In recognition of what it claims is the strong relationship between the broadcaster and the country’s public, MBC Group announces the launch of MBC Iraq, a brand-new entertainment television channel.
The launch, scheduled for the evening Sunday 17 February 2019, is part of MBC Group’s five-year vision to expand and grow its offerings throughout the region. MBC say that its new offering will provide a diverse selection of ‘gripping’ content suitable for the entire Iraqi family.
It adds that the launch of MBC Iraq highlights the Group’s ambition to strengthen its relationship with audiences in Iraq, and this will be reflected in the channel’s first line of programming, consisting of Iraqi productions such as drama and comedy in addition to socio-cultural premium entertainment shows. Viewers can also expect a special, tailored line-up during the Ramadan season, to be announced in due course.
Titles to expect 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.
Iraqi viewers will be able to enjoy a sneak peek 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.
“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,” remarked Sam Barnett, CEO of MBC Group. “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.”