In her new role, she will focus on ensuring the firm’s non-English-language television content reaches for markets beyond Saudi and the Middle Eastern region.
MBC Group has announced the appointment of Samar Akrouk as the Managing Director of MBC Studios. With nearly three decades of dedicated service to MBC Group, Akrouk will also retain her position as Group Director of Production.
In her new capacity, Akrouk will spearhead MBC Studios’ efforts to expand the global reach of its content, capitalising on the growing demand for non-English-language television content in international markets.
Simultaneously, Akrouk will continue her role as Group Director of Production, overseeing MBC Group’s non-scripted productions for MBC TV channels, Shahid, and social media. This encompasses over 1,500 hours of original content annually, spanning chat shows, social programming, game shows, competitions, and local adaptations of renowned international franchises such as Arab Idol, Arab’s Got Talent, Project Runway, Top Chef, The Voice: Arabia, The Voice Kids, The Voice Seniors, and X Factor Arabia. Samar Akrouk also headed the production team of the Arabic musical film Sukkar, inspired by the famous epistolary novel, Daddy-Long-Legs by American writer Jean Webster, which achieved success and revenues for an Arabic musical film in the Arab box office.
Commenting on her appointment, Akrouk stated: “I am absolutely delighted and thrilled to take on the responsibilities of my new role as Managing Director of MBC Studios, building upon the exceptional achievements of the team so far. This role marks a significant milestone in my career, one which I have devoted to the MBC Group family since 1995.”
She continued: “Our forthcoming endeavours in drama and film production arrive at an opportune moment. There’s no doubt that our region, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is in the spotlight, drawing considerable interest from leading international production studios focused on creating world-class content. I cannot wait to delve deeper, roll up my sleeves, and further contribute to this incredible organisation that I have called home for the past 27 years.”
Joining MBC Group in 1995, Akrouk has been instrumental in establishing the foundation and exponential growth of the company. Over the years, she has played a pivotal role in transitioning production from linear TV broadcast content to a comprehensive, multi-platform content operation.
In 2001, Akrouk relocated to Beirut, where she was tasked with establishing the first main office for the Group in the Middle East, prior to MBC Group’s relocation from London to Dubai. The executive has not only been credited with playing a major role in building MBC Group’s in-house production powerhouse but has also led the transformation of production from solely linear TV broadcast content to a full, 360-degree multi-platform content operation.
Born in Amman and raised in New York, Akrouk holds a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and Law from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service.
MBC Studios serves as the premium content production arm of MBC Group, which operates more than 13 free-to-air satellite TV channels, three radio stations, and Shahid – the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform.
