBC Group, has announced that it is the exclusive Middle East and North Africa broadcaster of this year’s BAFTA film awards.

Set to be broadcast live from London’s Royal Festival Hall on Sunday, Feb. 18, the ceremony promises a night of glamor, celebration and performances, showcasing “the best of British and global cinema.”

Hosted by the acclaimed actor David Tennant, the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards will celebrate exceptional achievements in film, performance and craftsmanship over the past year, highlighting the power of storytelling and creativity.

In a special highlight of the evening, British singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor will take to the stage to perform the hit “Murder on the Dancefloor.” More than two decades after its release, the song has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in popularity, thanks in large part to the film “Saltburn.”

With the track becoming a viral sensation — inspiring countless TikTok videos and climbing international charts — Ellis-Bextor’s performance at the film awards marks a notable moment in the song’s legacy.

The event starts at 5:45 p.m. GMT, live from the red carpet, hosted by Clara Amfo and Alex Zane. The main awards show begins at 7 p.m. GMT.

Both events will be broadcast live on Al-Thaqafeyah via free-to-air television and online through Shahid, the Arabic streaming platform.


DCO and Arab News agree to exchange expertise in media and AI

Updated 06 February 2026
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DCO and Arab News agree to exchange expertise in media and AI

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.