MBC was founded in 1991 and initially headquartered in London. London was chosen so as to be seen as detached from Arab governments, however its headquarters was later moved to Dubai. The aim of MBC was to provide a view of the world "through Arabian eyes". MBC's funding is largely through commercial sources, which provides a foothold for multinational corporations in the Arab market. MBC has also provided some support to social causes, including telethons in the 1990s for the people of Bosnia and Palestine.