Shahid anime distribution: MBC's Arabic streaming bet on anime
Shahid is using co-productions and regional partnerships to build an anime offering aimed at Middle Eastern and global Arabic-speaking audiences.
Published: 2026-08-19. Updated: 2026-08-19.
Short answer: Shahid, the Arabic streaming platform owned by MBC Group, has built an anime strategy around partnerships rather than a broad catalog buy. In July 2024 it premiered the Grendizer U remake worldwide in partnership with Manga Productions. In October 2023, MBC Group and Tokyopop launched MBC Anime, a strategic initiative that made Shahid the exclusive streaming home for two original productions, Kami.App and Protocol: Rain, as simulcasts. MBC Anime also joined the production committees of both Japanese broadcasters.
How Shahid entered anime
Shahid's anime push became visible in 2024 when MBC announced that Grendizer U, a remake of the original Grendizer anime, would premiere on Shahid worldwide in July 2024. The project was launched in partnership with Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation, Misk.
Arab News reported that the two companies had previously collaborated on The Journey movie and the Future's Folktales and Captain Tsubasa series, with The Journey ranking among the top five anime films on Shahid.
MBC Anime and exclusive simulcasts
In October 2023, MBC Group and U.S.-based Tokyopop announced MBC Anime, an initiative dedicated to licensing, promoting, and producing anime in the Middle East and North Africa. The first two productions, Kami.App and Protocol: Rain, were set to stream exclusively on Shahid as simulcasts.
Animation Magazine reported that Kami.App Season 1 would have 13 episodes and Protocol: Rain would have 12 episodes, with both debuting in Japan and worldwide that month. MBC Anime also joined the production committees of Fuji TV and TV Asahi for the two shows.
Key anime releases on Shahid documented in platform and trade announcements.| Title | Partner | Format | Shahid availability |
|---|
| Grendizer U | Manga Productions | Remake series | Premiered worldwide on Shahid in July 2024 |
| Kami.App | Tokyopop / Fuji TV | Original 13-episode series | Exclusive simulcast on Shahid, October 2023 |
| Protocol: Rain | Tokyopop / TV Asahi | Original 12-episode series | Exclusive simulcast on Shahid, October 2023 |
Catalog versus exclusive distinction
Shahid's anime offering mixes licensed catalog, such as the Grendizer U remake, with exclusive original simulcasts produced through partnerships. The MBC Anime titles are positioned as Shahid exclusives at launch.
This is closer to the model used by global anime platforms than to a general aggregator. Shahid is not simply licensing a back catalog; it is investing in production committees and regional co-productions.
Territory and availability
Shahid is MBC Group's Arabic streaming platform, and its anime partnerships are aimed at both MENA and global Arabic-speaking audiences. Grendizer U was announced as a worldwide premiere on Shahid, while Kami.App and Protocol: Rain were described as debuting in Japan and worldwide on Shahid.
The platform does not publish a full per-country anime availability list. Availability of any title depends on the territorial terms of each partnership.
What Shahid's anime strategy signals
Shahid's approach shows a regional streamer using co-production and exclusive simulcast rights to differentiate itself from global platforms. By joining production committees, MBC Anime gains influence over content that is culturally relevant to its audience.
The strategy is still narrow in volume: only a handful of anime projects have been announced. It is a targeted bet rather than a mass anime catalog play.
Frequently asked questions
Does Shahid stream anime?
Yes. It premiered Grendizer U in July 2024 and streams MBC Anime productions such as Kami.App and Protocol: Rain.
What is MBC Anime?
MBC Anime is a strategic initiative by MBC Group and Tokyopop focused on licensing, promoting, and producing anime in the MENA region and for Shahid.
Are MBC Anime shows exclusive to Shahid?
Kami.App and Protocol: Rain were announced as streaming exclusively on Shahid as simulcasts, while debuting in Japan and worldwide through their Japanese broadcasters.
When did Grendizer U premiere on Shahid?
Grendizer U was set to premiere worldwide on Shahid in July 2024.