MBC decided to launch a more stylish version of Pop Idol after the 5 seasons of Super Star, the previous Arabic license of the show.
The season was presented by Lebanese model Annabella Hilal and Kuwaiti actor Abdallah Tulehi.
The judging panel consisted of Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama, Emirati diva Ahlam and Egyptian music producer, record producer and musician Hassan El Shafei.
On finale night, 24 March 2012, Carmen Suleiman from Egypt was crowned the winner of the first season of Arab Idol in a tough competition against Dounia Batma from Morocco.
Representing 9 Arab countries were: From Egypt: Carmen Suleiman (17), Yahya Yacoub (27), Rasha Sharnoubi (22), Shaza Youssef (17), Karim Mohammad (24) From Tunisia: Hassan Kharbech (23), Ghofran Fatouhi (19), Shirine Ljmi (16), Amin Bourguiba (17) From Morocco: Dounia Batma (20), Imane Karkibou (23), Habiba Bouziri (23) From Jordan: Youssef Arafat (18), Ghazal Shashaah (23) From Saudi Arabia: Mohamed Taher (23), Marwan Fagui (24) From Iraq: Mohammad Oulwan (20) From Oman: Mahmoud Noufli (21) From Palestine: Ahmad Abbasi (25) From Syria: Nadia Manfoukh (28) Week 1 (27 January 2012) Guest/Mentor: Saber Rebaï Week 2 (3 February 2012) Guest/Mentor: Sherine Week 3 (10 February 2012) Guest/Mentor: Assi El Helani Week 4 (17 February 2012) Guest/Mentor: Majid Al Muhandis Week 5 (24 February 2012) Guest/Mentor: Nawal Al Zoghbi Week 6 (2 March 2012) Guest/Mentor: Elissa (singer) Week 7 (9 March 2012) Guest/Mentor: Kadim Al Sahir Week 8 (16 March 2012) Guest/Mentor: Nancy Ajram Week 9 (23 March 2012) Guest/Mentor: Najwa Karam / Latifa (singer)