With a comprehensive content-rich new grid of flagship programs and introducing "Arabs' Got Talent"

Cairo, January 11th, 2011: MBC4 announced its comprehensive and content-rich new grid of locally produced flagship programs, coupled with those acquired globally, with its aim to continue raising the levels of engagement with Arab women and simultaneously widen its audience base to young Arab families.

In this context, the channel announced the launch of a multitude of new programs and series, most notably the top-rated global TV format "Got Talent" in its Arabic version: "Arabs' Got Talent".

During a press conference held for the occasion, MBC Group's Official Spokesman Mazen Hayek, also Group Director of PR and Commercial, highlighted the most prominent features of those new programs and series that will launch on MBC4 in this season, starting with "Arabs' Got Talent", which fosters the exceptional skills of young and talented Arabs in various fields, including singing, acting, dancing, juggling, and acrobatics among others. "Arabs' Got Talent" brings together hundreds of participants who compete to excel and win while they embody the hopes, dreams and aspirations of the Young generation. The program jury is composed of renowned Lebanese singer Najwa Karam, famous Egyptian media figure Amr Adib, and Lebanese media advisor and academic Ali Jaber; it's presented by Raya Abi Rashed, and Saudi artist Qusai Kheder.


On another note, and if the popular proverb says "lying is the adornment of men" then, the truth is in "Moment of Truth" and even the real winner of men and women alike! There is no escape from telling the truth, nothing but the truth, when answering tough personal questions addressed by well-known Syrian actor-turned presenter Abbas Al Nouri, especially since each participant is subject to a "polygraph" test in parallel to his or her on-screen appearance. The opportunity is offered to the winning participant to grab up-to 500,000 Saudi Riyals in the final program stage.

Furthermore, and from a local drama production perspective, MBC4 will air "Men Wanted", a series based on the endorsement of everyday common lifestyles of several women from different Arab countries, under one roof, and what faces them in terms of daily challenges and opportunities - that might bring them closer or further away from each other! Overseeing the work is Director Hatem Ali, and the series stars famous actress Jumana Murad, Sameh Al Sureiti, Nadine Noujeim, Safa Sultan, Mareh Jabr, and Kinda Alloush among others. As for the Direction of photography, it is attributed to both Sami Al Jundi and Samer Barqawi.

MBC4 will also air the new series "Al Jamia'a" ("The University"), considered as the first drama series targeting Arab youth, in both form and content, as the plots take place at the university campus and addresses the concerns of today's youth of various Arab nationalities; the series mostly showcases new representations of young actors and actresses for the first time, positioning the series in a youthful dimension, and enabling emerging talent to stand out. The series is directed by Hani Khalifa.

Last but not least, in a society where a number of people might believe in the existence of hidden forces that affect our daily lives, MBC4 introduces the thriller drama series "Abwab El Khof" ("Gates of Fear") which tackles relevant stories and issues that could be described as metaphysical - to which science is sometimes unable to find answers! The series is produced by Al Karma Edutainment, starring Amr Waked, and Jamil Ratteb, as well as Rashwan Tawfik Khalil Mursi, Rauf Mustafa and Rania Shaheen, among others. The series is directed by Ahmed Khaled, while the script writing is a collective effort by 9 different authors.

It is worth noting that in addition to it's enhanced premium local content, MBC4 will continue to air world renowned programs such as Oprah, Friends, The Doctors, The Psych and others, in addition to acquired soap operas from different origins dubbed into Arabic, such as the Turkish "Forbidden Love" and the likes.

-Ends-

About MBC4
MBC4 is the Arab world's first exclusive tailored channel for Women and young Arab Families. It broadcasts the latest in top-rated Western content entertainment in addition to locally produced flagship programming. The channel airs prime-time shows such as Oprah, Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, The Doctors Show, Friends, House, The Office, American Idol, America's Got Talent, So You Think You Can Dance, The Psych and the popular Turkish Drama soaps dubbed into Arabic.

Today, the channel is more geared towards MBC Group's own local flagship productions, as well as towards some acquired Arabic content from across the MENA region. MBC4 will soon air the biggest production ever in the Arab TV history: "ARABS' GOT TALENT" (starting January 14, 2011).

About MBC Group
MBC Group is the first private free-to-air satellite broadcasting company in the Arab World which was launched in London in 1991 and later moved to its headquarters in Dubai in 2002. Over the past 20 years, MBC Group has grown to become a well-established media group that enriches people's lives through information, interaction and entertainment.  Based in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, MBC Group includes 10 television channels: MBC1 (general family entertainment), MBC2 and MBC MAX (24-hour movies), MBC3 (children's entertainment), MBC4 (entertainment for new Arab women), MBC Action (action series and movies), MBC Persia (24-hour movie channel dubbed in Farsi) , Al Arabiya (the 24-hour Arabic language news channel); Wanasah (24-hour Arabic music channel) and MBC DRAMA coinciding with the Group's 20th anniversary, and offers 24/7 Arabic Drama; the Group also includes two radio stations: MBC FM (Gulf music), and Panorama FM (contemporary Arabic hit music); as well as O3 productions, a specialized documentary production unit.   It has also several online platforms: www.mbc.net, www.alarabiya.net, www.alaswaq.net, and www.shahid.net, the first free VOD portal in the Arab world.

For further information, please contact:
Ruba Al Ayed
Group PR Manager
MBC Group
Tel: +971 56 6038358
Email: ruba.alayed@mbc.net

© Press Release 2011