Watan – In a recent development, controversial statements made by the head of the Saudi Entertainment Authority, Turki Al-Sheikh, regarding the Egyptian presenter Amr Adib have stirred significant debate. Al-Sheikh described Adib as a “Saudi-made” figure during a televised interview on the Saudi MBC network. He praised Adib for his diligence and excellence but emphasized that a part of Adib’s success and history is a Saudi creation. Al-Sheikh alluded to Adib’s tenure at the Saudi channel Orbit, which made him a renowned figure in the Arab world.
In response to Al-Sheikh’s remarks, Amr Adib expressed his pride. However, the characterization of Adib as “Saudi-made” sparked widespread debate, with many perceiving it as demeaning and belittling to the Egyptian presenter.
Prominent Egyptian businessman Ashraf Al-Saad commented, “Turki Al-Sheikh’s statement is 100% accurate. No rational person can deny that we got to know Amr Adib through Orbit, as well as other media figures like Ahmed Moussa and Khairy Ramadan. Orbit played a significant role in their careers. However, what Turki Al-Sheikh might not know is that when Adib left Orbit, it became a forgotten entity.”
Egyptian activist Ahmed Al-Baqri described the scene of Adib sitting in front of Al-Sheikh as humiliating. Similarly, Egyptian academic Sam Youssef tweeted, “The Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, Turki Al-Sheikh, told media personality Amr Adib: ‘Part of your success and history is Saudi-made.’ I would correct this statement to say that Amr Adib is made by whoever pays more! His entire professional life is about chasing money, not principles. If someone else offers him more money than Saudi Arabia, he will leave and go to the new sponsor.”
Journalist and activist Yasmin Mahfouz added, “The man is not wrong. Indeed, the Adib family is a Saudi product. Magazines like ‘All People,’ ‘Good News,’ and ‘Orbit’ are proof. They’ve always worked in a patronage system. One writes in their language, and the other speaks according to their directives. Moreover, Adib himself said that he was raised and cultured by two Gulf magazines. So, the guest from the Gulf responded by saying that they were cultured by Egyptian magazines.”
The debate also extended to the Saudi side, especially among activists who commented on the matter, focusing on the anger among Egyptians. A Saudi activist wrote, “Egyptians can’t stand a word from Turki Al-Sheikh. They follow the interview looking for any problem that Amr Adib might face. Adib’s relationship with Turki Al-Sheikh is strong, just as his relationship with Saudi Arabia is profound. He’s a decent and respected person, and we all look at him with respect.”
Another added, “Of course, all his critics are showing their inferiority. How do they say ‘Saudi-made’? If someone said ‘French-made’ or ‘British-made,’ would you be happy? For example, Ronaldo will never forget the favor of Manchester United, who truly made him. And Messi, will he deny Barcelona’s favor? But when it involves Saudi Arabia, you get upset?”
A tweet from the account “Al-Kaam” read, “Controversy and displeasure among Egyptians following Turki Al-Sheikh’s statement to Amr Adib: ‘Part of your success and history is Saudi-made.’ Adib responded, ‘Yes, and I’m proud.’ Some Egyptians ignore that most major satellite channels are Saudi, like Orbit and MBC. They played a significant role in the success of Egyptians, from presenters to artists and actors, by adopting and promoting them when they were unknown except to their local communities.