Latest news with #MBCGroup
See - Sada Elbalad
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
"Sukkar 2" Gets Streaming Date
Yara Sameh The second entry of the Egyptian family musical film "Sukkar" will make its streaming debut exclusively on the "Shahid" streaming platform on Friday, June 6. The film draws inspiration from U.S. writer Jean Webster's epistolary novel 'Daddy-Long-Legs' and is touted as the Arab world's first musical film in the Western canon. 'Sukkar' features singer Hala Turk, who rose to prominence after being an 'Arabs Got Talent' contestant in 2011, in the lead role alongside a wide range of new young talents from the Arab world. The cast also includes Magda Zaki, Mohamed Tharwat, Reham Elshanawany, Yasmina, Mohamed Harby, Moataz Hesham, and others. The official logline for the film reads:"A beautiful day turns disastrous when the city is struck by a chickenpox outbreak, affecting children and workers at the orphanage. While a doctor develops a vaccine, the children seek help from a magician. Amid these events, Sukkar receives an invitation to the annual circus, where she uncovers a truth that turns her life—and the lives of her friends—upside down." The first entry hit cinemas across the Middle East and North Africa on October 12, 2023 by Beirut-based Empire Entertainment, which is one of the region's top movie distributors. It is scripted by Kuwaiti writer Heba Mishari Hamadai, helmed by Egyptian director Tamer Mahdy, and produced by Saudi-owned broadcasting powerhouse MBC Group in its first. 'Sukkar' also features original songs penned by Hamada and scored by Egyptian composer Ehad Abdel Wahed. The film's lead producer is Samar Akrouk, the group director of production at MBC Group, alongside MBC executive producer Lara Ghazal Nassif and MBC producer Alaa Awada, with executive producer Tamer Mortada and producer Mostafa Al Awadi from Egypt's Aroma Productions. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Arab News
20-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 11,438
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Tadawul All Share Index rose on Tuesday, gaining 32.90 points, or 0.29 percent, to close at 11,438.18. The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR4.85 billion ($1.29 billion), as 132 of the listed stocks advanced, while only 106 retreated. The MSCI Tadawul Index increased by 0.40 points, or 5.86 percent, to close at 1,460.79. The Kingdom's parallel market Nomu rose, gaining 28.91 points, or 0.11 percent, to close at 27,528.56. This comes as 31 of the listed stocks advanced, while 42 retreated. The best-performing stock was MBC Group Co., with its share price surging by 6.01 percent to SR45. Other top performers included National Gypsum Co., which saw its share price rise by 4.49 percent to SR21.42, and Zamil Industrial Investment Co., which saw a 4.19 percent increase to SR46.05. The worst performer of the day was Etihad Atheeb Telecommunication Co., whose share price fell by 4.55 percent to SR100.80. Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Co. and CHUBB Arabia Cooperative Insurance Co. also saw declines, with their shares dropping by 2.66 percent and 2.53 percent to SR285 and SR36.60, respectively. On the announcements front, Alinma Bank has confirmed the commencement of its offering of US dollar-denominated Sustainable Additional Tier 1 Capital Certificates under its Additional Tier 1 Capital Certificate Issuance Program. The offering, which began on May 20, is directed at eligible investors in the Kingdom and internationally, according to a Tadawul statement. The certificates, with a minimum subscription of $200,000, are perpetual and callable after 5.5 years, with terms and pricing subject to market conditions. The statement added that the certificates will be listed on the London Stock Exchange's International Securities Market. In today's trading session, ALINMA's share price traded 0.55 percent higher on the main market to reach SR27.55. Moreover, Asas Makeen Real Estate Development and Investment Co. continued receiving subscription requests for 1 million ordinary shares, equivalent to 10 percent of its capital, at a price of SR80 per share. The offering, approved by the Capital Market Authority, runs from May 19 to 25 on the Nomu parallel market. The company aims to expand its investor base and attract capital to support sustainable growth, with its managed projects exceeding SR3.75 billion in value. Meanwhile, Al-Khozama Investment Co. is accepting subscription requests for 422,400 ordinary shares, which is equivalent to 10.71 percent of its shares on Nomu until May 22, priced between SR99 and SR107 per share. The offering targets qualified investors and supports the company's long-term expansion in Saudi Arabia's hospitality and food and beverage sector.
Broadcast Pro
15-05-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Tech strategies for an evolving modern MENA media ecosystem
In a streaming-first era, relevance and adaptability are vital. As viewing shifts across devices and platforms, businesses tap into real-time audience behaviour to shape agile content strategies. We summarise a discussion during which GCC tech leaders explored hybrid monetisation, AI-driven content creation, recommendation engines, metadata tagging and cross-platform personalisation, all key to engaging diverse audiences. At the BroadcastPro Summit KSA in February, Athanas Jamo, Chief Client Director, Ipsos, moderated an intriguing session on media technology strategies with a panel of industry leaders: Dominic Farrell, Group CTO, MBC Group; Dom Wedgwood, CTO, Arqiva; Nisrine Ghazal, VP Digital, Rotana Media Services; and Peter Van Dam, Chief Broadcasting Officer, Saudi Pro League. With consumption across 80-85% of the GCC, penetration remains high. As streaming shakes this media ecosystem, Jamo queried how broadcasters balance the linear to on-demand shift, and their monetisation, personalisation and AI techniques. From an engagement point of view, it presents challenges, remarked Dominic Farrell, Group CTO of MBC Group. 'The proliferation of smart devices continues to grow with the influx of cheaper, smart enabled devices. We relaunched Shahid in 2019 to transform it from what was traditionally a catchup TV service, because we knew the streaming trend was coming and wanted to be assured of a presence there.' Using exclusive content, windowing, putting newest content onto linear first and then moving it onto the OTT platform are the obvious ways to engage. 'We also look at companion devices. So you could be taking part in a poll or a quiz using your device, while watching a news show or live sport on the main TV. Or you could engage with statistics and replays and the like on a companion device.' The newly released MBC Now box is the broadcaster's first-ever pure streaming device. Later this year, it will launch a hybrid satellite box that will allow customers to plug a box into their existing satellite capabilities to connect to the internet, Farrell confided. Combining the best of free linear and pay-TV in a unified user experience, it will allow customers to browse free content along with other content in a single user interface. 'We believe satellite distribution will remain dominant for entertainment across the MENA for at least the next five to 10 years, and this application will appeal to a majority of customers across the Middle East,' he said. While the streaming legacy continues, media companies reinvent approaches to stay relevant. Instead of having another streaming app in a cluttered market, Rotana looked at digitally transforming its existing channels for monetisation, said Nisrine Ghazal, VP Digital, Rotana Media Services. With 16 channels, 10 of which are free-to-air, Rotana has embedded HBBTV protocols and 'transformed those from analogue to hybrid channels that connect to an ad server we can serve digital advertising on'. Noticing that advertisers require inventory at scale, Rotana created a marketplace wherein other video publishers and broadcasters in the region may also expose their advertising inventory without having to invest in resources. Because digital transformation is a massive investment that several publishers and broadcasters are struggling with, 'we do a revenue share model so you're not really investing in anything at the start'. 'We provide a comprehensive end-to-end advertising solution powered by cutting-edge ad technology. Our investment in the most advanced video ad server ensures optimal performance, while our direct integrations with leading SSPs and DSPs streamline the entire ecosystem. We also offer a dedicated sales force to maximise monetisation opportunities. Understanding that publishers and broadcasters are cautious about sharing data, the Rotana solution analyses audience behaviour and key parameters to build insightful audience profiles, enhancing targeting while maintaining data privacy.' In this distinctly hybrid landscape, leveraging the best know-how becomes crucial for broadcasters of sport when it comes to fan engagement. 'As a league, we have an obligation towards our broadcasters and rights holders to ensure they get the right content and good content,' emphasised Peter Van Dam, Chief Broadcasting Officer, Saudi Pro League (SPL). 'Our focus is fan engagement and making sure we bring the excitement and atmosphere in the stadium to the viewer at home.' Football being top entertainment on its own, the SPL is viewed in 49 countries, but getting the bigger audiences to stay means adding value to content. 'We do that with short forms and by distributing additional footage that's not seen in the world feed itself. Each region is different – Brazil, China, [non-Nordic] Europe, the Nordic countries – all of them come with their unique tastes. So technology becomes very important in the personalisation of feeds and products that we deliver.' Good streaming performance requires state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology that can take on the challenge, commented Dom Wedgwood, CTO, Arqiva. 'Our responsibility as a trusted managed-service provider is to make sure we help broadcasters and rights holders make the right choices in a hybrid world. With different distribution models, we look at products and services that can operate in today's complex landscape. 'It means using the best technologies, whether that be IP and software, deployed either in the cloud or on-premise. This is especially important to get right when there is need for heightened awareness around cyber security, or quality and latency requirements specific to sport. We are thinking about products and services that allow one operation that can satisfy streaming and broadcast capabilities in a unified way.' Infrastructure when streaming live events is about understanding the whole flow of where the content has come from, whether a live studio or football stadium. 'What you have at the last point, how you encode that and post on the internet, determines how well it is accepted by all the devices, from the ones that don't cope so well to the most modern connected TVs,' he added. A lot of publishers look at the content side of the business without paying much heed to monetisation, Ghazal pointed out. 'They build their platforms on products that don't necessarily connect with the right ad servers or play out proper ads and video content in the way they're supposed to. Platforms need to pay attention to ad solutions because that is a sustainable model. They cannot rely on just subscription.' With AI fundamentally changing the way the media industry operates, balancing innovation with cost-effective and reliable tech solutions is necessary. 'AI is perfect at driving incremental efficiencies,' stated Farrell. 'We are using it to create five-minute or 10-minute sports clips or for highlights, and then targeting customers based on their viewing durations. Having AI automatically format and reformat content is extremely useful. 'We are using it to do first-run passes on all content, to check for nudity or profanity. Additionally, we are also looking into how we can use AI to breathe new life into old content. We are delving into our deep archive of '40s and '50s content which was originally shot in low-quality black-and-white, and using AI we can convert them into both HD and colour. Essentially this would allow us to re-monetise content that had previously lost its appeal.' Partnering with technology solutions providers who have AI within their systems helps optimise monetisation strategies. 'From a data standpoint, we've partnered with said Ghazal. 'They look at various parameters for audience behaviour across platforms, which are then brought into our DMP and build audience profiles. A lot of publishers are hesitant in providing those data parameters, so we are using AI to build profiles.' For ad-serving solutions, Rotana has partnered with SpringServe to enhance campaign efficiency and brand safety. Its AI-powered programmatic solution automatically scans advertiser creatives to detect any content that may conflict with or compete against the broadcaster airing it. This automated screening serves as the first layer of review. 'If any content is flagged as questionable, it is then escalated for human verification, ensuring that AI enhances the process without replacing the critical oversight of manual review,' said Ghazal. 'It's an efficiency standpoint; we don't disrupt the audience behaviour.' Rotana is also working with brands to use AI for seamless integration of ads, such as dynamically inserting a soda can in a lunch scene or a cream in a bedroom. While AI is being administered, ethical outcomes must be considered. 'Even though we're broadcasting live games, we maintain a rigorous internal quality control process and uphold a clear ethical code throughout,' said Van Dam. 'We monitor it at all times, making sure whatever goes on air is top quality. It's not just about censorship; a lot of times on TikTok or other verticals we don't see the goal or the player, just a green field. This was probably AI-created and nobody looked at it before it was published, adding no value whatsoever. When we publish our highlights, it is still manually adjusted or extended or shortened to ensure that it is visually and factually appealing and right.' Businesses can be classified as AI-ready or accelerated. While there are use cases that companies take on as innovation opportunities, 'the overarching message is that it's okay to only be getting ready, because most companies have to first make sure their data is organised appropriately', said Wedgwood. 'At the core of Arqiva is a security and data business managing critical national infrastructure in the UK for broadcast. Knowing the security of the data, of where it is and what we're doing with it, is paramount.' The new Arqiva is leaning into the OTT ecosystem with dynamic ad insertion and personalisation, with a mission to help get content to every single end device. 'Our brand-new cloud playout platform, which can be on-prem as well, works around the different methods that we serve content for traditional broadcast, OTT and content creators. That ecosystem is huge. For example, one Manchester United creator has nearly four million subscribers. They require lightweight tools, and when we build things we want to give them infrastructure that can help with personalisation and monetisation.' Within this streaming ecosystem, there is huge potential for innovation – there's absolute control and capability between the encoder, origin, playout and player. 'All of those are different opportunities for the content to be adapted, from HTML graphics, promotional content, monetisation or otherwise – that's a huge and exciting space we are in,' commented Wedgwood. Beyond the infrastructure and emerging technologies is data sharing that is crucial for all monetisation strategies, reiterated Ghazal. 'Whether it's a behavioural target, contextual, whether it's lookalikes, cross-device platforms or something else, we need that information to be able to generate money for broadcasters. Secondly, all channels must have proper manifests and SCTE markers that make the experience seamless for the viewer and broadcaster. 'Thirdly, programmatic advertising – it is not only open auction, but there are also models today that don't involve open auction, whether they are PG deals or PMP deals. We as ad resellers or sellers negotiate with specific clients and create deals within those closed parameters.' Everything starts with data, particularly with personalisation, agreed Farrell. 'Customer data platforms aggregate data, and hyper-personalisation is about combining data sources to give the most accurate representation of viewers, which fundamentally impacts recommendations.' Eventually, it is about listening to viewers and fans, said Van Dam. 'To make sure we can provide content specifically tailored for regions, and more importantly to everybody. Sometimes we hear the younger generation doesn't want to see a full game anymore, only a recap in 15 minutes, that's the way they consume. We must adapt constantly and stay dynamic.' It is also about not 'ruining the experience, because your viewers will churn if every time there's an ad, there is a flash frame of something else', said Wedgwood. 'If that SCTE marker and the timing hasn't been thought about, if it's not the right quality and not a TV-like experience, people will leave. As much as we're changing to watch it on other devices, we still want it to be like TV – seamless. And the key to that is real-time data and focused analytics about the quality of experience.' Zenith Media forecasts that by 2026, CTV advertising spend in MENA will reach half a billion dollars. 'The biggest challenge is that if broadcasters attempt to sell digital advertising on their video platforms independently, they lack the scale and volume needed to attract advertisers,' said Ghazal. 'That's why the aggregated marketplace we've built is so crucial, and especially for smaller players. It allows them to be part of a consolidated opportunity that advertisers can easily access. Without this, advertisers will continue to allocate their budgets to platforms like YouTube for scale, which currently we believe captures about 80% of that half-billion-dollar spend. Unfortunately, that valuable ad revenue won't be redistributed or reinvested within the region, ultimately limiting industry growth and sustainability.' As new devices keep coming, creating a consistent consumer proposition across all device types can pull businesses back to the lowest common denominator. It can hinder innovation. Understanding that complexity, and choosing the right partners and suppliers, will help move the system forward and at the same time create a seamless user experience across all devices and platforms.
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi: MBC Group achieves $70.26mln profits amid solid revenue growth in Q1-25
Riyadh - MBC Group generated 117.27% year-on-year (YoY) higher net profits at SAR 263.51 million in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, compared to SAR 121.28 million. Earnings per share (EPS) increased to SAR 0.70 in Q1-25 from SAR 0.33 in Q1-24, according to the financial results. The revenues amounted to SAR 2.04 billion as of 31 March 2025, an annual leap of 65.39% from SAR 1.23 billion. Quarterly, the Q1-25 net profits climbed by 50.05% from SAR 175.61 million in Q4-24, while the revenues soared by 64.86% from SAR 1.23 billion. Mike Sneesby, CEO of MBC Group, commented: "Our first quarter results underscore MBC Group's market leadership, with solid revenue growth and robust profitability driven by peaks in viewership and advertising during Ramadan.' Sneesby added: 'Looking ahead, we will continue to invest in long-term business growth and sustainable profitability, prioritizing premium content that resonates with our audiences, and harnessing AI to streamline operations and enhance personalization, all while maintaining clear, disciplined engagement with our investors.' As of 31 December 2024, the net profits of MBC Group jumped by 2,327% YoY to SAR 426.13 million. Source: Mubasher
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
MBC to build new headquarters in Diriyah's Media and Innovation District
RIYADH — MBC Group has signed a land transfer agreement with Diriyah Company to develop its new regional headquarters in Diriyah, marking a major step in Saudi Arabia's efforts to become a global media and cultural hub. The new headquarters will serve as a center for content production, creative innovation, and entertainment, positioning MBC in the heart of Diriyah's emerging Media and Innovation District. The agreement includes plans to construct advanced studios, corporate offices, and an immersive visitor experience center. The development forms part of the broader Diriyah giga-project, a $18.6 billion initiative aimed at transforming Diriyah into one of the world's premier cultural destinations. Once complete, the project will include world-class venues such as the Royal Diriyah Opera House and Diriyah Arena, along with luxury hotels, restaurants, retail districts, and educational institutions. Commenting on the agreement, Minister of Tourism and Secretary General of Diriyah Company, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, described the partnership as a 'powerful statement of intent,' underscoring Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a global center for storytelling and creative exchange. MBC Group Chairman Waleed bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim said the new headquarters will support the Kingdom's strategic vision to elevate the media and entertainment sector. 'This move strengthens our commitment to local content creation and positions MBC as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's creative industries,' he said. Mike Sneesby, CEO of MBC Group, emphasized the project's alignment with MBC's long-term goals, noting: 'We are proud to be part of Diriyah's evolution into a world-class cultural capital. Our new complex will be a space where creativity, content, and talent thrive.' Diriyah Company CEO Jerry Inzerillo welcomed MBC as the first flagship tenant of the Media and Innovation District launched earlier this year, highlighting the project's role in attracting top-tier talent and industry players across media, technology, and the arts. The designated land plot will be developed under a comprehensive Development Works Agreement. The move follows MBC's earlier expansion milestones, including the launch of studios in Al Narjis in 2024 and the opening of its headquarters in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter in 2022. The group currently employs more than 2,000 staff across its platforms. — SG © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
