About STARZPLAY
STARZPLAY is a subscription video-on-demand service based in Dubai that launched in 2015, at a time when streaming was still new in the Middle East. It serves viewers across the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan.
The service built its early library around Hollywood series and films, including first-run content from the US network Starz, along with titles from other studios. Over time it added Arabic series and films, kids' programming and its own original productions aimed at regional audiences.
Live sports became another pillar, with streaming rights to selected tournaments and leagues giving subscribers a reason to stay beyond films and series.
STARZPLAY grew largely through partnerships with telecom operators and internet providers, which bundled the service with mobile and home internet plans or let customers pay through their phone bills. These partnerships were particularly important in markets where card payments are less common.
The company has raised funding from regional and international investors as it expanded its content and reach.
Competition in the region's streaming market is intense. Global services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video compete with regional platforms like Shahid and OSN+, and each tries to stand out through exclusive content, local productions, pricing and bundles.
For viewers, Arabic subtitles and dubbing, family-friendly content and access through telecom bundles are important parts of the decision.
As one of the homegrown streaming services that took on global players, STARZPLAY is listed on Startups UAE among the region's media technology companies.
The service built its early library around Hollywood series and films, including first-run content from the US network Starz, along with titles from other studios. Over time it added Arabic series and films, kids' programming and its own original productions aimed at regional audiences.
Live sports became another pillar, with streaming rights to selected tournaments and leagues giving subscribers a reason to stay beyond films and series.
STARZPLAY grew largely through partnerships with telecom operators and internet providers, which bundled the service with mobile and home internet plans or let customers pay through their phone bills. These partnerships were particularly important in markets where card payments are less common.
The company has raised funding from regional and international investors as it expanded its content and reach.
Competition in the region's streaming market is intense. Global services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video compete with regional platforms like Shahid and OSN+, and each tries to stand out through exclusive content, local productions, pricing and bundles.
For viewers, Arabic subtitles and dubbing, family-friendly content and access through telecom bundles are important parts of the decision.
As one of the homegrown streaming services that took on global players, STARZPLAY is listed on Startups UAE among the region's media technology companies.