The strategic agreement will comprise media content in all its forms, including dubbed television programmes from both territories, as well as joint productions. Developing human talent is also key to the partnership, through the exchange of expertise through joint seminars, courses and training programmes.

To launch the arrangement, MBC Action and MBC Variety channels are airing a five part documentary called China’s Mega Projects, which looks at the mechanism of design, implementation and completion of China’s largest construction programmes.

In turn, NRTA will show MBC Group programming, tailored to a Chinese audience.

The MOU was signed at MBC headquarters in Dubai, in the presence of the group’s chairman Waleed Bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim (pictured), vice chairman Ali Al-Hedeithy, and CEO Sam Barnett, along with the deputy minister of information at NRTA Gao Jianmin.

“The National Radio and Television Administration aims to develop a comprehensive media environment that simulates its peers from the world's largest companies, in terms of efficiency, performance, innovation, research and development, as well as other areas of growth and development,” said Waleed Bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim, chairman, MBC Group.

“The digital media sector is of utmost importance to us; digital platforms are now a necessity for the growth of any media organisation in the region and the world. Investing in the event industry and in human capital is as crucial as investing in media content, so we are now sharing our experiences in these sectors with our partners in China.”

NRTA’s deputy minister Gao Jianmin said: “We are pleased to announce today this strategic cooperation with MBC in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. MBC has established, over the years, the prime broadcasting platform across the Middle East and North Africa region and we believe our partnership will support the cultural cooperation and content sharing across our regions.

“We are looking forward to a successful cooperation that will represent one more milestone on the long history of exchanges between China and the Middle East.”