MBC Moves to Diriyah: A New Era for Saudi Arabia’s Media and Innovation Landscape

May 8

4 min read

In a powerful step toward transforming Saudi Arabia’s creative economy, MBC Group—the Middle East’s largest media conglomerate has signed a landmark agreement with Diriyah Company to establish its new headquarters in the heart of Diriyah’s Media and Innovation District.

This ambitious move aligns perfectly with Vision 2030, placing the Kingdom at the center of global media, entertainment, and digital innovation.

So what does this mean for international companies, investors, and industry stakeholders looking to expand into the Saudi market?

Let’s break it down and explore why this moment represents a generational opportunity for growth, collaboration, and impact.

What Is the Media and Innovation District in Diriyah?

The Media and Innovation District is part of Diriyah’s $63.2 billion master development plan an urban transformation project that fuses heritage, sustainability, and modern business. Launched at MIPIM in Cannes, the district is designed to attract global leaders across tech, media, communications, and creative industries.

Set just 15 minutes from downtown Riyadh, this district will feature:

250,000+ sqm of premium office space
450 residential units
15,000 sqm of retail and lifestyle outlets
Luxury hospitality, including the region’s first 1 Hotel Diriyah
Green public spaces, cultural venues, and smart city infrastructure

This ecosystem is built to empower creators, innovators, and companies shaping the future of content, entertainment, and digital interaction.

With MBC Group establishing its HQ there, The Media and Innovation District is becoming the epicenter of Arab storytelling, tech innovation, and cultural influence.

Why Is MBC’s Move So Important?

MBC’s relocation is more than symbolic. It marks a major shift in the regional media economy:

New production facilities will house content creation across TV, film, radio, and streaming
State-of-the-art studios will host global-standard entertainment experiences
Talent hubs will nurture local and international creatives, journalists, producers, and tech developers
A dedicated visitor experience center will open the media world to audiences and tourists

This creates a ripple effect of opportunity one that will attract international collaborations, encourage media-tech partnerships, and increase demand for related services from marketing, legal, tech, and educational providers.

Who Stands to Benefit?

Whether you're in media production, advertising, digital transformation, data analytics, technology development, infrastructure, event management, or training & education this is your moment.

The Media and Innovation District is designed for:

Global media groups seeking a presence in the GCC
Tech startups and AI firms exploring media applications
Educational institutions looking to launch media programs or talent accelerators
Creative agencies ready to localize content for the Arab world
Professional service providers offering legal, financial, and operational support

In short, if your business touches innovation, communication, culture, or digital experience you belong here.

What Role Does Vision 2030 Play?

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is the driver behind this shift. The Kingdom is no longer just a market for imported media it is actively building its own global creative economy, grounded in local identity and global standards.

With increasing investment in infrastructure, education, and foreign partnerships, Saudi is offering:

Incentives for foreign companies to establish operations
Access to world-class facilities
Streamlined regulatory processes
A growing youth population eager for careers in media and tech

Diriyah itself is positioned as a UNESCO heritage city and the cultural heartbeat of Saudi Arabia, making it the perfect home for projects that blend tradition and future-forward thinking.

How Can Your Company Get Involved?

If you're considering expansion, this is not just a location—it's an ecosystem built for co-creation and high-value partnership.

Here’s how you can enter:

Establish a presence through local licensing and registration
Partner with Saudi firms for media production, training, or development
Join public-private initiatives driving innovation in the creative economy
Participate in incubators and investment funds tied to the district
Offer services that complement this growing media hub—marketing, design, tech, infrastructure, etc.

Why Work with R Consultancy Group?

At R Consultancy Group, we’ve helped countless international companies explore and succeed in the Saudi market. From licensing and regulatory navigation to strategic partnerships and investor introductions we don’t just advise, we open doors.

If you're interested in:

Securing a position in the Diriyah Media and Innovation District
Navigating engagement with Saudi stakeholders and government authorities
Connecting with investors and potential collaborators

…we can help you build a tailored roadmap and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Our team is active in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and we maintain close relationships with economic zones, ministries, private investors, and educational institutions. We understand how to position international companies for success in a complex but rapidly evolving business environment.

Would You Like to Be Part of It?

The future of media and innovation in the Middle East is being written now and Saudi Arabia is at the center of that story.

The Diriyah Media and Innovation District is not a dream it’s being built, funded, and activated as we speak. MBC Group’s commitment makes it real. The only question is: will your company be part of it?

If you’re ready to explore this opportunity, connect with us at R Consultancy Group and let’s talk.

This is your chance to expand in a high-growth market, contribute to a world-class ecosystem, and shape the next chapter of digital storytelling and creative enterprise in the region.

Contact: info@rconsultancy.co.uk