MBC Group has partnered with global entertainment giant Netflix to launch a first-of-its-kind bundled subscription service via its content aggregation platform, MBCNOW. The deal marks Netflix’s debut in a regional streaming bundle, combining its full global catalogue with Shahid, the region’s leading Arabic content platform, and MBC’s award-winning linear TV channels.
Launched earlier this year, MBCNOW aims to bridge the growing demand between traditional television and digital content streaming. This new bundle delivers a single sign-in experience across multiple content ecosystems, now enhanced by the inclusion of Netflix’s global offerings.
The move signals a major strategic shift for Netflix, which has previously operated independently in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. “This groundbreaking partnership is one for the books,” said Fadel Zahreddine, Group Director of Emerging Media at MBC Group. “To have two streaming giants — Shahid and Netflix — come together under one platform is something never seen before in the Kingdom or the broader Arab world.”
Netflix’s Head of Business Development and Partnerships for the Middle East and Africa, Mohammed Al-Kuraishi, called the collaboration a win for consumers. “This partnership simplifies access to an incredible variety of international and Arabic shows, documentaries, kids’ programming, stand-up comedy, live events, and games,” Al-Kuraishi said. “It’s about removing friction and increasing choice.”
The Shahid + Netflix + MBC bundle, which launched across Saudi Arabia this week, promises over 21% in savings compared to purchasing each subscription separately. Available through major retailers and online platforms, the bundle is aimed at households seeking a single, unified media experience. “This is the future of content consumption,” said Bhanu Chaddha, Director of Distribution and TV Products at MBC Group. “We’re delivering not just value, but simplicity and flexibility in how viewers access global and local content.”
Industry analysts say the deal is a major win for regional viewers and a strategic leap for MBC Group as it strengthens its digital footprint in a hyper-competitive landscape. “We’re witnessing the emergence of a super-aggregator model in the MENA region,” said Dr. Rania Al-Khatib, media and digital transformation researcher at King Saud University. “MBC is creating an entertainment hub that rivals global platforms like Amazon Prime Channels or Apple TV+ in structure and ambition.”
The model is already being watched closely by other regional players. According to sources close to regional telecom providers, discussions are underway to offer MBCNOW bundles as part of mobile and broadband packages in 2026—potentially unlocking even broader distribution.
MBCNOW’s launch and this bold bundling strategy are part of a wider transformation for MBC Group, Saudi Arabia’s flagship media entity. Backed by ambitious national digital goals, MBC is positioning itself as a pan-regional entertainment leader in a market projected to exceed $4.5 billion in digital media revenue by 2027. “We’re not just chasing trends; we’re shaping them,” said Zahreddine. “This is about curating an experience that aligns with where audiences are going—and how they want to engage with content.”
The MBCNOW streaming bundle is now available across Saudi Arabia through authorized retailers and e-commerce platforms. Additional regional rollouts in the UAE, Egypt, and Kuwait are expected later this year.
With this groundbreaking partnership, MBC Group is reshaping the streaming landscape by uniting two content powerhouses under one digital roof. As viewing habits evolve, and audiences demand both global breadth and local depth, this bundled offering could set a new standard for how content is curated, distributed, and experienced across the Arab world.
