Test the Nations - new quiz show on MBC1

It is the most ambitious quiz show ever filmed in the region with a massive production involving 240 Arab contestants, a number of celebrities and a grand prize of $1 million. Hosted by renowned MBC personality George Kordahi, the 15 episode show will premiere on exclusively on MBC1 on Wednesday, November 1 at 18:30 GMT (21:30 KSA and 22:30 UAE) and will continue each Wednesday in this timeslot.

Twelve Arab teams, each made up of 20 contestants, will represent their countries in a competition of intelligence, wit and nerves for the $1 million grand prize. The contest will test their knowledge and abilities in diverse categories ranging from general knowledge and IQ and logic to health, science and technology.

In line with the MBC's commitment to social responsibility, the show's prize amount has been split in two parts, the first to be distributed among the winning team members while the remainder is to be invested in the development of the winning team's country, as a donation to a worthwhile charitable cause. The team that achieves second place will share a prize of $100,000. Consolation prizes will also be awarded to the team that comes in third place.

"MBC has always been a pioneer in presenting original and creative programming. Today, Test the Nations is the result of our constant commitment to entertain and educate our worldwide audiences," said Mazen Hayek, MBC Group Director Marketing, PR and Commercial.

"The show will deliver valuable information to our viewers in an easy and entertaining format, allowing MBC to contribute to our audience's general knowledge and social awareness. In addition, we are contributing to the welfare of the winning nation by allocating half of the prize amount to a good cause within that community."

Test the Nations is sponsored by Twix™ from Masterfoods, the region's largest chocolate manufacturer. Twix™ was a natural choice to be the sponsor of this show, being the favored chocolate of the 'thinking consumer'.

"Five major Arab celebrities will participate in the show alongside different teams. The inclusion of actors, singers and presenters as part of a team will certainly add another level of excitement and thrill to the show," said Abdalfatah El Masry, MBC's Regional Production Head. "The ongoing challenge of Test the Nations will create a competitive environment throughout the broadcast in anticipation of the finale and the grand prize."

"It is an honor to be presenting what is sure to become the most successful show ever produced in the region," said Test the Nations host, George Kordahi. "I am delighted to have been part of the enthusiasm, teamwork and competitive spirit that will make this show so special, it is great to see such great hope and potential in these teams of young Arabs."