‘Top Chef Middle East’ moves to Neom in Saudi Arabia

“Top Chef Middle East,” the popular Arabic-language adaptation of Bravo’s TV series, is moving to the innovative Neom production hub in Saudi Arabia.

Leading Middle Eastern broadcaster MBC – owned by Saudi Arabia – is teaming up with Neom Media Industries to launch production of the eighth season of the reality culinary competition near the planned futuristic city known as ‘the Line’ .

The partnership “promises a fusion of competitive culinary arts with state-of-the-art urban development,” MBC said in a statement.

The full-service Neom Media Village, which is becoming a key driver of the kingdom’s efforts to build a film and TV industry almost from scratch, will be the new production hub for “Top Chef Middle East” , which is currently one of the most successful. the 29 “Top Chef” versions around the world.

Season 5 of “Top Chef Middle East” earned an International Emmy nomination, a rare achievement for the Arab TV industry. MBC previously filmed “Top Chef” on locations in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon and other parts of Saudi Arabia.

Located in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk Province, with breathtaking landscapes of canyons, desert and a long stretch of pristine Red Sea coastline, Neom is the site of the $500 billion futuristic city being built, although the government recently reportedly has reversed the first steps. phase of construction.

Meanwhile, efforts to launch Neom as a building block of Saudi media industry ambitions appear to be making increasing progress, at least when it comes to local productions, amid a possible slowdown regarding ‘the Line’.

“Bringing the show to Neom is not just a change of venue; it is an important step in redefining the future of filmmaking in the Kingdom,” said Samar Akrouk, production director of MBC Group and general manager of MBC Studios, in the statement. “This eighth season will merge the high-energy competition viewers expect with a strong emphasis on ecological awareness and sustainable living, reflecting Neom’s core values ​​as a city of the future,” she added.