Most Popular Streaming Platforms for Expats in the Gulf

The Gulf’s streaming market is bustling in 2025, with expats and high internet penetration driving fierce competition among platforms. From Shahid VIP’s Arabic content dominance to StarzPlay’s appeal to South Asian viewers with Bollywood and cricket, the landscape is diverse. Netflix is also upping its game with more Arabic originals, aligning with Saudi’s Vision 2030. Factors like censorship and pricing play a role, with telecom bundles making streaming more affordable.

Shahid VIP and StarzPlay Arabia lead the GCC streaming race, meeting the demand for Bollywood, Arabic, and Turkish content. Expats in the Gulf enjoy a mix of global hits and tailored regional shows, reflecting a wide range of viewing preferences. Pricing, availability, and content censorship also influence what viewers choose to watch across the region.

The Gulf’s streaming market is competitive, shaped by a growing expat population, high smartphone usage, and a hunger for global and regional content. UAE internet penetration exceeds 99%, while Saudi Arabia is not far behind, driving demand for on-demand content. Platforms like Shahid VIP, Netflix, StarzPlay Arabia, and Amazon Prime Video are popular choices, balancing Arabic, English, Hindi, and Tagalog offerings to cater to a diverse audience.

Shahid VIP, owned by MBC Group, dominates Arabic content in the GCC with over 3 million subscribers. StarzPlay Arabia, headquartered in the UAE, also has a strong foothold with 2.1 million active subscribers, offering English-language content as well as Bollywood films, Turkish dramas, and cricket matches. Netflix, a global giant, is increasing its Arabic originals to appeal to the Middle East market, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s entertainment goals.

Expats in the GCC drive streaming preferences, with South Asians gravitating towards Bollywood films and Indian series on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, while Filipino audiences turn to iWantTFC for Filipino content. Turkish dramas dubbed in Arabic are popular across demographics, helping platforms attract a wide range of viewers.

Content censorship is a challenge in the Gulf, with regulations in UAE and Saudi Arabia limiting nudity, LGBTQ+ themes, and violence in shows. Platforms must adhere to guidelines, leading to edited versions of some content. Despite this, subscriptions remain strong as users balance content access with regional values.

Price points also play a role in the platform competition, with monthly subscription fees varying across services. Telecom bundles often offer discounts, making streaming more accessible to viewers. In a nutshell, the Gulf’s streaming landscape is dynamic, offering a mix of global and regional content to cater to diverse viewer preferences.