Saudi Broadcasting Authority to Launch Arabic Debut of The 1% Club on November 9 with SAR 250,000 Grand Prize
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – October 29, 2026
The Saudi Broadcasting Authority is preparing to launch “The 1% Challenge,” the first Arabic-language adaptation of the internationally recognized television game show The 1% Club, on SBC television channel on November 9, 2026.
The new entertainment program will feature 1,300 contestants across 13 episodes, with a grand prize of up to SAR 250,000.
Unlike traditional quiz shows, the competition focuses on logical thinking, observation, analytical skills, and reasoning rather than general knowledge or memorized facts.
1,300 Contestants Selected from 5,000 Applicants
The first season will feature 1,300 participants selected from approximately 5,000 applicants through a screening and assessment process.
Each of the 13 episodes will bring together 100 contestants competing in a series of progressively challenging mental exercises.
The format is designed to test participants' problem-solving abilities while offering an engaging experience for television audiences.
15 Questions with Increasing Difficulty
Each episode features 15 questions designed to assess logical reasoning, observation, analysis, and deduction.
The competition begins with questions that 90% of a reference sample can answer correctly.
As contestants advance, the difficulty increases until they reach the final question, which only 1% of the reference sample can solve.
This progression creates a challenging format that rewards concentration and problem-solving skills.
One Pass Card Per Contestant
Each contestant receives one pass card that can be used to skip a question during designated stages of the competition.
The card may be used between the 50% and 5% question levels but cannot be applied to the final 1% challenge.
This feature introduces a strategic element, requiring contestants to decide when to use their available advantage.
Grand Prize Reaches SAR 250,000
Every contestant begins with a starting amount of SAR 2,500.
Participants may choose to withdraw and retain that amount before reaching the 30% question stage.
Those who continue competing have the opportunity to advance through increasingly difficult questions and compete for a grand prize of up to SAR 250,000.
Saudi Production Under BBC Studios Supervision
The Saudi adaptation features a specially designed television set developed by a team of production specialists.
The visual production was carried out under the direct supervision of BBC Studios Limited, which holds the rights to the international format.
The collaboration aims to deliver a distinctive Saudi production while maintaining the recognizable elements of the original program.
International Format Makes Its Arabic-Language Debut
The 1% Club originated in the United Kingdom and has since been adapted for several international television markets.
Its launch on SBC marks the first Arabic-language edition of the global format.
The program reflects the Saudi Broadcasting Authority's efforts to diversify television entertainment and introduce engaging international formats to Arabic-speaking audiences.
Premiere Date and Broadcast Channel
The 1% Challenge will premiere on Monday, November 9, 2026, on SBC.
The first season will consist of 13 episodes featuring 100 contestants each, offering audiences an opportunity to follow the challenges and test their own reasoning skills.
