MBC’s Shahid updates on partnership strategy

Emirates is one of Shahid’s partners

MBC Group-owned Arabic streaming platform Shahid has provided an update on its distribution partnership strategy, which it says has delivered growth of three and half times its base over the last 12 months.  

The outfit said that partnerships including telcos, device manufacturers, banks and airlines had been key in driving growth and expansion.

Shahid has partnered with over 30 telecommunication operators across the region to date. Additionally, it has agreements in place with about a dozen partners so far that bundle complimentary Shahid subscriptions along with core mobile plans.

Major telcos to have partnered with Shahid include Saudi’s STC, Egypt’s Vodafone, and Orange Morocco.

Some partnerships include exclusive experiences for telcos’ customers. In November Vodafone RED customers in Egypt were given the exclusive opportunity to be part of the private screening of the Shahid Originals production Room 207. In January Orange Morocco supported the launch of Casa Street, the first Moroccan series produced for Shahid Originals through various ‘experiences and activations, according to the streamer.

During the past 12 months, Shahid announced partnerships with major device manufacturers in the region to bring exclusive bundles and subscription offers to customers, including Samsung, LG, Elaraby, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s PlayStation, Hisense, and OPPO.

Shahid has also formed regional partnerships with Talabat, Anghami, Noon, Mastercard, Al Rifai and Careem, focusing on running co-branded subscription campaigns.

New payment options

Shahid says that part of its growth is due to facilitation of payment options. It expanded its payment methods through e-wallets, launching with Egypt’s Paymob and Vodafone Cash.

Shahid has also launched a variety of prepaid cards in retail distributors across 15 countries, including via Fawry, Jarir, Virgin Megastore, Sharaf DG, and Like4card. The outfit has also formed regional partnerships with Arab Bank and Emirates NBD Egypt.

Finally, Shahid also jointed forces with airline Emirates to offer premium content exclusively onboard its inflight entertainment system.

Natasha Matos-Hemingway, chief commercial and marketing officer at Shahid, said: “We are delighted with the growth and expansion we have achieved over the past year, and we attribute much of our success to the strong partnerships we have formed across the MENA region.We look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationships with our partners, and delivering compelling storytelling, innovative digital offerings, and lifestyle experiences to our subscribers and fans.”