MBC Group to build new HQ in Diriyah in partnership with Diriyah Company
MBC Group has signed a land transfer agreement with Diriyah Company to develop a new state-of-the-art headquarters in Diriyah, known as 'The City of Earth' and the historic birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This strategic partnership will see the creation of a modern media hub that merges content production, innovation and immersive entertainment in one of the Kingdom's most ambitious giga-projects.
The new MBC headquarters will feature corporate offices, cutting-edge filming studios and a dedicated visitor experience centre, positioning the Group at the heart of Diriyah's emerging business and cultural district, just 15 minutes from downtown Riyadh. The initiative underscores Diriyah's appeal as a prime destination for world-class institutions and reinforces MBC's role as a major force in Saudi Arabia's rapidly evolving media landscape.
Both MBC and Diriyah Company view this collaboration as a key contribution to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals, aiming to elevate the Kingdom's profile as a global media and cultural hub. The development will be guided by a comprehensive Development Works Agreement between the two parties.
The project will be part of Diriyah's expansive urban development, which is set to house nearly 100,000 residents, create over 178,000 jobs and contribute $18.6bn (SAR 70bn) to Saudi Arabia's GDP. The 14-sq-km development will also include the Royal Diriyah Opera House, Diriyah Arena, luxury hotels, restaurants, retail districts and educational institutions, making it one of the world's premier cultural and lifestyle destinations.
MBC Group, which already operates more than 13 free-to-air TV channels, three radio stations, the Arabic streaming platform Shahid, MBC Studios and MBC Academy, continues to expand its regional footprint. The group launched its Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter headquarters in 2022 and opened advanced production facilities in Al Narjis in 2024, where the first studio began operating in Q3. MBC currently employs over 2,000 staff and remains committed to growing local content creation and talent development in the Kingdom.
Commenting on the announcement, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Secretary General of Diriyah Company, said: 'This partnership is a powerful statement of intent. As Diriyah emerges as a cultural and creative capital for the world, welcoming MBC Group at its heart signals a bold new chapter. Together, we are shaping a future where Saudi Arabia is not only a destination, but a dynamic source of inspiration, storytelling, and global exchange — a place where the world comes to experience the Kingdom, and where the Kingdom reaches out to the world.'
Waleed bin Ibrahim AlIbrahim, Chairman of MBC Group, commented: 'Establishing our new headquarters in Diriyah is part of our commitment to Vision 2030. This step not only expands our regional presence, but also supports the Kingdom's vision to strengthen the media and entertainment sector, foster innovation, and drive progress in the creative industries—especially as the growing demand for high-quality, original Arabic content continues to be a key driver in the development of the media industry across the Middle East and North Africa region.
He added: 'Through initiatives such as the launch of MBC's new studios in Al-Narjis last year, and the establishment of the group's new headquarters in Diriyah, we remain focused on supporting the development and production of local content, investing in local talent, and advancing the media and entertainment landscape at the heart of the Kingdom—enriching the region's creative scene and elevating it to a global level.'
Mike Sneesby, CEO of MBC Group, stated: 'This partnership marks a significant milestone for MBC Group, aligning closely with our long-term vision and growth strategy. Diriyah is rapidly becoming a global hub for culture, creativity and entertainment, and we are proud to be part of this exciting development. Our goal is to create a space where world-class content, creativity, and talent can thrive. We will continue to produce content that resonates with audiences worldwide, while highlighting the Middle East's rich history and culture, with Saudi Arabia at its core.'
Jerry Inzerillo, CEO, Diriyah Company Group, noted: 'We are enormously proud to welcome MBC as our first flagship tenant in the Media and Innovation District launched earlier this year at MIPIM in Cannes. This district will include innovative office space for thousands of professionals in a variety of sectors across the media, technology and the arts industries, as well as residential and hotels offerings found nowhere else but in Diriyah.'
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