Satellite frequencies and viewing guide – Global frequencies

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 programmes.

Offering a rich mix of Hindi films, dubbed or subtitled in Arabic, along with Indian dramas and celebrity-focused shows, MBC Bollywood brings the glamor and drama of the Indian film industry to millions of viewers.

Broadcasting free-to-air on multiple satellites, it ensures broad 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.

About 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 caters to a diverse audience, from South Asian expats to Arab viewers who love colorful Bollywood storytelling.

MBC Bollywood stands out for its curated selection of hit films, popular TV series and special programs highlighting Indian culture, music and celebrity news.

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

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

MBC Bollywood satellite frequencies

To watch MBC Bollywood, you need the correct frequency, signal direction, 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 check these details with the official MBC website (www.mbc.net) or satellite databases such as www.lyngsat.com, as frequencies may change periodically.

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

Arabsat Badr 4/5/6 (26.0° East)

Eutelsat 8 West B (8.0° West)

Other satellites

• MBC Bollywood is mainly available on Nilesat and Arabsat, as these satellites cover the channel’s main viewers in the MENA region. It is not usually broadcast on satellites such as Hotbird (13.0° East), Astra (19.2° East) or AsiaSat (105.5° East).

• For viewers outside the MENA region (e.g. Europe, the Americas or Asia), direct access via satellite may be limited. Check with local providers for rebroadcast 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 obsolete or unverified. Always cross-check with reliable satellite resources such as 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. Selection of plate size: A 60-90 cm dish is sufficient for Nilesat and Arabsat in the Middle East and North Africa. In fringe areas (for example, southern Africa or northern Europe), a 100-120cm dish may be required for stable reception.

2. Accurate plate alignment: Use a satellite finder tool or app (such as DishPointer or SatFinder) to precisely align the dish to the target satellite (such as Nilesat at 7.0° west). Make sure that no obstacles, 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 multiple receiver setups, use a Twin or Quad LNB with a multiswitch.

4. Signal quality control: Monitor quality level and quality in the receiver setup menu. Aim for a signal quality of at least 70% to avoid pixelation or signal loss.

5. Meteorological considerations: Ku-band signals may be affected by heavy rain or thunderstorms. Protect your dish to avoid misalignment in case of wind.

6. Fingerprint verification: Verify that your location is within the satellite’s coverage area using the footprint maps at www.dishpointer.com or www.satbeams.com. For example, Nilesat’s MENA beam may not reach Northern Europe effectively.

Steps to setup MBC Bollywood on your receiver

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

1. Access the configuration menu: Using the receiver’s remote control, access 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 (for example, Nilesat 201, Arabsat Badr 4/5/6 or Eutelsat 8 West B) from the list.

4. Enter the transponder details:

   • Frequency (for example, 11938 MHz for Nilesat).

   • Polarization (Vertical or Horizontal).

   • Symbol Rate (for example, 27500 kS/s).

   • FEC (for example, 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 channels: Saves scanned channels to the receiver’s channel list.

7. Optimize the dish: If the signal is weak or the channel is not displayed, slightly adjust the azimuth and elevation of the dish by monitoring the signal meter.

8. Test the transmission: Tune into MBC Bollywood to make sure the broadcast is clear. If problems persist, recheck your settings or consult a professional installer.

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

MBC Bollywood broadcasts highlighted

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

The channel’s content is known for its exciting storytelling, vibrant music and stellar casts, making it an ideal destination for Bollywood fans. Below are some key programs and content categories:

Popular content

• Successful film: MBC Bollywood airs award-winning and box office hits, such as Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Ghama family drama with Shah Rukh Khan, and recent releases with stars like Ranbir Kapoor or Deepika Padukone. The films are dubbed or subtitled in Arabic.

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

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

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

Content divisions

• Movies: A mix of classic and contemporary Bollywood films, spanning genres such as romance, action, comedy and drama. New releases are often introduced soon after their theatrical release.

• Series: Indian daily soap operas and television series, 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 featuring Indian celebrities, discussing films, fashion and industry trends.

MBC Bollywood’s schedule is designed to accommodate different viewing preferences, with prime time slots for major films and daytime slots for series and reruns.

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