MBC Group has re-launched Shahid, the first free video-on-demand website in the region to provide series, programmes, cartoons, documentaries from the content of MBC channels as well as other Arabic TV content.

Launched with over 200 titles, the website offers prime time show programming, twenty six of which are new releases, which will debut in Ramadan and cover almost every genre, from comedy, to drama and religion.

“Shahid is more than just a catch-up service, it is a target destination for premium video content,” said Abe Naga, online business manager at MBC Group.

“We take pride in having the biggest online TV library in the region that hosts the most popular Arabic TV shows, animated series and documentaries, not to mention flagship Ramadan programs on MBC such as Bab El Hara, TASH, Khawater, as well as prominent Egyptian, Persian, Indian and Turkish series. We also plan to launch titles from studios such as HBO and Warner.”

Shahid.net attracted over five million visits during the month of Ramadan last year, and has since clocked up over 30 million visits, as 1 in 5 new visitors to the service convert to regular users, a statement said.

Shahid users in Mena, the US and Europe like what they see, and with 8 out of 10 returning daily, the service has seen a +111 per cent year-on-year growth in average monthly unique visitors this year, it added.

“Arabic being one of the fastest growing languages today, there is a demand for high quality Arabic content which Shahid delivers, while enhancing the TV viewing experience, facilitating TV everywhere, on every Internet-connected device consumers feel comfortable using, etc…” Naga said.

“This re-launch takes further cognizance of the evolving consumer media landscape by adding more functionality, content and a better user experience.” – TradeArabia News Service