In the biggest content partnership agreement the company has ever embarked upon, Ooredoo has signed a seven-year deal with MBC Group, granting it exclusive rights in Qatar to premium high-definition (HD) content.
MBC Group channels are currently in the most-watched list on Ooredoo services, and with this partnership, Ooredoo will become the sole distributor for the MENA pay-TV giant in its home territory. Under the terms of the deal, Ooredoo tv will hold exclusive rights to all MBC HD channels including MBC1, MBC2, MBC3, MBC4, MBC Drama, MBC MAX, MBC Action, as well as any future HD additions. Ooredoo tv customers will also have exclusive access to MBC+ channels such as MBC+ Drama and MBC+ Variety be able to enjoy coverage of programming such as Bab Al‑Hara, Omar, Arab Idol, The Voice and Arabs Got Talent.
Ooredoo tv launched in February 2016 and now claims more than 40,000 subscribers. The addition of HD channels and exclusive content from MBC adds another essential element to its entertainment offering, said Ooredoo Qatar chief executive officer Waleed Al Sayed. He added: “This agreement will provide Ooredoo tv with exclusive HD coverage in Qatar of some of the most popular TV programmes across MENA. This is a milestone for our entertainment portfolio, as we continue to strive to provide the content our customers want, with the highest quality picture and widest choice of channels. But this is just the beginning, and more exciting offerings will be revealed soon.”
MBC Group CEO, Sam Barnett, remarked: "MBC is proud of its leading position in producing the MENA region's best available content and in offering flagship shows enjoyed by millions of viewers and browsers across the Middle-East. Today's partnership brings together MBC's content with Ooredoo's platform in Qatar to provide an even better service for the target audience.”
The first stage of the Ooredoo-MBC partnership will launch on 1 September 2016, with Ooredoo gaining exclusive access to all MBC HD content in Qatar. Those using other entertainment services in Qatar will still be able to watch MBC Bollywood, MBC Masr, MBC Masr 2 and Wanasah channels in standard definition.