Streaming War in Gulf: Which platform is the most popular among expats? , world News

TL; Dr:

As a boom of streaming services in the Gulf, exites are deteriorated to liked, but which platforms are really leading the pack in 2025? From the dominance of Shahid VIP to Netflix’s International Alor and Star -Arab regional strategy, Saudi Arabia, UAE and beyond the Arabic content, from Netflix’s International Alorial and Starzplay Arabia’s regional strategy. There is a close look at the streaming wars of the Gulf, which are winning between the expats, and how preferences are developing in the region.

Streaming War in GCC: Are Driving Viewers Options?

In 2025, the streaming landscape of the Gulf is more competitive than ever, which is of the growing population, high smartphone penetration and growing appetite for both global and regional materials. According to Datareportal’s 2025 UAE Digital report, UAE has more than 99% internet penetration, while Saudi Arabia is also more than 99%, promotes the consumption of on-demand materials on platforms such as Shahid VIP, Netflix, Starzplay Arabs and Amazon Prime videos. A report by Statista states that more than 57% of UAE residents subscribe to at least one paid streaming service, while in Saudi Arabia, the figure is about 48%, which reflects both demand and market capacity. The presence of a culturally diverse workforce in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain drives platforms to balance the Arabic, English, Hindi and Tagalog content Prasad.

Shahid VIP and Starzplay Arab: leading regional platform

Shahid VIP, owned by Saudi Arabia’s MBC Group, dominates Arabic language streaming at GCC. In 2025, it claims more than 3 million customers in the March 2025 statement of the MBC group, thanks to the original presentations to suit exclusive Arabic series, live TV channels and Gulf sensations. Similarly, Starzplay Arabia, headquartered in UAE, collect their strong legs with more than 2.1 million active customers. Starzplay is favored not only for its English-language catalogs, but also for partnerships that stream up cricket tournaments like Bollywood films, Turkish plays and PSL, South Asian stays heavy for the audience. Starzplay’s partnership with Etis and STC, especially in Saudi Arabia and UAE, allows to increase and reach the ability and access.

Netflix’s rising Arabic original portfolio

While Netflix remains a major global player, it has intensified efforts to make the material local in the Middle East. In January 2025, Netflix announced an extended slate of Arabic origin, consisting of the Saudi-made thriller and Emirti family plays. According to Netflix, the consumption of Arabic language content on the platform has increased 40% year-on-year, especially in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Netflix’s focus on the regional story aligns with Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia, which aims to elevate local entertainment industries. This localization strategy has increased its appeal among the citizens of the Gulf and the second generation is fluent in Arabic.

Examp preferences: a multi-language diet

Excits in GCC shape streaming preferences. South Asian activists in UAE and Qatar consume Bollywood films and Indian web series on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar, although access may vary based on local licenses. Filipino exites largely use IWANTTFC, a global Filipino content platform, which reports a steady increase in GCC subscription as a 2025 mid-age update of ABS-CBN. In addition, Shahid is equally popular with Turkish drama, Arabia and non-Arab exats dubbed in Arabic available on VIP and Starzplay. This cross-cultural appeal helps platforms maintain diverse demographics.

Material sensorship and regional sensitivity

A major barrier censorship for streaming services in the Gulf remains. Both UAE and Saudi Arabia have material rules that restrict or edit nudity, LGBTQ+ themes and scenes related to excessive violence. According to Arab News, platforms working in GCC should follow the National Media Council guidelines in the United Arab Emirates and the equivalent of the Saudi regulatory structure. This leads to edited versions of the global show, although some platforms provide advisory notices on such editing. Such material moderation has not reduced membership significantly, as users use materials with regional values.

Price point and platform competition

Pricing is a decisive factor. By July 2025, here is a snapshot of monthly membership fee in UAE (estimated USD conversion):

Bundled telecom packages often reduce these costs. For example, the Elif package of the Atisa involves Starzplay Access, while STC offers Shahid VIP membership with specific schemes.

Trend to shape the future of streaming in GCC

In 2025, Gulf Streaming Ecosystem is dynamic and migrant, yet rapid regional. Platforms mixing high quality Arabic origin with popular global materials are rich, while telecom bundling strategies keep the services cheaper. As more Gulf countries invest in media and entertainment, the material landscape is ready to move forward, serving a cosmopolitan viewer Aadhaar that legalites, Bollywood hits, Arabic thriller and premiere league football.