DISH, a leading pay-TV provider in the U.S., and MBC Group, a leading private free-to-air pan-Arab broadcaster, today announced an exclusive distribution agreement that includes MBC Drama and MBC 3 in DISH’s Arabic-language line-up. As the leader in international programming with more than 260 ethnic channels in 29 languages, DISH is the only pay-TV provider to offer MBC Drama and MBC 3 to viewers in the U.S.

“These channels are in high-demand among U.S. consumers interested in Arabic programming,” said Chris Kuelling, vice president of International Programming at DISH. “We are pleased to exclusively offer MBC Drama’s 24/7 drama series as well as MBC 3’s highly-rated children’s programming, and we expect our customers to be equally thrilled.”

MBC Drama is currently available in DISH’s Arabic Super Elite Pack that includes 29 Arabic channels for $44.99 per month. MBC 3 will be added to this programming package in August.

“We are proud to join DISH’s extensive international line-up,” said Mohammed Al Windawee, director of Distribution at MBC Group. “Making the two channels available on DISH is the best way to get MBC content available to our target audience.”

MBC channel descriptions are listed below:

MBC Drama: A 24-hour Arabic-language channel, MBC Drama broadcasts first and exclusive-run Egyptian, Syrian, Bedouin and Gulf dramas, in addition to Turkish, Mexican and Indian dramas dubbed in Arabic. With a variety of popular programming the whole family can enjoy – including “Souk Al Khouar”, “Nada El Omr”, “Oum Kalthoum”, “Forsa Thaneya” and “Bayt Jeddy” – MBC Drama also offers an impressive line-up of series available up to three months before any other channel.

MBC 3: MBC 3 is the highest-rated Arabic children’s channel in the Middle East that delivers a mix of educational and entertainment programs for kids between the ages of three and 13. It broadcasts Arabic-dubbed animated and live-action series and films from popular networks like Nickelodeon, as well as original programming including reality and game shows like “Eish Safari” and “Hawla Al Mamlaka”.

About DISH

DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH), through its subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., provides approximately 14 million satellite TV customers with the highest quality programming and technology with the most choices at the best value, including HD Free for Life. Subscribers enjoy the largest high definition line-up with more than 200 national HD channels, the most international channels, and award-winning HD and DVR technology. DISH Network Corporation’s subsidiary, Blockbuster L.L.C., delivers family entertainment to millions of customers around the world. DISH Network Corporation is a Fortune 200 company. Visit www.dish.com.

About MBC Group

MBC Group is the first private free-to-air satellite broadcasting company in the Arab world. Over the past 20 years, it has become a well-established media group that enriches lives through information, interaction and entertainment. Based in Dubai, MBC Group own 11 television channels, seven of which offer HD programming across the MENA Region, two radio stations and O3 Productions, a specialized documentary production unit. For more information, visit www.mbc.net.