BBC Kids Content Launching in the Middle East

BBC Studios has inked a deal with MBC Group to launch BBC Kids content on the Shahid Arabic streaming platform.

The launch makes the Middle East the sixth market to introduce the BBC Kids brand, following previous debuts in Australia (April 2021), the U.S. (January 2022), Taiwan (July 2022), South Africa (September 2022) and, most recently, India (July 2023).

BBC Kids will offer 200 hours of premium programming, fully dubbed into the Arabic language. New series available on the SVOD service for preschoolers include JoJo and Gran Gran and several titles from the Andy’s Adventures collection. There’s also Deadly 60 and Junior Bake Off.

In addition to the launch of BBC Kids, the preschool animation Hey Duggee seasons one through three will make its free-to-air debut across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and North Africa through children’s channel MBC3.

Andrea Raman, director of business development for Nordics, MENA and Turkey at BBC Studios, said: “We are excited to bring BBC Kids to Shahid, allowing our critically acclaimed content to connect with a broader audience and enhance the entertainment experience for kids and families in the Middle East. The inclusion of Hey Duggee on MBC3 channel strengthens our commitment to providing exceptional content that teaches valuable lessons in a fun and accessible way and is accessible both in digital and linear.”

Tareq Al-Ibrahim, director of content at Shahid, added: “Shahid’s exciting kids’ library stands out thanks to the richness of its educational and entertaining content while also ensuring a trusted and safe viewing experience for families across the Arab world. Today, with the launch of BBC Kids, we are bringing more globally renowned and award-winning content to the Middle East and North Africa through Shahid and MBC Group’s channels.”

He continued: “We’re excited to add a plethora of titles online, bringing over 200 hours of new kids’ content to Shahid. We’re always looking to add the best value and experiences for our important young viewers!”