MBC GROUP, the leading media organization in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), is partnering with NEOM Media Industries, a premier global media hub, to produce the eighth season of “Top Chef“.
This collaboration aims to bring a new creative direction to the reality TV series in the region, combining competitive culinary arts with ultra-modern urban development.
Background on “Top Chef”
“Top Chef,” originally launched by Bravo in the United States, features chefs competing in various culinary challenges. Contestants are judged by a panel of professional chefs and notable personalities from the food and beverage industry, with eliminations occurring at the end of each episode.
Filming Locations and Ecological Focus
The Arabic version of “Top Chef” by MBC GROUP has been filmed in locations across the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. NEOM is the latest location for the program in the Kingdom, offering a visionary setting for the show.
Samar Akrouk, MBC GROUP’s Director of Production and General Manager of MBC STUDIOS, emphasized that filming in NEOM represents a significant step in redefining the future of filming in the Kingdom. The eighth season will focus on ecological awareness and sustainable living, reflecting NEOM’s core values. Contestants will face challenges that require innovative thinking and a sustainable approach, such as using locally sourced ingredients and integrating energy-efficient cooking methods.
NEOM Media Village Facilities
Production will take place in the NEOM Media Village, which features four world-class sound stages and resort-style lodgings for cast and crew. Each episode will include rigorous challenges designed to test the chefs’ skills. Special appearances by international and regional guest judges, including those from Michelin-star restaurants, will add excitement to each episode.
Wayne Borg, Managing Director for Media Industries at NEOM, highlighted NEOM’s position as a regional hub for non-scripted formats. NEOM’s facilities, including sound stages, backlots, offices, workshops, and support services, meet the evolving needs of large-scale productions. This partnership with MBC underscores a mutual commitment to advancing the local ecosystem and supporting MBC’s ambitious content slate.
Production History and Launch
In the past two years, NEOM has facilitated over 40 productions, including Hollywood, Bollywood, Arabic, and Saudi feature films, as well as high-quality TV documentaries, non-scripted entertainment, scripted productions, and commercials. The eighth season of “Top Chef” is currently in production and will launch on MBC GROUP’s TV channels later this year. Previous editions have featured judges such as Yannick Alléno, Andoni Luis Aduriz, Éric Fréchon, Alex Atala, Éric Briffard, Ghislaine Arabian, Jean-François Piège, Michel Sarran, Alan Geaam, David Rocco, Sébastien Vauxion, and Michael Mina.
About MBC GROUP
MBC GROUP is the largest and leading media company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Founded in 1991 by Waleed bin Ibrahim Al-Ibrahim, MBC GROUP initially launched as a private satellite TV channel, MBC1, in London. In 2002, the headquarters were relocated to Dubai Media City, United Arab Emirates, and later to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2022.
About NEOM Media Industries
NEOM Media Industries is a significant component of NEOM, a futuristic city being developed in northwest Saudi Arabia. NEOM Media Industries aims to establish itself as a global media hub, providing state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure for film, television, gaming, and digital publishing.
News source: MBC GROUP
