5. Going Beyond the Screen: Digital and Experiential Branding
Cartoon Network in the MENA region continues to evolve. While there were plans to rebrand the network to the global "Redraw Your World" look, these were reportedly canceled in the EMEA region following the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery. The channel has also faced criticism regarding its online presence; in 2024, it was reported that the Cartoon Network website had gone dark and was redirecting to the Max streaming platform, which has limited availability in the region. This has been a point of frustration for fans in parts of the world where Max is not yet accessible. Despite these challenges, the network remains committed to its core audience, announcing in 2025 that in the MENA region still tune in to its animated programs. cartoon networkmena
In some MENA countries (e.g., briefly in Egypt, or under certain religious rulings), channels showing "Western immoral content" were threatened. But CN MENA survived by becoming more local—adding Arabic interstitial segments, local contests, and even Ramadan specials. The channel has also faced criticism regarding its
Created in the UAE by Ali Mustafa and produced in partnership with Mubadala Investment Company, Mansour is an Emirati animated series centered around an enthusiastic 12-year-old boy who loves technology and sports. The show addresses themes like cultural heritage, healthy living, and STEM education, spoken in a distinct Gulf Arabic dialect. In some MENA countries (e
An absolute phenomenon in the MENA region. The franchise spawned massive merchandise sales, school supply lines, and interactive gaming tours across Gulf malls.
Headquartered in Dubai Studio City, United Arab Emirates, the channel was completely free-to-air, ensuring maximum accessibility across the region via the Nilesat and Arabsat satellites. This strategic move allowed millions of households, regardless of economic status, to access high-quality animation. In 2016, to complement the free-to-air Arabic service, a pay-TV high-definition child channel named Cartoon Network MENA was launched on the beIN network, offering dual-audio options in both English and Arabic.