MBC Launches Arabic Drama Channel, Inks Exclusive Multi-Platform Deal With MTVNI

MBC, the leading pan-Arab free-to-air satellite broadcasting company, expects its new Arabic language TV Drama channel to attract millions of viewers. The channel, targeted to family, will start broadcasting on Saturday and will air series from Egypt, GCC and the Levant. The launch of MBC Drama marks the 10^th channel and the 20^th anniversary of MBC group according to Mazen Hayek, the official spokesman and group director of PR and commercial at the company.

In addition, MBC Group has also signed an exclusive multi-platform deal with MTV Network International, a division of Viacom. Under the agreement, MTVNI will grant the exclusive rights to develop consumer product programmes around hit Nickelodeon properties, Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants and Go, Diego, Go! in the Middle East. The key categories include home furnishing, stationery, apparel, toys, publishing, personal care and fashion accessories and product is expected to roll out from early 2011, according to the company statement.