MBC Group has officially entered into a land transfer agreement with Diriyah Company to establish a new, state-of-the-art headquarters in Diriyah, famously known as “The City of Earth” and the historic birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This strategic alliance aims to create a modern media hub that integrates content production, innovation, and immersive entertainment within one of the Kingdom’s most ambitious giga-projects.

The new MBC headquarters will include corporate offices, advanced filming studios, and a specialized visitor experience center, strategically positioning the Group at the core of Diriyah’s burgeoning business and cultural district, just a short 15-minute drive from downtown Riyadh. This initiative not only highlights Diriyah’s allure as a prime destination for leading institutions but also reinforces MBC’s pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving media landscape.

Both MBC and Diriyah Company view this collaboration as a vital contribution to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, which aim to elevate the Kingdom’s status as a global media and cultural hub. The development will be guided by a comprehensive Development Works Agreement between the two parties.

This project will be part of Diriyah’s extensive urban development, which is projected to accommodate nearly 100,000 residents, generate over 178,000 jobs, and contribute $18.6 billion (SAR 70 billion) to Saudi Arabia’s GDP. The 14-sq-km development will also feature the Royal Diriyah Opera House, Diriyah Arena, luxury hotels, restaurants, retail districts, and educational institutions, establishing it as one of the world’s premier cultural and lifestyle destinations.

MBC Group, which currently operates more than 13 free-to-air TV channels, three radio stations, the Arabic streaming platform Shahid, MBC Studios, and MBC Academy, is continuously expanding its regional presence. The group launched its Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter headquarters in 2022 and opened advanced production facilities in Al Narjis in 2024, where the first studio began operations in Q3. MBC currently employs over 2,000 staff and is dedicated to enhancing local content creation and talent development within the Kingdom.

Commenting on the announcement, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Secretary General of Diriyah Company, stated: “This partnership is a powerful statement of intent. As Diriyah emerges as a cultural and creative capital for the world, welcoming MBC Group at its heart signals a bold new chapter. Together, we are shaping a future where Saudi Arabia is not only a destination but a dynamic source of inspiration, storytelling, and global exchange — a place where the world comes to experience the Kingdom, and where the Kingdom reaches out to the world.”

Waleed bin Ibrahim AlIbrahim, Chairman of MBC Group, remarked: “Establishing our new headquarters in Diriyah is part of our commitment to Vision 2030. This step not only expands our regional presence but also supports the Kingdom’s vision to strengthen the media and entertainment sector, foster innovation, and drive progress in the creative industries—especially as the growing demand for high-quality, original Arabic content continues to be a key driver in the development of the media industry across the Middle East and North Africa region.”

He added: “Through initiatives such as the launch of MBC’s new studios in Al-Narjis last year and the establishment of the group’s new headquarters in Diriyah, we remain focused on supporting the development and production of local content, investing in local talent, and advancing the media and entertainment landscape at the heart of the Kingdom—enriching the region’s creative scene and elevating it to a global level.”

Mike Sneesby, CEO of MBC Group, stated: “This partnership marks a significant milestone for MBC Group, aligning closely with our long-term vision and growth strategy. Diriyah is rapidly becoming a global hub for culture, creativity, and entertainment, and we are proud to be part of this exciting development. Our goal is to create a space where world-class content, creativity, and talent can thrive. We will continue to produce content that resonates with audiences worldwide while highlighting the Middle East’s rich history and culture, with Saudi Arabia at its core.”

Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Company Group, noted: “We are enormously proud to welcome MBC as our first flagship tenant in the Media and Innovation District launched earlier this year at MIPIM in Cannes. This district will include innovative office space for thousands of professionals across various sectors in media, technology, and the arts, as well as unique residential and hotel offerings found nowhere else but in Diriyah.”