The Saudi-owned broadcaster based in Dubai has received instructions to remove Turkish programming from all of its channels, including Egypt’s MBC Masr, until further notice, as reported by The National.

The decision has affected six shows, including the period drama Antah Watani (You Are My Nation).

As reported by The National, the MBC Group spokesman Mazen Hayek would not comment on who was behind the decision or whether it came from inside or outside of the company.

“This is a decision that concerns several media outlets in many Arab countries that Turkish dramas are to be taken off air, including MBC,” Hayek is quoted as saying. “That was from 1am Saudi Arabian time on March 2.”

However Turkish dramas continue to be aired on Dubai TV and the online streaming service Netflix is also showing several Turkish programmes.

The sudden removal of Turkish dramas from MBC over the past few days is set to continue for the foreseeable future as per media reports.