MBC Group Partners with NEOM to Produce the Highly Anticipated Eighth Season of "Top Chef" Arabic Edition
A New Era of Culinary Competition
MBC Group has announced its collaboration with NEOM’s Media Industries sector to produce the eagerly awaited eighth season of the popular reality TV show "Top Chef" in its Arabic version.
Innovative Approach and Advanced Facilities
The new season, currently in production and set to air on MBC later this year, will take a creative approach by integrating the competition of preparing prestigious dishes with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology. This approach aligns with environmental and sustainability requirements, aiming to merge culinary arts with modern innovation.
The Original Concept and Regional Adaptation
The original concept of "Top Chef" hails from Bravo in the United States, focusing on escalating competition among chefs who prepare various dishes under the scrutiny of a judging panel comprising professional chefs and notable figures in the food industry. Each episode sees the elimination of one or more contestants. MBC Group has successfully adapted this concept into its Arabic version for several seasons, filmed in the UAE, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. This latest season, hosted in NEOM in northwest Saudi Arabia, is expected to be the most thrilling and competitive yet.
Exciting Challenges and Esteemed Judges
Each episode features exciting challenges designed to push the chefs’ skills to the maximum. This season introduces the concept of a training camp and hosts a special lineup of regional and international judges and guests, including managers of globally renowned Michelin-starred restaurants, adding a layer of excitement and quality to the competition.
A Perfect Host in NEOM
Samer Acouraq, General Manager of Production at MBC Group and MBC Studios, stated, "NEOM provides an ideal environment for excellence and creativity, exactly what the Top Chef structure and competitive atmosphere require. Moving the production to NEOM is not just about changing scenery but affirming Saudi Arabia’s, particularly NEOM’s, global production status."
Commitment to Sustainability
Acouraq added, "The new season emphasizes enhancing competition among contestants while adhering to sustainability principles, reflecting NEOM’s core values. Challenges have been designed to encourage contestants to connect food sources and preparation methods with renewable resources, using local ingredients and innovative cooking methods to save energy. Each episode will have an environmental theme to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the environment and ensuring resource sustainability."
NEOM’s World-Class Production Facilities
Wayne Borg, Managing Director of NEOM Media Industries, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting NEOM’s infrastructure that includes world-class sound stages, equipped backstage areas, offices, workshops, and advanced production support services. "We are delighted with this creative collaboration, which underscores our deep partnership with MBC Group and our shared commitment to empowering local production ecosystems and supporting the creation of distinguished content."
A Hub for Media Production
NEOM’s media production village, hosting the new season of "Top Chef," features four world-class sound stages and luxurious resort-style accommodations for contestants and crew. With its significant capabilities, advanced infrastructure, and professional global team, NEOM has established itself as a global media production hub in the region, hosting over forty productions, including Hollywood and Bollywood films, Arabic and Saudi productions, high-quality documentaries, TV shows, series, and commercials over the past two years.
Prestigious Guest Chefs
Previous seasons have featured renowned chefs on the judging panel, including Yannick Alléno, Andoni Luis Aduriz, Éric Fréchon, Alex Atala, Éric Briffard, Ghislaine Arabian, Jean-François Piège, Michel Sarran, Alain Geaam, David Rocco, Sébastien Vauxion, Michael Mina, and others.
Finally
The collaboration between MBC Group and NEOM promises an innovative and thrilling new season of "Top Chef" Arabic Edition, blending culinary excellence with modern technology and sustainability. The anticipation is high for what is expected to be the most exciting season yet.
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