MBC Bollywood: Satellite Frequencies and Viewing Guide

MBC Bollywood is a vibrant television channel dedicated to showcasing the best of Indian cinema and entertainment, captivating audiences across the Arab world.

Launched by the Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC) Group in October 2013, the channel has become a favorite among fans of Bollywood films, series, and cultural programs.

Offering a rich mix of Hindi movies, dubbed or subtitled in Arabic, alongside Indian dramas and celebrity-focused shows, MBC Bollywood brings the glamour and drama of India’s film industry to millions of viewers.

Broadcasting free-to-air on multiple satellites, it ensures wide accessibility for enthusiasts in the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.

This article provides a detailed guide to MBC Bollywood’s satellite frequencies, setup instructions, reception tips, and an overview of its programming, helping you tune in to this cinematic treasure trove.

On the subject of MBC Bollywood

MBC Bollywood, part of the Dubai-based MBC Group, was introduced to cater to the growing demand for Indian entertainment in the Arab region.

Launched with a grand event featuring Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor, the channel targets a diverse audience, from South Asian expatriates to Arab viewers who enjoy Bollywood’s colorful storytelling.

MBC Bollywood stands out for its curated selection of blockbuster films, popular TV series, and exclusive programs that highlight Indian culture, music, and celebrity news.

All content is either dubbed or subtitled in Arabic, ensuring accessibility for Arabic-speaking audiences.

With its 24/7 broadcast schedule, the channel has built a loyal viewership by delivering high-quality, family-friendly entertainment that celebrates the emotional depth and vibrancy of Bollywood.

MBC Bollywood Satellite Frequencies

To watch MBC Bollywood, you need the correct frequency, polarization, symbol rate, and FEC (Forward Error Correction) settings for your satellite receiver. Below are the latest frequencies for MBC Bollywood on major satellites as of June 2025, compiled from reliable sources. Always verify these details with the official MBC website (www.mbc.net) or satellite databases like www.lyngsat.com, as frequencies may change periodically.

Nilesat 201/Eutelsat 7 West A (7.0° West)

• Frequency: 11938 MHz

• Polarization: Vertical (V)

• Symbol Rate: 27500 kS/s

• FEC: 5/6

• Beam: Middle East and North Africa

Arabsat Badr 4/5/6 (26.0° East)

• Frequency: 11938 MHz

• Polarization: Vertical (V)

• Symbol Rate: 27500 kS/s

• FEC: 3/4

• Beam: Middle East and North-West Africa

Eutelsat 8 West B (8.0° West)

• Frequency: 11096 MHz

• Polarization: Vertical (V)

• Symbol Rate: 27500 kS/s

• FEC: 5/6

• Beam: MENA Region

Other Satellites

• MBC Bollywood is primarily available on Nilesat and Arabsat, as these satellites cover the channel’s core audience in the MENA region. It is not typically broadcast on satellites like Hotbird (13.0° East), Astra (19.2° East), or AsiaSat (105.5° East).

• For viewers outside the MENA region (e.g., Europe, Americas, or Asia), direct satellite access may be limited. Check with local providers for retransmission options or explore MBC’s streaming service, Shahid, for online access.

Important: Some sources mention alternative frequencies (e.g., 11223 MHz or 10795 MHz on Nilesat), but these may be outdated or unverified. Always cross-check with trusted satellite resources like www.satbeams.com or www.kingofsat.net to ensure accuracy.

Tips for Receiving MBC Bollywood

To enjoy uninterrupted viewing of MBC Bollywood, follow these practical tips for optimal satellite reception:

1. Dish Size Selection: A 60-90 cm dish is sufficient for Nilesat and Arabsat in the Middle East and North Africa. In fringe areas (e.g., southern Africa or northern Europe), a 100-120 cm dish may be needed for stable reception.

2. Accurate Dish Alignment: Use a satellite finder tool or app (e.g., DishPointer or SatFinder) to align your dish precisely toward the target satellite (e.g., Nilesat at 7.0° West). Ensure no obstructions, such as trees or buildings, block the signal path.

3. LNB Compatibility: Install a Universal Ku-band LNB with a local oscillator frequency of 9.75 GHz (low band) and 10.6 GHz (high band). For multi-receiver setups, use a Twin or Quad LNB with a multiswitch.

4. Signal Quality Check: Monitor the signal strength and quality on your receiver’s setup menu. Aim for at least 70% signal quality to avoid pixelation or signal loss.

5. Weather Considerations: Ku-band signals can be affected by heavy rain or storms. Secure your dish to prevent misalignment during windy conditions.

6. Footprint Verification: Confirm your location is within the satellite’s coverage area using footprint maps on www.dishpointer.com or www.satbeams.com. For example, Nilesat’s MENA beam may not reach northern Europe effectively.

Steps to Configure MBC Bollywood on Your Receiver

Setting up MBC Bollywood on your satellite receiver is simple with these step-by-step instructions:

1. Access the Setup Menu: Using your receiver’s remote, navigate to the “Installation” or “Channel Setup” menu.

2. Select Manual Search: Choose “Manual Scan” or “Manual Installation” to enter custom transponder settings.

3. Choose the Satellite: Select the appropriate satellite (e.g., Nilesat 201, Arabsat Badr 4/5/6, or Eutelsat 8 West B) from the list.

4. Enter Transponder Details:

   • Frequency (e.g., 11938 MHz for Nilesat).

   • Polarization (Vertical or Horizontal).

   • Symbol Rate (e.g., 27500 kS/s).

   • FEC (e.g., 5/6 or 3/4).

5. Start the Scan: Press “Scan” or “Search” to locate channels on the transponder. MBC Bollywood should appear in the results.

6. Save the Channels: Save the scanned channels to your receiver’s channel list.

7. Fine-Tune the Dish: If the signal is weak or the channel doesn’t appear, adjust the dish’s azimuth and elevation slightly while monitoring the signal meter.

8. Test the Broadcast: Tune to MBC Bollywood to confirm it’s broadcasting clearly. If issues persist, recheck the settings or consult a professional installer.

For specific receiver models (e.g., Strong, Humax), refer to the user manual, as menu layouts may vary.

MBC Bollywood Highlighted broadcasts

MBC Bollywood offers a captivating lineup of Bollywood films, Indian dramas, and entertainment shows, all tailored for Arab audiences.

The channel’s content is known for its emotional storytelling, vibrant music, and star-studded casts, making it a go-to destination for Bollywood fans. Below are some key programs and Content divisions:

Popular Content

• Blockbuster Movies: MBC Bollywood airs award-winning and box-office hits, such as Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, a family drama starring Shah Rukh Khan, and recent releases featuring stars like Ranbir Kapoor or Deepika Padukone. Movies are either dubbed or subtitled in Arabic.

• Indian Dramas: Series like Yehh Jadu Hai Jinn Ka! explore romance and fantasy, captivating viewers with their intricate plots and Arabic dubbing. Other dramas focus on themes like arranged marriages or societal challenges, resonating with Arab audiences.

• Celebrity Shows: Programs covering Bollywood news, star interviews, and behind-the-scenes content keep viewers updated on the latest in Indian cinema.

• Cultural Programs: The channel showcases Indian traditions, music, and dance, offering insights into the rich heritage of the subcontinent.

Content divisions

• Films: A mix of classic and contemporary Bollywood movies, spanning genres like romance, action, comedy, and drama. New releases are often featured shortly after their theatrical run.

• Series: Daily Indian soap operas and serials, dubbed or subtitled, with themes of love, family, and ambition.

• Music and Dance: Special segments featuring Bollywood songs, dance performances, and music award shows.

• Talk Shows: Subtitled talk shows with Indian celebrities, discussing films, fashion, and trends in the industry.

MBC Bollywood’s schedule is designed to cater to diverse viewing preferences, with prime-time slots for major films and daytime hours for series and reruns.

The channel’s focus on high-quality dubbing and subtitling ensures an immersive experience for all viewers.