MBC Persia
| Type | Satellite television |
|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Broadcast area | Middle East and North Africa |
| Headquarters | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Programming | |
| Languages | Persian – subtitles and dubbing |
| Picture format | 1080p (HDTV) 576i (SDTV) |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | MBC Group |
| Sister channels | |
| History | |
| Launched | 9 July 2008 |
| Availability | |
| Streaming media | |
| MBC Shahid | Watch Online (HD) |
| YouTube | Official YouTube channel |
MBC Persia (Persian: امبیسی پرشیا) is a free-to-air Saudi Arabian television channel owned by the media conglomerate MBC Group. The channel primarily broadcasts movies and television series for Iranian audiences, with all programmes subtitled or dubbed in Persian.[1]
History
Initial launch and closure (2008–2013)
MBC Persia was first launched on 9 July 2008 by the MBC Group as a 24-hour free-to-air satellite channel.[2] The station was established to provide Western entertainment to Persian-speaking audiences in Iran and the wider region. During this first phase, the channel’s programming consisted primarily of Hollywood films and American television series broadcast with Persian subtitles. Despite achieving significant viewership, the channel was "shelved" in 2013 as part of a strategic shift within the MBC Group.
Relaunch and strategic shift (2018–present)
On 6 October 2018, MBC Group officially relaunched MBC Persia with a focus on a "family entertainment" model to compete with other major Persian-language broadcasters.[3] The relaunch marked a move away from subtitled-only content toward a more diverse programming slate, including dubbed international dramas and original Persian-language programming like Persia's Got Talent. During this period, the channel was broadcast via the Al-Yah satellite, which is now defunct.[4]
Corporate status and 2026 operations
The channel is currently operated as part of the MBC Group's central headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As of 2026, MBC Persia continues to expand its localized content, featuring in the group’s coordinated programming launches alongside the MBC Shahid digital platform.[5]
See also
References
- ^ Argaam (27 June 2024). "MBC Group still the leading general‑entertainment broadcaster in Saudi Arabia". Argaam. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
- ^ Jaafar, Ali (7 July 2008). "MBC launching Farsi-language channel". Variety. Retrieved 22 January 2026.
- ^ Radio Farda (5 October 2018). "Saudi MBC Launching New TV Channel For Iran's 'Youth'". Radio Farda. Retrieved 22 January 2026.
- ^ "MBC Persia hits the airwaves". Digital Studio ME. 20 October 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2026.
- ^ "MBC Group's 2026 Ramadan line‑up revealed at Riyadh event". Al Arabiya English. 20 January 2026. Retrieved 22 January 2026.