Sam Barnett (MBC Group CEO, right) and Khalid Balkheyour (Arabsat CEO, left). Photo: Arabsat

[Via Satellite 08-01-2016] ‪MBC Group is transitioning its Gulf-focused channels and MBC Pro Sports channels exclusively to Arabsat as part of a new strategic partnership. The next stages of the partnership focus on providing advanced, reliable receivers for viewers.

Most immediately, this partnership sees the return of the Saudi Football League to Arabsat. MBC Pro Sports will broadcast on Arabsat as of Monday Aug. 8, during the live broadcast of the Saudi Super Cup between Al Ahli and Al Hilal taking place in London.

“Most important is the protection of intellectual property rights in the region through our commitment to prohibiting any channel from broadcasting pirated content, and so ultimately protecting and serving the Arab viewers’ interest,” said Khalid Bin Ahmed Balkheyour, CEO of Arabsat.