Millions to be found in the KSA desert: new seasons of hit show ‘Million Dollar Island’ to launch from NEOM, the region’s first international format hub

A new era of entertainment in the desert
Blue Engine Studios, a dynamic television production company, has played a pivotal role in facilitating the deal between Talpa Studios and NEOM’s Media Sector. Having just completed the Dutch production of Million Dollar Desert, Blue Engine Studios is now fully engaged in producing the second season of Million Dollar Land (titled Ard Al Malyon) for MBC. As the executive producer of the Arabic version, Blue Engine Studios is set to bring more countries to NEOM’s innovative production hub.

In these new seasons, 30 contestants will face the ultimate test of endurance as they navigate the harsh and breathtaking challenges of desert life. Sebastian van Barneveld, Director of Global Distribution at Talpa Studios, remarked, “We are very excited to expand the success of Million Dollar Island with these captivating spin-offs. The show preserves the core principles that have made the original so compelling while introducing innovative new elements that are perfectly suited to NEOM’s stunning desert scenery.”

Wayne Borg – Managing Director, Media Industries, NEOM, added: “Over the last 2 years, NEOM has become the regional hub for content creation, boasting state-of-the-art infrastructure, sound stages, and attractive production incentives, alongside a rich talent pool. Through successful partnerships with industry leaders like Talpa Studios and Blue Engine, NEOM has emerged as the international format hub in the region for premium unscripted television productions. This success ensures a robust pipeline of productions and affords opportunities to accelerate our media ecosystem while training the next generation of talent.”

A commitment to high-quality, culturally relevant content
Ziad Kebbi, CEO of Blue Engine Studios, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to be at the forefront of bringing innovative and culturally relevant content to the Arab world. Our collaboration with NEOM and Talpa Studios underscores our commitment to producing high-quality entertainment that resonates with audiences.”

Expanding horizons
This announcement follows the recent launch of the Bulgarian edition, marking another milestone in the show’s expansion. As Million Dollar Island, developed in collaboration with Monday Media, continues to reach new territories – including Romania, Australia, Belgium, and the USA – its foundational values of strategy, resilience, and human interaction remain as compelling as ever.