Based on the international format, the new adventure programme will see 100 contestants from around the Arab world compete for a $1m grand prize.
MBC Group has announced the launch of Ard Al-Million – or Million Dollar Land – a new adventure reality TV competition based on the international Dutch-founded format, Million Dollar Island.
Televised from Neom, the show is produced by MBC Group in partnership with Blue Engine Studios. In the Arabic version of the show, a total of 100 competitors from across the Arab world will compete for the chance to win $1m. The show is hosted by Saudi actor Mohamed El Shehri.
Million Dollar Land will broadcast on MBC Group’s TV channels, MBC1 and MBC IRAQ.
In a game of alliances, close friendships, secret pacts, and other social strategies, Million Dollar Land offers the opportunity for any contestant to win the grand prize. It’s all down to how the participants take on the mental and physical challenges of this social experiment-style environment.
The programme starts with 100 people dropped in the heart of Neom in Saudi Arabia where they need to survive for 40 days. Upon arrival, each contestant is given a numbered bracelet worth $10,000, and so the group is in possession of 100 bracelets worth $1m in total.
During their time on the land, contestants will be able to gain and lose bracelets through various challenges, but when it’s their time to leave, they won’t take with them any of the money they have made so far!
As host of the show, Mohamed El Shehri admits that his role is much easier than that of the programme’s contestants, and said: “It is the contestants who will be battling it out and competing, so needless to say, I am grateful that I get to retain my energy!”
El Sheri continued: “The experience is far removed from the world of acting, first of all, so it is offering something new for me. But what also attracted me to Million Dollar Land is the fact that it is something we’ve never seen before here. The challenges are incredibly unique in nature, plus considering it involves 100 contestants means we will have an incredibly diverse group of participants from across the Arab world, which is really exciting.
“We also have an outstanding production team shooting everything to the highest standards in line with the international format.”
Commenting on the location of the show, El Shehri added: “Never would I have ever imagined that I would end up presenting in this magical, relatively isolated location of Neom, distinguished by its pristine nature comprising mountains and natural landscapes, as well as greenery.
“The diverse terrain of Saudi Arabia is fascinating; Neom is definitely a city of the future, and a global landmark for tourism, finance, technology, and urbanisation. I consider myself fortunate to present such a significant programme from this amazing location.”
For the show’s producer, MBC’s Hussein Jaber, the excitement lies within the social strategies of the contestants.
“The programme’s idea is unique, revolving around competitions lasting for 40 days in total. The participants will live together through the good times and the bad,” he stated. “But with the goal being to collect the largest possible number of bracelets, contestants will not only have to compete smartly, but also forge the right friendships in the process. They all want to be able to walk away with that $1m total in the end.”
Jaber continued: “Having the option to offer the bracelet to another contestant only applies when they decide to quit the competition. But there will be times when a contestant loses a challenge or is even eliminated due to breaking strict Million Dollar Land rules. So, the bracelet could go to anyone else in these scenarios. Audiences are in for a gripping and tense competition full of twists and turns!”
Jinan Mandour, director of Million Dollar Land, stressed the importance of filming in the city of Neom, and how having an outdoors location – as opposed to studio or sound stage – makes for a brand-new reality experience for viewers.
“There are no specific number of departures in each episode, and this irregularity makes the show all the more exciting. For example, some episodes could see three people leaving; others could see eight! And the departures are not necessarily those who lose challenges… sometimes, it’s down to individuals deciding to walk away.”
The show begins Wednesday, May 3, 2023, from 10 pm KSA on MBC1 and MBC IRAQ.
