A recent corporate shake-up largely flew under the radar, but its ripple effects may soon be felt across Morocco’s media landscape. The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s most powerful sovereign wealth funds, has quietly acquired a controlling 54% stake in MBC Group, the leading Arab-language media conglomerate. The deal triggered a review by Morocco’s Competition Council—an indication that the country is taking the development seriously.
MBC Group owns a broad portfolio of channels, including MBC5, a station created specifically for Moroccan audiences. Since its launch in 2019, MBC5 has built a loyal following by broadcasting in the Moroccan dialect and showcasing local talent and cultural references. Yet despite its local focus, the channel operates from abroad and isn’t registered or regulated under Moroccan broadcasting laws. It speaks to Moroccan viewers, but technically exists outside the country’s official media framework.
This new change in ownership doesn’t alter MBC5’s legal status in Morocco, but it could reshape how the channel functions moving forward. With the PIF now holding the reins, editorial direction, production choices, and partnership strategies may start to reflect priorities set in Riyadh. The shift isn’t just about content—it could signal a broader recalibration of how MBC engages with the region.
For years, Morocco has been a key market for Arabic-language broadcasters based outside its borders. MBC5 has carved out a dominant space, particularly in the family entertainment sector. The channel relies on Moroccan production crews, taps into local creative networks, and plays a modest but tangible role in the country’s cultural economy. Any change in production strategy or funding patterns could unsettle this delicate ecosystem.
Beyond the immediate media implications, the acquisition fits into a larger regional agenda. Saudi Arabia has been pouring billions into cultural and entertainment ventures as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. Tightening its grip on MBC gives Riyadh greater sway over what millions of viewers in North Africa consume, and Morocco’s strategic position makes it an ideal platform for this kind of soft power projection. As Saudi Arabia builds its presence in the region’s cultural industries, Morocco could evolve into a frontline testing ground for the kingdom’s media ambitions.
So far, no official announcements have been made regarding programming changes or leadership shifts at MBC5. But with the PIF now embedded in MBC’s decision-making structure, it’s clear that the rules of the game are changing. Morocco may soon find itself at the center of a new phase in Saudi Arabia’s push to reshape the Arab media sphere from the top down.
