MBC Group has announced the launch of MBC Iraq, a family-oriented entertainment channel for Iraqi viewers. With the launch, the Group aims to strengthen its relationship with Iraqi audiences while also expanding and growing its offerings in MENA as part of its five-year vision. MBC Iraq will launch with several Iraqi productions such as drama and comedy as well as socio-cultural premium entertainment shows. A special, tailored line-up for Ramadan will also be announced in due time.
While the official launch of the channel is scheduled for the evening of Sunday, 17 February 2019, Iraqi viewers will have a preview of what’s to come with the airing of two specials: The first on Friday 15 February, with the broadcast of Winter at Tantora, a Saudi cultural festival featuring a number of Iraqi singing stars including Kadhim al-Saher and Ilham al-Madfai.
The second will be the debut of the sixth season of Arab’s Got Talent at 9pm Iraq time on Saturday 16 February 2019.
Speaking about the launch, Sam Barnett, CEO of MBC Group said: “MBC Iraq is the result of the purposeful vision of Chairman of the Board, Sheikh Waleed Al-Ibrahim, and the culmination of MBC Group’s five-year expansion and growth plan, which we announced in the last quarter of 2018. MBC Iraq is a premium television network that caters to the needs of a sophisticated Iraqi audience, offering exclusive and premium content suitable for all members of the family and all age groups. Our aim is to offer increased localised productions, offering opportunities to Iraqi talent and prospects in media to its youth.”
MBC has been televising Iraqi dramas, featuring Iraqi talent including superstar singers and many TV stars, for many years. A company statement also said that many Iraqis have contributed to the growth of MBC Group through their hard work in HR, admin, technical, production, and other departments since the company’s establishment in 1991, .
Titles to expect on MBC Iraq include the social comedy show, Koma D; the music programme Sahraya with Iraqi singing star Hatem Al-Iraqi; the cultural show Al-Nahr Al-Thalath with Alaa Al-Hussein; Al-Laylah Wayah Da’adoush talk show; and the lifestyle programme Bait Beauty.
