During Ramadan, CN MENA airs a unique segment: a 2-minute animated reminder about prayer times and the importance of fasting. It features CN characters — Ben 10 pausing to pray, Gumball learning to fast — which is surreal for Western viewers but beloved locally.
Operating in the MENA region requires adherence to strict broadcast standards governed by the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and local religious authorities. Cartoon Network MENA has historically employed a "Pan-Arab Censorship" policy that is both predictable and bizarre. cartoon networkmena
However, the most ironic censorship relates to Israel. Since the MENA feed is distributed across 22 countries, including those technically at war with Israel, any episode mentioning Israel (even in a geography lesson) is cut. This created a strange vacuum in shows like Steven Universe, where complex geopolitics were allegorized, but the Arabic translators often took massive creative leaps to avoid the "I" word. During Ramadan, CN MENA airs a unique segment:
Let’s do a nostalgic roll call specific to Cartoon Network MENA: However, the most ironic censorship relates to Israel
Older kids (10–14) quickly realize they are watching a censored version. Those with satellite internet access will find the English originals online. The Arabic dub of Adventure Time season 5, for instance, cut the entire “Simon & Marcy” backstory arc because it dealt with death and sacrifice. Hardcore fans felt cheated.
This is the most controversial aspect of CN MENA. The MENA region has strict broadcast codes regarding: